Ravens media poll: The biggest surprise, the biggest area of concern and more

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With the arrival of head coach Jesse Minter and his new staff, Ravens players have had a clean slate to make an impression on their new leader. Many have stepped up to the challenge through the first half of training camp.

Watching from the sidelines, Ravens reporters have been taking note of the changes and the results. Until the two joint practices in Minnesota, they’ve only seen the Ravens starters compete against their own teammates.

After 17 practices and two preseason games, we asked the reporters covering the Ravens how they feel about the state of the team and what they see as the most pressing concerns.

The talk of the town has been rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, which is why he was not an option for this question. Cornerback Keyon Martin has pushed himself into the conversation with his nose for the ball this camp. He made the team as an undrafted rookie last season, and he’s proving he has more to offer.

Many watching the Ravens were ready to write off outside linebacker Adisa Isaac after Trey Hendrickson signed with the team and the Ravens drafted edge rushers in the second round in back-to-back years. He started on the physically unable to perform list. But since his return, he’s been on the rise.

Meanwhile, inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan’s roster spot was never in question, but his availability was. After tearing his ACL in December, he was expected to miss the beginning of the season. But he made his return to the field Monday. He has a ways to go until he’s game-ready, but he impressed some with his recovery.

The Ravens have so many stars on the inside of their defensive front, but none of them were ready for the start of camp. Nnamdi Madubuike is still making his way back from a season-ending neck injury. Calais Campbell was dealing with personal tragedy. Both Travis Jones and John Jenkins were on the PUP.

While the last three listed have since made their way back, there are still questions about the position group.

The offensive line has also given cause for worry. In addition to the questions at center, the guards are both new. Teammates speak highly of rookie Vega Ioane’s maturity and returning Raven John Simpson’s leadership, but the position has a lot to prove after last year’s struggles scarred the fan base.

The specialists launched themselves up the list after their performance in preseason. It was already a young group with rookie punter Ryan Eckley and second-year kicker Tyler Loop. They both started off with kicks and punts they’ll want back in the preseason opener against the Eagles, when Eckley punted a ball 27 yards and Loop missed his first field goal.

It seemed like Danny Pinter would be the obvious answer for which center would start the season, as he took most of the first-team reps. So who will be the starting center in the long term?

The answers were a mixed bag, with Pinter, Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn all getting votes.

Pinter’s season-ending injury has changed the conversation. Pocic has the most experience, but Gwyn’s performance against the Eagles has impressed many, including his coaches.

With the way Loop’s rookie season ended — a missed kick against the Steelers that cost the Ravens the division — there were questions about whether Baltimore would bring in competition in the offseason.

They opted against it.

Loop spoke in June about his mental state, saying he is still firm in his belief in his process and his ability.

He had an up and down start to training camp before finding his stride. But on his first game rep, he missed the kick again.

Since then, he’s been strong in practice and did well in the game against Minnesota, converting from 49 yards and 20 yards. He has one more preseason game to try to earn back any points of confidence he had lost.

The scale goes from 1 (least confident) to 10 (most confident), and the average vote is 5.6.

New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle made it clear from the start that he wanted everyone at OTAs.

While star quarterback Lamar Jackson didn’t have perfect attendance, he showed up.

From the outside, it appears Jackson has bought in. He and Doyle speak highly of each other. Quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork said Jackson has taken to the coaching staff’s adjustment to his footwork. And Minter and teammates say Jackson seems way ahead of the schedule when it comes to understanding the new offense.

Jackson’s been testing himself against his own defense, but since he doesn’t play in the preseason, he didn’t get to go against another team until this week’s joint practices against the Vikings.

He and the offense struggled. But they’re also still working out the wrinkles in a completely new system. Jackson will have one more joint practice Wednesday against the Washington Commanders before the season begins.