Ravens Rookies and Youth Shines at University of Maryland Open Practice

The Baltimore Ravens' younger players got to take the brunt of snaps during the team's trip to the University of Maryland, where many veterans took the day off to allow the rookies and younger talent to take the spotlight.

Among the veterans who did not practice were running back Derrick Henry, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, and center Ethan Pocic. With the veterans taking the day off, players like cornerback Keyon Martin and running back Adam Randall impressed.

Read more: Ravens OC Gives Insight on Changes for Lamar Jackson, Offense

Martin intercepted quarterback Lamar Jackson for the second time in practice during the 11-on-11 period, showing his ability to be a natural ballhawk. The 2026 season will be Martin's second season, and he could very well push for a strong rotational role in the secondary.

Granted, Marlon Humphrey, Chidobe Awuzie, and Nate Wiggins lead that group, but Martin is showing himself to be an invaluable playmaker. He worked his way onto the 53-man roster in 2025 as an undrafted free agent, and head coach Jesse Minter may need to find a way to work him into the lineup.

Randall was also showcased plenty, being used in the run game, but also showing off his dual-threat nature. The wide receiver turned running back has strong hands and can be a player used in over-the-middle and YAC opportunities.

Randall was personally drafted by Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti in the fifth round, making him the only player to ever receive that honor. Randall's abilities were on full display as Henry got the day off to rest.

Rookie linebacker Zion Young also made his physical presence known and was constantly moving his way to get into the backfield to make some plays. 

Read more: Ravens' Trey Hendrickson Draws JJ Watt Comparisons for Work Ethic

Kicker Tyler Loop also knocked in a 43-yard field goal, which was meant to simulate a real-game situation. Similar to the 45-yard kick he missed to end Baltimore's playoff hopes in 2025, Minter indicated he wanted to recreate that same level of stress.

"Just to kick with something on the line," Minter said when asked why he put Loop in that situation. "Try to do stuff like that, there's people here. It's hard to create those types of environments. Good to see him knock it through."

Loop spoke during minicamp about the missed kick in 2025, revealing that he had no choice but to just get over the situation and move on. That is certainly true, as dwelling on one play would not be the smartest thing in the ever-changing NFL landscape.

The pads will soon come on, and that is when the true nature of both sides of the ball will start to be shown. Minter indicated its "hard to judge" how the roster will truly move until that happens.