Zach Orr Could Be The Next DeMeco Ryans, Expert Says
Among the biggest changes this offseason for the Ravens was the promotion of Zach Orr to defensive coordinator. The media reception to the promotion has been positive, with the only curiosity being how Orr’s playmaking will mimic and differ from Macdonald’s after the Ravens finished as the No. 1 defensive player in multiple categories in 2023.
Bootleg Football’s Brett Kollmann expects much of the same style of play.
“I think it’s going to be the same thing,” Kollmann said. “He knows this system inside out. He’s probably going to call it the same thing Mike Macdonald calls it.”
Kollmann is one of many who sees Orr as another Ravens coach on the verge of becoming a star — even comparing him to Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
“I think Zach Orr is going to be next in line. He’s been on this staff, he’s played in this system, he’s been there since Macdonald and Jesse Minter were young assistants,” Kollmann said. “Some people have suggested he could be the next DeMeco. (I) wouldn’t be surprised because the Ravens tend to produce really good coaches. … Zach Orr is going to be a great DC, I’m really confident in that. … If there’s a young replacement in there that’s going to do a good job, I think he’s the one.”
During the first week of training camp, all reports indicate that Orr has called the defense excellent as they have found ways to make an impact in every practice.
How will the Ravens run the ball with Derrick Henry?
On the surface, the addition of running back Derrick Henry to the Ravens was a perfect fit for football; the NFL’s best running back team added the biggest, baddest back on the planet.
But the Ravens tend to be short in the shotgun, something Henry hasn’t done as much in his career.
The Ringer’s Diante Lee eased any nervous minds as 2023 stats show Henry is more than capable of carrying the rock when the quarterback is not under center.
“While running the ball out of shotgun or pistol formations hasn’t been a major part of Henry’s game, he did have a career-high in rushing with the pistol last season at Tennessee, as well as his most explosive rushing rate with the shotgun, which could prepare him well for how Todd Monken might use him in Baltimore,” Lee wrote.
While Henry can run from other formations, Lee still wants to see if Henry’s strength running with his quarterback under center will impact play calls.
“Veterans like Henry don’t typically see much action in preseason games, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on how that running game develops throughout camp,” Lee wrote.
Jeff Zrebiec Presents First Week Stock Market Report
A week of training camp has come to a close and with it comes the latest stock report from The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec.
Jalyn Armour-Davis, cornerback
“You could probably put two-thirds of the secondary in that category. Ravens defensive backs are averaging about three interceptions per drive. Armour-Davis has certainly stood out. The 2022 fourth-round pick has good speed and ideal size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), but he’s been limited to 12 games in two years, playing mostly on special teams. He spent the first week of camp healthy and maintained a high level of play. He was tight in coverage and got his hands on multiple balls. In what’s shaping up to be a tight competition at cornerback, Armour-Davis made an early statement.”
Rashod Bateman, receiver
“With the Ravens down slightly in the receivers and Bateman expected to have a bigger role, the fourth-year pro has been one of the most scrutinized players in camp. There’s been a lot of good things so far. Even though the passing game has struggled without Jackson on the field, Bateman has made some plays in almost every practice. He looks healthy, and that’s the most important thing. He’s moving well, running quality routes and catching the ball when it’s thrown to him.”
Arthur Maulet, cornerback
Maulet is 31 years old. He has played seven seasons in the NFL and was a key part of one of the league’s best defenses last year. Still, there is a sense of urgency to his play this summer. It’s as if Maulet knows the Ravens have a myriad of options in the slot and wants to make sure he’s not overlooked. He had two interceptions last week and another one negated by a penalty. He constantly runs to the ball and gets his hands on offensive players when the opportunity presents itself. It will be difficult for first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr to keep him off the field.
Also trending positively for Zrebiec are offensive lineman Daniel Faalele, defensive tackle Travis Jones and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Candidates for the position of fullback receiver
“Bateman, Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor had some catches. Fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker has been a recent addition. Deonte Harty seems to be a solid starter as the team’s returner. There could be room for another receiver. However, the competition for that spot hasn’t really developed. Tylan Wallace, Sean Ryan and Keith Kirkwood have been quiet. Malik Cunningham had a few drops. Undrafted rookies Dayton Wade, Isaiah Washington and Qadir Ismail haven’t had many balls thrown their way. Saturday was a good day for this group, and it’s going to take more than that to convince the team’s management that keeping a sixth receiver is the way to go.”
Ben Cleveland, offensive line
“Andrew Vorhees came into camp as the favorite to start at left guard, and nothing happened in Week 1 to change that. Faalele has the first opportunity to win the right guard job. Where does that leave Cleveland, which was once seen as the favorite to start at right guard? Cleveland still has time to get a chance as a starter, but the fact that the Ravens are auditioning a converted interior tackle rather than giving him first-team reps probably doesn’t bode well.