OTL: Broken-Play Zay?

Welcome back, Ravens Flock. There isn’t any real news (somewhat thankfully) here on our first Friday of July, so we’ll once again look around for something to talk about as we slog through this heat wave, prepare the fireworks and grill before the long weekend, and wait for camp.

Before we get into some positives I want to look at a concern that Cole Jackson raised this week. It’s one I hadn’t really thought of, but I have a suggestion for a solution.

.@ColeJacksonFB told @bobbytrosset that one of the things that Isaiah Likely did probably better than any player in the #NFL ‘was get open on Lamar [Jackson] scramble drills.’

Which #Ravens player is going to help replace that element in the offense? #RavensFlock

FULL SHOW:… pic.twitter.com/UlJAuAm2CM

— Baltimore Collective (@BaltimoreHMA) July 2, 2026

This is a good point raised by The Collective. While it isn’t anything to lose sleep over – as the offense under Declan Doyle had better not have to rely heavily on Lamar Jackson making something out of nothing to be successful or score consistently – we shouldn’t forget how often Isaiah Likely helped turn a busted play into a huge gain. We certainly hope for a more reliable and consistent offense with a new regime and, presumably, better guard play, but the fact remains that it’s a whole new scheme. As the guys work through the growing pains of that, the likelihood of things going is a bit higher. Not having an “easy” button when a play breaks down will be a concern.

My proposed solution? Zay Flowers. He has occasionally been a piece that Lamar can look for when a play breaks down, with the prime example in my mind being the play in the 2023 AFC title game (yeah, the one after which he “taunted.”)

For a larger target in such situations, I see a Tez Walker or a rookie like Elijah Sarratt having potential.

A concern for sure – but not something unworkable.

Moving on, let’s go over some notes and mainly a player that is insanely important to the Ravens defense in his second year.

“Lamar Jackson looks healthy and more explosive than ever”

“Trey Hendrickson is indeed NOT washed”

“Devontez Walker continues to shine against Ravens DBs”

“Malaki Starks seems to always be near the ball”

“Adam Randall looks poised to make an early impact year one” https://t.co/vyiwXNYToD

— SleeperRavens (@SleeperRavenss) July 2, 2026

While Malaki Starks’ rookie year wasn’t as spectacular as many of us had hoped for, a sophomore jump under Jesse Minter’s tutelage could prove pivotal. I still believe he was the best pure deep safety in last year’s class (before you come at me, I don’t consider Seattle’s Nick Emmanwori to fit that definition, as he is rather more of a Kyle Hamilton jack-of-all-trades).

I will be watching camp reports closely to see if we indeed hear about Starks being around the ball constantly, or showing signs of taking the next step.

Before I head off to the land of sparklers, hot dog eating contests, and flyovers, I want to talk about a second-round pick who has incredible potential as a rookie.

The draft call is a moment to remember forever.

Watch more in Ravens Wired: https://t.co/lGfXkZU3nI pic.twitter.com/RybNAVIE6w

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 2, 2026

The Ravens have a history of getting some big contributions from later-round edge rushers like Za’Darius Smith (2015, 4th round), Pernell McPhee (2011, 5th round), and Matt Judon (2016, 5th round). However, more recently we’ve gotten some disappointing results from guys taken higher than that, like David Ojabo (2022, 2nd round), and Adisa Isaac (2024, 3rd round).

I have confidence in Young to produce more like Smith, McPhee, and Judon, but even earlier in his tenure than they did. He has a bigger build and run stopping ability, which means he can make an impact on early downs, a hurdle with which a lot of young edges struggle. Getting on the field more often early will set him up for immediate success.

Enjoy your Fourth, Flock! Remember: football starts this month.

The post OTL: Broken-Play Zay? appeared first on Russell Street Report.