Top three takeaways from the first training camp presser of Ravens STC Chris Horton
Baltimore Ravens Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton met with members of the media for the first time since training camp opened up and gave some insight on the competition at returner and the importance of special teams for the rookies. Here are the top three takeaways from his nearly eight-minute press conference:
Kenjon Barner’s ball security issues-
The Ravens signed seven-year veteran running back and return specialist Kenjon Barner earlier this week to add some experienced competition to the kick/punt returner position. After veteran wideout and returning return specialist DeAnthony Thomas opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, rookie receiver James Proche was considered the front runner to start at returner. Head coach John Harbaugh even said last week that he believes the rookie is “the man for the job” and that it was “his role to win.”
Horton said they added Barner as a bit of an insurance policy. While Barner is an explosive runner with the ball in his hands in space and can find a hit a lane quick, he did muff four punts last year with the Atlanta Falcons. Ball security is paramount for any and every player that carries the ball as runner, receiver, or passer. Harbaugh preaches it and will not tolerate recklessness from his ball carriers, it’s the quickest way into the dog house and possibly off the roster if the tendency persists.
“Our big thing first and foremost is ball security,” said Horton. That’s one thing that we’ll be working on. We’re going to be working on making sure that he can catch the ball, he can hang on to the ball so we can be productive on that phase.”
Evaluating James Proche at returner without any preseason-
The sixth-round rookie returned both kickoffs and punts for the Mustangs at SMU, so he’s experienced and capable of performing both duties. He left a good impression on the Ravens at the Senior Bowl with natural ability and confidence when fielding punts. Proche averaged 19.8 yards per kick return and 7.6 yards per punt return during his four-year college career. On film, he exhibited all the makings of a good returner at the pro level.
“After the catch, he’s really quick – one step, hit it and get it, is really what I like to say,” Horton said. “This guy can catch the ball, and he can get north and south really quick, and that’s what we want to see from our punt returners.”
While Horton believes that Proche possesses most of the intangibles that the Ravens look for in a returner, he also knows that it will be difficult to evaluate and prepare him for the regular season without any exhibition games this year to see how he performs in live-action before opening weekend.
“James is a good player, and he’s been working. But without any preseason games, I think it is going to be my job and the job of my assistants of making sure that we put him in those game-like situations, so when he is our guy and he wins that job, he’s been put in those situations.”
Importance of special teams for rookies-
James Proche isn’t the only Ravens rookie that will have a part to play on special teams. With many of the team’s veterans already penciled in as starters and others with defined roles, that leaves several members of the 10-man 2020 draft class with special teams as their best avenue to playing time and roster spot for select late rounders and most certainly for any undrafted free agents. Playing in the third phase of the game can help young players refine their skills for their respective sides of the ball.
“All those rookies, they should be fired up to come in here and understand that in order to really get on the field, your role is probably going to start with special teams,” said Horton.
“You have to go through our meeting room, you got to set your foundation there because the special teams part of the game really prepares you for offensive and defensive skill. If you’re a defensive player then all we talk is covering is shedding blocks and getting off blocks and making plays. If you’re on kick return, we talk about blocking.”
Horton has been especially impressed with the enthusiasm of the Ravens two rookie linebackers who are eager and excited to contribute on special teams and is excited for what they’ll be able to offer in two of the three phases going forward.
“I think what we’ve seen from Malik [Harrison] and Pat Queen, I’m excited that those guys are here,” said Horton. “I think those guys are going to be really good football players for us not only on special teams but on the defensive side of the ball.”
