Ravens WRs Rashod Bateman, James Proche II discuss what they’ve learned about how to be great run blockers

Ravens wide receivers Rashod Bateman and James Proche II discussed what they’ve learned about being good run blockers

The Baltimore Ravens are a team that rely on their play a multitude of roles when they’re on the field. They value defensive versatility in a big way, but their offensive players also have to be able to put on many different hats over the course of 60 minutes.

When Baltimore wide receivers Rashod Bateman and James Proche II spoke to the media following the Ravens’ final mandatory minicamp practice, they were asked about what they’ve learned about being good run blockers. Proche spoke first, talking about how it comes down to effort.

“It’s effort. It’s want-to. Blocking is just a fight. Coach ‘Dub’ [pass game specialist Keith Williams] put it in perspective – probably in great perspective. If this dude is blocking you or throwing you around, he’s basically saying he could whoop you in a fight. So, you can’t whoop me, so we’re going to block you. That’s basically what it is.”

Bateman echoed Proche’s words, discussing that it’s part of their job.

“Yes, that’s kind of the mindset. You’re either going to do it or you’re not going to do it. When you care about your teammates, as a receiver it’s like blocking here and there. But no … Lamar Jackson’s our quarterback. We’re going to block for him. Whoever’s our running back – Gus [Edwards], J.K. [Dobbins] it doesn’t matter – we’re going to block for them. It’s not about just routes or anything like that. It’s [that] we’re receivers. It’s part of our job, and it’s what we’re going to do as well.”

Ravens WR James Proche II discusses how it’s been getting to know new undrafted WRs

Ravens WR James Proche II shares how it’s been getting to know the new undrafted wide receivers

The Baltimore Ravens are putting the upmost confidence in their current group of wide receivers, especially after trading away No. 1 wideout Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals. Players such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche II and Tylan Wallace will have to step up as well as others, including some of the undrafted pass catchers.

When Proche was asked about how it’s been getting to know the new undrafted wide receivers and showing them the way, he talked about how he’s enjoyed it and that he and the other wideouts on the roster just want to win, so they’re trying to make everybody better.

“Oh yes, it’s been cool. I always like taking people with me wherever I go, as far as like, just picking the young guy up. I had that responsibility at SMU, so it was easy, especially with ‘Bate’ [Rashod Bateman], ‘Duv’ [Devin Duvernay], ‘Jay’ [Jaylon Moore], ‘Bin’ [Binjimen Victor], guys that have been here before – Tylan [Wallace] – to kind of like … We don’t have any egos with this. We just want to win and get better. They said [the] tide rises all ships, so we’re just trying to make everybody better.”

Proche is in-line for a much bigger role in 2022, and he appears ready for it after having plenty of flashes over the course of his first two NFL seasons. He’s totaled 17 receptions for 216 yards, showing great hands and the ability to get open.

With the team opting not to bring in a veteran wideout at this stage, undrafted players such as Makai Polk, Shemar Bridges, Devon Williams and others will have the opportunity to push for a roster spot. Baltimore looks to have prioritized big-bodied wideouts in undrafted free agency, and there is a potential clear path for one of them to make the final 53-man roster.

Ravens WR coach Tee Martin discusses what WR James Proche II must do to stay on field in 2022

Ravens wide receivers coach Tee Martin discussed what wide receiver James Proche II needs to do to stay on the field in 2022

The Baltimore Ravens are going to be relying on multiple young wide receivers to step up after the trade of fellow wideout Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for draft capital that included a first-round pick. One of the pass catchers that could have a big role in 2022 is James Proche II, who has flashed plenty of potential.

After one of Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp practices, Baltimore wide receiver coach Tee Martin discussed what Proche needs to do in order to stay on the field more during the 2022 season. He talked about how he needs to continue to make the plays that come to him, relating the question back at what he did in certain spots last season.

“Just continue to make the plays that come to him. You look at last season; go back to the Denver game, he had some big grabs for us on third down; go back to Cincinnati, late in the season, [he had] some big grabs on third downs. And just when he’s out there on the field playing, just continue to make the plays and doing the things that we’re asking him to do within the offense.”

Proche has totaled 17 receptions for 216 yards over the course of his two years in the NFL. He hasn’t gotten many opportunities to shine, but has made plays when his number has been called. The former SMU star will to impress alongside his teammates such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and Tylan Wallace, a group could shock some people this upcoming season.

Ravens WR James Proche II talks about chemistry with QB Lamar Jackson

Ravens wide receiver James Proche II talked about his chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens will be relying on a big year from their group of wide receivers during the 2022 season. After trading away wideout Marquise Brown, young players such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Tylan Wallace and James Proche II will all have to step up in order for the passing offense to be successful.

When talking to the media following mandatory minicamp, Proche spoke about the chemistry between the wide receivers and Jackson. He mentioned how it goes beyond the field, and that he hopes that chemistry continues developing for years to come.

“I feel like it’s great. I think that chemistry is important just as people. We can go out and throw all day, but the closer we get as people, watching film, knowing each other’s thinking, knowing each other’s tendencies, what makes them tick, what makes them go … How to get each other going, when we’re in a rut … I think that stuff matters more when we’re involved in chemistry. That’s an everyday grind. As the season goes – it’s not just an off-season thing – during the season, we’ll keep picking it up and hopefully for years to come.”

Proche is entering his third year in the league, but is actually one of the veterans of the Ravens’ wide receiver room. Baltimore has currently opted to not bring in a veteran at the position, signaling that they trust their young players to produce at a high level. Each of the Ravens’ young wideouts is extremely talented, and the chemistry that they have developed with Jackson over the years should be able to pay off.

Ravens WR Devin Duvernay shares where he thinks he’s improved most heading into third season

Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay shared where he thinks he’s improved the most heading into his third NFL season

The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver group is one that will have to prove themselves over the course of the 2022 season. With the departures of Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins and Miles Boykin, the team will now turn to players such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay James Proche II and Tylan Wallace, each of which has shown flashes over the course of their short NFL careers.

Each of those players will need to step up this upcoming season for quarterback Lamar Jackson, including Duvernay. When talking to the media on Wednesday, the former University of Texas star was asked where he believes he’s improved the most heading into his third NFL season, sharing that his overall games is something he feels like he’s gotten better, but wants to continue to grow.

“Yeah, I mean, just overall game, you know. Just route-running, catching, you know just flying around playing fast. I think those are the things I’ve continued to try and improve on and things I need to continue to improve on to just keep elevating my game, you know, outside of special teams, you know, and get on bigger receiver roles and things like that.

Duvernay has had success at wideout, and now he can build on it with what likely will be more playing time this season. Through two years at the professional level, the wide receiver has caught 53 passes for 473 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns in 32 games. Duvernay was also voted to the 2021 Pro Bowl as a return specialist and was named as a First-Team All-Pro as a punt returner.

Ravens WR James Proche II shows off photography skills at media day

Ravens wide receiver James Proche II showed off his photography skills during the team’s media day

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, with players and coaches continuing to get valuable time together as they work towards their ultimate goal of a Super Bowl championship. However, before minicamp the team had media day on Monday, where the players put on their pads and got in front of the camera for photos and videos.

While many were busy getting camera time from the Baltimore media team, one of the Ravens’ wide receivers was getting in on the action too by shooting his own content in James Proche II. The team posted some of Proche’s favorite photos that he snapped on social media, with the end results turning out really well.

Proche has taken photos of the team before, with an example coming before Baltimore’s Wild Card Round win over the Tennessee Titans in the 2020-2021 playoffs.

Ravens WR James Proche II signals jersey number change with post on Instagram

Ravens James Proche II indicated he could be changing jersey numbers with a post on Instagram

The Baltimore Ravens have seen some of their players switch their jersey numbers over the course of the last two offseason. In 2021, the NFL eased restrictions for multiple different positions, including at wide receiver. In 2021 the team saw wide receiver Marquise Brown as well as linebackers Patrick Queen and L.J. Fort make number switches.

Baltimore has has already had one of their wideouts change numbers during the 2022 offseason, as Rashod Bateman went from No. 12 to No. 7. However, another one could be next as James Proche II posted a picture on his Instagram of him in a No. 3 jersey, signaling that he will be switching from No. 11.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CdE85xdto6C/

Ravens WR James Proche II posts video of him training, shares message

Ravens wide receiver James Proche II posted a video of him training on social media and shared a message along with it

The Baltimore Ravens went through a very trying season, finishing the year at 8-9 and out of the playoff picture after starting it at 8-3 and being atop of the entire AFC. The disappointing end to their season undoubtedly lit a fire under some of their players to train hard during the offseason and come back stronger in 2022, something that is already being shown on social media.

Baltimore wide receiver James Proche II posted a video on social media that showed him running up a steep hill. Along with the video Proche shared a strong message, promising that he’s never missing the playoffs again, followed by the details of his training.

5 takeaways from Ravens’ 16-13 overtime loss to Steelers

We look at takeaways from the Ravens’ 16-13 overtime defeat to the Steelers in Week 18

The Baltimore Ravens saw their 2021 season end in a heartbreaking way, losing 16-13 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. The loss marked their sixth-straight, which had never happened in the John Harbaugh-era up until this point.

Baltimore had plenty of opportunities to pull ahead for good and secure a victory, but a poor showing in the red zone on offense and untimely plays given up on defense sealed their fate as they were unable to take care of their own business once again.

Below we look at five takeaways from the Ravens’ Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh.

5 takeaways from Ravens’ 41-21 loss to Bengals

We take a look at five takeaways from the Ravens’ 41-21 loss to the Bengals in Week 16

The Baltimore Ravens fell at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, losing 41-21. The defeat puts Baltimore at 8-7, while Cincinnati moves to 9-6 and holds sole possession of first place in the AFC North plus the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Ravens, which is a very important thing to have.

Some of the key storylines in the contest included Baltimore having to start veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, the lack of Ravens’ secondary members as well as their inability to stop Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and more.

Below we look at five takeaways from Baltimore’s 41-21 loss to Cincinnati in Week 16.