The Baltimore Ravens officially kicked off their voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Monday, May 18, 2026, under the direction of first-year Head Coach Jesse Minter. The session, held at the team's training facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, marked the beginning of the on-field portion of the 2026 offseason program and offered the earliest glimpse of what this retooled roster might look like as the regular season approaches.
Though voluntary and contact-free by design, Monday's practice provided several notable developments--especially along the offensive line and in the tight end competition. According to the official team practice report, veteran offensive lineman Danny Pinter saw his first looks at center, while an undrafted rookie tight end made a remarkable diving catch during positional drills that caught the attention of coaches and teammates alike.
Here's a detailed rundown of what stood out from the Ravens' first OTA session and the potential implications moving forward.
Danny Pinter Takes First-Team Reps at Center
A key highlight of the day was the evolving depth chart at the center position. The Ravens remain in transition after trading long-time starting center Tyler Linderbaum earlier this offseason. To fill that void, the coaching staff handed veteran Danny Pinter the first-team reps during Monday's session.
Pinter, who signed with Baltimore in free agency after four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, brings versatility to the interior line, having logged snaps at both center and guard in his career. His composure and experience make him an attractive candidate to become the anchor in the middle of the Ravens' offensive front.
"It's still early, and we're just getting guys acclimated to the system," Minter said following practice. "Danny has a wealth of NFL experience, and it's important to see how he commands the center position."
Pinter's ascent pushes competition aside for young prospects like Nick Dawkins and Corey Bullock, both of whom have yet to start an NFL game. Dawkins, a 2025 draft pick who spent last year mainly on the practice squad, and Bullock, in his second season, have been in developmental roles. Given their relative inexperience, Pinter's presence adds valuable stability while the Ravens gauge their readiness.
The ongoing battle for the center role will remain a premier storyline through the offseason and training camp. With new Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle installing his schemes, securing a reliable center is vital for quarterback Lamar Jackson's protection and the effectiveness of the rushing attack.
Rookie Tight End Steals the Spotlight with Diving Catch
Perhaps the session's most electrifying moment came courtesy of an unnamed rookie tight end, believed to be undrafted free agent Ty Pezza, who made a diving catch along the sideline during team drills. The reception elicited cheers from teammates and encouragement from coaches, signaling the Ravens' continued investment in developing tight end talent.
The tight end room remains anchored by veteran Pro Bowler Mark Andrews, who is the undisputed primary receiving threat at the position. Supporting Andrews are free agent addition Durham Smythe and younger players such as Josh Cuevas and Matthew Hibner. Pezza, coming from a smaller collegiate program and entering the league under the radar, has made an early impression with plays like this.
"We're always on the lookout for playmakers," Minter commented. "It's still early days, but when a young guy shows that kind of potential, it's definitely something we take seriously."
Andrews, like many veterans, did not participate in the full OTA session, following the team's approach to limiting workloads during voluntary activities. This afforded the rookie and younger tight ends greater opportunity to showcase their skills. While Pezza's role this season remains uncertain, the Ravens' history of developing undrafted tight ends into contributors adds intrigue to his progress.
Additional Standouts in OTA Practice
The team's official practice report highlighted several other players who drew positive attention. Wide receiver Zay Flowers, entering his third NFL season, displayed crisp route running and fluidity, reaffirming his growing rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson. Second-year wideout Devontez Walker also showed progress, making a few notable downfield receptions after an injury-interrupted rookie campaign.
Defensively, the secondary appeared sharp under Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver's new scheme. Cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins broke up multiple passes in one-on-one drills, while safety Kyle Hamilton recorded an interception during seven-on-seven sessions. Baltimore's defense is expected to be among the AFC's top units this fall, and early OTA signs point to a strong grasp of Weaver's concepts.
second-year edge rusher Mike Green also impressed, flashing the athleticism that made him a 2026 draft pick. He will compete for a role in a rotation alongside established veterans Trey Hendrickson and Adisa Isaac.
Context of OTAs: What They Mean and What They Don't
It's crucial to remember that OTAs are voluntary and feature no full-contact drills. Players participate in shorts and helmets only, and intensity is significantly dialed back compared to training camp or regular season practices. Nevertheless, these sessions set the early tone for the offseason, providing coaches their first chance to evaluate players in live reps and position battles beyond classroom and training room work.
For Head Coach Jesse Minter, inheriting a franchise accustomed to postseason appearances under former leader John Harbaugh, OTAs represent the initial phase of establishing his culture and system. He has praised the team's buy-in thus far, and Monday's workout proceeded smoothly with visible energy and attention.
"We've got a veteran group that understands the grind," Minter remarked. "My responsibility is to put them in the best position for success."
Next Steps: Mandatory Minicamp and Beyond
The Ravens will continue OTAs through early June before pausing for the mandatory minicamp from June 9 to 11. This three-day session is the last formal evaluation before players depart for the offseason break and will provide a structured environment to assess roster depth and refine scheme installation ahead of training camp later in July.
Key battles to watch include the center position competition, wide receiver depth behind Flowers and Rashod Bateman, and pass-rush rotation on defense. Additionally, punter remains an open position with undrafted free agents Luke Elzinga and Ryan Eckley vying for the job.
Monday's OTA kick-off gave fans an encouraging preview of what the 2026 Baltimore Ravens could become under new leadership. Danny Pinter's candidacy at center, a standout performance from a rookie tight end, and a poised defense adapting quickly to a new coordinator all bode well for the journey ahead. Though the road to September is long, the first step has been taken with purpose and promise.