The Baltimore Ravens entered OTAs with a very different atmosphere compared to previous years. A new coaching staff under Jesse Minter has opened the door for several young players, especially those who never truly had the chance to prove themselves.

One surprising name drawing attention is a former sixth-round pick who had nearly been forgotten after a frustrating rookie season. He did not play a single game in his first year because of a knee injury, leaving many to wonder whether he could find a place in a Ravens secondary that is already crowded with talent.

But at OTAs, the early answer has been very positive.

With several veteran cornerbacks absent, the young defensive backs received more reps. That was exactly the kind of opportunity the Ravens needed to evaluate players fighting for roster spots, and it also gave one injury-delayed player a chance to change how the team sees him.

So far, Robert Longerbeam has made the most of that opportunity.

The Ravens’ former 2025 sixth-round pick has made a strong impression in the early practices, including an interception and a notable pass breakup. For a player who missed his entire rookie season because of a knee injury, returning to the field with that kind of speed, confidence, and awareness was something few people expected.

Head coach Jesse Minter did not hide his satisfaction when discussing Longerbeam’s recovery.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect him to come back this quickly and this sharp after everything he went through,” Minter said. “Robert has shown great resilience, speed, and competitive spirit. When a young player misses his entire first season and returns like that, you have to pay attention.”

Longerbeam may not have ideal size by NFL standards, but he owns impressive speed. At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, a number that helped convince the Ravens he had enough athleticism to develop in a professional defensive system.

The biggest challenge for Longerbeam is that he is competing in a very strong secondary. Baltimore has several quality defensive backs, from Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton to Nate Wiggins and other young talents. That means a few good plays at OTAs will not be enough to guarantee him a spot on the 53-man roster.

But for a player who lost his entire rookie season, the most important thing right now is making an impression. Longerbeam has done that as soon as he was given the chance.

If he continues to build on this momentum through minicamp and training camp, he could turn himself from a player buried on the depth chart into a name worth watching at slot cornerback or on special teams. With a new coaching staff in place, every role must be earned again, and Longerbeam is sending a very clear message.

He is no longer just a sixth-round pick who dealt with an injury.

He is back, he is competing, and he is forcing the Ravens to see him differently.