With all of the hoopla -- and rightfully so -- surrounding Ravens quarterback Steve McNair's first  comments regarding the unusual DUI charges facing him in Tennessee, running back Willis McGahee seemed like almost an afterthought during the team's first minicamp today.

But McGahee's first workout open to the media went without a hitch. In fact, McGahee, whom the Ravens acquired from the Buffalo Bills in March for two draft picks in last month's draft and a third-round choice next year, looked good, catching a few passes in the flat on seven-on-seven drills and running smoothly.

McNair and McGahee were the highlights of today's session. Equally noteworthy were the absences of linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, free safety Ed Reed, defensive end Trevor Pryce, defensive tackle Kelly Gregg, center Mike Flynn and running back Mike Anderson -- which didn't seem to bother coach Brian Billick.

"I'm very comfortable with the guys that we have here. I'm excited about that," he said. "And those that aren't here, I'm very comfortable knowing what they're going to be able to do when they get here."

Several players who underwent surgery during the offseason returned to the field. Return specialist B.J. Sams (ankle), fullback Justin Green (knee), defensive tackle Justin Bannan (toe) and running back Musa Smith (neck) all took part in drills. Linebacker Dan Cody, who opted to avoid surgery on his left knee, also practiced.

The team also signed two undrafted rookies -- quarterback Cullen Finnerty from Grand Valley State and safety Bobby Blackshire from Tulsa.

-Edward Lee

Posted by Bill Ordine at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
                    

Troy Smith had a rocky first practice with the Ravens today, throwing several passes in the ground and throwing behind receivers at rookie minicamp.

The Ravens, though, were impressed with how the former Ohio State quarterback is picking up the concepts of the offense in taking his first snaps with the team.

“I think it went pretty good,” Smith said after practice. “Just excited about being here and the situation [of] learning a new offense. That’s always going to bring up some challenges, and that’s what it is today. They challenged us.”

Smith was wearing No. 11 instead of his usual No. 10, which is currently owned by reserve quarterback Drew Olson.

He described the experience of being the new guy on the depth chart as humbling.

“[I know] that I’m at the bottom of the totem pole right now,” Smith said. “I have that understanding and I know that I’m going to work day in and day out to help and receive the guys’ worthiness. I’m placing myself into a situation where I can learn from anybody and everybody on the field.”

-Jamison Hensley

Posted by Bill Ordine at 3:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)
                    

Former Ravens secondary coach Donnie Henderson is expected to visit the Ravens at minicamp today, and then meet with head coach Brian Billick and general manager Ozzie Newsome. It's not known if the meetings are business related, but there is always the possibility the Ravens could offer Henderson a job as a consultant like they did with Jim Fassel several years ago. Henderson resigned as the Lions defensive coordinator at the end of last season because of differences with Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli. He was the secondary coach in Baltimore from 1998 through 2003. Henderson also might become a candidate to replace current Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan if Ryan gets a head coaching job at the end of this season. Newsome has great respect for Henderson. Ryan also likes Henderson and there was speculation Ryan might have hired Henderson as his defensive coordinator if he had gotten the Chargers job several months ago. Henderson is still under contract with the Lions.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)