This is the 11th and final part of the offseason series that is focusing on the Baltimore Ravens' position groups as they continue organized team activities (OTAs). This post will look at the Ravens' specialists.
Returning: K Justin Tucker (restricted free agent), P Sam Koch, LS Morgan Cox, LS Patrick Scales
Newcomers: P Justin Manton (undrafted rookie)
Departures: LS Kevin McDermott (not tendered as restricted free agent)
Competition: The kick returner job. The Ravens didn't sign a returner in free agency after cutting Jacoby Jones and didn't draft one either. The top candidates are receiver Michael Campanaro, cornerbacks Asa Jackson and Lardarius Webb, and undrafted rookie DeAndre Carter. Campanaro fielded the most kicks last preseason, and he would be unofficial frontrunner under normal circumstances. But the problem with Campanaro is he can't stay healthy. He's out until training camp with a quadriceps injury after going down in the first organized team activity. Jackson has experience as well but also has battled injuries throughout his career. Webb has asked for the opportunity to return kicks, but the Ravens might not want to risk putting a starter in this role. The intriguing candidate is Carter, who is explosive and elusive. The Ravens haven't relied on a rookie as a kick returner since David Reed in 2010, though.
Outlook: The Ravens arguably had the NFL's best kicker-punter combination in the NFL last season. Tucker was only one of two kickers (Atlanta's Matt Bryant was the other) to convert all of their field goals from inside 50 yards. He was 26 for 26. Koch was the only punter to rank in the top three in both gross and net punting average. His net punting average (43.3) led the NFL in 2014 and ranked fourth-best in league history. Both are entering their contract seasons. The Ravens won't let go of Tucker, one of the best young kickers in the league. Baltimore will have to either sign Tucker to a long-term deal or place the franchise tag on him. The decision with Koch could be tougher. He's the best punter in team history but turns 33 in August. There were only six punters over that age in the NFL last season.
Previous offseason reviews: Quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line, defensive line, inside linebackers, outside linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties
