Offensive tackle Jared Gaither has a lot to prove in the NFL after playing in only 23 college games over two seasons at Maryland. But, after three days of practice with the Ravens, he already has at least one believer: Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs.
On Monday, the 6-foot-9, 350-pound Gaither got the best of Suggs during an 11-on-11 drill, which provided a glimpse why the Ravens selected Gaither in the fifth round of last month?s supplemental draft.
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“I?m impressed,” the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Suggs said. “He shocked me. We aren?t going to go into details, but the kid shocked me. That goes to show that [general manager] Ozzie Newsome knows what he?s doing. I like the kid, and I think he can help us win some football games.”
Already, Gaither, along with fellow rookie Marshal Yanda, has received snaps at left tackle on the first team while incumbent starter Jonathan Ogden remains sidelined with a toe injury. Ogden, who likely will miss at least three weeks, is expected to play in the team?s season-opener in Cincinnati on Sept. 10.
“It?s been a tough, fast process,” Gaither said. “It?s also been a great process and a learning experience for me. It?s been crazy, but I?m taking it all in and glad to be here with the Ravens.”
Gaither?s arrival in Ravens camp culminated a disappointing end to his college career. Maryland declared him academically ineligible this summer and told Gaither he was no longer a member of the team. Gaither hired an agent and after impressing several NFL teams at a personal workout, was selected by the Ravens.
Gaither said he has a lot to prove on the field based on his limited college career that included being suspended for two weeks last season. However, he believes he is ready to prove any skeptics wrong and has already turned to Ogden, a likely future Hall of Famer, for advice.
“[Ogden] has helped me along the way with techniques and things I should look out for from a defense,” Gaither said. “He?s just been a great asset for me as I try to get better.”
Ravens linebacker Bart Scott has also seen how frustrating Gaither can make life for an opposing defense, comparing him to Dallas Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams.
“I think the sky?s the limit,” Scott said. “It?s going to be on him about how good he wants to be. But he has all the tools that he needs to be special.”
THE GAITHER FILE
» Age: 21
» Height: 6-9
» Weight: 350
» Position: Offensive tackle
» Hometown: White Plains
» College: Maryland
