Rookies!

It is almost counterintuitive to tell an NFL rookie to slow down on the practice field. “It’s real tough, but you’ve got people like Ray Lewis telling me to calm it down,” the linebacker said following Thursday’s second session, where he walked with a taped right ankle. A fierce competitor, Barnes was the Ravens’ first fourth-round draft pick this year - fullback Le’Ron McClain was also taken in the round - out of Florida International University. Although the school went winless in his senior campaign, his freakish mash-up of speed, strength and agility made him the perfect fit for defensive coordinator Rex Ryan’s schemes. On the first play of the second quarter, Barnes dropped quarterback Kelly Holcomb for a 10-yard sack. Despite the tape, Barnes has been walking around the practice field and the team hotel with no noticeable limp. “You want to show everybody what you’ve got, but at the same time you’ve got to think about your future,” said Barnes, who underwent an MRI Thursday. Hopefully I’ll get to play this Sunday. ”Barnes said he has never had a major ankle problem in the past, but the Ravens are still waiting for the results of his MRI before clearing him to play this Sunday. Ronnie Prude was a gem for the Ravens last year, making the team as a rookie free agent and making an impact with two interceptions and a touchdown at the nickel position. The safety experiment certainly went according to plan against the Eagles, where Prude notched his first professional sack while on a blitz. Possessing multiple skills is crucial to a young player trying to make the 53-man active roster, and Ryan is hoping Prude’s talents can translate into more plays in the upcoming season.

Notable
The Ravens will introduce the defense in Sunday’s nationally televised matchup with the Giants (NBC, 8:00 p.m.). The broadcasting crew of John Madden, Al Michaels and Andrea Kremer will be at Ravens training camp in Westminster, Md. Friday…Don’t forget to check The Big Board blog for your post-practice news and observations.