Veteran safety says Roquan Smith and the locker room stood out immediately
Any time a player joins a new team, one of the biggest adjustments is learning the locker room dynamic and understanding who sets the tone inside the building. For Jaylinn Hawkins, it sounds like the Ravens’ leadership group immediately made an impression after arriving in Baltimore. The Ravens have long been known for strong veteran leadership, especially on defense, and Hawkins quickly noticed that culture in the early stages of OTAs. Could Baltimore’s chemistry and veteran presence become one of the biggest strengths of this team heading into 2026?
During his appearance on The Collective podcast, Hawkins specifically pointed to Roquan Smith while discussing the players who have stood out to him so far.
“I feel like there’s a good group of teammates. Um, you know, you got guys like Roquan in the locker room. Good guy. Really good player, but like even better leader. Um, Kyle, Tito, Marlon, Malaki throughout these days of us working out together, I’m utilizing that time.”
For Jaylinn Hawkins, Baltimore’s leadership culture became noticeable almost immediately after arriving at OTAs. The Ravens have built their identity around accountability, preparation, and veteran leadership for years, and Hawkins already appears to see why that reputation exists. With leaders like Roquan Smith setting the tone defensively, Baltimore’s chemistry and locker-room connection could once again become one of the franchise’s biggest strengths entering the 2026 season.
