T.J. Tampa has spent Baltimore Ravens training camp making the most of every additional opportunity. Saturday night will offer his first chance to carry that momentum into a game. The Ravens will host the Philadelphia Eagles in their preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore’s established starters will sit, according to head coach Jesse Minter, creating extended work for players competing for roster spots and larger roles.
Tampa belongs in the second category.
Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Chidobe Awuzie entered camp as Baltimore’s established top three cornerbacks. Tampa has emerged as the strongest candidate to follow them, and a productive preseason could allow him to secure the fourth spot in the rotation.
T.J. Tampa has produced throughout Ravens camp
Tampa hasn’t climbed the depth chart by remaining quiet.
During a padded practice, the third-year cornerback defeated a block and stripped the football from running back Rasheen Ali. He has also recorded pass breakups and continued to make plays when given opportunities in larger defensive roles. Baltimore’s first unofficial depth chart lists Tampa directly behind Humphrey at one outside cornerback position. That placement reflects the progress he has made after injuries delayed the beginning of his NFL career.
The Ravens selected Tampa in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft after he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors at Iowa State. He opened his first training camp on the physically unable to perform list and appeared in seven games as a rookie, playing only 18 defensive snaps.
Tampa showed more of his potential last season when he recorded the first interception of his NFL career against the New York Jets. This summer, he has looked more comfortable and aggressive.
Nate Wiggins’ injury creates additional urgency
Wiggins suffered a left leg injury during Tuesday’s practice and was carted into the team facility. Testing revealed no structural damage, providing Baltimore with encouraging news, but the team has not announced when he will return.
The Ravens have no reason to rush Wiggins back during the preseason. His likely absence against Philadelphia could move Tampa into a prominent outside role and increase his workload against the Eagles’ backup quarterbacks and receivers. Baltimore needs to know whether Tampa can provide dependable coverage if one of its starters misses time in the regular season. Saturday should test his ability to handle a complete assignment, communicate with the safeties and respond when Philadelphia targets him repeatedly.
Tampa’s size and length make him a natural outside cornerback. The Eagles can challenge his movement with receivers such as Elijah Moore, Darius Cooper, Britain Covey and Quez Watkins. Special teams will remain important. Tampa played 138 special-teams snaps as a rookie, and Baltimore will expect him to contribute in coverage units even if his defensive role expands.
That versatility could separate him from Amani Oruwariye, Bilhal Kone, Marquise Robinson and the other cornerbacks competing behind Baltimore’s starters.
One strong preseason performance won’t guarantee Tampa the fourth cornerback job, but he has already created separation through his training camp production. Saturday offers an opportunity to confirm that the progress translates when the opponent changes and tackling becomes live.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: T.J. Tampa can secure Ravens’ fourth cornerback role in preseason