When the Baltimore Ravens take the field offensively in 2023, they'll be more loaded with weapons than they've ever been during the Lamar Jackson era.

Rookie running back Keaton Mitchell, who the Ravens signed as an undrafted free, has an uphill climb to be one of those, especially with the number of bodies at the position. However, that hasn't stopped him from going all in.

Ravens' offensive coordinator Todd Monken was asked about what has Keaton done that's stood out besides his 4.37 speed, and the answer is exactly what any franchise would want to hear about one of it's players.

“Well, he’s got elite speed," Monken said. "I mean he does have that, so getting him to the edge, he has quickness about him. He can possibly be a matchup player, but he works awfully hard. He’s diligent in the meeting room, taking good notes, asking good questions. If he doesn’t know, he’ll let you know.

"When we had a miscommunication yesterday in practice, he explained it the way that … ‘This is what I heard. This is what I thought the quarterback meant.’ And that is great engagement for us to fix it. The communication didn’t exist, quarterback said something, [and] he assumed it was this – or he thought it was this – and that’s when a player is dialed in, when he’s engaged.” 

The Ravens are currently without running back J.K. Dobbins who seeks a contract resolution. So it's paramount that Keaton takes advantage of this time to get as accumulated as possible and get as many reps as he can. 

Keaton had a productive career at East Carolina as he ran for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in three seasons, averaging 6.5 yards per rush. But his path to getting playing time with the Ravens, at least at first, will likely come in another way.

Ravens' special teams coordinator Chris Horton is determined to make sure that he explores all the possibilities when it comes to how Mitchell can contribute.

“Keaton [Mitchell] is a guy that I think can go out and play anywhere you ask him to play," said Horton. "Again, I’m … I told him before. I’m going to put you on kickoff. I want to see you run. I want to see some physicality, and I think he’s got the right mindset, he’s got the right makeup. We’re going to let him return some punts. We’re going to let him return some kicks. We’re going to let him play some punt out at gunner. We’re just going to give him every opportunity to make this football team and put himself in position to make this football team.”

With this type of plan, Keaton has a good shot to make the Ravens roster and be a contributor early. 

Ravens OC confirms recent suspicion around key player

The waiting game continues.

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports