Receiver Ron Johnson, the Ravens' fourth-round draft pick who should see his fair share of playing time this season, has formulated goals akin to those achieved in the past.
"I just want to do what I did at [the University of] Minnesota," Johnson said.
Which was, essentially, have eye-catching success early. As a true freshman, Johnson started 10 of 11 games and set Golden Gophers freshman season records with 38 receptions for four touchdowns, including a nine-catch, 100-yard game against Wisconsin.
The Ravens likely would accept such numbers from Johnson, projected to be the team's No. 3 receiver behind Travis Taylor and Brandon Stokley.
Passing camps, such as the one the Ravens are in the midst of now, do not always give an accurate portrayal of one's ability, but Johnson has looked strong in his route-running, creating separation coming out of breaks and showing exceptional field awareness. That's good news for the Ravens, hamstrung by the salary cap and effectively locked out of the derby to sign some big-name, free-agent receivers cut earlier this week.
Baltimore native and former Green Bay Packer Antonio Freeman was rumored to be interested in the Ravens, as well as former Detroit Lion Herman Moore. But both are on the downside of their careers, and at this point, a young Johnson, at 6 feet 2 and 225 pounds, is the team's biggest receiver and might be the most attractive option.
"He just continues to get better, stronger and more confident," Ravens coach Brian Billick said of Johnson. "Confidence is the key in these young people. You watch them come along at different levels. Some would have a very good day but then would slip back the next day. Some would take small increments but seem to get stronger and more confident every day. Ron is probably in that latter category."
Johnson agrees and credits his comfort level to his workload. "I'm getting a lot of reps - me, Travis and Brandon," he said. "So I'm going to get a lot of playing time as a rookie. I'm going to do everything I can to make the all-rookie team, try to break some rookie records if I can.
"I like the pressure. I want to be forced into play. I'd rather play than sit out and miss out on a lot of opportunities, whereas the earlier you get started, the more you can do."
Such was the case at Minnesota, where he left as the school's all-time leading receiver with 198 catches for 3,039 yards and 31 touchdowns despite not having great speed.
Johnson had such a strong junior season that he considered declaring for the NFL draft - having the papers signed and sealed, but not delivered. Hanging around for his senior season, one in which his numbers fell off, may have hurt his draft status, along with a so-so time in the 40, but Johnson does not regret the decision.
"He had a big effect on our team, which is why we voted him as captain," said Ravens running back Tellis Redmon, who starred for three seasons at Minnesota with Johnson. "He was a big-play guy that stepped it up every time we asked him."
"He's learned more than one position, which is a plus for a young receiver," receivers coach David Shaw said. "He's given us what we expected, a physical presence inside and out in the slot, too. He's made some big catches the last few camps.
"He doesn't mind contact. He doesn't mind initiating contact. That is one of the big perks for us. When we watched him play in college, he didn't back down from anybody. He played against a lot of big-time talent in the Big Ten, and he was productive against all of them."
NOTES: Safety Anthony Mitchell has shown a nose for the ball during passing camp, but also hands of stone. Mitchell has put himself in position to record five interceptions the past two days, but he has not hauled down any, including two that hit him in the chest. ... The Ravens signed undrafted rookie linebacker Andre Arnold, a three-year starter out of Grambling State. ... Running back coach Matt Simon's Howard County Bruins' youth football team will have registration on June 15 and 16 at Dick's Sporting Goods in Columbia. The Bruins are sponsored by Ravens players and coaches. For more information, call 301-776-5581.