NFL Reportedly to Investigate Ravens for Using Full Pads at Rookie Minicamp

The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly under investigation for a potential violation of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement.

Citing a league source, Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com reported Monday that the Ravens "will be investigated for using full pads at a recent rookie minicamp." A Baltimore official said the team didn't know about the investigation but did concede "there was a five-minute period on May 6 when rookies and first-year players suited up in pads during a non-contact punt protection drill," per Hensley.

The team official explained the Ravens were not aware rookie minicamp followed the same rules as OTAs. Baltimore’s players' union representative, Benjamin Watson, reportedly clarified things, and the Ravens responded accordingly by stopping the use of pads and taking the players off the field.

"A Ravens official said everything can be verified because all practices were taped," Hensley wrote.

On Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the league believes the Ravens "were aware of non-contact practice rules but still moved forward, which will factor into any potential discipline."

According to Hensley, full pads are not permitted until training camp. He pointed out an investigation cannot start unless a player reports a violation to the union or the league.

Investigations are not a new subject for the Ravens. According to Hensley, the NFL punished Baltimore and had it cancel the last week of offseason workouts in 2010 after six players mentioned late meetings to the union. Two more said they were "held too long on the field after practice."

The Ravens are coming off a disappointing 5-11 season in 2015 and missed the playoffs for just the second time since the 2007 campaign. Baltimore drafted a number of potential impact rookies this year to help its bounce-back effort, including Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore and Navy running back (and former quarterback) Keenan Reynolds.