Early signs at training camp hint this Ravens rookie is already falling behind

The Baltimore Ravens are experiencing a high-profile kicking competition in training camp between rookies Tyler Loop and John Hoyland, tasked with replacing franchise legend Justin Tucker after his departure following a career-worst season and off-field allegations. Tucker had served as Baltimore's kicker for 13 years while setting NFL accuracy records.

Loop, a sixth-round draft pick from Arizona, entered camp with organizational praise for his powerful leg and potential to address the team's late-career consistency issues with Tucker. Hoyland, an undrafted free agent from Wyoming, brought collegiate reliability evidenced by his 79.3% field goal accuracy and near-perfect extra-point record (147/148).

Initial observations suggested Hoyland held a slight consistency advantage over Loop's draft pedigree, but early camp performances shifted the dynamic. Through the first four days, Loop converted all 23 field goal attempts while Hoyland made 16 of 18 attempts. This created a noticeable performance gap despite Hoyland's strong showing.

Though training camp overreactions are common and daily mechanical adjustments occur, Loop's perfect start positions him as the frontrunner. Hoyland's inability to match Loop's early consistency has widened the initial disadvantage he faced as an undrafted player.

The competition will extend into preseason games where game-pressure scenarios become decisive factors. Final roster decisions may hinge on which kicker maintains high performance levels under live conditions, as neither has yet secured the role definitively.