byClifton Brown&Ryan Mink

The negativity following Mark Andrews' tough playoff game in Buffalo, followed by the offseason trade speculation, didn't sit well with quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Unprompted, Jackson launched into a defense of Andrews in his first meeting with reporters since last year ended.

"That guy is different, man," Jakson said. "I be seeing my guy be getting talked about and I really don't like that because he's done so much for us. I'm off topic right here, but he's done so much for us. And how people did him, I just don't like that. Mark's still Mark MAndrews."

Jackson and Andrews have shared a special bond since coming into the league together in 2018. Andrews has long been Jackson's go-to guy and one of his bigger supporters, and that loyalty goes both ways.

Jackson Wants Jaire Alexander to Join Ravens

Jackson and Jaire Alexander have been friends since they played together at Louisville, and Jackson would love a reunion with the Ravens.

Jackson said he has spoken to Alexander since the Green Bay Packers released the former Pro Bowl cornerback earlier this month. If Alexander were to sign with the Ravens, Jackson would be thrilled.

"Go get him, Eric," Jackson said, referring to General Manager Eric DeCosta. "I love all our corners, don't get me wrong. But go get him, Eric."

Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins are the Ravens' top two cornerbacks, though Humphrey may play most of his snaps as the nickel cornerback. Chidobe Awuzie, who was signed this offseason, would be the other outside cornerback.

The Ravens also have Jalyn Armour-Davis, second-year player T.J. Tampa, and sixth-round rookies Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, among others, competing for roles. However, Alexander is a two-time Pro Bowler who is available.

Veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey is also reportedly on the trade block with the Miami Dolphins. Last week, Head Coach John Harbaugh did not rule out the possibility of Baltimore adding a veteran corner, while not commenting on anyone specifically.

"Yes, we are happy with the guys we have, and I'm very confident those guys are all going to do well, "Harbaugh said. "And we turn over every stone. We're always interested in anything you see on the waiver wire or anything else."

Jackson on DeAndre Hopkins: 'He's Different'

Jackson was thrilled when the Ravens signed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and this week's minicamp gives them an opportunity to build chemistry.

Following Tuesday's practice, Jackson glowed when asked about his early impressions of Hopkins.

"He's different, man," Jackson said. "I threw him a shallow today, he caught the ball so smooth, got up, I don't think he even put his other hand on the ground to get up.

"That's some super-vet type stuff. It's just dope to have him. I'm looking forward to throwing him a lot of touchdowns."

Hopkins doesn't think it will take him long to find his comfort zone in the offense. He said the communication between him and Jackson will be key.

"I've played with probably more quarterbacks than any receiver, so I've learned [about] communication, and not just on the field but off the field as well," Hopkins said.

"[Jackson is] a competitor at everything. I saw him in [the locker room] shooting hoops on the basketball goal, and he didn't want to lose. That says a lot about him and who he is, just [the] little things like that. Obviously, on the football field, if he makes a mistake or doesn't complete a ball that he wants to, he's hard on himself, and no one has to say anything to him, but that's why he is who he is."

Jackson Talks About Plans to Get Together More With Teammates

During organized team activities, wide receiver Zay Flowers said Jackson has expressed a desire to get together with teammates more in meetings and away from the office for "personal stuff."

Quarterbacks Coach Tee Martin said it started last season when wide receivers and tight ends popped into the quarterbacks room more often to go over film with Jackson and pick his brain. After seeing so much success last year, they want to expand on that this season.

"I feel like bonding with my guys will help us out a lot more on the field," Jackson said. "Just picking each other's brains, being around each other a lot more, we'll probably know what one of us is thinking ahead [of time]."