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If you can only find a couple dozen catches where he snatched the ball with his hands away from his body than that's just proving the argument that he's not a hands catcher. A couple dozen with the hands vs 100-200 caught with the body is exactly why hes considered primarily a body/arms catcher. Don't get me wrong - a catch is a catch. Not knocking him for making receptions. The problem is how many targets did he miss being able to make a catch bc he waited for the ball to come into his body allowing time for the DB to make a play, or balls bobbled and dropped bc they bounced off his body. Torrey was a great player for us and we don't win that SB without him. Best receiver we've drafted. I love him both as a player and a man. Making objective observations about his game and how he could have/should have improved does not mean that I or anyone else is a "hater." Torrey is beloved and most were sad to see him go - but honestly we couldn't pay what he got to go to San Fran. That production can be replaced for a fraction of the cost. And Perriman should be able to provide that threat of getting burned while offering much more in terms of a diverse route tree and being used on more than 9's, curls, and fades. Does Perriman have a lot of the same characteristics as Torrey? Sure. So you can compare those aspects. But Perriman had the ability to offer much more. It's the same as saying Torrey and Julio Jones are comparable bc Julio had the speed and ability to beat the secondary deep. But that's where the comparison ends - like it does with Perriman. Perriman may compare to Torrey in that he can replicate/replace a lot of what Torrey did. But Torrey does not compare to Perriman bc he doesn't have the natural hands, size/strength, overall talent, or body control that Perriman has that should allow him to develop into a complete receiver. Torrey is an elite deep threat but may never become more than that. Perriman could become an elite deep threat as well as an elite overall receiver. Again as a complete package he and Torrey compare in some ways, but that would be ignoring much of what Perriman can bring to the table. A much much more accurate comparison is Demaryius Thomas. Their scouting reports entering the draft are almost IDENTICAL! We're drafted in similar positions, and have the natural ability/talent to overcome some of the knocks to become dominant all around receivers. Thomas has done that. Perriman has a great chance to follow that path and do the same. I honestly just don't think Torrey has the tools to ever approach that sort of all around game, and therefore the comparison just falls flat. Early on, Perriman may be used in a similar role simply bc he's the only guy with the skill set to replicate what Torrey did for us; but over time you'll see why the comparison is very short sighted.

Disagree entirely. Perriman is bigger, stronger and faster. He's got more talent than Torrey did entering the league. He's got more natural hands and better body control. Can go over the middle and make catches in traffic and is good in jump ball situations. The comparison to Torrey is forced and only exists bc of Torrey leaving and the speed factor. But Perriman is quite a bit faster than Torrey and more versatile imo. I get why the comparison is there, but saying he's a "clone" is completely unfounded. Comparisons in general are pretty useless especially considering Perriman has yet to play a snap in the NFL, but if you are to make one I'd say a more appropriate comparison would be to Demaryius Thomas, Julio Jones or maybe AJ Green. He's an athletic freak who needs some refinement in route running but has the ability to not only be a deep threat but can become an all-around weapon and true #1 receiver. I love Torrey but his skill set doesn't translate the same way Breshad's can.

It's not under rating Hill. And I know he'll start. Was just pointing out that Hill and Elam split reps equally at SS. Not Elam and Lewis.

NFL.com posted an article about a study done by Emory University where they tried to identify which teams have the best fan bases. You can read the article here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000501025/article/study-cowboys-fans-best-in-nfl-dolphins-worst They took into account things like fan attendance, spending on fan gear, etc.... Because total spending is a part of the equation it is obviously slanted toward big market, affluent area, highly commercialized teams... Hence the Cowboys being rated #1. We come in at #4 with the others in the top 5 being: New England, Giants and Jets. All with much higher population and bigger markets. Considering that, ranking #4 is a pretty cool accomplishment. So give yourself a pat on the back for contributing to our ranking. We blew away Steelers fans! So what are your thoughts? Is it an accurate portrayal of fan bases according to your experience at away games or talking with fans of other teams? What about the study itself... Do you think it factors in the right criteria for evaluating fan bases?

Yea it was reported on this site I believe that he had a solid camp. He didn't make as many flashy plays as Gillmore but that he caught everything thrown his way many for first downs. I think it has mostly to due with expectation vs what was shown. Maxx was expected to make catches so simply doing that doesn't stand out as much as Gillmore or Boyle who were mainly known as blockers but were making big catches. So that's what got focused on in reports but Maxx performed to expectation. Definitely room to imporve but he was solid and did what he could with the targets he got

Yep. Hill and Elam were splitting snaps in OTAs, not Lewis and Elam. Lewis may be more of a lock to start than Hill. He offers a unique skill set none of our other safeties have. He's more of a pure FS. It's going to be Lewis and Will Thrill starting unless Elam shows off the charts. And then I think he'd only be cutting in Hills snaps - not Lewis'.

Looking at WR, you have to think about building a team. If we only take 6 WR's, you have to look at skill set and what one guy may bring to the table that others don't. SSS is a lock. So is Perriman. This isn't being on Camps jock, but he's the only pure slot receiver we have, has the ability to run crisp routes over the middle and sit down in zones to pick up 3rd downs. Plus he's a returner - 2 niche roles that no one else fills. So I like his chances. I think Marlon, Aiken and Butler are very similar. Decent route running, good size, good hands and can play outside or inside. Aiken is a great special teamer and has shown the ability to make big catches in limited chances. I think he's a lock. Marlon has the 2nd most experience and though it wasn't consistent, at times he made ridiculous catches while absorbing huge hits. That one game against I think cinci where he got the concussion he was playing unreal. He needs to show more but I think his experience will be valued. So unless Butler just completely blows him away I think Marlon makes it over him. So if it comes down to only taking 6 receivers, imo it's between Waller and Butler. And to me, it's going to come down to if they offer something the group doesn't already have. Butler flashed amazing hands and a knack to get open, but he's very similar to Aiken and Brown and unlikely to steal snaps from them. Waller, besides being a draft pick from this year is a great run blocker coming from the triple option in college. May already be our best run blocking receiver. Plus his size gives him the versatility to possibly be used as a TE. With pitta out that has value. Keeping him gives you a 6th WR and 4th TE. So if it's 6, I think Waller takes the last spot and unfortunately Butler finds himself on the PS again, ready to be called up if there's an injury or if one of the young WR's flames out.

They won't get that cushion with Smith and Webb out there together. Going to be a great matchup defensively in the secondary. Smith on Thomas and Webb on Sanders. Both matchups are strength on strength. Our Oline vs their front 7 is another great matchup. Advantage us in run blocking, slight advantage to them in pass rush. Our front 7 should tear their Oline up. Stop the run and then get after Peyton. I think that will be the story of the game. If we can pressure him early and often, and make them one dimensional I think we take the game handily. We match up very very well against their strengths. I'm confident we win the game 27-21.

Packers/Ravens Super Bowl this year?? Normally I'd mean that seriously, but the skeptic in me says the NFL will make sure the Ravens don't play in the milestone 50th Super Bowl. I'm not huge on conspiracies but end of day it's a business and the NFL loves drama and story lines. Be prepared for two historic franchises to square off in a rematch of a famous past SB, two iconic, big market teams, or a fairy tale ending for marquee player (read Manning). My gut says the Packers will represent the NFC as they're a legit contender, have arguably the leagues best player, have something to prove after last years debacle, and fit the historic storyline. AFC is a little less clear, but I think the NFL would like to see the Broncos, Colts or Patriots; and all 3 might be legit contenders. We are the deepest most well balanced team in the league imo. Should be an exciting year for both our teams!

But how many of those seasons have happened in the past couple years? It's been limited in past due to the difficult transition from college to NFL at the position. Guys just took longer to develop. With prolific passing games in college and NFL offenses adapting a lot more to mirror college offenses and coordinators tailoring plays to get the most out of individual skill sets, receivers are doing more early in their careers. Is 1,200 yards a stretch goal? Sure. Unlikely but I don't think it's out of the question. And 18 yds/rec I think is very likely with how he'll be used. SSS, Aiken, Brown, Camp, Gillmore, Maxx, Pitta, Forsett, and Juice are all possession, slot or short passing options. Perriman is our only legit deep threat and as such I think will be used primarily on routes down the field. I think he's a strong candidate to lead the league in yards per catch. Joe's going to give him chances. If he can make good on those opportunities early, he'll get a heavy dose of balls. Plus with his ability after the catch, even intermediate and short stuff he's a threat to take it to the house. I think it's a lot more likely he averages 18-22 ypc with less catches than he is to average 12-16 ypc and more catches.

Oh I don't mind your opinion. Was just pointing out that saying things wouldn't have turned out the same had Evans made that catch is just hypothetical as assuming things would have happened the same. No one really makes 5 playoffs in their first 5 years winning at least 1 game each time, all on the road, for a 9-4 record overall in those playoffs with 3 AFCCG appearances and 1 SB win. Win that Patriots game and it's 10-3 with the potential to be 11-3 with 2 SB's. My point is that team from the 1st 5 years of Harbaugh/Flacco already stands in very rare and elite company so I can't comfortably gauge potential alternatives based on the outcomes and performances of other SB winning teams from this era. That team was very well built, and built to compete and succeed in January. I don't know that 1 play happening differently and going on to win that SB hurts their chances at a repeat. But, I think my point is that the only way we could possibly have 3 SB trophies right now is if Evans makes that catch. If I'm going to play the what if game (which I don't like playing ftr) And think about alternative outcomes, I hope for the alternative that yields more success. To each his own and not knocking your stance or claiming it to be any less valid.

Of course... I think most of us, if not all, are very well aware of Ozzies record of finding talent everywhere in the draft, afterward and in the bargain bins of FA. Yes, he's one of the best at find UDFA gems like the ones you've mentioned. But they're few and far between - even for Ozzie. For every Priest Holmes, there are 10 guys who do nothing. Most go undrafted for a reason. And since we're looking for worst ravens players of all time, just based on reason it makes sense that say a 5th rd draft pick that makes the team, ends up playing bc of injury or whatever the case, and is really bad... Is still likely a little bit better than an UDFA who makes it and plays under the same circumstances. As you've pointed out that's not always the case, but when you look at it almost all of our draft picks make the team every year and a good majority end up contributing in a positive way for the team. Then there's usually 1 UDFA feel good story who makes it. And, most of those even are flashes in the pan that don't amount to anything.

It's just as hypothetical to say that stuff wouldn't have still happened if we won SB 47. Ray Lewis wouldn't have retired had we won - he even said retirement only crossed his mind after the injury in '12. He retired bc he couldn't imagine going through the rehab again. He very well still could've/would've been injured in '12 thus still retiring, and still giving the team it's motivation for the playoffs. And just because Cundiff wouldn't have blown the kick against the Patriots, he still was struggling and who knows could've blown a kick or two in a SB 47 win. Tucker was the best kicker available, and I'm confident the Ravens still would've brought him in for a look. Just like we brought in the punter this offseason. Kinda voids that whole argument. We bring in an UDFA punter and then extend Koch the same offseason, yet never would have brought Tucker in? Just not founded in history or logic. And I don't get the whole "no CJ" part. Ray retires either way, the whole team gets shaken up after 2012 regardless. So there's still the hole at ILB and Mosley still is the best player on the board. That one you just completely lose me. So, going on to Super Bowl 47, sure it could've effected 2012 and the year we actually did win. But the reasons you provided aren't valid. Would I trade 2012 for a chance to see what may have happened if Evans catches that TD in '11? No way, I'll take the sure thing. But at the time I'd sure as heck take it, go on to win SB 47 without really effecting our chances to repeat in 2012. Sure it's hindsight but there is a possibility we could've gone back to back.

I haven't heard this mentioned and it's my biggest issue with the play. Everyone blasted Torrey for this his entire career, yet some are giving Evans a pass for it here. The play isn't even there to be made if Evans catches the ball with his hands! He turns and could have easily plucked the ball with both hands, yet he waits and let's it come into his body. Bc of that the defender has time to make the play and Evans never was able to secure the ball properly. It's a weak strip. Heads up play for sure. Great instincts, but it barely required any strength to knock the ball out and that's bc Evans never secures it. You can say he didn't have time which is probably true - but that's not a valid excuse! He didn't have time bc of poor technique and letting the ball into his chest. He catches that with his hands and it's game over.

I'd like to see Perriman give us at least 45 catches, 800 yds and 5 TDs. To me that's the floor for what id consider a success. He was brought in to immediately replace Torreys production so that's what I expect to see. Considering the log jam we have for #2-4 on the depth chart there may not be the available snaps and targets guys like Odell, Benjamin, and Evans got last year so it might be difficult for him to get into the 1,000 yard, 60+ catch territory. If that's the case it may be a good thing though bc it probably means Aiken and or Brown are playing very well. I could also see Perriman take off and earn the #1 spot as they try to save SSS legs for a playoff run and he goes off for 1,200 yards. In my evaluations I see a guy that with some refinement, development of consistent route running and an actual elite QB throwing him the ball can become a top 10 receiver in the league. QB check. Development is the question mark but he's in a great environment to do it with great teachers in Engram, SSS and Trestman; a great system for his skill set; the QB strengths exploit his strengths; and other young receivers that create a highly competit [profanity deleted]kng rtive environment for him every single day at practice. My gut says our long search is finally over. We've got our Julio, Dez, AJ, Demaryius type guy.

I don't know, that's the reporters job. Drops were the knock on him in evaluations and he dropped a couple balls in practice. He's the 1st round draft pick at a position the fans (the reporters audience) have been clamoring for. While likely insignificant in the grand scheme of things - most things are this time of year - news has to be found or created; and Perriman dropping passes is a relevant story line in that regard. He has not only the right, but the duty, to ask those types of questions. And Breshad did a great job of not hiding from it; he was direct and his self evaluation was objective and spot on. He recognized the issue within himself and the cause (which is more than half the battle), and gave his response. Obvious question, direct and appropriate answer. I see nothing wrong with it.

Yea it really doesnt. Unless internally they're not as confident in Perriman, Aiken, Marlon and Butler as we all seem to be. That's the only thing I can think of. But I'll trust Aaron Wilson over the guy who reported the Ravens as having interest. I think the Ravens name being thrown into the mix is probably more Reggie Wayne listing the teams he'd consider playing for.

REPORT: Ravens among 4 AFC contenders showing interest in Reggie Wayne http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000502576/article/report-reggie-wayne-sparks-interest-in-contenders Not sure how I feel about that.

Crockett can be a matchup nightmare if that's what you mean by our Gronk. Too big for safeties, too athletic for LBers (and maybe too big too). I doubt he'll be as anywhere near as prolific as Gronk for several reasons. If Pitta is 100% he'll eventually be the starter. We just drafted Maxx who will need snaps. And we've got too good a run game. I do think he breaks out this year though and becomes a legitimate starter. He's incredibly efficient, catches everything, and can block. He should be a great 3rd down and red zone weapon for us to start and then we'll see if he can be a field stretcher running seam routes. With him, Pitta, Max and Juice; Forsett, Tali and Buck; SSS, Perriman, Aiken, Brown, Camp, Waller and Butler we've got a ridiculous amount of talent. Add in the oline and if Joe can't crack 4k yards this year there aren't any excuses. Out of all those players 5 players have to emerge as quality pass catchers; and Crockett may make the biggest leap of anyone.

I see it this way, locks to make the team are: OFFENSE QB (2) Flacco, Schaub RB (3) Forsett, Taliaferro, Allen TE (3) Pitta if healthy/Boyle if not, Gillmore, Maxx WR (6) SSS, Perriman, Aiken, Waller and 2 out of Brown/Camp/Butler OL (7) Monroe, KO, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Urschel, Hurst WOLFPACK K (1) Tucker P (1) Koch LS (1) Cox DEFENSE S (4/5*) Hill, Lewis, Brooks, Elam, Levine* CB (5/6*) Smith, Webb, Arrington, Melvin, Jackson, Levine* OLB (4) Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, Smith ILB (3) Smith, Mosley, Brown/Orr DL (8) Williams, Jernigan, Canty, Davis, Urban, KLM, and 2 out of Guy/Bilukidi/Tyson/etc... Not necessarily naming all the players are locks (though most are) but more importantly the number at each position that I think are a lock to make it. By my count that's 49 spots locked up. That's 4 spots up for grabs with possibly Nick Boyle, one of Brown/Camp/Butler, DeAndre Carter, Jah Reid, Ryan Jensen, Myers (who prob makes it as a draft pick), one of Orr/Brown and McClellan, Trawick, Touissant, Tramain Jacobs, and Steven Means all fighting to grab them. Each guy on that last I think has a legitimate argument for making the team depending on how things shake out. That's 12 guys fighting for 4 spots. And that's not including any undrafted guys (other than Carter) that looked good in camp (like Perry, Easton, Vaughan to name a few) and there always seems to be one surprise. So if you agree for the most part with my analysis... My question to you is - how do you rank those potential 12 players on the bubble heading into training camp? Who can lock a spot up with a strong camp? Keep in mind ST's should carry weight here, and the # of players currently "locked" at each position (I.e. Are you comfortable with only 3 ILB?)

That's the final roster. Not the initial roster. No ones discussing if we end the season with 7 receivers... As we all know cuts, injuries, trades and signings happen every year. The end of season roster rarely is identical to the one coming out of preseason. We're talking TC battles and if they could take 7 receivers into the season. It's possible while not likely. If they could take Deonte as a 7th it's definitely possible they could take Butler, Brown, Camp or Waller as a 7th. Deonte would have no shot at making the team this year.

It's a very valid argument because the question is whether 7 receivers could make the initial 53 man roster going into the season. It doesn't matter when Deonte was cut, because as was pointed out he made the initial 53. It wasn't until injuries, poor play, and ST's needs took shape that Deonte was cut. The whole conversation is surrounding who do you cut from the top 7 receivers at this point. And there is precedence that we could take all 7 initially until 1 gets injured, shows he isn't ready to perform in actual games, or a need to add depth at another position pops up. Please answer these: did Deonte Thompson make the initial 53 man roster in 2014? With him doesn't that mean the coaching staff made the decision to start the season with 7 receivers on the roster? Is this years pool of wide receivers, 1-7, overall more talented than last years? Do you like Perriman's, Waller's and Butler's potential/skill set more than Thompson's? If you answered yes to these questions then it's actually a great argument for why the ravens might keep 7 receivers this year.

A guy like Levine helps because he gives you depth at both corner and safety. But you're absolutely right in that we have so much young talent across the board it's going to be really tough this year. Even with the expanded PS numbers those decisions are going to be hard too. It'll come down to ST contributions and injuries, not that that's some earth shattering revelation or anything.

I agree he's borderline. Unfortunately I think his run defense will get overlooked since there aren't any flashy stats to measure it. Most guys with his level of pass rushing productivity tend to focus on that part of the game... Where I think Suggs is very underrated for his run support. I definitely think he deserves it, but think it's borderline right now. A couple more seasons with 12+ sacks would help push him over the edge.

Yea when judging the ravens worst players, to me it's key that they actually played.