FlocksGottaFeed

I think Worilds is by far their biggest loss. Troy and Taylor weren't huge contributors last year particularly Taylor. I just don't think Dupree is the right player to replace him.

Agreed. They are missing a combination of leadership, identity and newly established talent at the same time. We loss only 2 of those 3 after a Super Bowl and had to take time to get on course, again. Imagine 3...?

The reason I bring up New England as our greatest competition is because if you look at all their offseason moves they are trying to build their team like the Ravens. They have vastly improved up front on both sides of the ball. They are going to run the ball a ton and be able to rush the passer for once while their secondary is not as good.

I think one of our biggest improvements this year will be getting the running backs involved in the passing game. They should be deadly against a team like the Bengals with all unathletic linebackers. Combined with the new receiving tight end threats that's going to be a huge matchup advantage for us vs the Bengals.

Agreed. I may take that offense in my fantasy league, but with that defense (without Revis and Browner...) it could get ugly fast in the East. Now on 2nd thought, I'm thinking with these weapons I'm all-in (fantasy pick) with Flacco! Defense creates offense.

 

AFCN vs NFCW is my season to watch. Whoever survives from anywhere else...it won't be pretty.

That the difference between us and the steelers. Our secondary on paper is very good but we got injured. Their secondary was just straight up awful no matter how you cut it. And they depended on 36 year James Harrison as their primary pass rusher. 

Absolutely. And when you throw-in the fact that Dick LeBeau, Troy, Taylor, Worilds and company are gone - how can they be expected to 'out-perform' the previous year?

 

edit - throw-in

As soon as the Ravens add the vet corner I have always expected they will it will be another checkmate offseason.

The bengals made an early oz like move bring Michael Johnson back on the cheap and getting a comp for him. They didn't really improve their pass rush or their QB so despite their solid overall roster they are weak at the two most critical areas for playoff success.

Browns had a surprisingly good draft and will be a bit of a thorn for the contenders until they can find a real QB.

Steelers have a potent offense still however I question their pass rush. Many are praising the Dupree pick but I'm not sure he's a pure edge rusher. That might not be his forte at all leaving them severely undermanned in this area.

Ravens greatest competition once again is New England. No question about it.

Agreed with most, but the 'Cheatriots'? I'm trying to stay within our division on this one. The AFC East hasn't been considered one of the strongest divisions to win in quite sometime, but the Jets, Bills and Dolphins are making it really interesting.

 

On the other hand, the AFCN and NFCW has been the 2 strongest. As far as the AFCN goes, I agree the Steelers M. Johnson magic was good, but comparatively, the Ravens losing Torrey, Ngata, J. Jones, etc. and picking-up multiple picks while increasing their cap space going into the draft was beyond 'magical'.

 

After all was said and done, every 'Need' position was addressed to make us more completive than the previous year and re-positioned to match the NFCW, as well.

 

My Take: Steelers, Bengals and Browns also had a great draft, but the Browns and Bengals (with BIG Dollars) didn't address QB play enough and the Steelers will still have to field at least 3 Elite Rookies on defense that make immediate impacts (that's a 'HIGH' bar in this league). That is extremely rare.

 

edit - typos

I thought the Browns screwed up big time with the order of the first round picks. I thought their first pick would have still been there in the first and they lost out on a few blue chip players. I think now that the draft is over we are neck and neck with the Bengals. They had a good draft, especially adding some good depth to their o-line. The Steelers lucked out that Bud Dupree fell to them, but later on I thought they reached a little on some of their picks. My only concern is that we still really did not address our cornerback depth except for one late fourth round small school prospect. We should be ok if we stay healthy this year, but if not - it could come back to bite us a second year in a row.

I completely agree with most of your assessment.

 

This said: I have to give extra consideration to our F.O. for how they worked the Webb and J. Smith negotiations to not only solidify our Defensive Backfield going into the draft (those 2 healthy & playing together were always a top 5 tandem in the league), but to resign key (previous season) back-up corners who with a full training camp will further up the CB position competition. I couldn't see any other team taking a better 'BPA' after Walker, so I'm fine with the pick considering. This was the much anticipated 'Flacco Draft' and at the right time for all the right reasons.

 

The Bengals don't come close currently. Starting-off with one of the highest salary cap spaces in the AFCN and only earning a B+ in the draft (compared to the Ravens' A) - I think we'd have to give the edge to the Ravens thus far.

Maxx: Are you not entertained!

http://espn.go.com/nfl/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-ravens

 

Let's see: We went into the draft with needs (WR speed merchant, TE, back-up CB, Pass Rusher, 2nd/3rd option RB, DT run-stopper, O-line depth).

 

The 1^st five picks recounted: Grade 'A' and then some...

• Fastest, strongest BPA with the potential to be a M.Erving, A.Johnson, J. Jones and D. Murray-type contributor right-out of the blocks with attitude.

• The absolutely top TE stolen from the Steelers with unlimited potential.

• The BPA per position with run stopping ability that when utilized with our current run-stoppers adds even more performance at the position than last season.

• A SEC standout BPA that was feared in the SEC enough that he brings attitude and purpose that can only be 'Play like a Raven-like'.

• A running back from 'Running-Back University' who exudes purpose and diginity.

 

1(26)

Breshad Perriman

WR

UCF

2(23)

Maxx Williams

TE

Minnesota

3(26)

Carl Davis

DT

Iowa

4(23)

Za'Darius Smith

DE

Kentucky

4(26)

Buck Allen

RB

USC

4(37)

Tray Walker

CB

Texas Southern

5(35)

Nick Boyle

TE

Delaware

5(40)

Robert Myers

OG

Tennessee State

6(28)

Darren Waller

WR

Georgia Tech

 

In Oz I still trust.

Ravens

Steelers

Bungles

Browns

Your picks are looking more and more (exactly) like the majority of NFL insiders rankings after the draft. Outstanding.

I think you have to wait until after the upcoming draft before you can really make a good educated guess. There are also a few good free agents left and possible trades yet to be made, so I think this poll could be a little early.

Okay, it's after the draft and it's still nearly 50-50 (Ravens and 'Too Early'). Other AFCN teams collectively feel that their FO rules this off-season. Why is it still 50-50 with our's?

 

Interesting.

Yeah, there's a fair amount of variables on who #6 can be: special teams/return game namely.

True. We may get that elite kick returner out of this talent.

If B. Perriman, M. Williams, C. Davis, Z. Smith, and B. Allen, collectively, prove to be better than T. Smith, O. Daniels, H. Ngata, P. McPhee, and B. Pierce, who they will be respectively replacing, then this draft will end up being one of the best we've had. That's how I'll measure this draft. The final 4 picks are all gravy, and can become so much more than that if T. Walker winds up becoming a serviceable nickel/injury replacement corner, N. Boyle shows everyone that is doubting him that he is probably the best blocking TE on our current squad already and has reliable hands for short chunks when we need them, R. Myers becomes a contender for starts if we are unable to re-sign both guards next season, and D. Waller makes the team and makes a few plays (special teams or on offense).

 

This is all unknown, but I see this all as a real possibility. I'm loving the draft right now.

Agreed.

 

The way I see the final cut being for receivers is:

Steve Smith

Breshad Perriman

Michael Campanaro

Kamar Aiken

Marlon Brown

Darren Waller

 

Without any real investments in Butler and Robinson, they'll find themselves cut or on the practice squad, if eligible.

Would agree with the top 5. After that, who knows? The upside: we haven't looked this deep and competitive at WR in...ever. Great job for our FO. Looking forward to the battle during training camp. No matter who makes the grade - we'll be a better WR unit for it.

My humble assessment of our overall draft: Solid 'A'.

Very similar to several NFL draft insiders (Mel Kiper and the rest).

 

Grade: A

http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/19800/mel-kipers-grade-for-ravens-2015-draft

 

Great job Oz in company!!! Thank you.

the amount of cap space the Browns and Bengals have is unreal.

I know, but what I think is more important is where teams start the offseason at and how they navigate and manage their team building from available cap space. It's very interesting how the 2 AFC North teams with the least amount of available cap (Ravens and Steelers) have been graded highest during the 2015 Draft (A).

 

What the Ravens were able to do so far this off-season is just short of a 'MIRACLE'. To me, this is by far the best offseason ever and that's saying a lot given how great our FO has been for years. Even the UDFA signings were masterful.

 

In Oz I still trust.

AFC North Offseason Pre-Draft Roundup

 

Before you read just be warned: The guy is a 'Sports Humorist'. Never heard of such an animal before this. That said, I didn't find it particularly funny nor humorist, but it did attempt to address AFC North offseason progress (somewhat). It's a slow period. He says our worst problem this offseason so far was signing Schaub. Really? If that's our 'bad' I can truly live with that.

 

http://tailgatefan.cbslocal.com/2015/04/21/asinine-football-analysis-afc-north-offseason/

 

Seems like the guy thinks that the only team with critical defensive needs in the division is the Steelers. I somewhat agree with at least that. I'm still feeling like they'll have to draft at least 2 elite rookie standouts to contribute immediately on defense. As drafts go, that's a tall order. That may be an honest draft or off-season concern.

 

Update: Est. Available Cap Space: Spotrac

 

Jimmy Smith’s extension lowers salary cap hit from $6.898 million this year to $3.6 million, freeing up much-needed money while Steelers WR Antonio Brown threatens to holdout if his contract isn't re-negiotated and in Cincinnati, WR A.J. Green confident and relaxed - knows the money will come. - Andrea Hangst OBR Analyst

 

Ravens - $11,085,943

Steelers - $9,742,149

Bengals - $20,014,502

Browns - $27,674,081

I agree with both. I can see us easily getting 11 wins. For some reason I think it will be the ravens and cowboys in Super Bowl 50. Either them or the packers . This will be a season to remember

Agreed. Leaning towards Packers, but Cards could also be in the mix too. That said, Ravens get it done. Just a feeling.

Jimmy Smith deal...HUGE!!!

 

Currently I don't think there's a more superior defensive backfield in the division than Jimmy, Webb, Hill and company healthy and having an entire training camp before the season begins.

Bold Prediction

 

Ravens 12-4

Superbowl 50 - Ravens

 

20th season - Destiny

AFCN FO Offseason Moves: What the Other Teams Think About Us.

 

BENGALS – Ravens FO Strategy

“When it comes to building for the future, the Ravens with all those draft picks definitely came out winners this offseason.” - Coley Harvey, ESPN Cincinnati Bengals reporter

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/16682/bengals-ravens-nfl-schedule-2015-afc-north-opponents-examining

 

BROWNS – Ravens Analytics
“Stats and Info determined that the best drafting teams since 2002 are...in the first round: Carolina, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.”

“The conclusion really doesn’t need a metric to support it, but the metric definitely proves the point: Teams that want to win consistently need to draft well consistently.” - Pat McManamon, ESPN Cleveland Browns reporter

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/12875/using-analytics-to-assess-recent-browns-drafts

 

STEELERS – Ravens Period

Very little said about Ravens FO this season, but a few concerns addressing last season particularly related to passing-up on CJ Mosely. They expressed a need to re-evaluate talent vetting.

Based on Dan Sager reporter - Behind the Steel Curtin

 

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/steelers-playoffs-ravens-wild-card-news/2015/1/3/7483835/steelers-ravens-mosley-shazier-2014-nfl-draft

 

edit - Steelers resource link

Playoff Teams from AFC North: How Will They Draft 1st Round?

According to Daniel Jeremiah - NFL Media Analyst

 

No. 21: Cincinnati Bengals

Pressing need: Pass rusher.
Viable option at No. 21: Eli Harold, edge, Virginia.
Potential trade-up target: Shane Ray, edge, Missouri.
Backup plan: Trade back

My Take: The 'trade back' option seems to suggest that they are talent loaded (set) and not willing to spend 1st round money on reloading when they have a surplus of cap room still available. That seems highly unlikely that they wouldn't consider spending more reload. Bengals have said throughout the offseason that they need TE, OLB (rusher) and as well, CB.

 

No. 22: Pittsburgh Steelers

Pressing needs: Secondary, edge rusher.
Viable option at No. 22: Jalen Collins, CB, LSU.
Potential trade-up target: Bud Dupree, edge, Kentucky.
Backup plan: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut.

My Take: Agreed. The Steelers need to load-up CBs. They'll need at least 2 'elite' rookie CB standouts and an edge rusher to upgrade the defense. With some many retirements, a loss of DC and very few vet leaders to teach them the ropes - that's a tall order for any NFL FO.

 

No. 26: Baltimore Ravens

Pressing needs: Cornerback, young running back.
Viable option at No. 26: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin.
Potential trade-up target: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia.
Backup plan: Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut.

My Take: He never mentioned WR or TE? Does he know something that we don't? Well, he did at least mention that he doesn't possibly know what Ozzie is thinking. Cool. That's a measure of respect in my mind.  Very few get it right. Although it's BPA, 'needs' are a consideration as well.

 

When it's all said and done I think this guy gets around the average mock draft results correct (25%). Further, I can't help feeling like Ozzie will not use our 1st pick on any of the players he mentioned. If he does - that would be rare.

A BIG Shutout to the Ravens Scouts!

 

Raven scouts seem to mirror the team culture: Play like Ravens! Through pain, opposition ad injury, the Purple and Black keeps the goals insight. Gotta' love this.

 

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-draft/Byrne-Identity-Quiet-Week-Publicly-One-Of-Most-Intense-For-Ravens/e91bd04b-5060-4501-8d03-29b67f13e773

 

I mean...really? How can this current poll be 'nearly' split between voting the 'Ravens' and voting 'Too Early to Tell...'? Almost every national poll has the Ravens FO far ahead of every other AFCN team currently simply on how it's managing this offseason. When I visit the Steelers, Browns and Bengals fan blogs (daily) all of their fans give their teams the edge regardless of what the majority of the NFL insiders are saying about the Ravens.

 

Come-on RavensNation. Believe in something or something else, but the 'Too Early...' bandwagon is simply a reason not to evaluate and commit to where you stand. There are 1000's of opinions as to which team's FO is setting the pace, who should be drafted, what FA is needed and who is making the better moves throughout this forum, but very little commitment to those opinions.

 

In hindsight, I shouldn't have included the “Too Early...” poll choice, but it's there and I guess it served a purpose. Too often, it's a scapegoat. Vote your commitment. It's only 'current' and changeable later if you change opinion.

 

No harm – no foul. No guts – no glory. Also, don't just vote the poll - tell us why. It's a shared study above anything else.

AFCN: Offseason Roster Reset

 

The NFL Network ranks AFCN offseason roster challenges from 'best' to 'worst' position.

1 - Steelers

2 - Ravens

3 - Bengals

4 - Browns

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484705/article/roster-reset-afc-north

 

My take away on this article: I think the defensive needs in one of the most defensive minded divisions in football should be the 'absolute priority' for ranking current rosters.

 

Based on that, the Steelers are in serious defensive trouble. With the recent retirements (3) at critical positions, change at DC and subsequent replacement player needs (CB, SS and OLB), they have to hit serious homeruns in the draft. We're looking at drafting at least 3 rookie 'elite' starters to come-in and play high-caliber NFL football opening day. That's a very high bar that has very rarely been met (if not ever met) in the modern era.

 

Secondly, the loss of Bell for 3 games could prove to be more critical to their offense than predicted. Bell is a rare talent and Williams hasn't been considered that in years (if at all). Their previous back-up RB Blount was pretty equal to Bell's production before he was traded; however, Williams last seasons in Carolina were...not so much. Add-in the realistic possibility that even after Bell returns he won't be back in last season form. It usually takes 2-3 games to get back-up to speed after injuries like that. The Steelers are possibly going to be without the full production numbers of Bell for the 1st 6 games.

 

Although the Steelers may have one of the best offensives in the league (on paper) this season, 6 early games of potentially less production on offense with a new defensive coordinator directing untested rookies really makes you wonder why they would be currently ranked in the #1 position.

 

Just saying.

AFCN FO: Defensive Needs

 

Just to further my point about AFCN Steelers and Browns needs and the role this draft plays. There is definite urgency according to insiders.“But at this point, the defense is still in need of significant attention in the draft. “ NFL Network

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/0ap3000000485275/article/saints-buccaneers-among-teams-with-most-riding-on-nfl-draft

 

For teams 'draft dependent' on this seasons's draft picks the Steelers ranked #6 and Browns ranked #4. The Browns have more talent in place on their defense than others ranked, but really need help on offense and haven't drafted well there for some time.

From the cap space that we started with to the available cap we have currently after all the moves that have been made you'd have to call the Ravens FO...brilliant.

 

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Every-Roster-Move-Of-2015-Offseason/d73708c2-6caf-454f-b05b-6fce196761ed

 

We're in the best position to stay on course. Though we lost Torrey, Haloti, Owen, Tyrod and Jacoby to free agency (I would have liked to have kept them all...but it is what it is.), it's very possible/probable that we can address all these roster loses with current players, a late free agency/trade and/or the draft. Other teams in the AFCN don't have a more reasonable, pragmatic, realistic pathway to address their needs.

 

For these reasons, many NFL insiders feel the Ravens FO are hands-down leaders thus far.

 

In Oz I still trust.

It's amazing how times can change. This division, known for its physical defenses, has all four teams needing to address their defense in some way. 

How true. That said some AFNCN defensives and offensives seem to have more urgency than others. I'm glad we're in the best position collectively.

AFCN: Offseason Roster Reset

 

The NFL Network ranks AFCN offseason roster challenges from 'best' to 'worst' position.
1 - Steelers

2 - Ravens

3 - Bengals

4 - Browns

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000484705/article/roster-reset-afc-north

 

My take away on this article: I think the defensive needs in one of the most defensive minded divisions in football should be the 'absolute priority' for ranking current rosters.

 

Based on that, the Steelers are in serious defensive trouble. With the recent retirements (3) at critical positions, change at DC and subsequent replacement player needs (CB, SS and OLB), they have to hit serious homeruns in the draft. We're looking at drafting at least 3 rookie 'elite' starters to come-in and play high-caliber NFL football opening day. That's a very high bar that has very rarely been met (if not ever met) in the modern era.

 

Secondly, the loss of Bell for 3 games could prove to be more critical to their offense than predicted. Bell is a rare talent and Williams hasn't been considered that in years (if at all). Their previous back-up RB Blount was pretty equal to Bell's production before he was traded; however, Williams last seasons in Carolina were...not so much. Add-in the realistic possibility that even after Bell returns he won't be back in last season form. It usually takes 2-3 games to get back-up to speed after injuries like that. The Steelers are possibly going to be without the full production numbers of Bell for the 1st 6 games.

 

Although the Steelers may have one of the best offensives in the league (on paper) this season, 6 early games of potentially less production on offense with a new defensive coordinator directing untested rookies really makes you wonder why they would be currently ranked in the #1 position.

 

Just saying.

While it's not the only key to success, you're kidding yourself if you don't think it doesn't play a role in success. 

Absolutely.