Ravenous_Ravens

First round pick will either be an playmaking WR or CB/S/FS. Only way Ravens draft pass rusher in first round this year is if they trade back. I would agree with Kipper for the what I think is the first time I can recall, that the pass rusher are good but not worth such a high pick. Even Bosa, was pretty quiet this last season. People are saying it is on purpose to avoid injury but that just leaves me with more questions about his passion, drive and staying power. If he was worried about injury in the college ranks, then how is he going to hold up in pro's. Pass rusher is a position that is not made better with the addition of a single player, gonna take a few guys and help in the secondary to force QB's to hold the ball that 0.2-0.3 seconds longer to get the rush home. Realistically, the young D-core we have will generate more pass rush this next season being wiser to the ways of the pro's. B. Williams, T. Jernigan will roll out the red carpet, and guys like Z.Smith and B.Urban are gonna make their presence known.

Don't get carried away thinking one player is going to solve the pass rush needs. Very few players can accomplish that feat. It will most likely be a combination of 1-3 players up front and in the secondary. Snag some solid playmaking WR that can consistently get separation. Doesn't matter how good or flashy a WR is if they are not a viable target to throw to. Treadwell and Shepard are both solid in this department and also bring much more playmaking ability. Early then bolster the pass rush with many picks. OT is not a real concern, Monroe is not going anywhere due to contract. Monroe is worth doing everything to keep, looking at Joe on that one. However if he does end up leaving they already have his replacement at LG. Not worth the early pick, maybe a mid-round pick to develop for depth.

@ Bob 21403 - I would assume 'Yes', at some point you need to cut ties with players that are not working out. It's best for everyone involved. The team can then re-utilize that roster position to attempt to become better. The player can get some honest feedback about where they stand and try to make it work somewhere else, instead of wasting time. Although it's not what anyone wants to hear, the truth is sometimes you need to hear, even though it be difficult to listen to. It will either re-focus the player and help make them stronger moving forward (guys like Aiken) or it may be a wake up call that this is just not going to be a long term plan and to adjust their course. The Ravens are not a team that bails on players until the evidence against keeping them becomes too overwhelming to continue. It would be nice if guys like Elam and A. Brown could find that next gear, but with the competitive salary cap era you cannot afford to string guys along for too long that are not contributing improving the on field performance.

If the Ravens know what is good for them they will sign Aiken sooner than later and not tender him. The man has earned a new contract with his effort and play/results this year and will be a key piece moving forward. Cannot continue to let solid players leave at WR. One good year is not enough command a top-dollar contract so don't be foolish. Give him an fair contract with bonuses as incentive. That way the Ravens pay for only what they get, and Aiken gets what he earns.

Funny people forget about D.Smith when talking about C.J. ( 2015 stats according to NFL Tackles - 121, Sacks - 3, Forced Fumble - 0, Interceptions - 1). Mosley is playing better than his stats as he says. The biggest question for all the defense going into next season including Pees is how to increase the turnovers category across the board without giving up big plays. Even 1 turnover margin per/game over the year this year and the Ravens win another 3-4 games, IMHO.

Linta will help negotiate when the time comes, but all decisions will ultimately come down the what Joe wants and thinks is best. Joe's a smart level headed person so, I do not forsee much issue negotiating a new deal. The exact details may take some time to get right, but Joe will not be a scrooge at the table. He's had enough time to think about that on his couch recovering.

Umm no. The Ravens DO NOT need "nastiness". What a foolish thing to say. The Ravens need a physically and mentally tough attitude. So called "nastiness" only brings more free chunks at 15yards a pop, usually when you least want it too. That's why the Ravens are a special team. They play like their "nasty" but don't actually cross the line, and keep it between the whistles. That is why teams do not like playing BMore ever, even this past season. Each team knows they are not getting anything for free.

The bandwagon fans are restless again. Apparently some think all injuries are preventable and that if you are injured it's has to be someone's fault and indicate one's shortcomings. Sounds right in line with the logic of being a bandwagon fan. If your going to judge someone for what they have not yet done then start with yourself.

Time for the NFL to get the Referees back up to par with the rest of the league in terms of utilizing every technology possible to make life simpler and more efficient. Referees need to be full-time positions. They are quite frankly doing an exceptional job and not compensated or provided adequate resources for the task that has changed considerably. Considering the idea of more outside "review/referee assistance" could be a great idea, as these people could also be full-time and not necessarily require the insane amount of travel. That would leave more time for them to really know the rule book. Then give the booth people direct communications to the refs on the field, so they can all stay on the same page. If they can get a solid "review/referee assistance" tool in place then perhaps they can avoid making the ref's job full-time positions, by way of lessening the burden. Honestly, what team is going to complain about the game maybe taking another 10 mins on avg to ensure the calls are being made consistently and more importantly correctly, week in and week out, no matter the venue or individual officials. The refs mostly get things right, it is not like every play would require additional review. Most games were talking about maybe 1-3 plays. Get with the times NFL.

There is way too much complaining on this board about a lack of playmakers. It's funny that people think it an even measuring stick to judge talent from guys with 1-2 yrs on their belt vs guys with 4-5 . Their is plenty of talent and the chances of another year with as many injuries is unlikely. A Healthy Ravens roster has almost enough weapons, minus WR. That is directly why Ozzie mentions getting 1-2 WR playmakers. TE and RB are set for talent for the next few seasons, the o-line will get sorted out in the next few months. Defensively speaking, there are more areas of need. I fully expect 2 offensive draft picks in rounds 1-4 and the rest being defensive players.

Either way, Andy Dalton still won't have a playoff win.

The only receivers that can expect to be on the roster next year as SSR, Aiken, Perriman and mostly likely Butler and D.Brown as depth. Guys like Waller, M.Brown and Campanaro have just not shown enough to grantee they return, whether due to injury or just not capitalizing on their opportunities. They could be back depending on how things shake up if they work hard enough. Clearly though the Ravens WR corps does need improving when watching the last season. There is no more room for guys that will develop over 3-4 years in the tight salary-cap era. There can only be a minimal amount of those types of players. Just go out and draft play makers or else you'll overpay. WR Laquon Treadwell or WR Sterling Shepard would fit that bill nicely. Might be a good idea to use K.Clay offensively next season as well. He definetly has the wheels and elusiveness in space.

People need to relax and let the people who earned their jobs as Owner, GM, coaches, scouts, etc do their job. Rarely will everyone agree on what is best, however only those directly responsible have earned the right to make the call. No one is correct 100% of the time; die hard fans, bandwagon fans especially. The real reason the Ravens are very successful is because they tend to give themselves as many options as possible for the given situation. Not putting yourself in a corner, allows for there to be an actual choice. As opposed to just doing what NEEDS to be done otherwise. Think how many teams/gms/coachs just do what is "necessary" but really is the only option and soon find themselves out of a job. That's not management, just execution and does not require any decision making. Management is difficult due to the fact there is never a clear certainty with anything. Every choice is a risk. The lack of confidence, to take a (well researched and informed) risk definitely holds most teams back. This also is reflected on the field, from the coaches perspective. One good thing that came from this last season was the motivation factor for the whole organization/team. I am going to be expecting extra hunger in everyone's game.

People need to realize that this new look Ravens team is rolling with the assumption that the offense will carry the load vs the defense. Sure defense will still to make the stops when needed but it has become very obvious that the reason the Ravens are having difficulty in the division is more due to points put up especially vs bengals. The defense does need some new additons/depth but the offensive side of the ball is where the money is mostly invested. I for one want to see Ozzie ensure this offense can click on all cylinders, even with some injuries. Face it they will happen. Need a solid WR contributor in round #1 or #2. SSR is great to have, but they need to ensure a smooth transition when he does call it quits, especially with the money invested on offense. Perriman should be good to roll next year, but who know's with the knee issue, how it will affect his play plus the time off recovering. Aiken looks to be a solid #2 but beyond that there is too much inconsistency and reoccurring injury. I only see the Ravens using 2-3 picks for offense this year and the rest defense. Just take care of offense first, as putting up points helps out of defense as well as just ball possession.

Personally I think this is the year Ozzie would be best suited to let Eric take lead on the draft. Of course weigh in with insights, but it is time to begin transitioning the GM role in a more substantial manner. He was chosen and groomed to take over one day and that day gets closer each season. I'd prefer to see him with more responsibility and allow Ozzie to prepare for his eventual exit or reduction of his current role. This also makes sense with the transitioning of the Ravens team from one of defensive prowess to one more offensively powered and a younger core of players.

Laquon Treadwell or Sterling Shepard for WR. Both could step in make solid contributions as a third down chain movers (the guys you count on when it matters) but also line up outside as necessary. Treadwell is a soid hands receiver with size, similar to a Boldin type player but slightly bigger, not a burner but quick and good separation. Shepard is quick and makes contested catches look simple, not a burner either but very shifty and elusive in space. Think SSR type player, only just getting ready to start a career, wait we also have SSR to groom him.. Either way, add another solid play maker at receiver, plus a healthy Flacco, SSR and B.Perriman and a much improved Aiken. Sounds like a formidable offense to me. Need a good coverage safety and some pass rush. I would prioritize a safety over pass rush for the simple fact that if other QB's have to hold the ball longer the D-front 7 can get home. We have guys that can get to the ball, the backed need to be able to force more coverage sacks.

WR Laquon Treadwell #1 pick or WR Sterling Shepard #2 pick with any solid coverage safety or shutdown cb. I'd much prefer to see the cover safety. Looks at steeler game when the backend was secured. Now if you don't need to drop that extra man back to do so things even outr well quickly.

Yep Keep Osemele. This is where Joe needs to be smart and renegotiate his contract to allow him team to be better equipped going into next season. The fact K.O. can play LG or LT is great for negotiations. Monroe could stay around or potentially be traded. No sense cutting him due to dead money on the contract. Flacco adjusts his contract so they can sign K.O. to a solid contract offer of a LG with added bonuses in the event he becomes the LT. Jensen has shown to be a solid fit a LG. The whole scenario plays off Flacco being a team player and I don't see that being a problem. I mean the guy goes to McDonald's after the SubperBowl and I'm sure he likes not being a pinata.

I'll commend Mallett for his new found work ethic. I'd also like to point out the underated offensive coordinator the Raven's have in Marc Trestman. The way he has navigated the injuries this season, has been nothing short of incredible. Though the results haven't gone their way, constantly shuffling the playbook for younger and less experienced players is difficult. Still as of now, they are 8th overall passing yards, 14th overall yards. The obvious areas of improvement are the points 23rd overall and running game at 24th overall. The points is a bit expected going with more and more less experienced players week by week. Basically building a foundation for next season. The running game is a bit surprising, even with early injuries. Buck is great at catching and may be playing a factor in that stat, but run game needs to be fixed to get back to competitor status. It's the difference of closing out those tight games, like the first 7 or 8 games decided by 8 pts or less, most of them in the lastfew minutes of the game too. I see a promising 2016 season. Also gotta draft this WR Sterling Shepard OU Sooners. He is very similar in size, attitude and aggressiveness attacking the ball as SSR. What better team to draft him with a #2 pick.

Injuries have destroyed this team the last 2 years. That may very well be a valid point, however many of these injuries are not related to training but more or less freak accidents. Many years those injuries have not caught up in the same way as the past couple. Still, compared to many other teams around the league the Ravens are still in a good position. This was a much needed year of growth and strengthening of resolve for the next few seasons.

..and 2nd of all if you really think joe is worth paying 20 mil a year after you just saw Mallett play(without an interception by the way which has been flaccos calling card lately,and for waaaaaay less than 20 mil) you sir are the one who's either not a true Ravens fan or just outta ur mind!! If your going to make a bold statement like this one, better make sure you take everything into account. In Flacco's situation, he was around from day one with many new faces with little experience, where mostly everyone was learning a new system. Mallet may have had to learn a new system in short order, which is a great accomplishment, but everyone else around him is now well versed in the system and have many more live game reps. One solid game does not make you a full our starter, i don't care who you are. A starter gives you a chance to win no matter what the situation for good or for worse. Joe has shown countless times that he gives the team a chance to win. Mallet does not yet have enough body of work to say the same with any confidence. That's not to say he isn't or can't get to that point, but it is definitely not accomplished in a single game. Keep drinking that purple kool-aid. Leave the football decisions to people that actually know the game and how to evaluate the players.

It's official: The bandwagon fans are restless again. Yes the Ravens are not as talented as they have been in recent years but there is reason to be optimistic for the future. This is a new beginning to a next generation Ravens team in a pass happy league. Ravens will be much improved by next season for these reasons. Flacco will re-structure his contract to keep both Yanda and K.O. Monroe's streak of injuries cannot last forever plus K.O. can handle tackle as needed with Hurst steeping in guard (where he is much more solid). Perriman will be on the field next year and even just bringing a deep threat will be enough to start the year. Aiken has shown to be a #2 wr on any team with room to grow still. After that I would keep either Butler or Campanaro for depth. I don't count on SSR returning, and draft Laquon Treadwell or other immediate impact WR with 1st/2nd pick of draft. The rest of offense is in great shape once healthy again. Defense is in desperate need a of coverage safety (draft pick #1/2). This cannot be more important. Look at the number of big plays and it's obvious. Once the back end is secured, our current CB's will be much improved knowing they can play more aggressively and tighter. It will also force Qb's to hold the ball a bit longer, giving our the D front to get to the QB more often. After that a solid disruptor/pass rusher rounds(3-4). Suggs and Dummervil as still solid players, but won't be around forever. They could both benefit from slightly less reps to stay fresher through an entire game. Final point is too many people expect every highly drafted player to be HoF material due to the early success of this franchise. Recent drafts have may not have been as memorable as ealier drafts in franchise history but some solid quality players have been drafted and will become more evident in the next 2 years. Even judging some of the players is difficult merely due to a seemingly abnormal rash of injuries. This season was a Youth Movement for the Ravens. Many of the leaders in recent days are no longer around, some due to injury. The growth from the youngsters this year will pay big dividends moving forward and I for one do not question the fight, compete, determination of heart of this team.

Better Idea for Third Jersey Pants combo: Third Jersey in styled throwback rubgy styled jersey with Ravens Crest white and red in thick horizontal lines. Incorporate the "Crossland Banner" on the shoulders. Third Pants are either black or white with thicker stripe down the side of leg using the "coat of arms from the Calvert line" design (black and yellow), again from the Ravens Crest. My gut says black pants may look best to tie into the helmets, but white could also fit the look. Just my 2 cents. The main problem I had with the provided choices is that there are already predominantly black silver, black gold and purple white colored uniforms out there. At least my proposed idea is unique and ties into the history of Baltimore. I'm not from Baltimore so I had to look up the history bit on wikipedia. It was worth the quick read.

Jalen Ramsey would be a nice addition, however it is not the main concern, the saftey position is the most critical to secure down this coming draft/offseason. Think of how many big plays spoiled games faster than a few catches underneath. A more secured back end would also give the cbs we have more confidence to play more aggressive. Jayron Kearse looks to be a great choice going this route. The guys has unmatched size to cover the large tight ends and defend the deep ball very well. He also brings more versatility to line up almost anywhere. Here's hoping.

Wuts he going to teach joe?.....Absolutely Nothing...... This statement is not very insightful. Something can be learned from anything and everything. The point here is that you can learn from mistakes the same as you can learn from successes. In fact you stand to learn more from mistakes but only is your willing to be completely honest with yourself. Sure Shaub is not at the level he once was but that does not mean he has nothing to teach. He can offer Joe an entirely new perspective leading to a more complete understanding. At this level of competition the gains a player makes are not generally leaps and bounds but rather small incremental gains that over time. Joe seems to be someone that learns very well from his mistakes as evidenced by his career. He does not get hot and bothered when things aren't going his way because he knows he can learn and adjust to find success. Give Shaub some credit. I can easily picture Flacco's level headed demeanor rubbing off on Shaub and positively affecting his decision making and overall play.