bigcatfrank1

How can you not expect the young Ravens LB and DT's not to be better in the rush this year coming? The Ravens are loaded with talent. The backfield must get the QB to hold the ball another second and the sacks will come. Coverage has to improve, I understand your point however who can you expect to strengthen this Defensive backfield? Smith, Weddle Webb? Only Young is on the up hill climb. Also if Zuttah leaves, the Ravens will almost be forced to take a top Center. I could see the Ravens going Pass Rush round 2 or 3 but if the player is not there they will wait and grab one in the late rounds. chicken or the egg? but also its a depth issue, the Ravens are deep at LB and DT.

Here is my opinion; #1 Cornerback - #2 Center - #3 Wide Receiver- #4 Safety - #5 OLB/DE #6 Guard.

only if the price is right I mean what games did some of you guys watch for Christ sake this guy is good But NOT Great and should make nowhere close to 10 mill a year and with we overpay him we will be set back again I would rather have a top CB or Receiver I watched every game, no one played as well as Willams. Sure The Ravens young guys did a good job, however big guys cannot play all the downs no matter who they are. So your point is you would rather give up first downs, control of the ball and possibly multiple scores. No one is arguing getting a CB, It can be done but lets stay in contention. Williams shut down run games, he has the capability of playing some pass however its not his best suit. The Ravens have no veteran DL if Williams goes. I believe he is an anchor of the team. He is a leader on and off the field. I would give up Zuttah and Dumervil for Williams any day of the week. I would risk a Rookie Center or developing a replacement, than a weakened DL. The LB crew will be fine without Doom. As far as a WR, the Ravens can afford one with the loss of SSr. I argue that the Ravens have the space to keep Williams. If you are saying you don't want him, that is just something that we disagree on.

I would have to agree, I don't want to find fault with T West however he just seems to have trouble with consistency. He had the same problem in Cleveland. Too many times he would put up 3-5 yards and then nothing for the next two plays. Dixon seemed to have a little more success and also found a few more holes. I think the Ravens should try to land a playmaking RB if they can land one, such as Lacy or Murray. Then Dixon can have another year to mature. West can be the alternate back. That would be a great 1-2-3 Allen can compete in camp but I see him as a practice squad player or let go unless West takes a dive. The Ravens should pull out more stops this year in FA. My FA picks are keep B Williams (10-11mil) - grab RB L Murray (8 mill)- WR V Cruz ( 5 mil) and- Sterling Moore CB (4 mil) = stay under 20 mil to get them I would release Dumervil, Zuttah, Aiken, Price, Wright, Arrington, Watson, Elam, Powers, and Wagner. ( including SSr and Orrs $) that should be enough salary space.= gain 26 mil ( im considering J Smith and T Young as the starting CB and Weddle and Webb as the starting S) keep the rest of the starters- and 2nd string as possible. keep everyone else possible in balancing the cap and leave just enough $ for Draft money- get 2CB, C, WR, OG, S and DE or OLB. in that order. I know that leaves the O line possibly with a rookie Center, however moving Yanda back to Right Guard changes the O line tremendously or Lewis can play Right Tackle. The Ravens will need to get more from the second stringers, someone has to step up! Stanley, Lewis and Yanda are going to have to anchor the offensive line. But then I'm sure there are plenty who disagree with me on these choices. Probably glad im not making the decisions. lol

keep Williams

Big Cat I sure did not make my point I thought I was defending Joe . I actually pulled this post because others answered better than me.. ok, yeah I was confused by it. NP, of course Joe could blow it and play like crap. But I dont expect that, At least lets hope not.

keep Williams

If you get a chance visit www.pro-football-reference Joe Flacco. On the lower part of the page you find an interesting statistic reference called- Similar Players - NFL (QB) players whose career was of similar quality and shape per year the same career year. Joe Flacco year 2- Andy Dalton, Jim Kelly*, Ben Roethlisberger, Fran Tarkenton*, Joe Namath*, Matt Ryan, Jim Plunkett, Bernie Kosar, Year 3- Jim Kelly, Andy Dalton, , Ben Roethlisberger, Fran Tarkenton*, Joe Namath*, Matt Ryan, Ken O Brian, John Elway Year 4- Jim Kelly, Ben Rothlesberger, Fran Tarkenton*, Joe Namath*, Ken O Brian,Jim Plunkett, John Elway, Bernie Kosar, Year 5- Jim Kelly, Ben Roethlisberger, Fran Tarkenton*, Joe Namath*, Eli Manning ,Arron Brooks, John Elway, Warren Moon, Drew Bledsoe Year 6- John Elway, Jim Kelly, Ben Rothlesberger, Eli Manning*, Eli Manning, Doug Williams , Bernie Kosar, Arron Brooks Year 7- John Elway, Jim Kelly, Ben Rothlesberger, Eli Manning*, Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe, Fran Tarkenton Year 8- Eli Manning, Mark Brunnell, Ken O Brian, John Hadl, Drew Bledsoe, Bob Griese, Jim Everett, Steve Mc Nair not too shabby of company... even had a Tom Brady, Matt Ryan and a couple Arron Brooks very similar years. obviously not in the "hurler" catagory. No Montana, Unitas, Young, Stauback, Marino, Favre or Fouts type years.

It is going to be very hard for the Ravens not to take a CB in round one. The need is too great and the choices are very strong. I would say 90% chance they take a CB. the 10% left over will be "best player available". Now second round is going to be interesting, there could be many players to pick from very close in talent and rating. Based on them picking a CB in round 1, I would say Pass Rush, S or WR are going to be looked at very seriously. However, if I put my money out there I would say they pick a Center. I dont think they will not want to let a high round Center fall any further. ( unless they work a deal in FA) I could see the Ravens trying to trade for another 2nd rounder. 3rd round and 4 wow...imagine of they pick CB-1 then a C- 2, now they could go WR, OLB, S, or DE. As usual, round 1 and 2 will determine rounds 3 and 4 for the Ravens again this year .

24mil is the CAPHit not Joe's salary.I am pretty sure his real salary is not in top five. Alao thought Cousins francise tag was 24 mil which put him third highest Romo got paid the #1 salary and he didn't even play! lol so whats your point Swift. Joe's cap was re-negotiated his salary is constant his cap hit goes up. He knows that the Playoffs and a SB run is what the Ravens goal is and why the cap was structured the way it was. I expect to see the playoffs this year coming, i think Joe will come out swinging. I think you need to look around the team a bit more. No one is more committed and Joe has already negotiated. I also think he would be willing to do just about anything to make the team work better, but you better be prepared to hold every player accountable.

I will just express my opinion, You need to be more of a real football fan than just a Ravens fan or a TV fan. So it was an off year. You seem to have some knowledge of the history and players. Let me try to put this in a different perspective. You were young but you must remember Dan Marino. Dan had great stats and he even had a perfect season record, but never won a Super Bowl. He had some down years too. He was at one time the highest paid NFL player, he had his worst season the year following and actually lost faith in his team. He went on to write about it and realized that he can only change what was in his power to change. There are many other QB's you can look at in NFL history, who have struggled as the " on-the field" leader type personalities. But Joe still holds the NFL Playoff record for first 5 years of QB Carreer. Joe has been in the playoffs 6 years (winning seasons as well) out of his 9 year career. He has fought through an injury and many team injuries. I do not think you could find a more committed Raven than Joe Flacco. I will stay a fan, sure its hard sometimes but having a team and history like the Ravens isn't one of them. Try being a Saints fan, or Atlanta, or Titans, Jacksonville, Jets, Buffalo, even lately Vikings, Bears, Tampa Bay, Cleveland, are you really ready to trade for that? Just voicing my opinion. Let it play out and see. If Joe fails, he is not the first one. The Ravens will get another QB in a couple of years. But if I have any notion of Joe and the Ravens, you haven't seen the last of the playoffs.

Ravens probably will not use the tag, its more than they want to spend at the position. However, offering a cap maneuvered contract is still very much in the making. 10-11 mil that includes some bonus and deferred cap money is doable. The Ravens certainly will get a couple WR's, keeping Williams does not change that. Probably one in FA and a young draft pick. I do not see anyone else that will get the Tag offer on the Ravens team.

basically, why play football. 31 teams dont know what they are doing, what a joke. The Falcons gave away the biggest game they ever played in and you are touting your sense of smell, we all know where nose goes. Its kind of silly that some still want to use excuses for bad play by a team. The Ravens played bad in 2016 end of story. its 2017 and the Ravens get 7 or so picks and a shot at maybe 3 or 4 FA. Why don't you state what you would do, besides get on your knees and cry Uncle to tommy boy.

Don't see a franchise tag, WIlliams would probably take a lower salary contract with the Ravens. Go 5/50 or 4/44 he will take it. No way Wagner gets LT money. he walks or is willing to win playoff games and take the bonuses. Juice will sign with the Ravens for a much better deal. WR and RB are available FA's. Aiken will probably walk so a Marshal, Garcon or a Cruz type would be fine. I could see the Ravens making a RB deal and releasing either Allen or West. No doubt a CB is in the works.

I'm really not trying to be an alarmist but the way I see our roster is this: Offense: QB - set RB - I am fine with what we have but so many feel we could use an upgrade TE - I am fine with what we have but so many feel we could use an upgrade WR - Need to replace SSS and maybe Aiken Oline - Need to replace Zuttah and maybe Wagner and add bigger stronger depth Defense: Safety - Webb needs to be upgraded CB - Need upgrade opposite Jimmy and possibly another quality addition to back up jimmy when he misses games as he does MLB - need to replace Orr OLB - need more pass rush Oline - there will most likely be a drop off in production if Williams goes so we will need to try and help Pierce and maybe Davis if they are not up to the task. So thats every group but QB, RB and TE. I know we have young draft picks that should be able to fill some of these voids but the FO doesnt speak about them with confidence. I think we will field a respectable team next season but it will be a surprise if they can fill all of those weaknesses. I also have high hopes that Maxx will have a big year after setting rookie TE records last year. And our draft picks from last year may also contribute in a possitive way taking some of the pressure off the FO. Thanks, yes thats much clearer look and I would agree with most. Obviously all NFL teams go into a season with question marks, there is no way any team can go into a season filled with Pro-bowlers at every position. So its about relying on the young, rebound, or recouping players will step up. I think the MLB & OLB will be ok, it will take a while to reach Orr level but there are other strengths. Webb was better than league average, expect he will improve more. SO if we keep one of Williams, Wagner or Zuttah that leaves - 2 needed- one FA one in the draft Get a mid level WR- Cruz, Garcon type and a low end draft CB- get a FA and 2 in the draft that leaves 3 draft choices for - LB, RB and Safety (or any options) Ravens just need to add a couple playmakers, stop the stupid mistakes and get healthy. They really could have beaten most teams last year it they didn't beat themselves first.

Cruz could work, most WR in his situation are risks. However he is coming back from injury not headed into one.

I hope you are right because I can see some other team overpaying Wagner and Alex Lewis moving to RT. That might leave us looking for 2 OLineman in the draft. Also FA but whoever is available may not be as good as what we are letting go if Zuttah and Wagner are gone. Why does it feel like we have major needs at every possition but QB, RB and TE? Ozzie has some work to do this year. I think you are stretching things about every position, its a match game when you are facing FA with the talent the Ravens have. I find it amazing how its said there is so much to need, yet, we value every player we have? Lets look at it just a little more in detail instead of generalizing- Jacket is correct; Tackle or a Guard in the draft - added to Stanley, Lewis, Yanda, Jenson, Urshel, newbies- Nembot, Skura, Pughsley, De Ondre with an option at Ducasse. QB, TE, strong RB and WR good but could use some strengthening The D line is solid, just need to decide on Williams. The LB corp is well above average. Safeties corp finished well last year, solid for the most part. CB is the position of big need for the Ravens . The Ravens are in better shape than many NFL teams, They need to tweek things and maybe be a little more risky in my opinion.

Perriman will have his best year, there is no reason not to expect it. Another reason why the Ravens do not need to go looking for a #1. Its do or die for Brashard, this is a reason that I think that Victor Cruz would be a good fit. Cruz is on the downhill end of his career and he is a different type of receiver than Perriman and Wallace. Great in the slot, good hands, quick cuts and can work the field. If the Ravens can get Cruz for around 4-5mil and that is a nice price to fit in with Wallace, Perriman, Moore, Campinaro, + a couple of young prospects.

Cruz might fit real well in with the Ravens. These 2 teams have a very, very similar system, QB and basic approach on field. Cruz is good in the slot, he is big and he is used to working with smaller speedier wideouts. Sure drop an offer at Cruz, he might be a great fit for the right price.

he wants to get a great offer from the Ravens, just take it Brandon and all will be ok. You will be able to sleep again.

From strictly an "on-field" look, you could be correct. I think player squad has to become a part of the equation. The Top guys need to be shouldered with the " upper" talent and the up and coming. All these equate to salary amounts. But you have to add the off field "business" that comes down to affordability, value of position, competitive salaries and contracts. Then how to work that with 70 revolving NFL players each yea, and then subsequent years based on contract terms. The Ravens will need Safety's soon, RB, QB. those are "high" cap NFL positions. Some say "average Joe", but imagine what QB contacts might look like in 2020.

Balance, that is the reason. The overall Team cost is looked at in basically 3 squads Offence, Defense and ST same as Draft and Coaching etc. The Cost value per position is where the Ravens front office may have to really look at this situation. Length of contracts for Offensive linemen will become too imbalanced if they lock down Wagner at a high/long cap plan. A big Reason is the future of Stanley. With Yanda, Stanley, Lewis and the need for an NFL center, the Ravens simply will not commit another 10mil to the O-line.6.5 is the max I think they will consider for RT in the current state of the squads. At some point there is going to be a lower salary, not every position can have a "cap" max guy. lets ask this then, why would the Ravens have even considered allowing KO to walK? Its unfortunate for RIcky because sometimes its timing, but the the FO has pockets glued for Stanley and Lewis. If want my opinion, his agent would be smart to tell him to consider staying in Baltimore. He may end up overextended working on a poor offense. 4yrs/ 26 mil would be a great deal, imagine if he gets a Ring and Super Bonus too!

agreed on all counts! A couple of added tweeks- para 1- considering that the replacements to a 4 yr vet NT are both 3 yr DT and 2nd and first year rookies. Someone needs to anchor this line. Keep Williams parra 2- 5yr/ 50 mil Do it Oz! para 3- Doom, Arrington, Watson ( not Pitta ), Elam, Aiken, Powers, Wright, Zutta, (maybe Wagner), Smith Sr. Orr, 1 TE, 1 RB, gone para-4 keep Wallace. get two corners, develop a Center. The young LB corp is gonna do fine! Add a RB, WR, if needed OT on Offense. para 5- It all starts with shutting down the run. 80% of NFL teams, while throw more than run, would run the ball down your throat if you let them. good post DH21

vague, quite vague. First Flacco is not going anywhere until after 2018 so 2 more years, time to end the pleading for something that many do not agree with you about, especially since its not going to happen. Second, Williams is going to deal on a good deal for himself and his family, not on what he is "offered" in order for us, the Ravens or any other NFL owner thinks won't "break the bank" or save money for mo. Certainly you can't expect a low ball offer to work. The Ravens are in a much better place to work out deals this year than in the " KO " and "Nagta" FA timing. Williams is worth 10mil yr. and, as far as the NFL knows, worth more. The Ravens can afford a deal. Values for positions get set by competition. I believe he is worth top dollar from the Ravens, some may not agree. 5 yr /$50 mil make the offer OZ and i bet he stays. As far as Wagner, again he can be kept. The question is what is he worth to the Ravens? His position should not command quite the dollar height of a NT. Hopefully he can be retained for 6.5 mil yr something like a 3 yr /$20 mil. make the offer OZ, if he walks he may not get more and might stick around. Otherwise Draft the big guy and Put Yanda back on the right side, we have been there before. I also do not believe that the Wallace is the contract that the Ravens should give up to gain Williams back. It saves 5.5 in space, rather I would give up the Dumerville contract at almost the same 5.3. So there are some facts and figures ( ballpark) as some ways to look at keeping them. its a total team situation agreed. However I would give up Dumervil, Guy and Powers to Keep Williams at this point in the careers. We might get a trade deal with Doom

Good option pick if - 1. The Ravens BPA for a need position 2. Wagner doesn't stay around. 3. Banner stays live till pick 3, 4 or deeper for the Ravens fold. CB, CB, S or Pass Rush, seem top #1 and #2 al. BPA WR, OL, LB second tier