bigcatfrank1

It's bad enough some fans think we were one play away from the playoffs but now BR.com writers seem to have forgotten that we still had to play and beat the Bengals in CIN. Something we haven't done in once in the last 7 games including games at M&T. I guess that's why Mink doesn't write very often. Haha

The Ravens beat Cinci this past year at M&T. But not in Cinci...
The Ravens clearly ran out of steam and were not ready for the Top teams in the league. That is the reason they didn't make it into the playoffs . Agreed not because of one game. They could have won a couple of the close games, but they were not good enough to beat the top teams. Their record placed them exactly where they performed.

What is more interesting about last year is that the Ravens schedule, at the beginning of the season, looked to be stacked against below .500 teams. But Oakland, Washington, Dallas, and the Giants all had strong seasons. The loss to the Jets was probably the biggest let down. Plain and simple the Ravens underperformed.

Time to focus on 2017.

Weddle is clearly the Ravens best free agent signing since "Q" or maybe SSS. Anyone have a clue why the FO hasn't released Watson yet to free up more cap space? Is it the way the contract is structured... maybe after 6/1?

I think it is because of the contract structure, I cannot see them hanging on to him with Pitta's negotiation. Hopefully they turn that cap space into filling a position need, after the results of the draft.

If he is the BPA at 16 take him and make him a CB/Nickle/Dime Back to start and then move him to Safety in a couple of years.
Take another CB at 3 or 4 which leaves 2, 3, 3 or 4 for OL/C Edge/LB and WR any combination
The Ravens will have plenty of choices where they sit this year. So I'm not sure they would take Peppers over a good many on the board. But we will see.

Maybe a trade is possible but it better be a deal that works in their favor, no sense in trading into traffic and loose out chasing almost an equal player.
I think the only way I would trade is to get another 2nd rounder and that doesn't look real possible with the lower round position teams. Why would they trade up and then give up a 2nd in such a talented first 100, very improbable. So 16, 47, 78, 99, 122, 159 ,186, look to be the Ravens picks.

Harris looks, to me, to be a deep on the list guy, I think the Ravens will have others on the board ahead of him available to pick from.
I think Charlton and Barnett would rank ahead of him, even Foster and Reddick might be listed above him by the Ravens FO for front 7 choices.

However I think the Ravens will be looking at Humphreys, Davis, Cook, Charlton, Foster or Peppers at 16. with long shot on MIke Williams or Solomon Thomas.

my guess, staying with reality are , Humphrey's or Cook

  5 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I really think we need to bolster our run game, receiver, o-line and edge rusher in our first 3 rounds. The CB class is pretty deep and we can find one that is really good in the 4th and beyond. In any case, he can sit behind Jimmy and Brandon and learn and get ready. I would believe if Barnett is available when we pick, we go for it. If he isn't and one of the top 2 WRs available, we go for them instead. However, if all of them are gone we go for 1 of the top 3 RBs in the first round.

I think so too. If Mike Williams and Corey Davis both gone, I see them taking Barnett. If all three are gone, I could see them trade back a couple spots.

Its very probable that all three of them will be gone.

If they could trade back would they pass on Foster ILB, Cook RB or Peppers S who look probably under #20
or Humphry CB who lines up at #16. In most mock drafts. Even McCaffrey RB or Howard TE might be in the discussion.

Personally i think West will have a great season, last year was his first year as a split starter, and like many of the young players that got a lot of PT, they all will be better having gone through a full season with a lot of snaps....Dixon when his 4 gamer is over, again will give us a very nice 1-2 punch IMO....

I am very skeptical about West, this coming year will be his 4 season He seems to have only 1 play at a time in him. He looks great and then the 2nd carry is nothing, too many times.
His carry average is 3.9 ypc with only 1678 tot yds in 3 years and he has been given plenty of reps. It really could go either way.

By the time game 5 comes this thing could be passe, so I would take Peterson for a bargain price or one of the remaining veteran FA. Since L Murray is gone i will defer to Oz, but i believe he was a RB that the Ravens could've really used.

the "1-2 punch" didn't work last year, I just do not see why it would be considered again. sorry

Some combo of WR, CB, & DE (pass rusher) seem to be our first 3 rounds.

CB, C/G/T, WR, OLB or DE in any order but I don't see the Ravens waiting until 4th pick for a Center/G/T O line strength.
I see the one of 2 top Centers looking very good for the Ravens this year. Elflein and Pocic can play multiple O-line positions with specialty at Center. so most likely I see that pick comes in at 48 or 80.

Even a RB or Safety is in the picture within the top 100. But I can see them waiting late.

Its really going to interesting to see how the picks shape up. Good thing is that it looks like the Ravens will have some nice choices in each round. Lets hope so.

And has anyone considered our off coord sucks? This is probably at least 50% of the problem on offense. Once we have a good coordinator, then we can assess what weaknesses we have. I guess we'll ruin the first 8 games this season waiting for Morninwhig to fall on his face.

heck just switching them every year is enough to throw things off. Its pretty obvious.
I would suspect that having the same OC for a second year is bound to help. So your opinion of Mornhinweg ( spell) will have to be taken as premature at this point in time.

It really is time we see an improvement in the offense. So we will have to see how it goes. I think Flacco will come back stronger and better which should improve the O all round, WR should get a boost, O line should be better once finalized, TE will be fine, Its the Running Game I am concerned with.

  2 hours ago, GENE2407 said:

What Ozzie needs to do is nailing his 1st three rounds in the draft again. Since Flacco and Rice in 2008, we've struck out for 8 years-- no top shelf talent in any of those (sorry I'm not counting Jimmy Smith's 7 game seasons as top shelf). Get back to basics Ozzie.

KO would certainly be considered top shelf talent at a minimum.

You could argue based on the size of some of the contracts these guys have gotten that there are plenty more.

Stanley? Moseley? Jernigan? Williams? Perriman? Carl Davis?
I would say they all are top shelf talent.

plus Upshaw and KO? who are not on the Team anymore.

At #4 - Juice, Urban, Za Smith, Tavon Young - again pretty high in their positions.

I think that injuries have hurt the Ravens a bit more than Draft. You have to remember that the Ravens have only picked in the top 10 once in that time and that was last year. The returning Rookie class is probably one of the strongest in the NFL.

  On 3/18/2017 at 1:21 PM, bigcatfrank1 said:

Since we are on the topic of Rookies, The Ravens drafted strong last year and had a great post draft. So the ability to use those players has arrived. Here is a list ofthe last year rookies not to lose sight of: All of them look to be returning for a strong second year-

Ronnie Stanley- so glad Oz listened to me #1..lol, wow what a player. Wowzer

Micheal Pierce DT/NT - last year speaks for itself! All Pro in the making, wow

Tavon Young CB- I think he is as much a starter as anyone on the team. Wow

Matthew Judon OLB- This kid should be the replacement for Doom, big shoes to fill, but man did he shine at times last year,

Alex Lewis G/T- now back on the O line, can play G or T, when teamed up with Yanda or Stanley will shut down one side. Exciting young and on the verge of Pro bowl play.

Chris Moore WR- Wide receivers seem to perform better in their second year, ie Aiken, Periman, Torrey Smith, etc. especially for the Ravens. This kid could be something very special.

Maurice Canady CB- Canady showed sparks of tremendous talent in coverage, when tackling, on special teams and when put in at certain packages he played position well. The speed of the game in the backfield is about as fast as it gets on two legs. Here is a young talent who looks to have the legs.

Kennith Dixon RB- boy I hope this suspension doesn't hurt his development, I believe Ken showed that he was ready for the NFL. I would like to see him in the #2 role behind even a stronger #1 Running back ( no disrespect to West, Unfortunately I just think West is a proven #2). plug- D Murray-

Willie Henry DT- As with Lewis lost early in the season, this guy is a Beast!

Bronson Kaufusi DE- "ditto" I can't wait to see this kid in action! a Beast!

Stephane Nembot OT - Played very well on second squad, shows signs of great potential. It is time needed on the field that will tell the tale.

Matt Skura C- Matt flew under the radar last year, getting his development and NFL level experience on the PS. He could be much more the player that anyone expects.

Correa Kamalei LB- KO, down the list for a reason. Here is a player who got in fights with multiple veterans during camp last year. Who do you think won out in that deal? In my opinion, He had the sad awakening of becoming an NFL "team player" and I would bet you it started in the locker room. Get your head on straight KO, hopefully all leave last year behind them. If he uses the raw talent that everyone saw in the draft, there is huge potential. Its time to become a Pro.

Keenan Reynolds WR/KR- What does this kid have to offer? There has to be something he can do to participate, I am eager to see.

Patrick Onwuasor ILB- didn't see a lot of action, what play time was seen appeared to be solid. The jury is still out if he can become a starter, but there is potential to work with.

I am not sure any team in the NFL will return with this kind of Rookie class (+15), not including a couple additions from the off season. So lets go Sophomores, go get what you came for and give the veterans a run for their money!











 

Well, it looks as if Ozzie drafted a bunch of All-Pro's last year. That was probably one of the most homerish posts I've ever seen. Lol. 

Thank you for reading, if dont agree and it appears you do not, that is fine. Some may not be looking at it the same way.

What is very evident in my opinion is that the Ravens have a good returning class of Rookies. All the negative comments about poor selections can be quite dismantling. I think positive as much as I can.

ps, I only used All pro in regards to Pierce and Pro Bowl for Lewis.
So who is homerish

  2 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

Thanks for reading,

I will stick by my points about Running Back. Sure right now not many are on the bandwagon, however the one thing the Ravens lacked probably more than anything last year was the Running Game. I can tell you many, many agree to that.

A typo (fruedian) slip in the Murray category I have stated L Murray and I still think he is a back that fits the Ravens need. Big strong down hill runner, durable and let him pound the middle of the field. ( I called for them to pick up D Murray before he went to Dallas 3 years ago where he was wasted on the bench)

I also stand behind my points about Dixon, he is a "Dufus" because he is costing himself and the team 4 games maybe more because his "off the field" dufus choice. Yes he has shown that he is ready for the NFL on the field, those two points do not contradict each other. However I do not think he can carry the Ravens 50 to 60% offensive downhill running style that this team is built around.

Henry and Lewis both played snaps, but half the season is pretty early, to go out.
A. Lewis, just watch.

Yes at this point everyone's fighting for a roster spot, a chance or a stretch, but these are Rookies as my point !
A very talented, potential promising class of Rookies that I believe most if not all will make the team, many as starters.

Yea the Vikes just picked  up L Murray.  Lewis played, Henry didn't go in for a single snap.  This is an article on his injury and playing time.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Promote-DB-Asa-Jackson-Place-DT-Willie-Henry-On-Injured-Reserve/1e6c3934-be9b-43bc-abca-9953be8a0500

I don't think his lack of play last year means hes going to be bust though.  He did make some nice plays in preseason though. He bring something different to the table than Jernigan, pierce, williams.  Yea I just think we would have ha to pay more than Murrays worth.  A thousand yard running season isnt necessarily a measure of  RBs skill level.  At this point we have a better chance of picking up A Peterson than trading for Murray.  Although that chance is very very slim.

That is a good pick up by the Vikings.

I said Henry was out early, I stand corrected he played snaps in pre-season, Lewis went out during the season. Thank you for validating.

If Peterson can show in a work out that he meets the Ravens standards I'm sure he will command some consideration. Just not sure he has enough left in the tank for what he might cost. If he will play for $3.5-4.5 mil maybe so.

1000 yrds running season doesn't happen to too many RB's without skill level. Maybe you could list a few so I can relate.
Im concerned even more now in West play in 2016 and getting 700+ means? Because West is the RB I am concerned with.

Again my point is not to pick apart a Rookies play, because most have mistakes, but to make the point of the very promising Rookie class returning. +15 players if you look back at my original post.

4 hours ago, sami said:

bigcatfrank1, I LOVE your enthusiasm. good post and GO RAVENS!

Thanks Sami ! Go Ravens

Ozzie still has work on the defense. Who is replacing Orr , Guy, and Elvis?

Of course it is early, however my best guess right now is McClellan, Davis and Judon in that order. But there are many who can step in, the hardest to replace is Orr.

  3 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

Since we are on the topic of Rookies, The Ravens drafted strong last year and had a great post draft. So the ability to use those players has arrived. Here is a list ofthe last year rookies not to lose sight of: All of them look to be returning for a strong second year-

Ronnie Stanley- so glad Oz listened to me #1..lol, wow what a player. Wowzer

Micheal Pierce DT/NT - last year speaks for itself! All Pro in the making, wow

Tavon Young CB- I think he is as much a starter as anyone on the team. Wow

Matthew Judon OLB- This kid should be the replacement for Doom, big shoes to fill, but man did he shine at times last year,

Alex Lewis G/T- now back on the O line, can play G or T, when teamed up with Yanda or Stanley will shut down one side. Exciting young and on the verge of Pro bowl play.

Chris Moore WR- Wide receivers seem to perform better in their second year, ie Aiken, Periman, Torrey Smith, etc. especially for the Ravens. This kid could be something very special.

Maurice Canady CB- Canady showed sparks of tremendous talent in coverage, when tackling, on special teams and when put in at certain packages he played position well. The speed of the game in the backfield is about as fast as it gets on two legs. Here is a young talent who looks to have the legs.

Kennith Dixon RB- boy I hope this suspension doesn't hurt his development, I believe Ken showed that he was ready for the NFL. I would like to see him in the #2 role behind even a stronger #1 Running back ( no disrespect to West, Unfortunately I just think West is a proven #2). plug- D Murray-

Willie Henry DT- As with Lewis lost early in the season, this guy is a Beast!

Bronson Kaufusi DE- "ditto" I can't wait to see this kid in action! a Beast!

Stephane Nembot OT - Played very well on second squad, shows signs of great potential. It is time needed on the field that will tell the tale.

Matt Skura C- Matt flew under the radar last year, getting his development and NFL level experience on the PS. He could be much more the player that anyone expects.

Correa Kamalei LB- KO, down the list for a reason. Here is a player who got in fights with multiple veterans during camp last year. Who do you think won out in that deal? In my opinion, He had the sad awakening of becoming an NFL "team player" and I would bet you it started in the locker room. Get your head on straight KO, hopefully all leave last year behind them. If he uses the raw talent that everyone saw in the draft, there is huge potential. Its time to become a Pro.

Keenan Reynolds WR/KR- What does this kid have to offer? There has to be something he can do to participate, I am eager to see.

Patrick Onwuasor ILB- didn't see a lot of action, what play time was seen appeared to be solid. The jury is still out if he can become a starter, but there is potential to work with.

I am not sure any team in the NFL will return with this kind of Rookie class (+15), not including a couple additions from the off season. So lets go Sophomores, go get what you came for and give the veterans a run for their money!

Frank have you ever wondered why you are the only guy clamoring for a big name FA running back? First it was L. Murray and now its D. Murray. You do realize we would have to trade picks to get D. Murray and at this point we would have to do the same for L. Murray. It wasn't but 2 week ago when you called Dixon a "dufus" and now "Ken showed that he was ready for the NFL." Henry wasn't lost until Nov 15 (9 games) which really isn't the beginning of the season. Although he might as well have been injured because he didn't even get in for one play. Its also a bit of a stretch to say that A. Lewis is on the verge of a pro bowl invite. I am pulling for Skura and Nembot but those guys are going to be fighting for a roster spot this year.

Thanks for reading,

I will stick by my points about Running Back. Sure right now not many are on the bandwagon, however the one thing the Ravens lacked probably more than anything last year was the Running Game. I can tell you many, many agree to that.

A typo (fruedian) slip in the Murray category I have stated L Murray and I still think he is a back that fits the Ravens need. Big strong down hill runner, durable and let him pound the middle of the field. ( I called for them to pick up D Murray before he went to Dallas 3 years ago where he was wasted on the bench)

I also stand behind my points about Dixon, he is a "Dufus" because he is costing himself and the team 4 games maybe more because his "off the field" dufus choice. Yes he has shown that he is ready for the NFL on the field, those two points do not contradict each other. However I do not think he can carry the Ravens 50 to 60% offensive downhill running style that this team is built around.

Henry and Lewis both played snaps, but half the season is pretty early, to go out.
A. Lewis, just watch.

Yes at this point everyone's fighting for a roster spot, a chance or a stretch, but these are Rookies as my point !
A very talented, potential promising class of Rookies that I believe most if not all will make the team, many as starters.

People might hate this thought but I think Ross had a chance to be BPA at 16. It's not likely but he is a much more finished product that Perriman coming out. 

His routes are crisp and his hands are consistent. He is a game changer 

WR often look really good in college, but when get to the NFL cannot produce. Here in lies the proof, how many older receivers are still competitive in the NFL? Many.

Its always a risk, I think that the best way to judge a WR in the draft is look at how they performed against the top defenses in college over the past 3 years. See if there is a standout against the top CB and Safeties. It takes a lot of evaluation but I can guarantee the Ravens staff is doing it.

With Perriman and Moore being so young I am not sure that the Ravens are committed to putting another rookie on the field in place of them, taking reps away. Perriman is still developing into his "own skin" and Moore already shows signs of All Pro performance. I think we have our 3 starters in Wallace, Perriman and Moore. Not to mention, Ptta, Woodhead, Campinaro and Waller all who could easily eclipse 500 yrds in a season if given the reps in my opinion. I think a Veteran WR who will fill the slot receiver role and not expect or command a high number of reps. ( like Woodhead, a Micheal Floyd or Victor Cruz Rod Streater might perform in a contribution format )

Normally round 1 is getting a "starter" for the Ravens, yes BPA but BPA to "start", this means against the players that are already part of the roster as well.

Since we are on the topic of Rookies, The Ravens drafted strong last year and had a great post draft. So the ability to use those players has arrived. Here is a list ofthe last year rookies not to lose sight of: All of them look to be returning for a strong second year-

Ronnie Stanley- so glad Oz listened to me #1..lol, wow what a player. Wowzer

Micheal Pierce DT/NT - last year speaks for itself! All Pro in the making, wow

Tavon Young CB- I think he is as much a starter as anyone on the team. Wow

Matthew Judon OLB- This kid should be the replacement for Doom, big shoes to fill, but man did he shine at times last year,

Alex Lewis G/T- now back on the O line, can play G or T, when teamed up with Yanda or Stanley will shut down one side. Exciting young and on the verge of Pro bowl play.

Chris Moore WR- Wide receivers seem to perform better in their second year, ie Aiken, Periman, Torrey Smith, etc. especially for the Ravens. This kid could be something very special.

Maurice Canady CB- Canady showed sparks of tremendous talent in coverage, when tackling, on special teams and when put in at certain packages he played position well. The speed of the game in the backfield is about as fast as it gets on two legs. Here is a young talent who looks to have the legs.

Kennith Dixon RB- boy I hope this suspension doesn't hurt his development, I believe Ken showed that he was ready for the NFL. I would like to see him in the #2 role behind even a stronger #1 Running back ( no disrespect to West, Unfortunately I just think West is a proven #2). plug- D Murray-

Willie Henry DT- As with Lewis lost early in the season, this guy is a Beast!

Bronson Kaufusi DE- "ditto" I can't wait to see this kid in action! a Beast!

Stephane Nembot OT - Played very well on second squad, shows signs of great potential. It is time needed on the field that will tell the tale.

Matt Skura C- Matt flew under the radar last year, getting his development and NFL level experience on the PS. He could be much more the player that anyone expects.

Correa Kamalei LB- KO, down the list for a reason. Here is a player who got in fights with multiple veterans during camp last year. Who do you think won out in that deal? In my opinion, He had the sad awakening of becoming an NFL "team player" and I would bet you it started in the locker room. Get your head on straight KO, hopefully all leave last year behind them. If he uses the raw talent that everyone saw in the draft, there is huge potential. Its time to become a Pro.

Keenan Reynolds WR/KR- What does this kid have to offer? There has to be something he can do to participate, I am eager to see.

Patrick Onwuasor ILB- didn't see a lot of action, what play time was seen appeared to be solid. The jury is still out if he can become a starter, but there is potential to work with.

I am not sure any team in the NFL will return with this kind of Rookie class (+15), not including a couple additions from the off season. So lets go Sophomores, go get what you came for and give the veterans a run for their money!

Rookies seldom make great centers. The center has to make so many pre-snap reads that rookies usually do need to grow into that position. It takes 2 or 3 yrs.
So I think that a trade if they don't sign Mangold is more likely for a center for this season. They can then draft a prospect later in the draft.

Why would you draft a player later if you intend on having them be your anchor starter? Many Centers have entered the league and started. But your point does show why the Ravens may want to take a good look at John Urschel and Matt Skura in Camp.( Skura worked on the PS all year and because Zuttah stayed healthy all year they did not need to bring him up. He very well may be much better than any fans know. )

Draft at a strong pick and put the player in action, if in camp or even early games he needs improvement then the 2nd line Center will need to step up -maybe for just a little while, maybe longer.

or as you say pick up a vet Center - important at a good value price- who can add strength while the Rookie is developing. Mangold just doesn't appear to be in the price range for the Ravens. Also Oz often waits until after the Draft to fill in the final pieces. This way he can access the results of teams actual picks instead of just the "big board"

So I disagree that the Ravens should wait past #80 to pick a top Center/G in the Draft, I would prefer they look seriously at using the #48. However i don't make the decisions and anything can happen if a FA player were to make a fit.

Woodhead is not a #1 running back. I just cannot see the Ravens starting 2017 weaker than they did in 2016 knowing how rough the road was when having a sub-par running game. I'm not taking anything away from West of Dixon, I thought they stepped up and handled things ok, but it is what it is./

Its time the FO made a move to bring in a proven running back to handle the bulk of the first down objectives for this offense. I think that Dixon was developing however the suspension is a huge setback.

As far as West, he has struggled to perform on repetitive running assignments. He seems to have a burst of great ability but when coupled with a 2nd and 3 rd assignment he just did not perform. That is what enabled Dizxon to platoon in.

I just cannot agree with this type of running game, when the Ravens success has been proven with RB such as J Lewis, P Holmes, R Rice, and even Forsett. without a RB who can carry the ball 4-6 times consecutively, out of a single or multiple formation the Ravens do not fool anyone. The plays are almost projected on a big screen to a decent skilled defense

Come on Oz, get us a RB.

this isnt an update!

  38 minutes ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  2 hours ago, Ravens8383 said:

I think we are starting to see what might happen in the draft. The o-line has not been addresed in FA and I don't think it will be before the draft. Ozzie will take the best player left and I think its going to be Cam Robinson.

Not gonna happen, from draftec.com scouting report- Robinson was arrested , May 2016, for possession of illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm in his hometown of Monroe, LA. The combination of the two resulted in a felony charge. Robinson will most certainly face a suspension, as well as having his hands full trying to prove that he isn't the 2017 version of Laremy Tunsil.

Charges were dropped and if you knew the details, you'd know that Cam didn't really have anything to do with that. He had the rental car and the gun was under the seat - his friend actually turned it over to the police as soon as they arrived. There was less than a half of gram of weed under the seat.

thanks for giving me the up-date, i retract my concerns if true. I still don't see Cam at #16, but if he is the talent that is talked about the Ravens can sure use a great O-line player

  53 minutes ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  5 hours ago, Sami84 said:

There is no chance this team, based on what they have done and can feasibly do in the future, can make the playoffs. There is no offensive line and no playmakers. No pass rushers either. Sorry this can't all be recitified in the draft unless ozzie hits on every single pick which has never happened and won't happen. Wasted money on a overrated run stuffer. The only upgrade has been Jefferson. We downgraded on our O line RT. We havent improved, we are exactly the same last year with a worse offense.

This is interesting perspective, on one hand Adding Jefferson, Woodhead and Carr doesn't look like a very, high level FA so far. But adding them to retaining Williams, Wallace and Pitta makes the picture a whole lot clearer. Also Oz still has some cash, so I don't think they are completely finished.

Coach said we need playmakers, Woodhead looks to be a solid playmaker and should outperform Juice. Jefferson probably has a few interceptions in his bag and hopefully a couple of QB sack/safety blitzes. Carr doesn't really impress me.

As far as downgrading O-line, I dont really see it, Zuttah caused as much trouble as he provided. Wagner was stuck at RT and he was not at all the best that the Ravens can do. I say get Elflein at Center and the Ravens O-line has improved. We must remember that A Lewis will be back and strong the guy is a beast!

There has been a loud call for Zack Brown, however he does not improve the pass rush situation.

I call for a playmaking RB in FA. Latavius Murray is my pick but there are a few still out there.

So I ask you if the Ravens added Murray and Brown does that make you feel a little better? Or are you more of the WR/OLB type of wishful thinker?

I definitely would love Ozzie to sign Zach Brown and even Murray but l want Zach Brown the most. If they somehow get Murray than either Terrance West or Dixon will probably get cut but l think it's best to find a RB gem in the draft. At passrushing we could get Derek Barnett in the first who had 13 sacks last year at Tennessee could be a good pick at 16.

ps.. Dixon is suspended for 4 games, no telling how long it will take him to get himself to game play. By then anything can happen.
Starting RB L Murray, T West and D Woodhead sounds good to me. We can find a spot for Dixon when he returns

  53 minutes ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  5 hours ago, Sami84 said:

There is no chance this team, based on what they have done and can feasibly do in the future, can make the playoffs. There is no offensive line and no playmakers. No pass rushers either. Sorry this can't all be recitified in the draft unless ozzie hits on every single pick which has never happened and won't happen. Wasted money on a overrated run stuffer. The only upgrade has been Jefferson. We downgraded on our O line RT. We havent improved, we are exactly the same last year with a worse offense.

This is interesting perspective, on one hand Adding Jefferson, Woodhead and Carr doesn't look like a very, high level FA so far. But adding them to retaining Williams, Wallace and Pitta makes the picture a whole lot clearer. Also Oz still has some cash, so I don't think they are completely finished.

Coach said we need playmakers, Woodhead looks to be a solid playmaker and should outperform Juice. Jefferson probably has a few interceptions in his bag and hopefully a couple of QB sack/safety blitzes. Carr doesn't really impress me.

As far as downgrading O-line, I dont really see it, Zuttah caused as much trouble as he provided. Wagner was stuck at RT and he was not at all the best that the Ravens can do. I say get Elflein at Center and the Ravens O-line has improved. We must remember that A Lewis will be back and strong the guy is a beast!

There has been a loud call for Zack Brown, however he does not improve the pass rush situation.

I call for a playmaking RB in FA. Latavius Murray is my pick but there are a few still out there.

So I ask you if the Ravens added Murray and Brown does that make you feel a little better? Or are you more of the WR/OLB type of wishful thinker?

I definitely would love Ozzie to sign Zach Brown and even Murray but l want Zach Brown the most. If they somehow get Murray than either Terrance West or Dixon will probably get cut but l think it's best to find a RB gem in the draft. At passrushing we could get Derek Barnett in the first who had 13 sacks last year at Tennessee could be a good pick at 16.

Yes, I agree! Ok OZ go get Zack Brown and Murray we approve. Barnett is a strong kid. There is a kid named Tim Williams who I would keep your eye on, if we miss out at #16, He fits the mold and might slip to 48, though I still think we need a Center. I was just reading Scout reports on the top 50. What is amazing is how many great picks will be around for the 2nd round.

I wonder what the Ravens could get for a first rounder? Just thinking outside of the box. Could they get 2 second round picks? Or is there a team who picks low enough to get the 1st and 2nd for them to move up? Giving the Ravens 3 2nd rounders?? hmmmmmm I think I would do it...but Im a crazy mug.

  58 minutes ago, huntrgathrr said:

Excellent move....we now have 3 very solid corners on Carr, Young and Smith as well as 2 very good safeties in Weddle and Jefferson. Levine also gives them some depth.
If Kafusi, Z. Smith and Correia step up this year this could be an awesome defense. We need a good pass rusher to go along with Judon since IMO Sugg's is over the hill and will probably retire. We also need a replacement for Orr if Correia can't handle it. Maybe McClellan?? Our D line is solid with Williams , Jernigan Urban and Pierce. Some quality depth would be nice.
The offense will be fine if we sign Mangold or someone like him and get an adequate replacement for Wagner. Hurschel at center makes me nervous. Alex Mack should take over at left guard. I guess Hurst or Jensen can handle R tackle. Sorry to see Ducasse and Wagner leave though.
Maxx Williams needs to step up this year and be the guy we thought we drafted. Boyle and Pitta will be ok if he doesn't.
I like the recievers we have,,,,Waller, Perriman, Wallace and Moore. Hopefully Aiken stays. Getting Bolden back wouldn't hurt. I love Dixon and West. Woodhead should provide some versatility.
This team is starting to take shape and looks pretty good. Great improvements in the secondary make us better already. We should be able to get some decent OL, LBs, and corners in all of the 1st 4 rounds. The big pieces are in place so we really need some depth.
I bet Ozzie takes the best middle LB available in the first round and picks up the best offensive lineman with his second pick. After that he will go for a McPhee-type pass rusher in the third. All of these should be available to him and would give the Ravens a good shot to contend next year.

Elflein Center at #48 second round. Leaving the #16 first pick to BPA for anyone of the WR, RB, Edge, LB, CB that may be available. Then 3- 6 they can focus on strengthening depth.

from Draftek.com- "Elflein is one of the safer senior prospects in the country. He enters his fifth year moving to center after playing primarily guard the last two seasons. This kind of versatility is something that most teams crave among their offensive linemen. The transition shouldn't be difficult for him, and in fact, it may be his more natural fit at the next level. What stands out about Elflein most is his technique. He plays with terrific hand-placement on his punch, usually getting his hands inside of his opponents. His footwork is usually spot on as well. Elflein routinely puts himself in proper position off the snap, in order to execute his assignment. One of the more difficult tasks among lineman is to get outside of and turn a player that is initially lined up outside of them. Elflein is a technician in this area and often completes the task. He also plays with a low center of gravity. He gets underneath his competition and lets his lower-body strength take it from there. Whether it is driving his opponents or pass-protecting, he drops his anchor and immediately absorbs their power and/or applies his own."

This is the kind of player the Ravens need at Center!

I think we are starting to see what might happen in the draft. The o-line has not been addresed in FA and I don't think it will be before the draft. Ozzie will take the best player left and I think its going to be Cam Robinson.

Not gonna happen, from draftec.com scouting report- Robinson was arrested , May 2016, for possession of illegal narcotics and a stolen firearm in his hometown of Monroe, LA. The combination of the two resulted in a felony charge. Robinson will most certainly face a suspension, as well as having his hands full trying to prove that he isn't the 2017 version of Laremy Tunsil.

There is no chance this team, based on what they have done and can feasibly do in the future, can make the playoffs. There is no offensive line and no playmakers. No pass rushers either. Sorry this can't all be recitified in the draft unless ozzie hits on every single pick which has never happened and won't happen. Wasted money on a overrated run stuffer. The only upgrade has been Jefferson. We downgraded on our O line RT. We havent improved, we are exactly the same last year with a worse offense.

This is interesting perspective, on one hand Adding Jefferson, Woodhead and Carr doesn't look like a very, high level FA so far. But adding them to retaining Williams, Wallace and Pitta makes the picture a whole lot clearer. Also Oz still has some cash, so I don't think they are completely finished.

Coach said we need playmakers, Woodhead looks to be a solid playmaker and should outperform Juice. Jefferson probably has a few interceptions in his bag and hopefully a couple of QB sack/safety blitzes. Carr doesn't really impress me.

As far as downgrading O-line, I dont really see it, Zuttah caused as much trouble as he provided. Wagner was stuck at RT and he was not at all the best that the Ravens can do. I say get Elflein at Center and the Ravens O-line has improved. We must remember that A Lewis will be back and strong the guy is a beast!

There has been a loud call for Zack Brown, however he does not improve the pass rush situation.

I call for a playmaking RB in FA. Latavius Murray is my pick but there are a few still out there.

So I ask you if the Ravens added Murray and Brown does that make you feel a little better? Or are you more of the WR/OLB type of wishful thinker?