January J

4 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I think something that goes forgotten in god situation is that we face leveon bell, and Jeremy hill twice a year and if we wanna do anything in the postseason we'll need to stop legarrette Blount as well, and with Brandon Williams likely leaving we can't afford a safety as our 2nd ilb 

Who exactly are you referring to? Also why I dont think I'd be happy if we took peppers expecting him to play there. Even at safety- he does kill 2 birds & what not giving us a returner but he doesn't have a knack for creating turnovers- which is what we need. Turnovers is what win games.

10 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

Makes sense.  I think Pumphrey is more the type of RB that we're looking for as opposed to a true 3 down type of guy.  If we find one, great, but I believe we're looking to add another element to what we already have.  Pumphrey is that small guy who can hit the home run.  Dixon and West are more of the wear you down, bruiser types, although they are fairly elusive.  We're just missing someone with that extra gear in the open field.

Agreed. What are your thoughts on Cook if he were to fall to 16?  A lot of people still don't believe in drafting rbs in the first round since so many talented ones can be found much later- dixon being a prime example. Esp with our other needs. But then again you look at guys like Zeke ( albeit he's behind a killer o line) or Jamal Lewis who took us all the way and was a intricate part of getting us that ring. We need to get back to the run first mentality- but is Dixon that guy? I think he definitely could be. Id kinda rather go CB at 16 ( or WR if mike or Corey happen to Fall) but I certainly wouldn't be mad if we took Cook.

I think peanut might take that next step  this offseason and become our next starting ILB next to Mosley. He had a mean streak in last years camp and pissed a lot of ppl off. Could be what we need. I think he has the talent just  needs to refine his skills a bit. He's nasty though. Would continue the trend of a UDFA making the team and  getting a starting job too. But yeah I don't see ILB as a need persay.

Turron Davenport has stated we are spending a tremendous amount of time with RB Donnel Pumphrey.

12 hours ago, RaineV1 said:

Dane Brugler is dead set on the Ravens taking Cook in the first. The latest Bleacher Report mock has us getting Mike Williams.

For some reason I just get that feeling that Cook will be our guy. If he falls to 16 I see oz pulling the trigger almost without hesitation. It may not be popular at first- but if we bolster our o line and get back to that run first raven mentality it could do wonders. Then if we make a FA splash for  a vet receiver such as Marshall or Jeffrey imagine how much joes game could improve. May not be a bad idea. Take a rb 1st...then focus on getting a mauling center. Cornerback also has to be addressed before the third round. If we can be aggressive and trade back into the second to get one of the falling DBs that would be my ideal scenario.

1) Cook

2) Pocic

3) trade up for best available corner or safety. Desmond king maybe? Finally cut ties with Webby and use those savings for a vet cb.

The rest of the draft can be pass rush pass rush pass rush- and then maybe take a stab at a backup qb. Who knows- might get lucky like the cowboys did.

Just imagining Dixon, Cook and West behind a stout o line has got me salivating. Then if we were to get Joe a true #1 through FA-  along with Wallace and perriman we could really open up the passing game and the deep ball/ play action plays will actually work. We really need maxx to take that next step but Waller could be our guy. If crock stays healthy and Boyle keeps his nose clean we will have a very formidable offense. Pitta is still a major question mark in my eyes. If he doesn't take a paycut unfortunately hes gotta go. But that could leave us vulnerable iif those guys don't do what we need  them to.. Really blows to see Jesse James striving in pitts offense and maxx struggling like crazy.

Well I was most excited about ORR . I truly believe he was right on the verge of taking that next step into stardom. You just can't get anymore unlucky than that. I think I'm most excited about seeing what Kenneth Dixon becomes. I think  he has a breakout year and becomes our bellcow.

I also have a strange feeling ozzie might take Dalvin Cook if he makes it to 16. Mixed feelings about that but if we bolster the line and get back to a run first mentality it could do us wonders. I also think Ozzie uncharacteristically makes a splash in FA for a big name FA receiver such as Jeffrey or Marshall.

On 1/22/2017 at 4:32 PM, OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL said:

Looks like with  Orr done, a spot has opened up for him. Or if we plug McClellan there, and if Doom is gone, a spot is there too....the question is, what is Correa doing this offseason to better himself, and get on the field? 

Have our coaches issued challenges to each player, giving them a list of things to work on in the offseason? Because my daughters soccer coaches even do that, hopefully our coaches have.

They all get off season conditioning packets lol! Whether they follow them is up to the player and whether they truly want a starting job or not. I think KC is better off outside but maybe with an entire camp STRICTLY inside he can make more strides. If not its a huge disappointment considering who was on that board. Michael Thomas- Sterling Sheppard-  Alexander - Deon Jones- and ofcourse Jack and Spence. (We have to remember we got those two extra 4ths though- which seems to have gotten us some very key contributors) difficult to weigh the outcome- atleast gotta give him another year to show what he can do. But yeah this year was a major letdown from him. 

43 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

1. MAYBE we would have been able to stabilize one of those groups. With McPhee, the moment you pay him that kind of money, he becomes your new #1 pass rusher. That means he's playing over Suggs and Dumervil in most situations, not just occasionally rushing the passer on 3rd down as a sub-package player. He's gonna be out their rushing or playing coverage on 60,70,80% of his snaps, something that he had never done.

Maybe he would be good at it, maybe he wouldn't. Maybe he only plays 9 games for us like he did for Chicago this year, in which case you would then be bashing Ozzie for that deal too. Its that kind of hindsight analysis that has never actually made a team or franchise better.

2. Similar situation with KO. We don't actually know that he would have solidified anything, because you've never actually seen KO play LT for 16 games, which is what he would have done here if he had been retained. Easy to say, again, in hindsight, that he's an All Pro guard, but we also have an All-Pro guard who is making significantly less than he has, and other teams have similar. 

3. Sure, we can get anybody we want. We could probably swing a trade for Tom Brady if we really wanted to. But its not about being able to just afford anybody. Its about figuring out how to construct a roster when you don't have the money to get guys that you might like to get. 

4. If we are moving on from Webb, then who plays safety for us this year? Heck, in your scenario, its tough to see how Weddle is on this team. So now there's no Weddle and no Webb. So who are our safeties?

5. You're completely ignorant on Watson. For starters, his numbers weren't propped up by playing with Brees. We know this because he had pretty good numbers for 3 years in Cleveland, where there is no Drew Brees. He was putting up better numbers than Pitta was in Cleveland before Pitta got paid for some added context there.

Additionally, it certainly was a need at the time they signed him. If you recall, at the time he signed with us, Pitta was as close to retirement as he was to playing again, Gillmore was recovering from multiple offseason surgeries with no timetable for a return (he barely played this season), and Boyle was just slapped with a ten game suspension.

So if we didn't sign Watson, we were left with Maxx Williams and maybe Darren Waller at TE at the time. Yikes.

So yes, needless to say, he was a "need" at the time. Again, hindsight isn't a luxury the FO has. Its specifically for the fans, and its why it doesn't matter.

6. Nobody is saying Ozzie is perfect. But it would be nice if fans actually picked relevant gripes and considered all aspects of the decision instead of these lazy approaches like "if we want him we can afford him", which isn't how it actually works in the NFL.

Well said. Too many fans basing things off hindsight. If watson doesn't get injured and balls out with 10 TDs Ozzie's a genius. We were graded with one of THE best off seasons last year. Didn't pan out the way we had hoped- but things happen. And we were still very close. A play or two away from winning the north- and we almost certainly would've made it to the AFCG givin the path we would've faced. A second shot at the pats ( whom we generally play well against in the playoffs) and who knows what happens. We've got a lot of work to do though.

I'm just completely blown away. I had just heard we had made progress in contract negotiations with him. He was right on the verge of becoming a star and receiving a huge payday so you know it has to be serious. This just really sucks any way you look at it. What was one of our strongest positions now becomes a need. We just can't catch a break. Would much rather him play it safe  than risk getting paralyzed or even worse though. Damn. He was quickly becoming one of my favorite players man.

I had a feeling that the press conference was going to be Ozzie announcing this was his last ride- this just took me by complete surprise. 

Just goes to show you that nothing is promised and how fragile players careers can be. I think this was something he was born with if im not mistaken but one hit can end your career.

Complete shock. He was right on the verge of becoming a star. Glad they found it before he was seriously injured though or even worse. As much as this sucks - football is not life.

I'd be thrilled with Sidney Jones and tj watt in 1 & 2. 

Grab a center and maybe a falling WR and I'd see that as a success.

We need to be aggressive this time. I know we like quantity but if we have somebody we really covet who slips down we need to trade up and go after him. Having depth is great but this time around Playmakers are essential.

48 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I like elder myself. He's a hell of an athlete, he looks so reckless on film though is my only concern, I could see his fundamentals breaking down a good bit

That's a huge red flag to me. IMO the main thing we need out of a corner is discipline. A sure tackler but somebody whos not scared to actually go after the ball.

1 hour ago, ravensnation5220 said:

Just looked at a bunch of tape of Gareon conley. He might have the best man to man cover skills in this class. The best part about him. He ALWAYS turns his head to locate the football. Rarely called for PI and that's something I covet in a corner. Too many guys put themselves in great position but never turn their head. The Texans were a prime example of that vs the patriots

That's my biggest pet peeve when it comes to corners. So yes- that's a skillset I really covet. Haven't seen his tape tho so can't say so for myself.

22 hours ago, Moderator 3 said:

Just a thought but maybe getting cut helped him get his head out of his butt. Since he KNEW this was his last shot, he went all out and stopped flinching away from the ball.

Yeah very possible. Didn't he announce his retirement after the game too or was that just a rumor?

If BWill was smart - He'd take a hometown discount. 

Really though...

If Moore was smart - he'd hit the juggs machine everyday this off season.

1 hour ago, OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL said:

I see him as a hybrid, like AD was. Hes not taking CJ's or Orrs spot, and our pass rush needs to improve. If I was him, I would be trying to win Dooms spot

Agreed. Focus on 1 or the other- and right now pass rush is what we need desperately.

3 hours ago, Edug27 said:

We have solid young talent that we need to build off of. I want speed at all positions. Fat trimmed at all positions. We need to be aggressive. Here's my analysis of the roster heading into the offseason:

QB: Flacco needs to improve. Simple as that. With a year removed from his leg surgery, there are no more excuses for our franchise QB. Step into your throws with confidence, and limit those costly rookie mistakes.

RB: Give the reigns to K.Dixon. He can give you a lot of what Ray Rice did for us. A player who can break tackles and catch the ball out of the backfield. He has to be your full time back next season. I expect him to be a workhorse. 

FB: Re-sign Juice. FB's come cheap.

WR: Bring in a sure handed chain moving WR to start opposite Perriman. We don't need a deep threat here. We need a player Flacco feels confident throwing to on a 3rd & 7, like he does with Pitta. Garcon is one of my early favorites, but with cuts and trade possibilities, other names can surface. Work Camp and Moore into the rotation. Let Wallace and Aiken go. Wallace isn't what we need here. Find players who know how to get open and create in space. (free agency focus)

TE: Keep Pitta. Solely because he works well with Flacco. Dependable hands. Maybe redo that contract if possible. It's time for Maxx to show what he's got. Ideally, those are your 2 TE's going into next season. 

OL: Stanley, Yanda and Lewis are good starts to building a solid line. We still need a Center and RT. Wagner priced himself out and he might not be the guy we need in the run game anyway. I think you work on bringing in a veteran Center, through trades or cuts. Mangold is a player that comes to mind, but there will be others. (free agency and draft focus)

DL: I'm fine with moving on from Brandon Williams if the coaching staff is confident in Pierce. I think Jernigan will continue to improve. You continue to draft depth here. We had a solid line all season. 

Pass Rushers: Move on from Doom. This has to be a key draft focus. The first round pick here should be a dynamic pash rusher. We need speed here. Players with an endless motor, who understand how to get to the QB. You can't rely on 'bringing the house' to generate pressure. Suggs will be back, hopefully at a part time role. Judon should start seeing more time. (draft focus)

LB'er: Mosley and Orr are a spectacular dou. No more needs to be said.

CB's: Wright and Powers can kick rocks. You need to bring in another starting caliber CB in free agency. A player who can start in case Jimmy goes down, or alongside Jimmy, moving Young to the slot. Draft for depth. We need ball hawks. (free agency and draft focus)

Safetys: This is a tough one. I'm certain Weddle will come back strong. But Webb needs to be cut. Time to move on from him. He has the mind, but not the legs to play that position. We need players who can cover ground quickly. (free agency focus)

 

Draft:

1. Pass Rusher

2: RT

3. Depth in the secondary.

4. Depth at OLine.

 

Free Agency/Trades:

1. Starting Wideout

2. Top 3 rotation Corner

3. Veteran Center

4. Saftey alongside Weddle

I'm pretty much with you on everything you said. Except mayyybe Webb. Id keep him but only if he takes a paycut. And that doesn't mean we don't address the position either. But yeah everything else is exactly what I had in mind. I'd also focus on waller becoming a solid TE if Maxx doesn't take that next step. That will be open competition. Problem is none of them are very good blocking tight ends- so do we keep Boyle for that reason? And keep in mind he's got 2 strikes already- 1 more and he's done.

2 hours ago, nextgen_RavensFan said:

No one has mentioned special teams at all. After yesterday evening i think it shows that even our special teams was not so special. Hester had some very nice returns in the game after doing nothing here. Is that a result of him not trying or a lack of execution on special teams (Harb's forte) ?

Yeah it figures he wants to ball out now. I don't buy the injury excuse. The dude couldn't even fair catch a ball. He looked hesistant every single kick and made so many bad choices on letting balls bounce and then just muffing them. Injury has nothing to do with that. But then he goes and  has a game like that with another team. Just figures really. If we had Hester looking like that even half the time we may have won a few more games.I know it was likely his last game and he was going up against  his old team for extra incentive to ball out but still- he looked NOTHING like that. I'm just baffled. I think we go into next season with Moore and campanaro unless we find a specialist in the draft.

On 1/9/2017 at 3:10 PM, The Raven said:

I'd say nonachievers. 

Joking aside, I think we were underachievers, and I say that because I think we have a lot of players -- Judon, ZDS, Jernigan, Campanaro, etc -- who have unfulfilled potential and just failed to meet expectations.

Not sure why Judons on that list. ZDS and Shareece wright had to be the biggest disappointments.

On second thought:

Our defense and offense not showing up in the same game. At first our defense was keeping us alive and our offense was holding us back. Then when our offense started to click our defense fell apart and ran out of gas. Bisciotti touched on this in the presser-  If they could've just played well at the same time we'd have several more wins. 

Not clicking in all 3 phases was our downfall. Along with playing to not lose instead of playing to win.

Jimmy getting injured. With him on the feild we almost def beat the giants- and probably Pittsburgh and Cincinnati as well. That's 11 wins right there. Crazy how a couple plays can change the whole outlook of a season so drastically.  Too often we beat ourselves. 

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Cant wait til next season when the offense is drastically improved... the run game is top 10, maybe top 5, and Flacco is incredibly efficient.

And all the people hating the decision to keep Marty are saying - See knew it all along, coming in mid-season is difficult for anyone. All he needed was an offseason, a good OL, and a focus on developing a run game! 

 

EDIT: Love getting negged for saying the Ravens will improve. People would rather be right, than have the Ravens be good.

So true.

Man we've got a great owner. Only wish I couid work for a guy like that. Id come into work everyday excited just to be a part of such a great staff and organization.

5 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

If Watson were there in the second, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

Im with you but no way do I see that happening. Typically as the draft gets closer and closer qbs always seem to have their stock rise. Watson isn't the number one prospect right now but after the combine I think there's a good chance he might be. What about one of the other guys though? Allen? Tough call- esp if a top pass rusher/cb/wr is still there. Or even that center Pocic.

I wonder if we try to resign Mallet?

21 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

It's understandable. And like I and many others typically do, I've changed my mind about taking him in the first. I still like him a lot, and I think it wouldn't take long for him to find a starting job here and would present a future upgrade, it would still be kinda reckless of a pick. 

 

Same here. Was high on him at first but have come to realize there are much safer and smarter picks. All depends how the board shakes out though.