Former Raven Cut

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='mikefiggs52' date='20 August 2009 - 03:26 PM' timestamp='1250796368' post='221635']
Lorenzo Neal just got released by the oakland radiers. I think the ravens should sign him. Personally I don't know why they let him go in the first place. With him playing fullback Leron mcclain can run the ball more. And I always like that three headed rusing attack with Mcclain, Mcgahee, and rice. What do you guys think?
[/quote]

I think a small 53-man roster and Lorenzo's age, combined with the fact Rice and McGahee will be getting a lot more carries, make this unlikely. But anything is possible.

[berad]

Someone beat you to it. [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/index.php?showtopic=12356"]Link[/url]

Many varying opinions, I think if Neal can play and provide the leadership as he did last year, it would be foolish not to sign him. Unfortunately, though, age and injuries take their toll on veteran players..

[JEEPercreepermd]

Neal was an animal last season, I'd LOVE to have him back again this year, I think he could help tremendously

[WinnipegRaven]

If we were to pick Neil back up, how would ya'll suggest we make room for him?

[theFRANCHISE]

[quote name='WinnipegRaven' date='20 August 2009 - 03:39 PM' timestamp='1250797180' post='221646']
If we were to pick Neil back up, how would ya'll suggest we make room for him?
[/quote]
Easiest solution would be to cut one of the backup QBs (Willy/Lemon/Beck) or to relegate backup FB Jason Cook to the practice squad. But then there's all the other rookies and backups to consider, too. Either way, the team could get creative in making room for him on the roster, if necessary.

[reediddy]

It depends on if the coaching staff sees substantial improvement by McClain as a lead blocker, and/or if they see potential in Jason Cook, IMO

[berad]

[quote name='reediddy' date='20 August 2009 - 04:01 PM' timestamp='1250798519' post='221655']
It depends on if the coaching staff sees substantial improvement by McClain as a lead blocker, and/or if they see potential in Jason Cook, IMO
[/quote]

McClain is a great lead blocker, he just also happens to be a good runner. People forget that he was becoming dominant towards the end of '07, Willis McGahee didn't rush for 1,200+ yards on his own.

[wolfzie06]

Bring him back. His impact on our running game was very significant last year. I loved our jumbo package with him and McClain.

[Rob H]

I would absolutely love to see McClain as our #1 rusher with Neal paving the way for him...

Never gonna happen though haha.

[Jesse Conroy]

I wouldnt mind to have him back to be honest, hes a good blocker, and his upper body is crazy, I loved watching him block last year.

[darklight1216]

At first I was surprised, but then I realized it's the Raiders. I wouldn't be surprised if we picked him up again, but it wouldn't surprise me if we worked with the runningbacks that we have already since that 53 man roster is going to be tough enough as it is. If, however, injuries occur, I'm sure Cameron will have Neal on speed dial.

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='smashmouth' date='19 August 2009 - 10:33 PM' timestamp='1250735601' post='221405']
Im surprised..! But I think were moving in a diffrent direction this year. McClain is a do it all fullback, He can block,catch and run the ball. and having 2 feature backs and a do it all fullback were just too loaded to carry another again this year. Im thinking were wanting to carry a extra WR,CB and TE. Were able to do this by not having Stover and Neal, that auto eliminates 2 extra guys that we really dont need.
[/quote]
Yeah, as much as I like Neal I can not see us carrying 2 FB's.

[PuRock]

All it will take is one injury to a RB, and Neal will get a phone call quick. McClain would then be shifted again to RB2.

[JHarris]

Also it needs to be considered what league minimum is for a Vet with that many years. Great as he was it just might not be financially plausible. The Ravens are pretty good at evaluating talent so if he wasn't here from day one there may be more we don't know.

[billypilgrim]

me and lorenzo and some buds hung out in a bar that i worked at last year. i locked the door so there was maybe 5 of us total. he's an awesome guy but he was well aware of his age and how it would affect his reputation. thats why he was always the first to show and the last to go at practice. we could still use him but he would eat some cap room and we have areas like CB and WR that need more attention. its wishful thinking and it would be great to have him back but we need to build the talent we have. we are a draft organization not a free agent/ trade agreement organization.

[reediddy]

[quote name='berad' date='20 August 2009 - 01:25 PM' timestamp='1250799934' post='221665']
McClain is a great lead blocker, he just also happens to be a good runner. People forget that he was becoming dominant towards the end of '07, Willis McGahee didn't rush for 1,200+ yards on his own.
[/quote]

you're 100% right i didn't realize that really...well if he keeps it up we dont need Neal

[ROH522155]

hmmmmmmm.....last year was good and what we had goin for us really worked but honestly, Leron averaged what 3.5 yards a carry? I just think he should stick to fullback and short yardage situations. Most years id rather not have a fullback lead the team in rushing.

[ZIBBY28]

im a HUGE fan of Lo-Neal, but i highly doubt we'll see him in purple and black this year.. if they wanted him, they'd of kept him.