[Blogs] ‘Big B’ Working On Weight

[BR News]

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

Defensive tackle Brandon McKinney hasn’t been able to participate in all of the Ravens’ voluntary conditioning program, but he is certainly giving their treadmills all they can handle.

The massive lineman – who was listed at 6-foot-2, 360 pounds last year – is easing back into working out as he rehabs a back injury that landed him on Injured Reserve last year in Week 15.

“Usually, I come into the offseason program having worked out, but this year has been different,” he said last week.  “It takes a little bit to get back into shape.  I need to just stick with what I’m doing right now and increase my workload as time goes on.”

McKinney has a large mountain to climb, and he is doing it with two-a-days on the treadmill and long walks around the indoor practice field.  The heaviest player on the Ravens’ roster said he wants to trim down to about 325 pounds to take advantage of a vacancy on the interior defensive line left when Justin Bannan signed with the Denver Broncos.

“I’m going to shoot for 325, so that’s going to take a little work.  I’m also trying to eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” McKinney explained.

“I see every year as an opportunity, but it’s even more of one when they let somebody go.  I don’t know if they’re going to sign someone else or draft someone, but I just have to go out and win my job.  I feel like I have some decent tape from last year.  Obviously, there are things I can work on, but I’m glad I just got a chance to play.”

Before he hurt his back in 2009, McKinney played in seven games, posting three tackles.  He also saw action in 11 contests in 2008, totaling 19 stops.

[url=http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/?p=4687]View the full article[/url]

[Harm City Homer]

He does stand out on TV. I thought he should have been starting at NT early in the year when Buddy Lee was stuggaling with his shoulder injury. #91 never seemed to get blocked or turned or pushed back. I wonder if the Ravens will draft a NT like Cody at 25 or go with the young bigs they have in him, Talavou and Divens.

[omar586]

if he trims down to 325-340 its still good,

[Macadamia]

HCH, unless the BPA is a big DT when our picks arrive, I see Oz & Co. going with Option B and thus giving McKinney, Talavou, and Divens each a chance to be "the next man up." ;)

[BoominRaven]

Personally I don't think we'd go for Cody with the 25th pick, if we did go DT Odrick will still probably be on the board and he is much more athletic and can play both DT and DE in a 3-4 scheme which would be invaluable

[birdland blitz]

I want to see McKinnie play more this season. I really like him. He's unbelievably strong, and he is great at just taking up space in the middle of the line. Some training and conditioning, and he'll be a regular in the D-line rotation.

[birdman20]

I agree macadamia. I think mckinney talavou and divens will provide depth this year at DT. We need to draft the best DE or CB when our pick arrives. I think CB is the best option bc if kruger bulks up and is a beast that is a huge hole we fill. CB is a very very valuble position and locking a good one up would be key. I like our CB's, but they got injured so you never know.

[samic]

But Cody is a mountain in the middle. have you seen the impact he had on Rolando McClain's career at Bama? He could open huge lanes to the QB for Lewis and other LB's!!! I wouldn't mind if we drafted Cody, our OL and DL would be set for a while. I must say that I would prefer Kyle Wilson to drop into our laps though.

[samic]

We do have good corners but guys like Wilson and McCourty would improve our secondary tremendously. We could go DE/DT, CB or TE with #25 and I would be ok. Ozzie did a good job filling some holes this offeseason. Don't forget we also added another DL a few days ago... Cory Redding. You never know how he would pan out.

[ravenhopeful]

I agree on the need for a good corner first, but it wouldn't surprise me if Oz trades out of the first round to get more picks. This draft is deep at corner and TE. We would be able to score some good ones in the second and have more picks, I like it!

[1defense]

If he can get his weight under control and his back healthy he could be a force.When he played I noticed that it didn't take long for the opposing offense's to run the other way,and he often took on multiple blockers.

[BillicksEGO]

You gotta wonder if his head is straight. He's way over-weight, and he's talking about whether they are drafting a guy or getting another guy from free agency. You'd a thought he'd have already dropped the weight before now. His comments don't sound like he is THAT committed.

[XxSizzleXx]

Seize the opportunity so that we can take a great corner in this draft!

[ThaRavenFein]

We have three DTs that couldn't get on the field so now is there chance to shine. We should draft a corner an a TE with our first two pics. We have paul Kruger who needs to fill our pass rushing need that we drafted high last year. I also think Ozzie will trade out of the first round to get more pics. I'd also like to c us pic up Lito sheppard to add depth to our secondary he's a decent corner since samari rolle isn't coming back an frank walker is talkng about goin somewhere else. If frank doesn't leave we should let him go anyway it's time for young new talent in our secondary. Foxworth would be a real good number two corner but we need to find a lock down corner or somthing close to it to be our number one cb

[Johnny5]

I agree with most when they say that we could use some depth at DE/DT and CB but when you look at the guys that are there already there is reason for other teams to fear this D this coming year. we are only 1 or 2 consistent playmaking guys away from solidifying the D-line and CB positions and hopefully Reed, Webb, and Washington come back. im pretty sure Oz has got something cooking and im excited for this coming season to start already.

[bcurrie]

long walks around the practice field and two a days on the tread mill? This guy should just go on the biggest loser it doesn't sound like he is ready to hit the field at all!!

[Militant X 1]

man up son! you want the spot....put in your work!

[jhonnyboy]

drafting a shutdown corner is a must. if this kid mckinney can take control of his weight what a boost it would give our d-line. having him next to ngata would clog the interior of that line and force teams to run to the outside where our linebackers would eat them up.

[HUMMERBOY933]

if mckinney and kruger can step into a productive role this year that would be great. nevertheless we should draft a te or a wr in the 1st rd. if the d line gets pressure on the qb the dbs will have less pressure on them and they will perform better. this years class of dbs are pretty close in talent i think we can draft a quality db late and groom him because we still have fox, webb, and wash. gotta complete the offense this year in the draft with gresham or benn.

[Arch Valor]

Does this guy have any good tape? (im not sure, seriously asking) Physically hes the perfect fit but it seems like his game needs polishing. I think because run stopping is so crucial we should pick up an immediate run stuffer in the draft. Cause after all we've had just a little good luck with that....NGATA GREGG

[xXKingBmoreXx]

Brandon McKinney will be just fine, as long as he continue to workout with his teammates & stick around the Owings Mills facility with the Baltimore Ravens training staff McKinney should be just fine & ready for the beginning of the season... I like his attitude & approach to the matter...

[Joey Genocide]

Arch Valor: "Cause after all we've had just a little good luck with that....NGATA GREGG"

we didn't draft Gregg, he was drafted in the sixth round by The Bengals, cut, resigned, cut, signed by the eagles, and cut in 99, and signed with the ravens in 00 i think? :/

Bcurrie: "long walks around the practice field and two a days on the tread mill? This guy should just go on the biggest loser it doesn't sound like he is ready to hit the field at all!!"

McKinney is billed at 360, and is recovering from a back injury that ended his season, i'd say its progress, and at least he has a goal... don't be so negative. :)

[PurpleSteelerEaters]

Good attitude. Sounds like he wants to be a full-time Raven. Unfortunately, it seems like his weight is a problem. I hope to see more out of him this year but I'm not holding my breath. Back injury can be hard to overcome especially due to his weight. I hope he does, we could really use him.

[Guest RBates]

Don't forget he is one of the strongest players on the roster, if not the strongest. I love the B tattoo looks like Baltimore. Expect him to come in and free up Ngata. Mark my words if he can get into shape our D-line just got a whole lot better. I am real high on this guy, please don't let me down Mckinney.

[RavensFanThick&Thin]

I don't think many players like him are worried about not being able to lose weight. It's the time spent trying to lose it that bothers them and takes away from valuabe time that could be used to learn tehcnique, watch tape, etc. Anybody who is full-time job is an athelete has no problem losing wieght unless they are just unmotivated (i.e Jarmacus Russel, but he has slimmed down.) My issue here is that with losing two key depth players on the line we don't need any setbacks so I hope he has a speedy recovery and I hope the rotation with him and the new edition redding works out.

[coreyadams]

You can do it. Don't eat after 6 in the evening. If you are hungry after 6 eat fruits and drink plenty of water. Cut snacks out completely and place fruits and veggies in there.

[Winning is my nature]

Corey - asking a man of that size to cut out snacks is like asking someone from Baltimore to stop eating crabs and drinking beer in the summer time. Just not going to happen.