Could Ed Dickson Be A Ravens Starter

[twilightraven2723]

ed dickson from oregon is a very good speed size specimen and he catches the ball well. do u think he has what it takes to start for the ravens. i think he does but he will have to work extremly hard to take heaps spot. if heap gets injured he will have to make th most out of the opprutunity.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='twilightraven2723' date='28 April 2010 - 12:10 AM' timestamp='1272427800' post='401455']
ed dickson from oregon is a very good speed size specimen and he catches the ball well. do u think he has what it takes to start for the ravens. i think he does but he will have to work extremly hard to take heaps spot. if heap gets injured he will have to make th most out of the opprutunity.
[/quote]
I think any of this years draftees have the potential to [b]eventually[/b] start.

[Michael]

I don't see him starting this year. He has a lot of competition with Heap and Pitta for minutes. It will be interesting to see how all this TE depth turns out. We haven't had it for a while.

[Ed_Reed20]

Of course Dickson has the potential to be a starter. Kindle aside, he's the best athlete the team drafted and is a better blocker than he gets credit for. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCfixBsDZCQ"]This play[/url] during the Senior Bowl says it all as far him catching the ball and I can see similar things happening in the NFL. LBs just can't keep up with him and his speed takes DBs by surprise too.

With all that said though, I won't put it past Pitta that he has a more successful rookie year or even better career than Dickson. He's a tough, hard-nosed player who lays out for catches, runs hard and seems to do everything else coaches love.

Unless Heap gets hurt in training camp and either one of the rooks tear it up, I don't see either becoming a starter next season but by mid-season, both should be eating into Heap's snaps.

[JayDaRavensFan]

Neither tight end drafted will start this season barring injury but I could see either of them maybe getting on the field with Heap in 2 tight end sets which could maybe cause some matchup issues with possibly Heap and Dickson/Pitta running routes. I'm glad and they should be too that they have Heap to mentor them.

[T-Sizzle55]

[quote name='JayDaRavensFan' date='28 April 2010 - 02:17 AM' timestamp='1272435472' post='401484']
Neither tight end drafted will start this season barring injury but I could see either of them maybe getting on the field with Heap in 2 tight end sets which could maybe cause some matchup issues with possibly Heap and Dickson/Pitta running routes. I'm glad and they should be too that they have Heap to mentor them.
[/quote]

I think getting 2 TEs makes sense not just for depth which we really needed, but having 2 will make one push the other more so than if he just felt the #2 spot of the roster was his. Harbs philosophy is whoever puts in the longer hours studying film, comes early, stays late, and performs on the field will get more playing time. I think both have a great chance to see the field in 2 TE sets with us possibly using Heap as a decoy and drawing double teams.

[b][size="4"][color="#483D8B"]Videos:[/color][/size][/b]

[b][color="#4B0082"][size="3"]Baltimore Ravens Draft - TE Ed Dickson Oregon Ducks
[/size][/color][/b][size="2"][color="#000080"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ePgecTGJvo[/color][/size]

[size="3"][b][color="#4B0082"]Baltimore Ravens Draft - TE Dennis Pitta BYU Cougars[/color][/b][/size]
[b][size="2"][color="#000080"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSqUnYL60Ao[/color][/size][/b]

[tsizzle]

[quote name='1/28/01' date='28 April 2010 - 12:16 AM' timestamp='1272428201' post='401458']
I think any of this years draftees have the potential to [b]eventually[/b] start.
[/quote]

Pretty safe statement. I'll take it a step further.

I'm thinking Dickson that by the end of the season Dickson gets more targets and receptions than Heap.

I think Cody see's a lot of time on 1st and second down, and I think Kindle plays mostly special teams and gets to blitz from time to time on 3rd.

[Twoo]

I think Dickson and Pitta will be rotating starters. Ozzie and Cam have essentially told the NFL that they have bookend tackles and no longer need a big, strong TE to help with pass rush defense. I expect us to have Joe throwing 35-40 times a game after the TE additions we made. We're moving towards a pass first offense.

[itscbm5042]

Pitta looks like he could be an absolute monster receiving TE he always fins the soft spots in the defense, has great hands, surprising toughness, and to me, the X factor. I really like Dickson's game tape too with his speed and RAC hopefully when Heap moves on the Ravens can play a lot of 2 TE sets because I can't think of a TE set with more potential then Pitta and Dickson...so many options for Flacco...

2TE set with Dickson on the left, Pitta on the right, Boldin, Stallworth, and Rice in the back field... it would be near unstoppable, someone would get open every time.

[Perfekt]

i agree that both dickerson an pitta will push each other to become better. i was reading an i think we might see them used as extra WR because of their style of play so instead of just being a TE they can slide into WR spot with their big frames. im just glad that we have a dangerous offense this year.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='Twoo' date='28 April 2010 - 09:11 AM' timestamp='1272460290' post='401517']
I think Dickson and Pitta will be rotating starters. Ozzie and Cam have essentially told the NFL that they have bookend tackles and no longer need a big, strong TE to help with pass rush defense. I expect us to have Joe throwing 35-40 times a game after the TE additions we made. [b]We're moving towards a pass first offense.[/b]
[/quote]

Whoa slow down. First of all, many are projecting Heap having a career year this year a. because of the new pressure behind him on the depth chart and b. because our offense has developed to a point that he can't be targeted by defenses. So, as far as rotating starters are concerned I don't see anyone unseating Heap in 2010.

Second, pass first? We've got weapons but these are still the Baltimore Ravens we're talking about. We brought in a #1 receiver whose calling card is blocking down field and physical play. We still have Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and LeRon McClain on our team. In our offense, Dickson would start over Pitta simply because he's a better blocker. Our offense still runs through our running game and we would be remiss if we looked at it any other way. If we want to pass first, we make the trade with New England for one of our 5th rounders and take Bryant. I think the fact that we went defense instead tells you we're still a smash-mouthed, run first offense.

Sorry to go off, I'm still kind of annoyed about the Asomugha for Gaither rumor-mongering .

[itscbm5042]

You know, I didn't think of it this way until now but Pitta and Dickson did run a faster 40 time than another newly acquired Raven... Anquan Boldin! They both look quick on game film too. So actually it makes a lot of sense to use them in WR sets because they are the hybrid TE/WR mold (aka more options for Joe)

Dennis Pitta 4.62
Ed Dickson 4.67
Anquan Boldin 4.70

So our new TEs are every bit as fast as our new #1 receiver and thats not a knock on Boldin its a testament to the potential of our dangerous new weapons. People said we needed size in our receiving corps well now we have two 6'4 beasts who can play TE or go out as receivers.

Never thought about it but it makes a lot of sense...

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='beasy2487' date='28 April 2010 - 10:05 AM' timestamp='1272463535' post='401533']
Whoa slow down. First of all, many are projecting Heap having a career year this year a. because of the new pressure behind him on the depth chart and b. because our offense has developed to a point that he can't be targeted by defenses. So, as far as rotating starters are concerned I don't see anyone unseating Heap in 2010.

Second, pass first? We've got weapons but these are still the Baltimore Ravens we're talking about. We brought in a #1 receiver whose calling card is blocking down field and physical play. We still have Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and LeRon McClain on our team. In our offense, Dickson would start over Pitta simply because he's a better blocker. Our offense still runs through our running game and we would be remiss if we looked at it any other way. If we want to pass first, we make the trade with New England for one of our 5th rounders and take Bryant. I think the fact that we went defense instead tells you we're still a smash-mouthed, run first offense.

Sorry to go off, I'm still kind of annoyed about the Asomugha for Gaither rumor-mongering .
[/quote]

I understand where you were going with this post and i agree with some of it, but disagree on other points.

I'll start with what i agree on. I agree with the fact that neither of those guys will unseat Heap this year. This is like the rookie Heap, being mentored by the future HOFer in Sharpe back in 2001. He will be our starter and will do wonders for both Dickson and Pitta, if they are willing to listen and work hard. Heap still proved his worth last season, and having some added help will only improve his chances this year IMO.

Now the part about being pass first and the draft is what i disagree with.

First off IMO, drafting defense with our first 2 picks has nothing to do with the offensive philosophy of this team. We went defense early on for 2 reasons. 1 because they were the highest rated prospects on the Ravens board at the time, and 2 because we could envision both guys being major contributors on the defense at some point. Not because of what we do on offense.

As for the Bryant thing, I'd just say, lets be careful about what we believe from the media. Most of what they say is just opinion just like the rest of us on this board, only Ozzie and Eric really know who the Ravens wanted to select and the mindset behind the selection. Now did the Ravens consider Bryant, probably, how could you not? However as we've seen in the past, if the Ravens want a player bad enough they'll go get him. Just look at Ngata, traded up one spot with a division opponent just to get him, look a Joe, we moved all around the 1st round to get him, and look at Oher last year, we traded up to get him. So just because the Cowboys, jumped up in front of us to take Dez, doesn't mean we actually wanted him. So IMO Dez Bryant doesn't make nor break this team in terms of being a more pass happy offense.

As for the pass first thing, well I think we are taking that approach. Now it won't be in the since of the Colts or Saints, but we will look to pass the ball much more. Just look at what Cam has tried to do over the last 2 seasons.

I look for the Ravens to be much like the Chargers from a few years back when Cam was the OC. Not really a run happy team, nor a pass happy team, but balanced. I doubt if we will see 40-50 rushing attempt often this year unless the game and opponent dictates that. Rice, McGahee, and McClain will still get their touches and we will still have those 120-150 yard a game performances from our running game. However it will come from more explosive plays in the running game, not from running the ball at all cost.

As for Q, yes he is physical and likes to get physical with smaller DBs, but lets not kid ourselves, Q was brought in to help create plays in the passing game, not because we wanna run the ball more. Hell both Clayton and Mason are really good blocker in the run game, that's not the problem, the problem was making plays in the passing game when needed. Dating all the way back to FSU, Q has loved to get physical and didn't mind getting dirty in the running game, but he likes having the ball in his hands more.

The Ravens were one of the highest scoring and producing offenses last year in the first 6 weeks, and it wasn't because we ran the ball alot. If you go back and look at those games, a lot of our rushing yards didn't come until the second half. Cam spread the defense out and that is what really allowed Rice to be even more effective out of the backfield. However we didn't have the horses to keep that type of offense up for an entire season and that is what really got us into trouble. I think we are better equip to allow Flacco to air it out more this year.

The Ravens will still be a smash mouth football team, however that doesn't mean we'll still be the 3 yards and a cloud of dust team that we have been in the past. Guys like Dickson, Pitta, Boldin, Reed, and Stallworth weren't brought in because what they can do in the running game. The Ravens will be a much more balanced offense and that will spell trouble for the rest of the AFC.

I think the Ravens are ready to have Flacco take that step into the elite class or upper level of QBs in the NFL, and as much as many people might not like it, Elite QBs don't often play in run heavy offenses.

[itscbm5042]

[quote name='beasy2487' date='28 April 2010 - 10:05 AM' timestamp='1272463535' post='401533']
Whoa slow down. First of all, many are projecting Heap having a career year this year a. because of the new pressure behind him on the depth chart and b. because our offense has developed to a point that he can't be targeted by defenses. So, as far as rotating starters are concerned I don't see anyone unseating Heap in 2010.

Second, pass first? We've got weapons but these are still the Baltimore Ravens we're talking about. We brought in a #1 receiver whose calling card is blocking down field and physical play. We still have Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and LeRon McClain on our team. In our offense, Dickson would start over Pitta simply because he's a better blocker. Our offense still runs through our running game and we would be remiss if we looked at it any other way. If we want to pass first, we make the trade with New England for one of our 5th rounders and take Bryant. I think the fact that we went defense instead tells you we're still a smash-mouthed, run first offense.

Sorry to go off, I'm still kind of annoyed about the Asomugha for Gaither rumor-mongering .
[/quote]

Agreed, our run game will set up the pass, Ray Rice will keep this team a run first team, but man our receiving corps (including TEs) has gotten infinitely more dynamic, versatile, and explosive.

[beasy2487]

What I was saying with the Bryant thing is that there's a huge difference between pass-proficient and pass first. To say the Ravens are becoming a pass first team is saying that we're completely changing out philosophy. I think the moves we made were for the purpose of putting together a passing game that teams respect and that can execute but I still think we will live and die by the performance of our stable of running backs.

Where I referenced Q's blocking ability I was trying to make the point that that's a huge part of why we wanted him. Not only is he an amazing receiver but his blocking downfield is among the best in the league and that two-fold solution is what made him a prime Ravens target. Ozzie's been trying to get him for years, not just this past one, he was just waiting for the right price.

Regarding going defense in the draft, my point was that if we wanted to be a pass first team we would've picked up Bryant. But we didn't, because we don't. The story about the opportunity to move up for Dez and declining it to trade down came from Ozzie, not the media.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-trade-out-of-first-round-stockpile-picks.html"]“That offer was so good that if Dez Bryant doesn’t get picked in front of us and makes it to us we probably would have still made the trade,” Newsome said. “We had a chance to move up to that spot to get Dez Bryant and we decided against it.”[/url]

So my point is that, while our offense is much improved, "pass first" is a huge stretch. Now, I could see us moving to pass first if Joe blooms into a superstar, which he definitely has the tools and work ethic to do, but until he proves that he can put up 300+ on a day-in, day-out basis, our offense will continue to focus on the run game and play action.

[FerrariFan87]

Most definitely, as could Pitta... we are going to have a dynamic offense no matter who starts. Don't count Heap out just yet though.

[slugz1]

[quote name='itscbm5042' date='28 April 2010 - 12:15 PM' timestamp='1272471309' post='401588']
You know, I didn't think of it this way until now but Pitta and Dickson did run a faster 40 time than another newly acquired Raven... Anquan Boldin! They both look quick on game film too. So actually it makes a lot of sense to use them in WR sets because they are the hybrid TE/WR mold (aka more options for Joe)

Dennis Pitta 4.62
Ed Dickson 4.67
Anquan Boldin 4.70

So our new TEs are every bit as fast as our new #1 receiver and thats not a knock on Boldin its a testament to the potential of our dangerous new weapons. People said we needed size in our receiving corps well now we have two 6'4 beasts who can play TE or go out as receivers.

Never thought about it but it makes a lot of sense...
[/quote]

40 time dont mean anything that doesnt make them faster than boldin so stop saying that game speed is what he has not 40 speed. BTW Dont Dickson body look like Boldin's imagine Dickson when he gets more ripped.

[Perfekt]

i cant see either of them taking todds spot but i can see them becoming elite back ups and also i can see dickson being a better WR then TE. i know this sounds crazy but from the tapes i have seen im sure that he can excel in the slot.

[SC Ravens Fan]

[quote name='slugz1' date='28 April 2010 - 01:25 PM' timestamp='1272475506' post='401636']
40 time dont mean anything that doesnt make them faster than boldin so stop saying that game speed is what he has not 40 speed. BTW Dont Dickson body look like Boldin's imagine Dickson when he gets more ripped.
[/quote]

I think he was just stating that these guys have the potential to be a TE/WR. I don't think he was saying Boldin was slow. Just that if they are able to aquire that fast game speed as well there would be some good options. I definitley agree with you that Boldin has great game speed, look at Jerry Rice his 40 time was not "elite" either.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='beasy2487' date='28 April 2010 - 12:55 PM' timestamp='1272473746' post='401614']
What I was saying with the Bryant thing is that there's a huge difference between pass-proficient and pass first. To say the Ravens are becoming a pass first team is saying that we're completely changing out philosophy. I think the moves we made were for the purpose of putting together a passing game that teams respect and that can execute but I still think we will live and die by the performance of our stable of running backs.

Where I referenced Q's blocking ability I was trying to make the point that that's a huge part of why we wanted him. Not only is he an amazing receiver but his blocking downfield is among the best in the league and that two-fold solution is what made him a prime Ravens target. Ozzie's been trying to get him for years, not just this past one, he was just waiting for the right price.

Regarding going defense in the draft, my point was that if we wanted to be a pass first team we would've picked up Bryant. But we didn't, because we don't. The story about the opportunity to move up for Dez and declining it to trade down came from Ozzie, not the media.

[url="http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Ravens-trade-out-of-first-round-stockpile-picks.html"]“That offer was so good that if Dez Bryant doesn’t get picked in front of us and makes it to us we probably would have still made the trade,” Newsome said. “We had a chance to move up to that spot to get Dez Bryant and we decided against it.”[/url]

So my point is that, while our offense is much improved, "pass first" is a huge stretch. Now, I could see us moving to pass first if Joe blooms into a superstar, which he definitely has the tools and work ethic to do, but until he proves that he can put up 300+ on a day-in, day-out basis, our offense will continue to focus on the run game and play action.
[/quote]

oh i understand 100%, my point is that the Ravens won't be considered a running team nor will they be considered a passing team. They will be a well rounded balanced offense imo.

In year's past we were forced to be a run first team, and that is what became the identity of this team. We will still have that smash mouth mentality, we won't ever become a soft, pass happy team. Both the run and the pass will feed off of each other. Pass first or Run first is really unimportant. The pupose of the offense will be to move the ball and score, take advantage of opportunities given by the defense and special teams, and close games out late when we have the lead.

To say this offense will be run first or pass first is putting them in a box, and that is the last thing you can say about a Cam Cameron offense. There will be games that you see Cam come out of Pass the ball on 10 out of the first 15 plays of the game, much like we did early on in the season, then their will be games when you see Cam run the ball alot early on, much like the Pats playoff game.

As i said before, i thik we will be balanced, and the defense we are playing will dictate our attack more often then not. However with that being said, I think the Ravens will look to put a lot more on Flacco's shoulders this season, and i think he'll handle that well.

[slugz1]

[quote name='SC Ravens Fan' date='28 April 2010 - 02:09 PM' timestamp='1272478158' post='401665']
I think he was just stating that these guys have the potential to be a TE/WR. I don't think he was saying Boldin was slow. Just that if they are able to aquire that fast game speed as well there would be some good options. I definitley agree with you that Boldin has great game speed, look at Jerry Rice his 40 time was not "elite" either.
[/quote]

i understand but yeah he does look like boldin in the physical aspect.

[T-ray]

Dickson will be a talent, just watch. I watched his film during the draft and after the draft, and I love what I see. He may not be able to block extremely effectively, but come on, we already have a great Oline, and with more experience, I believe the line will be elite.

With that being said, I do see us going to the Super Bowl as long as everyone stays healthy. If they do that, then we have all the key cogs needed. A great D? Check. A balanced, dynamic O? Check. When I was watching the 07 Pats, I saw they were missing a few things. First, they were missing a great running game to help them in the clutch. We have that. Second, the Defense just didn't keep up with running attacks. We've had that. Look for a great year, my friends!

[beasy2487]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='28 April 2010 - 02:29 PM' timestamp='1272479399' post='401677']
oh i understand 100%, my point is that the Ravens won't be considered a running team nor will they be considered a passing team. They will be a well rounded balanced offense imo.

In year's past we were forced to be a run first team, and that is what became the identity of this team. We will still have that smash mouth mentality, we won't ever become a soft, pass happy team. Both the run and the pass will feed off of each other. Pass first or Run first is really unimportant. The pupose of the offense will be to move the ball and score, take advantage of opportunities given by the defense and special teams, and close games out late when we have the lead.

To say this offense will be run first or pass first is putting them in a box, and that is the last thing you can say about a Cam Cameron offense. There will be games that you see Cam come out of Pass the ball on 10 out of the first 15 plays of the game, much like we did early on in the season, then their will be games when you see Cam run the ball alot early on, much like the Pats playoff game.

As i said before, i thik we will be balanced, and the defense we are playing will dictate our attack more often then not. However with that being said, I think the Ravens will look to put a lot more on Flacco's shoulders this season, and i think he'll handle that well.
[/quote]

Good lord it's refreshing to have a civil, intelligent debate. It's funny because we're saying the same things with different words. The fault is mine though we definitely won't be put in a box under Cameron and I'm so looking forward to that. How will teams be able to gameplan for us?! It's going to be insane.

If we can get someone to really breakthrough in the return game we'll actually have legitimate scoring threats in every phase of our game.

[slugz1]

Im glad we didnt get gresham now we have three good Te's.In the AFC North I dont see that knee holding up for gresham long esp with us cracking him Twice a year for the next however long it take to mess it up. that guy in my pick may be the one to do it that would be funny (not about the injury but about Nak I dont want no one to get hurt)