Justin Harper Making A Case?

[I*Bleed*Purple]

While I haven't personally witnessed any of training camp, I am hearing nothing but positive things about him this year. Especially the marked improvement in his hands. Just a couple of the latest examples:

(From CBSSports.com)
"Keep an eye on WR Justin Harper. Inconsistent play relegated him to the practice squad for most of last season, but he's had a terrific camp. The latest: a one-handed touchdown catch over two defenders."

"...Justin Harper is building on a strong practice from Sunday with sharp routes"

I know Harper has been mentioned in several threads, but felt he deserves his own (especially if the improvement is that great). I feel like this kid could be one of the WR's of the future for this club. I was extremely disappointed last year to watch him take himself out of the running during the preseason and I'm sure we will all be watching closely this year. My question: Do you think Harper is making a strong case to be on the 53-man roster?

[FlaccoFlicker]

he is getting alot of press and we do have a thread for him already lol
http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/24356-harper-looked-really-good-today/

but I would be glad to see him pan out as a decent receiver

[ravensfan160]

He consistently got open in pre-season last year. He had just one minor problem...he couldn't catch a cold. haha. Seriously though, I've liked him from the beginning. I'd rather save a roster spot for a guy like him than let an underachiever like Williams ride the bench another year.

[bobs4g3t]

I was extremely impressed with him at practice the other day during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. He displayed great quickness and he made some awesome catches that really got the crowd going.

If he can show that he has really improved his hands since last year and that he can handle pressure, then this guy could be a diamond in the rough.

[Reddawn36]

not to be a pessimist, but haven't we been saying the same thing about this guy for the last 3 years.... I mean I really hope he pans out. We will see during preseason.. however I would not hold my breath for him on getting a starting roll unless someone gets injured, or stallworth turns out to not be good

[I*Bleed*Purple]

My bad...I forgot about the other thread. I just remember him being mentioned a little in the Williams vs Clayton debacle. This is his 3rd year. If he cant't put it all together this year, then maybe he never will. I feel like he has all the tools, physically speaking; 6'3", 226lbs, 4.52 40-time. I would just hate to see him get cut and join another squad to become a real playmaker.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='Reddawn36' timestamp='1281382469' post='447276']
not to be a pessimist, but haven't we been saying the same thing about this guy for the last 3 years.... I mean I really hope he pans out. We will see during preseason.. however I would not hold my breath for him on getting a starting roll unless someone gets injured, or stallworth turns out to not be good
[/quote]
Also we have to factor in who he's playing against. Our CBs in camp are mostly discarded veterans or undrafted rookies. Not exactly quality competition. We'll have to wait until the preseason.

[I*Bleed*Purple]

[quote name='Reddawn36' timestamp='1281382469' post='447276']
not to be a pessimist, but haven't we been saying the same thing about this guy for the last 3 years.... I mean I really hope he pans out. We will see during preseason.. however I would not hold my breath for him on getting a starting roll unless someone gets injured, or stallworth turns out to not be good
[/quote]

I hear you, and I'm not talking the number 2 or 3 spot. I'm just saying let's get him some real game reps. Let's see what this kid is made of. All through my life, in every sport I've ever played, I've seen the "gamers". The guys who just have "it". Guys who don't neccesarily open eyes in practice but play lights-out when it really matters. I have always felt that Harper may be that type of player. But, we'll never know unless he gets some kind of meaningful playing time.

[Wacko4Zacko]

Boldin, Mason, Stallworth, Clayton, Eron Riley, D Will, David Reed, Justin Harper.

We got ourselves a good WR competition here. I'd liek to see Harper be our 5th WR if possible.

[RavenBlitz]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1281382638' post='447279']
Also we have to factor in who he's playing against. Our CBs in camp are mostly discarded veterans or undrafted rookies. Not exactly quality competition. We'll have to wait until the preseason.
[/quote]

This is my first post here.

I think Harper is going to make this team. He's got all the tools to be a solid receiver and is showing that in camp. I like what I'm seeing.

My question is, how many WR's will we carry this year? 6?

[I*Bleed*Purple]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1281382638' post='447279']
Also we have to factor in who he's playing against. Our CBs in camp are mostly discarded veterans or undrafted rookies. Not exactly quality competition. We'll have to wait until the preseason.
[/quote]

I agree, to an extent. ALL of these guys are NFL players. In general, they are the best this sport has to offer. And a one-handed grab above and between two defenders shows great concentraion and patience, "starters" or not.

[I*Bleed*Purple]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281382821' post='447283']
My question is, how many WR's will we carry this year? 6?
[/quote]

That's the million dollar question. IMO, Harper definitely makes the team if they carry 6. But with our tight-end situation and the need for CB depth, it may not be possible. What does everyone else think?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281382821' post='447283']
This is my first post here.

I think Harper is going to make this team. He's got all the tools to be a solid receiver and is showing that in camp. I like what I'm seeing.

[b]My question is, how many WR's will we carry this year? 6?[/b]
[/quote]

I's say five but am hoping the competition is so good, they're forced to carry six.

[RavenBlitz]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1281383121' post='447289']
I's say five but am hoping the competition is so good, they're forced to carry six.
[/quote]

These 4 are certain:

Boldin
Mason
Stallworth
Clayton


Then we have Harper, DWill, JReed, Riley, MSmith all competing for 1 or 2 spots.

Who would you pick? IMO - we gotta go with 2 out of that group. Too much talent to only pick 1.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281383349' post='447291']
These 4 are certain:

Boldin
Mason
Stallworth
Clayton


Then we have Harper, DWill, JReed, Riley, MSmith all competing for 1 or 2 spots.

Who would you pick? IMO - we gotta go with 2 out of that group. Too much talent to only pick 1.
[/quote]
not saying you are wrong but I am not 100% certain on Clayton.Not if the younger guys show him up in camp.But it is defingitly a high possibility

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281383349' post='447291']
These 4 are certain:

Boldin
Mason
Stallworth
Clayton


Then we have Harper, DWill, JReed, Riley, MSmith all competing for 1 or 2 spots.

Who would you pick? IMO - we gotta go with 2 out of that group. Too much talent to only pick 1.
[/quote]

I'd pick Harper and Smith. I'm tired of Demetrius, Riley is still very raw and although Reed adds value as kick returner, Parmele has reportedly looked good in training camp(he certainly provided a spark last season when he took over).

We'll get to see a lot of these guys come Thursday. Can't wait.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1281383748' post='447297']
I'd pick Harper and Smith. I'm tired of Demetrius, Riley is still very raw and although Reed adds value as kick returner, Parmele has reportedly looked good in training camp(he certainly provided a spark last season when he took over).
[b]
We'll get to see a lot of these guys come Thursday. Can't wait.[/b]
[/quote]
truer words haven't been spoken and I found out I work day time so I will be home for the game even more pumped

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='I*Bleed*Purple' timestamp='1281383104' post='447288']
That's the million dollar question. IMO, Harper definitely makes the team if they carry 6. But with our tight-end situation and the need for CB depth, it may not be possible. What does everyone else think?
[/quote]
I've been saying for awhile that Troy Smith will be cut or traded to free up a spot. We'll go with 2 QB's to make room for guys like Harper. I say we carry 6 WR's. Boldin, Mason, Stallworth, Clayton, Reed, and Harper. I think Reed makes the team primarily because of his return skills and Harper not just because of his talent but, correct me if I'm wrong, he isn't eligable for the practice squad anymore.

[Milton145]

We'll have to wait and see how he does in preseason to make any judgment.

[RavenBlitz]

[quote name='FlaccoFlicker' timestamp='1281383418' post='447293']
not saying you are wrong but I am not 100% certain on Clayton.Not if the younger guys show him up in camp.But it is defingitly a high possibility
[/quote]

So far, he is a lock. He has looked sharp in camp and Harbaugh loves him.

He also knows the system well and with the exception of Mason, he is the only one on the roster who knows it inside and out. I say he sticks arond for at least one more year. If nothing more, he is a SOLID backup.

[FlaccoFlicker]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281384559' post='447322']
So far, he is a lock. He has looked sharp in camp and Harbaugh loves him.

He also knows the system well and with the exception of Mason, he is the only one on the roster who knows it inside and out. I say he sticks arond for at least one more year. If nothing more, he is a SOLID backup.
[/quote]
Oh i have no doubt,I always likes Clayton,granted was frustrated after his drop against NE,but he made some great plays that drive to.I think a slot receving spot would be best for him,like Washington was last year

[RavenBlitz]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1281383748' post='447297']
I'd pick Harper and Smith. I'm tired of Demetrius, Riley is still very raw and although Reed adds value as kick returner, Parmele has reportedly looked good in training camp(he certainly provided a spark last season when he took over).

We'll get to see a lot of these guys come Thursday. Can't wait.
[/quote]

I'm with you on that.

If the final was today, here's who I would go with:

Boldin
Mason
Stallworth
Clayton
Harper
Reed - unless Smith really outplays him on special teams.

[ed.s52]

We need to find some receivers for the future. That most likely won't be Clayton, and Stalls, Boldin, and Mase aren't very young (although their not too old either excluding Mase). We need some young talent, someone to replace Mason next year.

Thats why I think that unless Clayton outperforms Stalls (and maybe even if he does), we should cut or trade him (even if its for a low pick, maybe package him for a CB if possible), so we can keep Marcus Smith and Justin Harper, maybe Reed or Riley as well, and begin to see which one has premeir talent.

If none of these guys show up, its pretty obvious another WR is essential unless Stallworth is a straight MONSTER
and one of them is at least decent in the slot (probably Reed).

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RavenBlitz' timestamp='1281384816' post='447331']
I'm with you on that.

If the final was today, here's who I would go with:

Boldin
Mason
Stallworth
Clayton
Harper
[b]Reed - unless Smith really outplays him on special teams.[/b]
[/quote]

Marcus is the better gunner but Reed is a better kick returner. It's anybody's job to win.

[Runnin Raven]

"WR Justin Harper continues to make a case for a roster spot at a crowded position. He just flashed his speed and hands by making two straight grabs on deep outs against the first team defense."

Tell you what, this guy is making a serious case. I want to see it happen. I know preseason will tell the story, but I am pumped.

[Milton145]

I won't get hyped for anything until we play other teams who don't have our horrid corners.

[lowrider]

He always had potiential. He needs to be consistent on a big stage. Last preseason he was great, then terrible, then good, then bad. He needs to pull it together this preseason and beat out D will for the spot. I'd like to see a young buck of ours turn out to be something for once (at wr)

[Runnin Raven]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1281454660' post='447818']
I'd like to see a young buck of ours turn out to be something for once (at wr)
[/quote]
My sentiments exactly.

[BloodRaven]

He's in great shape too, he's taken this offseason very seriously.

[edreedfromtheu]

I want to support the guy, but if he wants people wearing his jersey... he's GOT to switch up the numbers. 14? What is that? I realize when you're not on the final roster you don't get much say in the matter. But if he does make it... let's get that thing changed pronto!

Yes, I worry about the important stuff. haha