Grade The Ravens Offseason Acquisitions

[flynismo]

Let me start this thread off by saying that if you respond with "We have to wait til the end of the season to truly grade our offseason..." I will flame you til you cry to your mama. Got it? Good!

Now, down to businss...we will also take the draft into consideration when evaluating our offseason, since obviously that is a huge part of it.
Also, I wont be discussing every single addition, only the more significant ones. However, you may feel free to bring up anyone you like.


Key Additions:

1. Anquan Boldin (trade)
2. Donte Stallworth (FA)
3. TJ Houshmanwhatever (FA)
4. Sergio Kindle (draft -- expected to sign, so we'll include King Sergio)
5. Terrance Cody (draft)
6. Ed Dickson (draft)
7. Dennis Pitta (draft)
8. Shayne Graham (FA)
9. Marc Bulger (FA)
10. Josh Wilson (trade)
11. Ken Hamelin (FA)
12. Corey Redding (FA)

Key Departures:

1. Antwan Barnes
2. Demetrius Williams
3. Troy Smith
4. Frank Walker
5. Adam Terry
6. Samari Rolle

My apologies if I missed anyone of significance.


It is easy to look at this list and see that we have clearly gained much more talent than we have lost. But what is equally impressive is the philosophy behind the new acquisitions. Our passing game is subpar? Lets get Boldin, Housh and Stallworth. Heap is near the end of the road? Lets draft two highly touted prospects. Will Troy Smith be a serviceable backup if Flacco goes down? Doesn't matter, we got a Pro Bowler backing him up now. Not satisfied with last years pass rush? Let's go get Kindle and Cody to fortify the front seven. Foxworth got hurt? That's okay, Webb may be just as good and we'll get a promising prospect in Wilson to fill in. Not on the Billy Cundiff bandwagon yet? Lets bring in Graham.
Notice the trend? We didn't address our weaknesses, we annihilated them. The only area that there is any contention about is some feel that we should have focused more on our CB, particularly after Foxy went down. I do not agree with that, because 1. How? No one was available and 2. Our existing guys are better than given credit for and 3. Most importantly, even if anyone were available, it would have limited our opportunities to make the other improvements (for example, if some of us had our own way, we would have drafted Kyle Wilson...meaning then that we would not have Kindle or Dickson -we probably still would have landed Cody-).

Our most significant loss other than Rolle was a second string, underachieving pass rusher (sorry fellas, but that is an accurate description of Barnes, but if you'd like, I'll throw in that he does have some potential). In other words, we added tons of talent, and did not lose any significant players (including Rolle, since, well, lets be honest, at his age and condition, we could not possibly expect much from him had he not retired).

I give our offseason a resounding A+. This has probably been the best offseason in franchise history.

[FlaccoFlicker]

A+ in my opinion great moves

[flynismo]

Edit- Of course, the moment I submit the thread, I discover Clayton just got traded. Not that it changes anything in the grand scheme of things, but in the interest of thoroughness, I'd like to add him to the list of Key Departures.

[CorvusCorax]

I couldn't have put it any better than how you presented it. Honestly I'm not all that concerned with our CB depth. Fabian Washington is back and Webb will be back at some point (possibly game 1). That is really encouraging. We now have Wilson on the CB depth chart and Carr has definitely stepped up his game (Yes he has since mid-season last year). Only time will tell how well our offseason acquisition becomes. We all hope its for a run to the Superbowl.

[JohnnyBoy8102]

I'll grade them at the end of the season.

[DrMoonTooth]

Shayne Graham got waived in favor of Cundiff Fly.

[DrMoonTooth]

I would also add the coaching acquisitions (Monachino, Zorn, etc.).

I would give it right at an A on a college grading scale (90). Ozzie pretty much made every move within reason to take us to the big game.

[Ravenite]

Add the fact that we brought Derrick Mason back who was a FA also.

Other than what you have stated, this has been a really eye-opening Offseason. I never anticipated a season like others in the past. Only because of the potential this team can cause. We can think about the past or the future for this team but it's clear from the Front Office point of view, it's now. It's time to win now.

Past two years, moreso last, we've been through ups and downs. This year, I anticipate some more ups and downs because when you look at the team across the board from a vetern leadership role, they want to win a ring.

Names like Cory Redding, Mason, Housh, Boldin, Stallworth, Bulger, have been in the league sometimes and I think the time of personal goals is gone. Yes it will be nice but I think this team has a bigger picture. Plus, when looking at the young talent, this is great experience for them also to be apart of team like this.

All together, this is a memorable offseason and I had to grade it an A.

[Andrew Glass]

Overall it was a really good offseason, Could of been much much better imo. Looking into next year we're going to have some major problems though. Nearly all those veterans who were brought in here won't be here next season as they are play 1 year deals into larger contracts

[Dan The Man Ravens #1 Fan]

The best thing about this off season to me is that we pretty much kept the corp of the team that for the past two years has gone to the playoffs. The thing we did was add quality depth to almost every position. Should something happen to one of the starters we have someone who can step right in an almost not skip a beat. Not to mention the amount of talent we can look forward to come week 7 or 8. Fresh legs. How big is that? We are set up to make the run. Its all up to each and every individual to do his part. Stay healthy and cut down the stupid penalties and I cant see why this team wont be considered the power house of the NFL.

[cursona pirate]

One of the best offseasons ever A

[mhead66]

Cody + Wilson are welcome defensive additions, and Foxworth and Barnes (I'm still at that!) make the net result close. Reed will be (temporarily) missed, but the Z-man will do just fine replacing him. Of course, I still wonder about who will play next to Ray, and how effectively... but the D, especially with Webb, Fab & Wilson to soon be together, will be comparable to last year's D.

The Offense... ahhh, yes. Mason, Clayton and Washington vs. Q, Mason and Housh? L.J. Smith vs. Dickson/Pitta? The only concern on Offense is Gaither's health. Other than that, MAJOR upgrade.

Overall, an A.

[GTRavens]

Two things I love about Harbaugh (and I'm saying this about Harbs instead of Ozzie because it didn't happen with Billick) is that a) he's bolstered the team's depth tremendously and he knows a bargain when he sees one. We plug up holes with stopgaps, but we do it cheaply and efficiently. Not liking the tackle situation? The Bengals cut Willie Anderson, let's sign him. Need an extra receiver? Let's resurrect Kelley Washington from the dead. Houshmandzadeh's on the market and going cheap? Let's take advantage rather than being complacent with what we have. June dead time? Not with talented vets like Marc Bulger and Ken Hamlin, why not see what they can do? You notice how with these free agents there have always been teams in need of that kind of player much more than us, yet we scoop them up anyway? I've never seen any team have such success with post-draft castaway free agents quite like the Ravens have the past few years. It brings extra talent aboard and it doesn't sacrifice the future. Really, the only big long term investment we've made is in Boldin. I love it.

[Alexir]

I think when Josh Wilson takes the field alot of people will be thinking the CB situation is definitely fixed and not just being held together by a band aid.

[SC Ravens Fan]

[quote name='cursona pirate' timestamp='1283822065' post='467732']
One of the best offseasons ever A
[/quote]
I would have to agree. I think the first draft may have been the best but this is surely up there.

[organizedchaos007]

I give our offseason additions an A. WR overhual is a huge upgrade over what we had, then to add 2 TE's that can stretch the field with great hands. Ontop of that, Josh Wilson is gonna be a MONSTER in this system with our front 7, im looking for huge things from him. Cody, Redding, and eventually Kindle is gonna further solidify our front 7.

Monday cant come any faster... never been this pumped and optimistic for a season.

[purple.n.black]

Definitely an A+. Heck having an offseason half this good would be great. So many great veterans picked up, and one of the best drafts of the year.

[1/28/01]

A+++++++

[Jesse Conroy]

Heres what I liked and disliked, but lets brake the ice with the dislikes...

(WARNING: Some of these statements can be thought of as ignorant, not agreed with, or not liked. But they are just an opinion, and everyone is entitled to an opinion. So hopefully these statements will not get bashed for any dislikes)

Didnt like:
The Draft (Both Sides)- I felt like it didnt accomplish much, trading for 2 2nd round picks really wasnt what I would do (not saying i have an profession analysis just stating my opinion) Being that we make that move and one of them gets injured by falling down the stairs caused from "sleep epnia" but come on, if you have that disease, should you play football? Not saying I dont want him to get healthy and play for us, but I think he just had a little mistake called slip and fall, you cant help injuries, but it doesnt help that we wasted a numb 1 pick to trade down Grade: D-
CB situation- Im very upset that we didnt accomplish getting a top grade CB this offseason with our depleting CB core. We have no depth in CB, we are gonna have to be better on scoring points this year (which I have no doubt that we will), because we are gonna give up a lot of passing touchdowns. Grade: F
Waiving Smith and Graham- Dropping Smith is no big deal when your looking to just have 2 QB's to leave open room for another player to add depth somewhere where its need, and no doubt id rather have Buldger than Smith, but when you pick up a QB like Cantwell then it makes me a little more upset.. no reason to leave Smith behind, when he can be used during the season more so then Cantwell could be used, Cantwell is more of a in the pocket passer, and we have 2 of those already that tend to stay healthy (knock on wood)and I suppose its good to have another pocket passer just incase, but I dont know, I feel like if injuries were to occur, moves can be made with free Agents if that time were to come. So when Smith can be used for a bit more versatile plays, I think Smith is the better 3rd QB. Over to Graham, I feel like he was the better kicker out of the two, I love Billy and was glad to have him save our kicking situation last season, but I feel Graham was the more experienced and better overall of the two. May it have been a tuff battle or not I feel like the decision may have been bias on who the coach likes more. (not saying its true, I just have a hunch). Still not the worst thing this offseason. Grade: D-
Recent Drop of Clayton- Yeah we got whosyourmomma but so what,that doesnt change the fact that we can still use clayton, and then we give him away for a 6th round pick, blah.. i dont like it, I dont think it was a good idea being that stallworth is gone for half the season. Grade: F
Injuries- Im not gonna add this to the grading because theres nothing we can do, but all the injuries of key player, and key players injuries from last year not healing is very disappointing.

Liked: (mostly the pick ups)
Stallworth- First move that I got giddy over. I just thought it was so cool to get stallworth, I love fast WR's (too bad he got injured) Grade: A
Boldin- First big move of the year, we got the number 1 receiver that we've needed for a long time, I love Mason, but hes no Boldin. I think that Flacco will improve his numbers and performance with a top grade WR. Grade: A+
The Draft (both sides)- The pick up of Cody and Reed was very nice. And I do pray that Kindell will come back when he gets healthy and do big things, we'll see. Reed will be very nice on special teams, he made some big catches in preseason, the kid looks like he has potential. Grade: C+
Houshmandzedah- I think the final WR add of TJ was a very cool move. Im a little worried about how he will act, but time will tell. Grade: B

The beginning of the offseason towards the end of the draft our season looked very promising, then it kinda went downhill from there with injuries, bad decisions, and wavied players, at least it went out with a bang getting TJ.

There is more im sure that I just cant think of from memory right now but this is the best I can do at this moment being its 4 in the morning.

But I will give it an overall grade of C+ but like a 79... So I voted 80-89 cause I always round up

Lets hope everything comes together and works out for the ravens this season.

Heres to hoping for a SuperBowl

[flynismo]

Agreed, these are just our opinions, nothing more and nothing less... That said..giving our draft a D- ... are you outta your flipping mind??

[Gtown Purple]

I have to give an A+ here. We added much more talent than we lost and some of the talent we lost was due to an overabundance in a certain area (see antwan barnes). We didn't lose any of our core players to free agency and we filled quite a few holes that us fans griped about last year. The only real weakness I see is on the front line but that should subside once Cousins and/or Gaither comes back. we are stacked at the offensive skill positions in all aspects. we are stacked at dline and linebacker. We also added enough depth to our db core to keep us until webb and reed are back healthy. i don't see any way to give less than an A+. This has to be one of the best offseason's the ravens have ever had. i think Ozzie wants a super bowl in case he lockout impacts next season which it just might.

[Jesse Conroy]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1283852035' post='468081']
Agreed, these are just our opinions, nothing more and nothing less... That said..giving our draft a D- ... are you outta your flipping mind??
[/quote]

There were two sides to the draft the D- was for the dislikes.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Jesse Conroy' timestamp='1283930317' post='469036']<br />There were two sides to the draft the D- was for the dislikes.<br />[/quote]

okay, gotcha, I missed that part lol..

[lugierave]

It is the win it all year. The front office invested a lot time & $ to get it done . The window is closing for the older vets whom what to go out in style. Ray, Mason Reed and Heap & our New FAs. SUPER BOWL off season home work I voted A.

[SnOoPy]

Finally! A season without Frank Walker!

[Terrellb2007]

Terrific jobs this preseason. We were able to see all looks and take a great look at how much depth we have overall as a team. We even picked up a few additions as you pointed out. The team put on a great show to gear all of their fans up for the season. Hopefully we will be consistent and ironed out whatever kinks we have and strive for this ring.

[lowrider]

Could the Ravens have addressed their weaknesses any better than how they did it? Love it.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='lowrider' timestamp='1283959827' post='469198']
Could the Ravens have addressed their weaknesses any better than how they did it? Love it.
[/quote]
Oh boy, you just opened it up for every sofa GM to step in and say we should have drafted 3 CB's in the draft and that Foxworths injury should have been assumed was going to happen.

[lowrider]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1283961705' post='469239']
Oh boy, you just opened it up for every sofa GM to step in and say we should have drafted 3 CB's in the draft and that Foxworths injury should have been assumed was going to happen.
[/quote]
Sorry... I wasn't trying to be sarcastic. I really don't know if the Ravens could have had a better offseason realistically speaking. Unrealistically speaking of course we should have gotten Revis, and Vincent Jackson. What was Ozzie thinking...?

[Yatagarasu]

When you win in the offseason, then you will win in the real season.

New Coaches (Pees, Zorn)
New Faces (Boldin, Wilson)
Depth (Bulger, T.J.)
Solid Draft (Cody, TEs) If Kindle comes back for the regular season and tears it up cause he's fresh, then Draft will be seen as excellent.
New Attitude (Win or Bust)

We're planning deep in the playoffs. Week 1 will set the tone of how this team will look.