Torrey Smith

[ravensfan2430]

I remember when we had a "speedster" named donte. He spent most of the time in the backfield.


Oh and how many time did a pass fly over 25 yards in the air last year? Maybe 5, 6 times? If they want to use this guy correctly, they need to change up the playbook a bit. But we have been saying that for a while.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1304162121' post='676625']
This. I 100% agree with this. Unless the FO knows that Kindle is very likely coming back, then I just don't understand how they could pass on a guy in the second when we've been strongly linked in the first. He would have been my pick.

Having said that, despite Torrey not being my favorite receiver, nor would I have looked elsewhere than Houston, now that he's a Raven I will root for him and hope he has all the success he can.
[/quote]

Just because the Ravens were linked to a guy in the first round doesn't mean they had a first round grade on him. You never know what goes into the process of grading these prospects and placing a round you feel comfortable drafting a player.

As i said before, we as fans only see highlights and small sample sizes on TV. However the Ravens see every game snap and practice snap if they can. They might not have liked the way this guy reacted on plays away from him, they might not of liked the way he played when his team was losing, maybe his practice habits does fit what we're looking for from a Ravens player.

It's about more then stats and what guys like Mayock or Kiper say. Even though I respect Mayock's views and opinions when it comes to the draft. People on this board are talking about Houston as if he's a can't miss prospect. Maybe he is. but can't be upset at all at how things played out.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ravensfan2430' timestamp='1304168539' post='676649']
I remember when we had a "speedster" named donte. He spent most of the time in the backfield.


Oh and how many time did a pass fly over 25 yards in the air last year? Maybe 5, 6 times? If they want to use this guy correctly, they need to change up the playbook a bit. But we have been saying that for a while.
[/quote]

If they want to change up the playbook and go vertical more, they'll need better protect for Flacco, not just different play calls. But that's a discussion for a different thread. I won't hi-jack this thread about Torrey.

[Purple Nurple]

I just started the press conference......did Torrey say his sisters names were Alegra and Integra?

[berad]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1304176706' post='676738']
I just started the press conference......did Torrey say his sisters names were Alegra and Integra?
[/quote]

LOL, that'd be pretty great.

I wasn't high on Smith, by any means, but now he's a Raven. Welcome, Torrey, prove the doubters wrong...

[gabefergy]

[quote name='ravensfan2430' timestamp='1304168539' post='676649']
I remember when we had a "speedster" named donte. He spent most of the time in the backfield.


Oh and how many time did a pass fly over 25 yards in the air last year? Maybe 5, 6 times? If they want to use this guy correctly, they need to change up the playbook a bit. But we have been saying that for a while.
[/quote]
Spouting off made-up statistics does not improve your argument.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1304174342' post='676705']
Just because the Ravens were linked to a guy in the first round doesn't mean they had a first round grade on him. You never know what goes into the process of grading these prospects and placing a round you feel comfortable drafting a player.

As i said before, we as fans only see highlights and small sample sizes on TV. However the Ravens see every game snap and practice snap if they can. They might not have liked the way this guy reacted on plays away from him, they might not of liked the way he played when his team was losing, maybe his practice habits does fit what we're looking for from a Ravens player.

It's about more then stats and what guys like Mayock or Kiper say. Even though I respect Mayock's views and opinions when it comes to the draft. People on this board are talking about Houston as if he's a can't miss prospect. Maybe he is. but can't be upset at all at how things played out.
[/quote]

Yeah I guess none of us knew the respective grades that the Ravens had on Torrey or Houston. In my eyes though, that was a pass which kind of hurt to see.

Like I said in the first place though, I'm happy for Torrey and hopefully he can be great.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Bullrush' timestamp='1304147291' post='676580']
Why would you say that? He's a legit 2nd round talent who could have gone higher as well. We need a guy who can stretch the field, badly. So we got him. He's also a high character guy who will become one of the leaders in a couple years in the offense once he's established himself. And please, enough with the Travis Taylor comparison. [b]Torrey is not gonna be counted on as a starter. He will stretch the field, catch screens, keep defenses on their toes, help set up the running game.[/b] A la Mike Wallace from the Steelers, a la Johnny Knox from the Bears. Once he does that well he will get more playing time as a receiver and possibly start for us at some point.

Nobody knows how he's gonna pan out, but I don't get why people act like it was a reach and he's gonna be a colossal bust for sure who won't even be able to stretch the field. He hasn't dropped any ball for the Ravens yet, wait and see what happens. If he does perform well all of you guys will look more than just foolish. If all he's gonna be able to do is stretch the field and make a 50yd play once per week or within two weeks then I'm ok with it. We didn't spend a top 5 pick on him.
[/quote]

Which I don't see him doing any of that besides a screen. As I've said multiple times, Smith is not a burner, he's not a deep threat, the man is a short to medium route, yards after the catch player. You know, basically the type of receiver we already have. Oh sure, maybe he's a bit faster than Boldin and Mason, but he's far from some new dimension to our receiving corp.

He's not going to keep defenses "on their toes", he's not going "help set up the run game". Smith's a poor blocker, so I don't see his effect being felt much when it comes to the run game. He's not going to reliably come out on top in jump ball situations until he can learn that his hands are there to catch with, not his body. Let's not forget how terribly he needs to vastly improve his shoddy routes, like I said, running a fly all the time isn't going to cut it. And I'm tired of hearing what a wonderful person he is, high character only gets you so far. I doubt he ever becomes "a leader" on this team. Once Ray's gone, Joe should be more than capable of stepping up, Rice could step up, Boldin (depending on how long he sticks around) could step up. There's multiple people who will most likely step up long before Smith ever will.

After sleeping on the pick, I'll give Smith (much like Jimmy) the benefit of the doubt. If he comes out and actually lives up to all this overrated and ridiculous "deep threat" hype that he's garnered, then great. Good for Ozzie and good for the team. I would be wrong, and I'd never be happier to be wrong. However, if he's just more of the same and never lives up to the hype, then I'll never forget the day we passed up a [i]real[/i] deep threat, Randall Cobb, for Torrey Smith.

[Bullrush]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1304178823' post='676787']
Which I don't see him doing any of that besides a screen. As I've said multiple times, Smith is not a burner, he's not a deep threat, the man is a short to medium route, yards after the catch player. You know, basically the type of receiver we already have. Oh sure, maybe he's a bit faster than Boldin and Mason, but he's far from some new dimension to our receiving corp.

He's not going to keep defenses "on their toes", he's not going "help set up the run game". Smith's a poor blocker, so I don't see his effect being felt much when it comes to the run game. He's not going to reliably come out on top in jump ball situations until he can learn that his hands are there to catch with, not his body. Let's not forget how terribly he needs to vastly improve his shoddy routes, like I said, running a fly all the time isn't going to cut it. And I'm tired of hearing what a wonderful person he is, high character only gets you so far. I doubt he ever becomes "a leader" on this team. Once Ray's gone, Joe should be more than capable of stepping up, Rice could step up, Boldin (depending on how long he sticks around) could step up. There's multiple people who will most likely step up long before Smith ever will.

After sleeping on the pick, I'll give Smith (much like Jimmy) the benefit of the doubt. If he comes out and actually lives up to all this overrated and ridiculous "deep threat" hype that he's garnered, then great. Good for Ozzie and good for the team. I would be wrong, and I'd never be happier to be wrong. However, if he's just more of the same and never lives up to the hype, then I'll never forget the day we passed up a [i]real[/i] deep threat, Randall Cobb, for Torrey Smith.
[/quote]

What you're saying is absurd. For you to say that he's not a deep threat when everybody else in the country says that he is including highly paid scouts that watch every step he makes and get paid to analyze college players, I mean you have to realize how absurd that sounds. Everything you're saying is the exact opposite of what everyone else thinks of him.

Here's just one assessment from a highly respected scout (NFLDraftcountdown):

Strengths:
• Possesses ideal height and weight with solid build
[b] • [u]Athletic with great speed, acceleration and a burst[/u][/b]
[b] • [u]Dangerous vertical threat who can stretch the field[/u][/b]
• Fantastic leaper w/ nice ball skills and body control
• Impressive agility, balance and vision in open field
• Tough and is not afraid to work across the middle
[b] • [u]Is a capable blocker and will put out maximum effort[/u][/b]
• Mature, hard working and respected by teammates
• Was productive with a lot of high-quality experience
• Can also contribute on special teams as return man

Weaknesses:
• Not a polished route runner and requires refinement
• Drops balls due to questionable hands / concentration
• Struggles to get off of the line cleanly and beat the jam
[b] • Not overly elusive, relying on speed more than moves [/b]

So basically he disagrees with everything you just said. On top of that you're saying Cobb is a real deep threat. Let's pull out his assessment of Cobb:

Strengths:
• Is super smooth with outstanding natural athleticism
• Great quickness, agility, balance, change of direction
• Soft hands plus fantastic ball skills and body control
• Extremely elusive with excellent vision and instincts
• Runs good routes and understands how to get open
• Very tough and isn't afraid of contact or of getting hit
• Terrific awareness w/ high football IQ and feel for game
• Experience lining up at running back and quarterback
• A dangerous return man who excelled on special teams
• Competitive, mature, hard working, a respected leader
• Productive and excelled against top-notch competition

Weaknesses:
• Merely average height and bulk with small frame
[b] • [u]Isn't real explosive and lacks elite timed speed[/u][/b]
[b] • [u]Doesn't get much separation downfield vertically[/u][/b]
• Will drop some balls due to lack of concentration
• Lacks strength / power and won't break tackles
• Gives good effort but won't offer much as blocker
• Still somewhat raw and is not a master technician
• Suffered some injuries and durability is a concern

And that's the guy you're looking to stretch the field? Not sure what college games or players you think you've been watching.

Also when I mentioned the running game I wasn't talking about his blocking skills, he might not be the best run blocker but he's not terrible either. I was talking about the fact that defense can't just put a safety in the box to stuff the run when we have Smith outside ready to catch a deep ball. I know you don't think he can do that but everyone else pretty much does.

[UMDan]

I'm a Terp so I totally support this choice and I think he'll be a great addition to the receiving corps and/or replacement for Stallworth/Housh. (I would like to see Housh stick around though.) It is a bit of a homer pick but Ozzie and co. obviously see something worthwhile in him and seeing what I've seen him do in games speaks for itself. Go Terps! Go Ravens!

[Ngata92NT]

Ugh, not a fan at all of this pick. Sure he's got some speed, but there are much faster guys later in the draft. Smith is going to be, at best, a slower donte stallworth. We have continually whiffed on receivers, so why do people defend this pick by insisting the FO knows better than anyone else? I see this as another bust in the making.

Of course, I'll root for him. He's a great kid and he has some talent, so I'm hoping he proves me wrong.

[True]

The Ravens having a 1st round grade on Torrey Smith kind of only fuels my doubt for their WR scouting...

But since they got him in the 2nd can't complain.

[scrock]

[quote name='PurpleandBlackBlood' timestamp='1304122578' post='675507']
This is the main topic for all Torrey Smith threads... YEAH TORREY'S A RAVENS!
[/quote]

I honestly liked other WRs ahead of Torrey Smith but I guess the Ravens liked him a lot, he was a red star player for them. Lets hope he pans out, he has the skill set but when has that ever mattered before....at least for the Ravens!! haha, I read the article on his childhood and his overall story, high character guy, tough as hell..I'm pulling for him.

See, I'm a Ravens fan, when a player is drafted I embrace them and give them the opportunity to prove themselves, I dont pass judgement and hate them immediately...lots of ignorant people out there hating on Jimmy Smith...

[PeRK82]

[quote name='PurpleandBlackBlood' timestamp='1304122578' post='675507']
This is the main topic for all Torrey Smith threads... YEAH TORREY'S A RAVENS!
[/quote]


well after watching the highlight footage, im sold. amazing catches.

The messed up thing is i think that qb is better than Flacco, he threw to place only torrey could catch.

can we please draft BRUCE REED now please or KINDLE better be playing next yr , we still need to build the D more then anything right now.

[raylewislapsu]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1304184253' post='677055']
The Ravens having a 1st round grade on Torrey Smith kind of only fuels my doubt for their WR scouting...

But since they got him in the 2nd can't complain.
[/quote]

Well said, I'm just glad that they didn't trade up for him like Harbs wanted to do. I heard the war room was split on whether or not to wait or to move up, so in that regard it worked out well.

[gabefergy]

I have always wanted to like Torrey Smith, and now I have to like him because he is a Raven!

TBH I like Tandon Doss better than Smith, but we have them both =) The future is bright with Smith, Doss, Reed, Dickson and Pitta

[gabefergy]

[quote name='raylewislapsu' timestamp='1304195655' post='677821']
Well said, I'm just glad that they didn't trade up for him like Harbs wanted to do. I heard the war room was split on whether or not to wait or to move up, so in that regard it worked out well.
[/quote]
If we had moved up for him I would have been much more upset. He is solid value at 58, but I cant believe he would have been a value pick any earlier.

I just hope he proves myself and the rest of the Torrey Smith critics wrong.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Bullrush' timestamp='1304181583' post='676879']
What you're saying is absurd. For you to say that he's not a deep threat when everybody else in the country says that he is including highly paid scouts that watch every step he makes and get paid to analyze college players, I mean you have to realize how absurd that sounds. Everything you're saying is the exact opposite of what everyone else thinks of him.

Here's just one assessment from a highly respected scout (NFLDraftcountdown):

[i][Other People's Opinions][/i]

So basically he disagrees with everything you just said. On top of that you're saying Cobb is a real deep threat. Let's pull out his assessment of Cobb:

[i][More of Other People's Opinions][/i]

And that's the guy you're looking to stretch the field? Not sure what college games or players you think you've been watching.

Also when I mentioned the running game I wasn't talking about his blocking skills, he might not be the best run blocker but he's not terrible either. I was talking about the fact that defense can't just put a safety in the box to stuff the run when we have Smith outside ready to catch a deep ball. I know you don't think he can do that but everyone else pretty much does.
[/quote]

How about you don't go out and pull out [i]other people's[/i] scouting reports and bullet points and form your own opinion? Perhaps I'd value your stance a little bit more if you didn't come off as such a sheep to the press.

However, I know who I've been watching (I'm a Miami fan, so I follow and watch nearly all ACC teams) and I'm far from the only person who feels the way I do. So, quite frankly, I couldn't care less how you defend him or feel about the pick. End of story. I'm more than entitled to my opinion, I'm more than knowledgeable about football on both levels, and I'm far from ignorant on my opinion.

Next time you comment on what I have to say, I'd respectfully ask that you do not talk as if I'm ignorant to football, players, or teams.

[ed.s52]

At this point I think his best trait is his worth ethic. I really wanted Titus Young and not Smith, but his work ethic could make him a legitimate deep threat in the league if he outworks the other guys, but the chance of that isn't as high imo as I would like. And with our less than reputable history drafting receivers, I'm scared all the flaws i've seen in his game won't be fixed by his work ethic and coaching, although I'm certainly rooting for him.

[Bltravens]

Really at the end of the day I wish nothing but the best for the kid, the fact that hes a guy you have to basically throw out of the weight room and from training is nothing but a plus, he has tools to work with and as long as Mason doesnt teach him the nuances of comebacks and curl routes he wont go the way of Clayton. I like how Torrey covered JSmith's back in their joint press conference too without warning just defended him, you dont find teammates like that often. Torrey is with us now, time to ride or die, I hope it works out.

[berad]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1304224952' post='678617']
Really at the end of the day I wish nothing but the best for the kid, the fact that hes a guy you have to basically throw out of the weight room and from training is nothing but a plus, he has tools to work with and as long as Mason doesnt teach him the nuances of comebacks and curl routes he wont go the way of Clayton. [b] I like how Torrey covered JSmith's back in their joint press conference too without warning just defended him, you dont find teammates like that often.[/b] Torrey is with us now, time to ride or die, I hope it works out.
[/quote]

Yeah, that was pretty impressive. Some of those reporters were fishing, though, trying to make something out of nothing. Torrey's a good guy for standing up for a new teammate.

[BloodRaven]

No more excuses for Joe now, he has a whole stack of young weapons.

[Bullrush]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1304206296' post='678273']
How about you don't go out and pull out [i]other people's[/i] scouting reports and bullet points and form your own opinion? Perhaps I'd value your stance a little bit more if you didn't come off as such a sheep to the press.

However, I know who I've been watching (I'm a Miami fan, so I follow and watch nearly all ACC teams) and I'm far from the only person who feels the way I do. So, quite frankly, I couldn't care less how you defend him or feel about the pick. End of story. I'm more than entitled to my opinion, I'm more than knowledgeable about football on both levels, and I'm far from ignorant on my opinion.

Next time you comment on what I have to say, I'd respectfully ask that you do not talk as if I'm ignorant to football, players, or teams.
[/quote]
Fair enough. You have your own opinion, the vast majority in this country totally disagrees with you. We'll see what happens.

[Bullrush]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1304226285' post='678632']
No more excuses for Joe now, he has a whole stack of young weapons.
[/quote]
I have to disagree, our receivers from last year were pretty good. Our 2 starters were better than on most other teams and Housh is among the best #3 wideouts. We also had a speedster in Stallworth, and Heap, and Rice. So many weapons to get the ball to. A lack of weapons is not why we failed to be productive in terms of passing the ball. It's more the fact that Cam is incapable of making this passing game work. His inability to make use of speedy guys like Stallworth was a good example of why I was laughing when I heard Ozzie talk about how now that we have Torrey teams will be scared and one wrong step by their defense and Torrey goes 50+ yards. It's hilarious. We had a guy like that in Stallworth. Cam was creative enough to let him run reverses/end arounds every time Stallworth entered the field. Something Bill Walsh or Lombardi must have taught him, because it must take a genius to figure out how to not get a deep threat the ball downfield. That would make too much sense. Instead you just let him run end arounds. There's a reason why the Rams averaged the same amount of passing yards as we did last season even though they by far have the worst receivers in the league. Housh would be their #1 go to guy. That's how bad they are. Still they're just as productive. It's because they don't have Cam coordinating their offense.

So unless Cam drastically changes the way he coordinates this offense I don't see Torrey making any type of plays in the passing game. Or anybody else for that matter. But Cam has been given a clear warning this offseason by Steve & John and will likely be fired next season if he doesn't get this offense working with all the weapons we have now.

[BloodRaven]

You're actually both right, Smith doesn't always play as fast as his numbers.

Also, not naming names, but lets get back to attacking the argument instead of the poster.

[DuDe]

Is it just me or does he compare to Reggie Wayne when Wayne came out?

[omar586]

i think the ravens panicked, this year's draft was they worst, but i think we will get some contributers and starters from the UDFAs pool more than the draft.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='omar586' timestamp='1304264439' post='678818']
[b]i think the ravens panicked[/b], this year's draft was they worst, but i think we will get some contributers and starters from the UDFAs pool more than the draft.
[/quote]

Panicked how? Imo panicked would have meant trading up to select positions of need like a Pass Rush, or a Young Center. I think the Ravens did what they did every year. I think the only difference was that this draft wasn't overly impressive.

I think Doss was a great pick, and even better in conjunction with Smith. I think Tyrod was a really good value pick as well.

I'm not attacking you, but how did they panic in your opinion?

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='DuDe' timestamp='1304258707' post='678780']
Is it just me or does he compare to Reggie Wayne when Wayne came out?
[/quote]

I think he compares, but Reggie was much more polished coming out of the U. However Torrey seems to be a hard worker, and has improved his skills each year, since becoming a full time WR.

So he could definitely develop into a Reggie Wayne type.

[Free Agent]

Jimmy Smith was great value in the first, Torrey Smith was great value in the second. I can't wait to see both Smiths take the field.