Your Must Have Undrafted Rookies

[Defence_Is_Salvation]

I'd like to know what people think of these undrafted rookies and our likelihood of working them out:

- Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall.
- Deandre McDaniel, SS, Clemson.
- Noel Devine, HB, West Virginia.

I am aware that McDaniel assaulted his girlfriend and Devine is undersized...

Anyone else you guys have on your radar?

[Integrity]

[quote name='Defence_Is_Salvation' timestamp='1306487441' post='691232']
I'd like to know what people think of these undrafted rookies and our likelihood of working them out:

- Mario Harvey, ILB, Marshall.
- Deandre McDaniel, SS, Clemson.
- Noel Devine, HB, West Virginia.

I am aware that McDaniel assaulted his girlfriend and Devine is undersized...

Anyone else you guys have on your radar?
[/quote]

- Mark Herzlich, MLB, Boston College
- Henry Hynopski, FB, Pittsburgh

[Token]

Kris O'Dowd

[Alexir]

Pierre Allen, Steven Friday, DeAndre McDaniel, Mario Harvey (London Fletcher Jr.), Tim Barnes or another Center with Potential, and a Full back and a long snapper...

[flynismo]

Friday, Harvey and O'Dowd

[gabefergy]

Joe Lefeged, Deunta Williams, Jeron Johnson...theres a lot of UDFA safeties this year. I would hope we sign at least one of them for training camp.

[Ravensfan23]

I don't know if these guys are must have, but I would like the Ravens to take a change on them.

[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG64tTWmGKw&feature=related"]John Clay RB 6'1" 230:[/url][/color]
Even though we drafted Anthony Allen, Clay could be very useful in short yardage situations. At 6-1 230, he's has that Peyton Hillis style of running and that could really help the Ravens in the power running game.

[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZ1yewoUSqk&feature=related"]DeAndre Brown WR 6'6" 233[/url][/color]
Comes with a lot of character concerns and a long injury history, but the guy is definitely talented enough to play in the NFL. Before his broken leg injury his freshman year, the guy was reported to be running a 4.37. It's taken him some time to overcome that injury, but if the Ravens could stash him on the PS and continue to develop him, he might be a steal. Taller then ever DB, bigger then most safeties, Brown could be a terror in the red-zone while developing as a more well rounded WR.

[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NunWG3U-Dw"]Armon Binns WR 6'3" 209[/url][/color]
Really good combo of size, speed, and has really good hands. I know the Ravens have a host of young pass catchers, but with the way the NFL is shifting more towards the passing game, you can never have enough good young WRs. I think Binns would fit well with what the Ravens like to do offensively.


[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8jdc5JWjPg"]Ricardo Lockette WR 6'2" 211[/url][/color]
It's no secret that the Ravens are looking for size and speed at the WR position and Lockette would give them both. Lockette is still very raw as a WR, but is said to be a really hard worker and could develop into a play maker at the WR position. More importantly then being a WR, Lockette could be that dynamic presences in the return game that the Ravens have been missing since J-Lew. The Ravens have Webb and now Smith, who can return kicks, but both of those guys will be relied upon heavily on offense and defense. I'm not sure you wanna use them as return guys. Lockette ran a 4.37 at the combine, and while he doesn't always show that speed as a WR, he definitely does as a return man. Also has the size and speed to take over that gunner position on ST, should we cut Marcus Smith.


Kentrell Lockett DE/OLB 6'5 241
Lockett projects as a 3-4 OLB and excels at rushing the passer. He was granted a 6th year of eligibility to play for Ole Miss so i'm not even sure he's available. However if he is available, he could provide some much needed help in pass rush situations.

[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZUA5CZ6IQ"]Mark Herzlich OLB 6'4" 244[/url][/color]
If not for cancer, Herzlich would have probably been a top 15 draft pick. Before the battle with cancer, he was big, strong, fast, and just a beast. He showed flashes last season that he was starting to get his form back, and I think he'll be all the way back in the next 2 years or so. This guy is a sure tackler, big hitter, really good cover guy, can rush the passer, sets the edge well in the running game, and is a great leader. He's the definition of play like a Raven. The guy is just all over the field making plays. He's a well rounded OLB and he'd be a combination between JJ and AD. The Ravens would do well to give his guy a shot once the lockout is lifted. He'll probably turn into a stud defender in the NFL. I think going undrafted will really motivate this guy and he'll make some teams pay.

[color="#4B0082"][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpAk11N3VkM"]Deandre McDaniel SS 6'0" 217[/url][/color]
This guy was a absolute terror for QBs and WRs in the ACC. Has play making abilities and plays well on kick coverage. I doubt if he'd come in year 1 and push either Zibby or Nakamura off the roster, but he could definitely provide some depth. He would do well to learn the safety position from Ed and contiue to develop his skills. He definitely has the talent to hold down a reserve role in someones defense, and with the way the NFL is so pass happy now, he might get a chance to play early depending on what team he goes to.

These are the guys I would like to see the Ravens push hard to sign. I think all of these guys have a tremendous amount of potential and if given the right opportunity could shine. The Ravens don't have many, if any holes on this team, but it's always good to add some good young depth. That's how you build championship franchises, and not just teams who struggle to make the playoffs each year.

[Jamal]

Harvey and O'Dowd.

[grape drank]

Deandre Brown - Southern Mississippi. 6'6" 240lbs, 4.59 40 time.
[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eab630/2011-combine-workout-DeAndre-Brown"]My link[/url]

Here is a video of him catching balls and doing his thing at the combine.

I know we have a plethora of new, young, talented receivers. But I think Deandre has the potential to be something special in the NFL. SImilar to Marques Colston in almost every way (except for the fact that Colston was taken in the 7th round and Deandre went undrafted....big difference I know lol). Both are tall receivers with moderate speed and solid hands (colston probably having the edge over Deandre). The saints use Colston with deadly efficiency in the Red Zone, simply getting him to run into the end zone, turn around and out jump the Corner for a J-ball thrown perfectly from Drew Brees. I think a receiver similar to Colston could really help the Ravens "get over the hump". I know we already signed Hardy, but giving Brown a shot as well would give us 2 opportunities to find a Marques Colston 2.0.

[Yooniboy]

jeff maehl

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1306869195' post='692120']
Deandre Brown - Southern Mississippi. 6'6" 240lbs, 4.59 40 time.
[url="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81eab630/2011-combine-workout-DeAndre-Brown"]My link[/url]

Here is a video of him catching balls and doing his thing at the combine.

I know we have a plethora of new, young, talented receivers. But I think Deandre has the potential to be something special in the NFL. SImilar to Marques Colston in almost every way (except for the fact that Colston was taken in the 7th round and Deandre went undrafted....big difference I know lol). Both are tall receivers with moderate speed and solid hands (colston probably having the edge over Deandre). The saints use Colston with deadly efficiency in the Red Zone, simply getting him to run into the end zone, turn around and out jump the Corner for a J-ball thrown perfectly from Drew Brees. I think a receiver similar to Colston could really help the Ravens "get over the hump". I know we already signed Hardy, but giving Brown a shot as well would give us 2 opportunities to find a Marques Colston 2.0.
[/quote]

I really really like Brown, I liked him more in his freshman year before the injury, but I believe the potential is still there. He just needs to go to a place that'll allow him to develop his skills.

Before the injury I really saw Brown as a guy that would go in at least the 3 round, and probably the top-middle of the 2nd. I think Brown would have been better going back to school for his senior year, but with his injuries, and the way things were going for him, I can't blame him for wanting to get to the NFL this year, instead of waiting.

It's been said that Brown needs to work on his work ethic and I'm hoping him going undrafted will be a motivator to him. I don't believe in NFL players being baby sat, however I think the Ravens veteran lead locker room would be a great fit for Brown.

He's one of those guys that has always been the man, and struggled to handle not being the man after his injury. After not being drafted, you have to know that you're not the man, and there are at least 5-6 guys ahead of you at your position. If Brown humbles himself and grows up, he has the potential to be a top WR on any NFL team.

Even though the Ravens have been stock piling young WRs over the last 3 seasons, after Boldin and probably Smith, nothing is set in stone at the WR position for the Ravens. Even Smith will have to prove he's worthy of being relied on as a WR. So there would definitely be room on the Ravens for a guy like Brown if he was willing to work hard enough and earn a spot.

DeAndre Brown is a guy who, if he doesn't grow up he'll be out of the NFL before he even gets a chance to get his feet wet. However if he matures and develop a strong work habit, he'll probably make some franchise really happy.

[Radinho84]

herzlich- just because he is a great guy and deserves a chance. if he can get to his odl form it would be very nice to have him!!

brown- we have jung guys on the team but we could use him anyhow. tall well build, athletic. hardy won´t make the team in my opinion and this guy will be good. mason is gone after next season and boldin will also be 31. couldn´t be joung enough in my eyes...

[grape drank]

[quote name='Radinho84' timestamp='1306935859' post='692272']
herzlich- just because he is a great guy and deserves a chance. if he can get to his odl form it would be very nice to have him!!

brown- we have jung guys on the team but we could use him anyhow. tall well build, athletic. hardy won´t make the team in my opinion and this guy will be good. mason is gone after next season and boldin will also be 31. couldn´t be joung enough in my eyes...
[/quote]
I have confidence in Hardy. But as we all know, sometimes things just don't work out, so I'd like a plan B which would be brown.

[Radinho84]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1306936245' post='692274']
I have confidence in Hardy. But as we all know, sometimes things just don't work out, so I'd like a plan B which would be brown.
[/quote]
it is not about hardy being bad or anything like that. i don´t trust his body and that he can stay healthy...
brown is 6,6 and 240. and moves very well for a guy that big. liked him his whole college carear and shouted for him on another thread. i hope we give him a chance!

[Ravensfan23]

I think Ozzie really likes Hardy, and if he can stay healhty throughout training camp and preseason, he'll make the team imo. Every time the WR position was brought up this offseason, Ozzie made it a point to through Hardy's name in there. It wasn't because we just signed him, because we also signed Brandon Jones this offseason and I haven't heard anything about him.

I think this will be the make or break year for J. Harp, he's no longer eligible for the PS and will have to either make the team or be on IR to stick around.

It's gonna be hard to justify keeping Marcus Smith just for his special teams play alone. I think he'll have to start contributing on the offensive side or he'll be off the team. There are too many young WRs who could be assets to the offense, to have Smith just stick around for ST purposes.

I can see the Ravens keeping 5-6 WRs this year. Boldin, Mason, Smith, Reed, Doss, Hardy/Harper. Even if the Ravens went out and signed Brown, I think he'd be stashed on the Practice Squad. I think he's too raw and immature for anyone to sign him out the Ravens PS if that happened.

I think you stash him on the PS and allow him to continue to rehab and develop so he can be 100% ready to go in 2012. Having Brown 6'6" Hardy 6'5" Dickson 6'4" and Pitta 6'4" could make the Ravens a really dangerous redzone team for the future.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1306942200' post='692298']
I think Ozzie really likes Hardy, and if he can stay healhty throughout training camp and preseason, he'll make the team imo. Every time the WR position was brought up this offseason, Ozzie made it a point to through Hardy's name in there. It wasn't because we just signed him, because we also signed Brandon Jones this offseason and I haven't heard anything about him.

I think this will be the make or break year for J. Harp, he's no longer eligible for the PS and will have to either make the team or be on IR to stick around.

[b]It's gonna be hard to justify keeping Marcus Smith just for his special teams play alone. I think he'll have to start contributing on the offensive side or he'll be off the team. There are too many young WRs who could be assets to the offense, to have Smith just stick around for ST purposes.

I can see the Ravens keeping 5-6 WRs this year. Boldin, Mason, Smith, Reed, Doss, Hardy/Harper. Even if the Ravens went out and signed Brown, I think he'd be stashed on the Practice Squad. I think he's too raw and immature for anyone to sign him out the Ravens PS if that happened.
[/b]
I think you stash him on the PS and allow him to continue to rehab and develop so he can be 100% ready to go in 2012. Having Brown 6'6" Hardy 6'5" Dickson 6'4" and Pitta 6'4" could make the Ravens a really dangerous redzone team for the future.
[/quote]

While Hardy or Harper are better receivers than Smith, both will likely be no more than the 5th or 6th WR if they make the team and most of their contributions will come via special teams. Smith is obviously better than both of them in that regard. Every team in the league has players who only contribute on special teams. There's nothing wrong with having him behind Q, Mase, Torrey and Doss.

[grape drank]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1306942200' post='692298']
I think Ozzie really likes Hardy, and if he can stay healhty throughout training camp and preseason, he'll make the team imo. Every time the WR position was brought up this offseason, Ozzie made it a point to through Hardy's name in there. It wasn't because we just signed him, because we also signed Brandon Jones this offseason and I haven't heard anything about him.

I think this will be the make or break year for J. Harp, he's no longer eligible for the PS and will have to either make the team or be on IR to stick around.

It's gonna be hard to justify keeping Marcus Smith just for his special teams play alone. I think he'll have to start contributing on the offensive side or he'll be off the team. There are too many young WRs who could be assets to the offense, to have Smith just stick around for ST purposes.

I can see the Ravens keeping 5-6 WRs this year. Boldin, Mason, Smith, Reed, Doss, Hardy/Harper. Even if the Ravens went out and signed Brown, I think he'd be stashed on the Practice Squad. I think he's too raw and immature for anyone to sign him out the Ravens PS if that happened.

[b]I think you stash him on the PS and allow him to continue to rehab and develop so he can be 100% ready to go in 2012. Having Brown 6'6" Hardy 6'5" Dickson 6'4" and Pitta 6'4" could make the Ravens a really dangerous redzone team for the future.
[/quote]
[/b]


Don't forget Doss isn't far off at 6'3", however he may have the best hands of the bunch, and elite route running technique. Give him a year under Mason and he could be the next reggie Wayne type receiver (moderate speed, excellent route runner, stellar hands). Also Torrey is 6'1". Most people assume he's like 5'10 because he's a deep threat lol, but he's also got that 41" vert. I think we could be a very deadly goal line team.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

Not to mention we aim to be able to get the running game back to its good ol' pounding style. You can never have too many redzone options.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1306954896' post='692351']
While Hardy or Harper are better receivers than Smith, both will likely be no more than the 5th or 6th WR if they make the team and most of their contributions will come via special teams. Smith is obviously better than both of them in that regard. Every team in the league has players who only contribute on special teams. There's nothing wrong with having him behind Q, Mase, Torrey and Doss.
[/quote]

I didn't say there is anything wrong with keeping Smith for his special teams abilities. However If the Ravens see potential in guys like Smith, Doss, Reed, and Hardy to actually contribute on offense, that's 4 WRs who will go alone with Boldin and Mason.

Can you honestly see the Ravens keeping Marcus Smith just because he's a really good special teamer? As much as I like Marcus I can't see that happening.

Ozzie has gone on record to really liking Hardy in the draft and has spoke glowingly of the guy this whole offseason. There is no doubt in my mind if Hardy stays healthy, he'll see some offensive action. Even if it's just redzone jump ball type action.

Could we stash a guy like Doss on PS, of course, but it's risky. With Boldin, Mason, Reed, Smith, Doss, and Hardy/Harper, that makes 6 WRs add our 3 TEs who'll surely make the team in Heap, Dickson, Pitta, then possible Devon Drew as well. That potentially 9-10 roster spots held by the WR/TE position alone.

I think the Ravens will give Marcus Smith plenty of opportunity to showcase his offensive skills this preseason(if there's a full preseason) and if he's out performed by guys like Hardy and Harper, I don't see him making the roster this year.

Marcus Smith is a really good gunner and special teamer, however the Ravens have guys in Cary Williams, Haruki Nakamura, and David Reed who has also done well in those roles. So Marcus Smith being a really good special teamer alone will not be enough to earn him a roster spot imo. Especially when you consider that, Hardy, Harper and Reed are not eligible for the practice squad and Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss are probably too risky to place on practice squad.

So again, if the Ravens feel that young guys like Reed, T. Smith, Doss, Hardy and/or Harper can help offensively, Marcus Smith will find himself on the outside looking in, unless he proves to be valuable as a WR as well. That's just my opinion.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='grape drank' timestamp='1306962598' post='692389']
[/b]


Don't forget Doss isn't far off at 6'3", however he may have the best hands of the bunch, and elite route running technique. Give him a year under Mason and he could be the next reggie Wayne type receiver (moderate speed, excellent route runner, stellar hands). Also Torrey is 6'1". Most people assume he's like 5'10 because he's a deep threat lol, but he's also got that 41" vert. I think we could be a very deadly goal line team.
[/quote]

Oh I agree that both Doss and Smith could be huge redzone targets, I was just speaking to the shear size of the guys i mentioned above. Throw the ball up to its highest point against 5-10 type DBs and it's nearly impossible to stop.

The Ravens should be much better in the redzone once these guys all develop into their roles in this offense. Even a guy like David Reed who's shifty and has really good balance could be a redzone nightmare in the slot.

So from a potential standpoint things are looking really well for the Ravens offensively.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1306967734' post='692431']
I didn't say there is anything wrong with keeping Smith for his special teams abilities. However If the Ravens see potential in guys like Smith, Doss, Reed, and Hardy to actually contribute on offense, that's 4 WRs who will go alone with Boldin and Mason.

Can you honestly see the Ravens keeping Marcus Smith just because he's a really good special teamer? As much as I like Marcus I can't see that happening.

Ozzie has gone on record to really liking Hardy in the draft and has spoke glowingly of the guy this whole offseason. There is no doubt in my mind if Hardy stays healthy, he'll see some offensive action. Even if it's just redzone jump ball type action.

Could we stash a guy like Doss on PS, of course, but it's risky. With Boldin, Mason, Reed, Smith, Doss, and Hardy/Harper, that makes 6 WRs add our 3 TEs who'll surely make the team in Heap, Dickson, Pitta, then possible Devon Drew as well. That potentially 9-10 roster spots held by the WR/TE position alone.

I think the Ravens will give Marcus Smith plenty of opportunity to showcase his offensive skills this preseason(if there's a full preseason) and if he's out performed by guys like Hardy and Harper, I don't see him making the roster this year.

Marcus Smith is a really good gunner and special teamer, however the Ravens have guys in Cary Williams, Haruki Nakamura, and David Reed who has also done well in those roles. So Marcus Smith being a really good special teamer alone will not be enough to earn him a roster spot imo. Especially when you consider that, Hardy, Harper and Reed are not eligible for the practice squad and Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss are probably too risky to place on practice squad.

So again, if the Ravens feel that young guys like Reed, T. Smith, Doss, Hardy and/or Harper can help offensively, Marcus Smith will find himself on the outside looking in, unless he proves to be valuable as a WR as well. That's just my opinion.
[/quote]

I'm ashamed to say I forgot about David Reed. With him, the three young WRs almost a lock to make the team and the all other capable special teams players, you're right that Marcus will have an uphill battle to make the team.