Sleeper Players 2011-2012

[Ngata92NT]

The Ravens have had a fantastic run these past 3 seasons, but are still missing the pieces necessary to be truly dominant on both sides of the ball. We have some fantastic starters on offense and defense, including young superstars Flacco, Rice, Oher, Suggs, and Ngata. But we also have a handful of players who are past their prime and whose opportunities to win a championship are dwindling (Lewis, Reed, Heap, Mason, Gregg, Birk, etc..). In order to finally win that championship, we will not only need these players to maintain or improve their level of play, but we will also need new players to step up and contribute.

The purpose of this thread is to identify what players on our roster have the potential to contribute more to this team and provide either depth or starter-quality play. Players like Cody, Kindle, Dickson, and J. Smith are obvious answers, but are there players further down on the depth chart who have a chance to steal the spotlight?

Brandon McKinney, DT
McKinney is a huge space-eating DT who has contributed as a run-stuffer in the past but hasn't seen much playing time thanks to the slew of veterans like Gregg, Pryce and Redding taking up most of the playing time. McKinney is just now reaching his prime as this is his 6th season in the NFL. Does McKinney have the potential to be more than just a situational player? Or will he continue to be an afterthought on the defensive line? With Pryce gone and Gregg declining rapidly, McKinney will have his chance to prove that he's starter material.

Kelly Talavou, DT
Talavou is a monstrous DT with Polamalu hair and a nasty attitude. Talavou performed very well in preseason last year but sustained a season-ending injury which got him sent to IR. Talavou has the power to collapse the pocket and the explosiveness to get to the passer (and the weight to crush him). Talavou will need to rehab from his injury in order to have a shot at getting playing time this season.

Paul Kruger, DE
I know that Kruger has a big fan club here, but I'm still trying to figure out what the Ravens saw in him to make him a 2nd round pick. He's underperformed so far and is facing a challenging off season in which he'll have to drastically improve his pass rushing skills and fortitude against the run. I'm not optimistic about this chances of becoming an effective 3-4 DE. Our system just doesn't seem to fit him and by trying to change his playing style it seems like we're hindering his development as a player. Hopefully he'll emerge this year as a pass rusher and give all our enemies nightmares.

David Reed, WR
While all the off season talk has been about Doss and Smith, I think that Reed has a great chance to contribute in the passing game. Wide receiver at the NFL is a very difficult adjustment for college players and it takes time to get adjusted to the pace of the game. Reed has shown that he can be deadly with the ball in his hands, his skill set is very similar to Doss's but Reed has had more practice and is more familiar with the system. I think that we will see Reed getting much more playing time this season, with Smith running mostly vertical routes and Reed getting more of the underneath routes. Reed and Smith on the outside and Boldin in the slot could be a dangerous combo when we need speed on the field. Combined with his 29 yard return average Reed will definitely make the roster and could be the most surprising player of the season.

Dannell Ellerbe, ILB
Ellerbe is immensely talented, but has lacked the concentration and discipline to seize the ILB spot next to Ray. With McClain looking poised for another season at that spot, Ellerbe faces an uphill battle to elevate his play and prove to the coaches that he has the mental fortitude to be a starter for our defense.

Ray Lewis Jr., MLB
Just kidding.

So post the players you think have a chance to emerge this season.

[flynismo]

Jah Reid and David Reed are my two sleeper picks.Jah will very possibly play RG if Gaither returns, or start at RT if not.David Reed I think will make huge contributions as a returner, and despite the recent draft picks, will make some big plays for us at WR.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1309293778' post='701816']
Jah Reid and David Reed are my two sleeper picks.Jah will very possibly play RG if Gaither returns, or start at RT if not.David Reed I think will make huge contributions as a returner, and despite the recent draft picks, will make some big plays for us at WR.
[/quote]

Jah Reid is a good one, I think I'd like to see him start at RT this year if he's prepared. Idk if he's ever played guard so I won't comment on that. I don't anticipate Gaither returning so that leaves us with Oher-Grubbs-Birk-Yanda-Reid. IMO the most important part of an O-Line isn't having all-star players but having chemistry, communication, and consistency. With all the adjusting and fiddling we did with the O-Line last year I think having a definite lineup is the most important thing. The only issue is the lockout, I would have serious issues with throwing Reid out there against Woodley with only a brief period to get adjusted to the new team.

I agree about Reed and I think that people are really, really overlooking him for some reason. I hear more talk about James Hardy than I do about Reed and it's baffling.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

Top 3

1.) Ed Dickson, TE
When this guy was on the field he made plays, he is stuck behind a great player at that position, as he should be to learn the ropes. However as injury prone as Heap is I think unfortunately he won't be able to stay healthy this year and this kid is going to explode on the scene. He is a natural born play maker and is going to light people up. Once Heap is finally done with the game I actually think our production goes UP at that position.

2.) James Hardy, WR
With all the talent that we have drafted at the receiver position I truly believe this guy has the potential to be an out right star. He is absolutely huge, good speed, and was praised coming out of college for his dexterity, ability to track the ball, and his hands. His negatives were needed to improve against press coverage and physicality and route running, all things that can be fixed. Given an extended off season to get healthy and a year being coached he may not be a star this year but definitely will in the future. Depending on how quick the learning curve is for him he could definitely do it this year as well.

3.) Dannell Ellerbe
This guy is going to be special he has incredible intangibles and great natural instincts. He has the feeling that he got snubbed and disrespected by the coaching staff last year and is going to have a fire lit under him to prove people wrong. He is going to work extremely hard and put to rest the debate at that position. he is going to be one half of the future.

[flynismo]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1309294529' post='701823']
Jah Reid is a good one, I think I'd like to see him start at RT this year if he's prepared. Idk if he's ever played guard so I won't comment on that. I don't anticipate Gaither returning so that leaves us with Oher-Grubbs-Birk-Yanda-Reid. IMO the most important part of an O-Line isn't having all-star players but having chemistry, communication, and consistency. With all the adjusting and fiddling we did with the O-Line last year I think having a definite lineup is the most important thing. The only issue is the lockout, I would have serious issues with throwing Reid out there against Woodley with only a brief period to get adjusted to the new team.

I agree about Reed and I think that people are really, really overlooking him for some reason. I hear more talk about James Hardy than I do about Reed and it's baffling.
[/quote]

I guess he's "old news" since the draft.
Harbaugh was absolutely gushing over Reed all year last year. He thinks Reed will be a star. So do I, if he is given the opportunity and doesn't fall victim to politics.

[DevilsLuck]

Ramon Harewood and Tandon Doss are my sleeper picks.

[The Raven]

My sleepers are:

Jah Reid - With the uncertainty of Gaither's contract and his worek ethic, I feel the team will move in a new direction. Jah is a fantastic run-blocker with a mean streak. He's an under-rated pass blocker having completely shut down Justin Houston. I believe he will lock down a startign job at RT next to Yanda.


Arthur Jones - He has the ideal size for a 3-4 end. Last season he seemed to lack a little quickness, but he was very solid against the run. He's not the best pass rusher, but his hand use is excellent, and with the reported weight he lost, he should get quicker and become a better pass rusher. Expect him to get a ton more snaps this season, taking time from Redding.

Jameel McClain - Some people may already thought he "broke out" but I think he's a little under-rated, and he's going to have a much better season. He's going to prove why he deserved a 2nd round tender (or was it 1st?) and why the FO hadn't drafted an ILB. He's seemed to be very dedicated this offseason to becoming a better all around player.

[Ravensfan23]

Haruki Nakamura: I think Ruki is primed for a huge season. Everyone makes mention of Webb possibility being much better after being a full year removed from his injury, well Ruki will be in the same boat. Nakamura had a ankle injury that many thought could be career ending. However he came back strong last season and played well. He continued to get better and better as the season wore on.

Landry will likely be offered big money by some team once the CBA is done, and the Ravens won't be able/willing to match it. So with that, Nakamura and Zibby will compete for the starting SS job. Even if Nakamura doesn't win the starting job, he'll play a lot on defense because the Ravens really like to use him a lot in the Nickle and Dime defenses, as a extra S/LB.

Haruki could see some major time this season. He's been quoted as saying he's in the best shape of his life, and apparently his workout habits are legendary, so I'll be interested to see Ruki once the season starts.


This next guy is so much of a sleeper, he might not even make the final roster this year. However, if given the opportunity he could surprise a lot of people.

Albert McClellan: McClellan is a 6'1" 255lb explosive tank. He was a undrafted FA last season, and played really well in the preseason. There is no secret that the Ravens need an improved pass rush this season. Ozzie didn't believe there were many quality OLBs in the draft and the picking are slim on the FA market. With the Ravens seemingly pleased with what McClain has done at ILB, no reports about Kurger possibility moving to OLB, and Kindle still being an unknown as far as health, McClellan could see a lot of time during training camp and preseason behind JJ.

McClellan could be one of those situational pass rushers that really proves valuable for the Ravens this season. Like several other defensive players, I don't think McClellan fit Mattison's style very well. However, I think he could fully thrive in Pagano's attacking style.

Although combine numbers mean very little as to what a player will be, McClellan's numbers in the 2010 Scouting Combine were among the better players at his OLB position. Actually he and Kindle's numbers were almost identical.

With or without Kindle returning to full strength, I could see McClellan being used as a pass rusher this season, if he has a great camp and preseason. He'll have to continue to make the transition from college DE, to NFL OLB, but he handled it pretty well in preseason last season and should only get better.

[big hits and ball hawks]

I agree with everyone so far so I won't repeat those players. I did have Haruki Nakamura but Ravensfan23 beat me to it.

Anthony Allen: I don't think opposing teams will be expecting much from a 7th round draft pick, but I believe he'll be a bruiser back and will be able to take over for McGahee with no glaring problems. His drive mixed with his ability will make doubters wish they didn't pass on him. The guy seemed to be playing like a Raven in college so he'll fit right in.

Lardarius Webb: He was really starting to shine in his rookie year until his injury. Then this past year the injury held him back even when he was healthy, but he did start to get back to where he was. This year he's even healthier and with Jimmy coming in I think he'll be in the shadows which will benefit him and he'll make plays that the opposing team wouldn't think he'd make because they don't realize how good he is. Plus he'll contribute as a PR and I can see him taking at least 2 back, while also having a consistent return yard percentage that'll be a little above average.

[deathbird52]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1309320561' post='702000']
Haruki Nakamura: I think Ruki is primed for a huge season. Everyone makes mention of Webb possibility being much better after being a full year removed from his injury, well Ruki will be in the same boat. Nakamura had a ankle injury that many thought could be career ending. However he came back strong last season and played well. He continued to get better and better as the season wore on.

Landry will likely be offered big money by some team once the CBA is done, and the Ravens won't be able/willing to match it. So with that, Nakamura and Zibby will compete for the starting SS job. Even if Nakamura doesn't win the starting job, he'll play a lot on defense because the Ravens really like to use him a lot in the Nickle and Dime defenses, as a extra S/LB.

Haruki could see some major time this season. He's been quoted as saying he's in the best shape of his life, and apparently his workout habits are legendary, so I'll be interested to see Ruki once the season starts.


This next guy is so much of a sleeper, he might not even make the final roster this year. However, if given the opportunity he could surprise a lot of people.

Albert McClellan: McClellan is a 6'1" 255lb explosive tank. He was a undrafted FA last season, and played really well in the preseason. There is no secret that the Ravens need an improved pass rush this season. Ozzie didn't believe there were many quality OLBs in the draft and the picking are slim on the FA market. With the Ravens seemingly pleased with what McClain has done at ILB, no reports about Kurger possibility moving to OLB, and Kindle still being an unknown as far as health, McClellan could see a lot of time during training camp and preseason behind JJ.

McClellan could be one of those situational pass rushers that really proves valuable for the Ravens this season. Like several other defensive players, I don't think McClellan fit Mattison's style very well. However, I think he could fully thrive in Pagano's attacking style.

Although combine numbers mean very little as to what a player will be, McClellan's numbers in the 2010 Scouting Combine were among the better players at his OLB position. Actually he and Kindle's numbers were almost identical.

With or without Kindle returning to full strength, I could see McClellan being used as a pass rusher this season, if he has a great camp and preseason. He'll have to continue to make the transition from college DE, to NFL OLB, but he handled it pretty well in preseason last season and should only get better.
[/quote]

Thanks for doing all the work. I completley agree.

[BloodRaven]

NT Brandon McKinney

[catty112]

As a safe pick my vote goes with Dickson; after Q, Mase, Heap, and Rice/Mcgahee he has the most NFL production as a receiver on our roster. We have the ability of having him on the field with Heap in run formations giving him the threat of taking a LB or Safety deep off of playaction. His size speed combination will give him the benefit of matching up well against anyone in the middle of the field and especially in the redzone. He will most likely get phased in more and more throughout the year, giving Heap plays off to preserve him because he is still a great and often underrated receiving threat.

My not so safe pick would go to James Hardy. Size/Speed match up perfectly with the Coryell system, has at least seen time at the NFL level. He had great college production at Indiana, even if it was 3 years ago. Only reason I can see him failing what little expectations people have for him is because so far in his NFL career he has been labeled a bust because he can't stay on the field due to injury problems.

[hawkprey]

Terrance Cody. He's gonna be a big part in giving us back our great run D.

[Suggs Package]

Offense:

Dennis Pitta, I think he's better than Dickson.

O'Neil Cousins, I think will beat out Jah Reid for starting RT.

Brandon Jones, I think he will have a better preseason* than James Hardy. I dunno if either makes the roster based on the lack of roster spots.

Defense:

Arthur Jones, not Paul Kruger, will get 50% of snaps at DE.

Ayanbadejo will get more snaps at ILB than Ellerbe and Gooden and will challenge for the starting spot.

[CapoRocky]

I'm thinking Reid and Allen.

[berad]

I've been dropping Dickson's name all offseason, so I'll do it again. I think he'll be a quality producer.

Also, Ramon Harewood is a guy to keep an eye on. Props to DevilsLuck for saying it first - I agree.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Let's see...

*cracks knuckles* Thanks to this damn lockout, I have to get used to this whole discussin' the Ravens thing again.

Anyways...

[b]Ed Dickson[/b]
Heap may still be playing good football, but we got a few instances to see what Ed can do when he's got the ball coming his way (Denver game, anyone?). With Todd another year older, Ed should see the ball a little more often. He won't be a major part of the offense (Heap's still the number one guy at the position), he should still see more balls coming his way, Dickson's just too talented to be used as little as he was last year.

[b]Tandon Doss[/b]
By far my favorite pick of the draft. The eye and expectations will be on Torrey, not Tandon. That also means more looks to Smith, but still. Doss is a tremendous receiver and [s]could[/s] should flourish when he's getting looks his way. Aside to some, Doss is going to fly under the radar, he'll make people take notice.

[b]Sergio Kindle[/b]
If Kindle actually plays, like I believe he's going to, he'll be in the spotlight. Not because of the potential he had coming out of Texas alone, but because of the severity of his head injury and the impact it might have upon his game and how he'll adjust from missing so much time from his new team. Sergio still has a ridiculous amount of potential and I don't believe his skill set will have diminished that much. When he's on the field, he'll most likely just be rushing the quarterback, but that's what we need most right now.

[b]Ladarius Webb[/b]
Foxworth is back. Jimmy Smith was drafted. Wilson turned heads last year. While we don't know who's going to be on the roster this season, there's a lot of talent either coming back, joining, or building in the secondary. Chances are Webb could see his role being pushed back to the nickel or dime instead of the part-time starter role he's been getting used to. Regardless of where he plays, Webb still has the determination to make opposing teams take him into account, and I believe he'll capitalize upon that. Even if he does get knocked down to the nickel or dime, I'd still expect to see him notch a few picks this year. The man's still improving.

[Thepurplehaze]

Dickson
-I expect Heap to be done by at least game 6. Dickson has already shown his potential and can certainly shine as Flacco loves to hit his tight ends.

Nakamura and Zibby
-We've seen how athletic and reliable both these guys are. With Reed stricken with injuries and Landry's questionable return, we could see 2 very suitable replacements in the near future.

Torrey Smith
-Is he considered a sleeper? Practice Sessions with Flacco and a very confident off-season attitude have already convinced me this guy is ready to play. Probably not ROTH quality, but certainly productive. I've watched him at UMD for years catching balls under a plethora of below-average QB's...this guy is the real deal.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Thepurplehaze' timestamp='1310191271' post='705231']
Dickson
-I expect Heap to be done by at least game 6. Dickson has already shown his potential and can certainly shine as Flacco loves to hit his tight ends.

Nakamura and Zibby
-We've seen how athletic and reliable both these guys are. With Reed stricken with injuries and Landry's questionable return, we could see 2 very suitable replacements in the near future.

Torrey Smith
-Is he considered a sleeper? Practice Sessions with Flacco and a very confident off-season attitude have already convinced me this guy is ready to play. Probably not ROTH quality, but certainly productive. I've watched him at UMD for years catching balls under a plethora of below-average QB's...this guy is the real deal.
[/quote]
Sure hope Heaps not "done" by week 6!