[Blogs] Late For Work 7/15: Should Wilson Be The Priority?

[BR News]

Should Wilson Be The Priority?

The Ravens are currently set up pretty well at cornerback, with two players with starting experience, a first-round draft pick and solid depth behind them.

But almost everywhere you read, pundits are saying that the Ravens must re-sign one of their three potential free agent corners – Josh Wilson, Chris Carr and Fabian Washington.

Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun is banking on Carr being the choice over Wilson by a slim margin (he also believes Washington will  be gone).

“If the Ravens have to choose between keeping Wilson or Chris Carr, my best is on Carr,” Hensley wrote.   ”Wilson has more upside but he will have a higher price tag. The Ravens can’t overspend on a player who might get pushed out of the starting lineup.”

There are a few things at play in Hensley’s decision.

The pros are that the speedy Wilson has the wheels and toughness to match up with top receivers in the NFL.  Wilson’s 15 pass deflections were second on the Ravens behind only Ed Reed.

And when Fabian Washington was demoted last year, Wilson, 26, stepped into the starting lineup and the Ravens didn’t miss a beat.

Of course, there could be price tag ramifications, especially when the new collective bargaining agreement establishes a salary cap.  Wilson does have starting experience, and he’s young.  That could drive his price tag up.

At this point, the Ravens should feel good about Domonique Foxworth, Lardarius Webb and rookie Jimmy Smith manning the top three spots at cornerback.

If and when they do sign another cornerback, the question is how much of a cap hit do the Ravens want to take for a guy who might not even start.

Stallworth Sticks Up For Flacco

As documented in this space many times, Joe Flacco has been a lightning rod this offseason.

He’s taken criticism from media.  He’s been ripped by Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones and Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley.

While Joe Cool typically lets such talk roll off his shoulders, several of his teammates have spoken up for their signal-caller, and wideout Donte’ Stallworth is the latest.

"I like Joe," Stallworth told Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times. "I think from the time I got there he made a lot of progress. He’s not a fiery guy. Sometimes, those guys at the quarterback position tend to be criticized for whatever reason when they’re not that fiery or cursing at people.

"Joe is cool. He goes about his business. He works hard. He’s the first guy in and one of the last guys out of the locker room. I definitely appreciate the position he’s in. I can’t see why some people are on him. He’ll be fine. He knows that. He’s not too far away from that championship. He’s a competitor. He’ll come out swinging."

Derrick Mason and Le’Ron McClain are two others who have  made statements in defense of Flacco.

I say, give the guy a freaking break.   He is going into only his fourth season and he’s already the Ravens’ all-time passing leader with 10,206 yards, 60 touchdown passes, 878 completions and 1,416 attempts.

PFT Weighs In On Ravens’ Needs

Both Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Ozzie Newsome have said that re-signing guard/tackle Marshal Yanda will be a priority, and Pro Football Talk’s Gregg Rosenthal agrees.

As part of PFT’s ongoing series of team post-lockout checklists, Yanda’s name rises to the top of his list of Ravens to-do’s.

“This could be tricky with the Redskins reportedly entering the mix,” Rosenthal wrote.  ”But the Ravens seem to love Yanda, who will make them a better running team at right guard.”

Yanda started all 16 games for the Ravens at right tackle last year, but he could be moved into his more natural position of guard in 2011.  Still, his versatility and toughness make him a coveted candidate.

Other items on PFT’s list: address tackle depth, making a push for blockbuster free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and letting potential free agent safety Dawan Landry walk.

Quick Hits

• Foxworth, who is in New York representing the NFL Players Association as part of the CBA negotiations, said that even if a framework for a deal is worked out, "there’s really no deal until our players approve it."
• James “Shack” Harris, a former Ravens personnel executive who is now with the Detroit Lions, was recently inducted into the Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame.  Shack was the first African-American quarterback to start an NFL playoff game.
• Good to see rookie Torrey Smith is going to put on a smile when he hits training camp. @TorreySmithWR: I have to be happy when I head into camp because it’s gonna be stressful trying to cram the playbook and catch up to the speed of the NFL
• But that’s not to say Torrey’s not going to chill a little once the new CBA is finally agreed upon.  @TorreySmithWR: When the lockout ends I’m celebrating immediately for a full 24 hrs haha

[url=http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2011/07/15/late-for-work-715-should-wilson-be-the-priority/]View the full article[/url]

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

good read!

[Ravens in The Dena]

Yanda, Mcclain, Wilson. Bring these three guys back there all young and have been playoff and battled tested with us..

[RavensFanoftheCentury]

Hey Torrey, Don't celebrate too hard and fall down a flight of steps like some other 2nd round pick... ;)

Tired of the Flacco bashing, when he passes for 4k this season, and hoists the Lombardi, people will shut up

Wilson > Carr, but barely... and very tough decision

Yanda won't leave... The Redskins have nothing career-wise to offer but money. Like I said before, take Gaither, he can be your next diva to take over for Haynesworth.

[Nick04263]

This is the first year in a while that I can look at our possible departures through free agency and say we are in a good position. We will obviously keep a couple of the guys but the majority are easily replaced. Obviously this is my own opinion but we are pretty solid all around. The one that continues to come up as a high priority is Yanda because our depth behind him is not up to par. Sign Yanda, and either Carr or Wilson. Try to make a run at a pass rusher if one is available.

The rest can leave if they wish. They will be missed but only temporarily.

[Arch Valor]

Wilson over Carr. Think about last season and every third down... It seems like they attacked Carr more over than Wilson, and it seemed Carr didnt pull through in that situation more times than Wilson. Granted Carr was obviously in Baltimore the full year as Wilson got signed half way through.

Still, I cant get the Houston game out of my mind. Someone in that game had to step up and the last person I thought would do that was Wilson. Most of our corners would of batted the ball down, but Wilson proved hes a game changer. I want those type people on the Ravens even at a higher price tag...

[Hammar88]

I wish we could keep Josh. Anyone remember last season? Whatever happens , I wish him luck. You gotta give props to a guy who gives 110% all the time.

[TheSim]

"At this point, the Ravens should feel good about Domonique Foxworth, Lardarius Webb and rookie Jimmy Smith manning the top three spots at cornerback."

I really don't know why we should feel good about Foxworth. He was a solid CB before the injury, but you don't come back 100% from major knee surgery for two years. He's going to be a liability when he has to turn and run, just like Webb was last year coming off of his knee surgery. We haven't had training camp so literally nobody has any idea, from us to the media to the coaching staff to even Fox himself, whether or not he can be a starting CB. Wilson will probably be expensive, but he also definitely wants to play here and if we sign him he will without a doubt be our #1 or #2 CB depending on how J. Smith turns out.

[Ravens Rule123454321]

@arch valor i agree i want a game changer on defense and to me that is wilson. Carr is solid no doubt but not a game changer

[TheSim]

If you want an idea of the potential drop-off Fox very well could make this year, look at Fabian last year: coming back from injury, he went from #1 corner to benchwarmer in 8 weeks of play, and now will be let go in Free Agency. So no, I'm not comfortable with Foxworth as a starter until I actually see him play.

[coreyadams]

Keep Wilson!

[Guest RBates]

All i know is our front office better not let O lineman go. They are priority after Haloti. I would love to have both Wilson and Carr just for one more year at least. Jimmy smith is not starting, unless he can beat out Webb, right now i don't see that happening.

[JimA3_3]

I think Carr is a good guy and a really good player... but I like Wilson a touch better !! Tuff call.

[Jake83]

Wilson is and always was our number 1 priority. Ever since last season when he came here he did nothing but impress. I like Carr too but why can't we have them both and just drop somebody that is not as good...A.K.A Foxworth

[raven410]

I would prefer Wilson over Carr, but I am confident in both of their abilities. If we lose either Wilson or Carr..Foxworth better have a good season.

[Biscuit]

I like both Wilson and Carr and it's tough to decide which to attempt to resign but I'm with TheSim, Foxworth has been out of football for some time I would like to see him on the field before he is anointed a starting role, I am not doubting his ability, I would just rather be safe than sorry. I would like to see Wilson get the nod for the reasons listed above, he has more potential and upside, and could also help out in the return game. To many decisions to make, I do not envy Oz and the decisions he has to make.

[KillaBirdTJ]

IM BAAAACK! Yes my fellow flock, the Killa is back to weigh in... Nothing against Foxy, but in my opinion he was on the same level as Washington BEFORE knee surgery! I dont know what games everyone esle was watching... Wilson is a BEAST! He is only 26-27 years old, a lockdown type guy who has shown he is also a ball hawk who can change take it to the house. The choice is like asking hamburger or Filet?

I dont get the Flacco bashing myself, the guy has progressed as well as any quarterback has in three years, plus is a humble, hardworking guy with a good chin! He's not afraid to make tough trows under pressure... granted he has things to improve on (who doesn't) but the truth is EVERYONE is afraid of a BALANCED Raven team! Lol Yep, BE VERY AFRAID!!!!

LETS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mark0408]

if you look at the stats carr had more tackles only because teams threw his way more often but not wilson so i would keep wilson over carr and have wilson *** #2 cb and smith at #1 cb.

[kojie22]

Sign Carr and Wilson and let Foxworth walk. Foxworth hasn't done anything since becoming a Raven. Buyout his expensive contract. He doesn't deserve it.

[mark0408]

I hope the ravens try to get nnamdi or cromartie!!

[HEINY55]

Neither Carr nor Wilson are stars........ YET... Sign em both, they have the potential.

[mark0408]

look at what happened to washington when he came back from his acl injury he was just terrible.

[tick101]

i don't know about this one, I like wilson, we sign jimmy and brown, i do believe that washington had a ruff season last yr and carr has been our sleeper. foxworth got injured but before he was showing a little bit more before the injury. its hard but i know were going to let somebody go and don't be surprise if they let both wash and carr go. remember they let price go and i'm still mad about that move but it is what it is. but somebody has to go. but i know one thing... can't wait for the RAVENS & steelers game.

[ricebowl]

I would be furious if the Raven's got Cromartie. Guy does not play like a Raven at all. Doesn't play the run at all and is way to inconsistent in pass coverage given his talent.

Nnamdi would be nice but as far as I'm concerned it is a dream. He will be too expensive for the team. Think of all the players we need to resign in the coming years: Yanda and Ngata (this year), Flacco and Rice (next year). We can't resign these guys if we're paying a CB 15 mil a year. If the Raven's can pull it off at the right price I would be ECSTATIC, but I just don't see it happening.

Personally, I'd love to see Carr and Wilson back with the Ravens. That would probably be too expensive though, unless they cut Foxworth. He has a pretty hefty contract and in my opinion Wilson is better.

[mark0408]

i think nnamdi would take a pay cut to be on a winning team.

[Dark Soul Eyez]

I hate to admit this, but if (and only if) Gaither can prove that he is 100% and willing to not take top dollar. I say we keep him and let him play blind side and move Oher back to the other side. Our running game would improve a ton, keep Yanda and Wilson (only if the price is right). Wilson has the skills that he, Fox, and Webb can give some insight to J.Smith for the first few games. Go Ravens. I'll be there 9/11.

[The Greek]

keep wilson if possible and get rid of foxworth resign mclain yanda landry and gaither.

[Krytical]

all i know is im going to be a lil upset if we dont at lease try to get wilson back. i like what carr did last yr but i want wilson if we cant get both

[Chad443]

How about make it so we dont have to choose between the two, and let washington walk, and then drop foxy.... Jimmy Smith, Josh Wilson, Chris Carr, Lardarius webb sounds great to me.

[Boh]

We need to keep Carr AND Wilson. Webb is talented on the corner and have room to grow, but he's not a true CB. Let's not forget how Foxworth got burned on a number of occassions in 09. Bottom Line....Keep Carr, keep Wilson, release Washington, slide Webb to FS to replace Reed (upon retirement of course). Start Smith NOW! and groom Brown to take over the other side in a year or 2.