The Afc North Offseason According To Profootballfocus.com

[BloodRaven]

[url="http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/18/free-agency-two-views-on-the-afc-north/"]Link[/url]

[quote][b]Baltimore Ravens[/b]
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[b]Which player do they need to resign?[/b]

Sam: I’ve given up trying to understand the Ravens’ lukewarm-at-best treatment of Jared Gaither, so instead I’m saying they’ve got to lock up their best cornerback, Josh Wilson.

Khaled: He’s so talented and versatile to boot, Marshal Yanda is almost irreplaceable. Wilson is a good player, but will cost money and they just drafted a cornerback in the first round (plus Webb will be a year further removed from injury).
.

[b]What area is the team’s biggest need to upgrade?[/b]

Sam: I’m actually quite a fan of the Ravens’ roster overall, and I think they made a lot of the right moves in the draft, but they wouldn’t turn down another legitimate defensive end to take some of the focus off Suggs.

Khaled: [u]You know what they could do with? A guy who comes on the field for their nickel package and just rushes the passer. Jarret Johnson is a great player, but he’s just not good enough at generating pressure.[/u]
.

[b]How do they upgrade that area?[/b]

Sam: If they want to spend money, Ray Edwards has the kind of nasty attitude the Ravens would love, and he plays on the correct side of the line for them. There are other, potentially cheaper options available though, and Jacob Ford makes some sense as more of a pass-rush specialist.

Khaled: It wouldn’t hurt to bring back Antwan Barnes and actually give him some snaps. I doubt that, so I also like what Jacob Ford could do for this defense.[/quote]

Ford is interesting, he's a 255lb pass rusher but doesn't offer the same run stopping ability as Redding. What we could do to to help negate that is shift Suggs to strongside DE and line up Ford opposite, on passing downs Redding would provide inside rush with Ngata. This is of course assuming we're going to continue playing out of a 4-3 base.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1311052721' post='709467']
[url="http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/07/18/free-agency-two-views-on-the-afc-north/"]Link[/url]



Ford is interesting, he's a 255lb pass rusher but doesn't offer the same run stopping ability as Redding. What we could do to to help negate that is shift Suggs to strongside DE and line up Ford opposite, on passing downs Redding would provide inside rush with Ngata. This is of course assuming we're going to continue playing out of a 4-3 base.
[/quote]
I could see him as kind of a 3rd down pass-rusher, but I think with Pagano taking over we will see more of a switch back to the 3-4. Personally, I would like to see us go after a more experienced 3-4 OLB like Manny Lawson or Matt Roth if the FO doesnt think Kindle/JJ/Kruger can get it done.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

I would certainly hope that the Steelers don't throw a lot of money at Yanda to tempt him to join them. That would be a real blow. Although, being as they're already over the cap limit, I don't think that's likely.

I'm in agreement with them that we need to look to Free Agency to sign a pass rusher, but I think that Ray Edwards would be too expensive and after hearing what he had to say about the Vikings, I'm not sure I'd want that kind of attitude here.

[BloodRaven]

It's been increasingly clear that the JJ situation needs to be addressed. It would be crazy to keep trying to generate pressure with him, now he can play but he just can't rush the passer, move him inside, take him off on passing downs, do something.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1311069705' post='709496']
I would certainly hope that the Steelers don't throw a lot of money at Yanda to tempt him to join them. That would be a real blow. Although, being as they're already over the cap limit, I don't think that's likely.
[/quote]

From everything I've heard about Yanda. He is a very, very loyal type of guy. He's the type of guy that will forgo a big contact to stay with a team. With that being said, jumping to the enemy for a ton of money, is not really his cup of tea.

[Guest ArmyRaven52]

I think Kindle can come in and light people up, maybe it is hopeful optimism but who knows I think he could be an awesome player.

[RaveninOrlando]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311083729' post='709540']
From everything I've heard about Yanda. He is a very, very loyal type of guy. He's the type of guy that will forgo a big contact to stay with a team. With that being said, jumping to the enemy for a ton of money, is not really his cup of tea.
[/quote]

Agreed (of course I know him as well as Megan Fox) and it's also not the Steelers MO to throw big money around. The Ravens need to resign Yanda. He's too valuable with him being able to move back and forth between RG and RT.

[Ed_Reed20]

Ford would be a good signing. He has a solid enough track record(beyond just sacks), but hasn't been productive enough to warrant big money.

Even with his lack of 3-4 experience, would it be a major factor if the majority of his snaps came in obvious passing situations?

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311083729' post='709540']
From everything I've heard about Yanda. He is a very, very loyal type of guy. He's the type of guy that will forgo a big contact to stay with a team. With that being said, jumping to the enemy for a ton of money, is not really his cup of tea.
[/quote]

After this lockout situation, I think you will see the (formerly) most loyal of players chasing the bucks. I don't expect to see anyone give a home-town discount. The players are pretty disgruntled. If another team offers him big money, he'll take it.

[757RavensFan]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1311087462' post='709588']
After this lockout situation, I think you will see the (formerly) most loyal of players chasing the bucks. I don't expect to see anyone give a home-town discount. The players are pretty disgruntled. If another team offers him big money, he'll take it.
[/quote]
True, but I recall reading recently that Yanda wants to remain a Raven.

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1311087642' post='709590']
True, but I recall reading recently that Yanda wants to remain a Raven.
[/quote]

Most of them say that until another team starts throwing money around. They don't like to uproot their families, but they'll do it for millions of dollars.

[berad]

[quote name='757RavensFan' timestamp='1311087642' post='709590']
True, but I recall reading recently that Yanda wants to remain a Raven.
[/quote]

Yeah, Yanda's agent said something about Baltimore being a top-flight organization and one that you don't considering leaving lightly. We'll see how it all works out but, I feel if the Ravens want to keep him, he'll be back in purple.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1311087462' post='709588']
After this lockout situation, I think you will see the (formerly) most loyal of players chasing the bucks. I don't expect to see anyone give a home-town discount. The players are pretty disgruntled. If another team offers him big money, he'll take it.
[/quote]


[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1311087773' post='709591']
Most of them say that until another team starts throwing money around. They don't like to uproot their families, but they'll do it for millions of dollars.
[/quote]

Usually I agree one hundred percent of the time. In my mind its [b]always [/b]about the money. Players always say they want to remain with their current team, but its a front.

But I get a different vibe from Yanda. I don't know the man personally so it might be about the buck. But I heard a story about him once, it even included him talking to his agent about taking less money to stay a Raven. That type of loyalty goes back to his days as a kid. But the power of the dollar bill is very strong.

[D-Rey]

Ya if we con only sign one of our guys back, I want Yanda, He should be #1 priority after Ngata. The rest it would be cool to sign, but not as necessary imo.

[FerrariFan87]

I think we need to re-sign Gaither, even if only for 2 or 3 years. Having him at LT, Oher at RT and Yanda at RG was the best O-line combination we've put together in a while, and what we'll need to win the division and make a run at the Lombardi Trophy...

Ngata is clearly the #1 priority, with Yanda and McClain right behind. I trust Ozzie and know that he'll do whatever it takes to have the best team out there.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311083729' post='709540']
From everything I've heard about Yanda. He is a very, very loyal type of guy. He's the type of guy that will forgo a big contact to stay with a team. With that being said, jumping to the enemy for a ton of money, is not really his cup of tea.
[/quote]

I agree that Yanda is the kind of guy who is loyal and will be willing to stay in Baltimore as long as he's paid fairly. It was more a statement about how much it would aggrieve me if Yanda was to go to the Steelers.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1311089225' post='709604']
I think we need to re-sign Gaither, even if only for 2 or 3 years. Having him at LT, Oher at RT and Yanda at RG was the best O-line combination we've put together in a while, and what we'll need to win the division and make a run at the Lombardi Trophy...

Ngata is clearly the #1 priority, with Yanda and McClain right behind. I trust Ozzie and know that he'll do whatever it takes to have the best team out there.
[/quote]

I think I remember Harbaugh saying that he wanted McClain to test Free Agency before the Ravens would put an offer in for him. I would be surprised to see him be re-signed quickly.

I agree with everything else. Gaither and Yanda back in their natural positions on our OL would make a great deal of difference.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1311089618' post='709608']
I think I remember Harbaugh saying that he wanted McClain to test Free Agency before the Ravens would put an offer in for him. I would be surprised to see him be re-signed quickly.

I agree with everything else. Gaither and Yanda back in their natural positions on our OL would make a great deal of difference.
[/quote]

In all honesty, I might be in the minority but I don't see McClain as any sort of priority. McClain wants to be a running back/fullback and be compensated likewise. The only reason he would be a priority is because we are short in that position.

I would rather pay a guy like Vonta Leach to be a fulltime fullback and we might even save some money. There are even rumors that Houston might let him walk. Which would be a big mistake. Leach would be like Neal 2.0 for us.

I want a fullback, a guy that wants to block more than carry the ball. Guys like Neal and Leach get more pleasure out of blocking than anything else.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311090177' post='709613']
In all honesty, I might be in the minority but I don't see McClain as any sort of priority. McClain wants to be a running back/fullback and be compensated likewise. The only reason he would be a priority is because we are short in that position.

I would rather pay a guy like Vonta Leach to be a fulltime fullback and we might even save some money. There are even rumors that Houston might let him walk. Which would be a big mistake. Leach would be like Neal 2.0 for us.

I want a fullback, a guy that wants to block more than carry the ball. Guys like Neal and Leach get more pleasure out of blocking than anything else.
[/quote]

Same, I'd much prefer a bona fide blocking FB than a guy who wants to share the carries. Nothing personal against McClain, but I don't think he'll be paid for it in Baltimore.

I think Leach would be top of the price range for fullbacks though, being arguably the best in the league. Lawrence Vickers would be a much more viable option, or maybe even a UDFA.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1311089225' post='709604']
I think we need to re-sign Gaither, even if only for 2 or 3 years. Having him at LT, Oher at RT and Yanda at RG was the best O-line combination we've put together in a while, and what we'll need to win the division and make a run at the Lombardi Trophy...

Ngata is clearly the #1 priority, with Yanda and McClain right behind. I trust Ozzie and know that he'll do whatever it takes to have the best team out there.
[/quote]

Actually we could sign Gaither let Yanda walk and move Oher to right guard and let reid play tackle. That's another possibility considering Oher would be the best player in the league at LG, RG and RT (most likely). But I rather have Yanda than gaither, considering gaither's back injury. And if anyone is going to go to a desperate team looking to make the cap minimum.

We need to sign an undrafted center, considering how shallow we are at the position. My favorite is tim barnes as he seems like the only starter.


[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311090177' post='709613']
In all honesty, I might be in the minority but I don't see McClain as any sort of priority. McClain wants to be a running back/fullback and be compensated likewise. The only reason he would be a priority is because we are short in that position.

I would rather pay a guy like Vonta Leach to be a fulltime fullback and we might even save some money. There are even rumors that Houston might let him walk. Which would be a big mistake. Leach would be like Neal 2.0 for us.

I want a fullback, a guy that wants to block more than carry the ball. Guys like Neal and Leach get more pleasure out of blocking than anything else.
[/quote]

Vickers is probably best for us considering he has 6 years AFC north experience, but leach can knock heads. I wouldn't mind having McLain as a change of pace back, but right now he's like a bigger version of Anthony Allen whom we just drafted.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1311090916' post='709618']
I think Leach would be top of the price range for fullbacks though, being arguably the best in the league. Lawrence Vickers would be a much more viable option, or maybe even a UDFA.
[/quote]

He probably will be at the top. But I can't see too much of a price difference between a full-time FB and a FB who can also be a bruiser in the running game. Those type of guys are getting some miles in the NFL now. McClain's agent will seek to stress that.

Vickers is a great option too. And there are plenty of young UDFA that would love to suit up and lay blocks full-time.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311091183' post='709621']
He probably will be at the top. But I can't see too much of a price difference between a full-time FB and a FB who can also be a bruiser in the running game. Those type of guys are getting some miles in the NFL now. McClain's agent will seek to stress that.

Vickers is a great option too. And there are plenty of young UDFA that would love to suit up and lay blocks full-time.
[/quote]

I don't think that there will be much difference in price between Leach and McClain and if the Ravens decided that they wanted to spend top end money on a fullback then I'd prefer them to pay Leach, but I get the feeling that they would be very willing to go cheaper on a fullback and have a competition with guys like Steele, Allen and Parmele for backing up Rice.

[PuRock]

[quote name='PWNEDbyDEANO' timestamp='1311091688' post='709623']
I don't think that there will be much difference in price between Leach and McClain and if the Ravens decided that they wanted to spend top end money on a fullback then I'd prefer them to pay Leach, but I get the feeling that they would be very willing to go cheaper on a fullback and have a competition with guys like Steele, Allen and Parmele for backing up Rice.
[/quote]

I fully agree. That was my original point as well. If we are going to spend McClain money, then get a guy like Leach instead. Otherwise there are plenty of other options out there which might even better improve our run blocking scheme.

Speaking of which that competition for backup will be interesting if both McGahee and McClain go. I'm going to have to give the edge to Parmele. We know he can also play special teams adequately.

[PWNEDbyDEANO]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311091904' post='709624']
Speaking of which that competition for backup will be interesting if both McGahee and McClain go. I'm going to have to give the edge to Parmele. We know he can also play special teams adequately.
[/quote]

It definitely will be interesting. I have a feeling that they might split a lot of the snaps. I think Parmele will be the primary backup, but I feel that Steele and Allen both have a lot to offer as well and they could all find themselves being used in different situations.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311090177' post='709613']
In all honesty, I might be in the minority but I don't see McClain as any sort of priority. McClain wants to be a running back/fullback and be compensated likewise. The only reason he would be a priority is because we are short in that position.

I would rather pay a guy like Vonta Leach to be a fulltime fullback and we might even save some money. There are even rumors that Houston might let him walk. Which would be a big mistake. Leach would be like Neal 2.0 for us.

I want a fullback, a guy that wants to block more than carry the ball. Guys like Neal and Leach get more pleasure out of blocking than anything else.
[/quote]

Then who's going to back-up Rice? Anthony Allen? Jalen Parmele? McGahee is going to be shown the door due to his cap number... if we can get McClain at an affordable price, we need to bring him back to fill in for Willis. That being said, we should still try to get a Leach or Vickers to be that bruising FB.

[Moderator 3]

[url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/37623-blogs-late-for-work-78-agent-yanda-in-no-rush-to-leave-ravens/"]Here's the article about what Yanda's agent had to say.
[/url]

Key quotes:

“Both Marshal and I are very aware that if Baltimore isn’t the best organization in pro football, it’s certainly in the top couple,” agent Neil Cornrich declared on 105.7 FM The Fan yesterday. [b]“Having said that, there’s 31 other clubs and a lot of them are great. We’ll just have to see what happens.”[/b]

Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh and the fans were all cited as reasons for Yanda’s desire to remain in Baltimore.

That said, Cornrich didn’t say Yanda’s affinity for Baltimore meant the five-year veteran would offer a hometown discount.

[b]“Not necessarily,” Cornrish said when asked if another club would have to make a significantly better offer to lure Yanda away.[/b]

“It’s a question of what is the right fit. And it’s clearly a good fit here. I think it’s a question of staying focused and getting it done. It’s not a decision that Marshal or I are taking lightly.”

[PuRock]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1311092465' post='709633']
Then who's going to back-up Rice? Anthony Allen? Jalen Parmele? McGahee is going to be shown the door due to his cap number... if we can get McClain at an affordable price, we need to bring him back to fill in for Willis. That being said, we should still try to get a Leach or Vickers to be that bruising FB.
[/quote]

This is a league that is turning into a very plug-and-play type league with running backs. RBs are more capable than ever to make the transition from college to the NFL. Gems and quality players are found on benches all the time.

I think between Parmele/Allen/Steele we'll be able to find a quality backup. Both Steele and Parmele had decent camps last year. Plus with all the weapons we have in the aerial attack, we should take advantage of that more.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1311093175' post='709640']
“Both Marshal and I are very aware that if Baltimore isn’t the best organization in pro football, it’s certainly in the top couple,” agent Neil Cornrich declared on 105.7 FM The Fan yesterday. [b]“Having said that, there’s 31 other clubs and a lot of them are great. We’ll just have to see what happens.”[/b]

[b]“Not necessarily,” Cornrish said when asked if another club would have to make a significantly better offer to lure Yanda away.[/b]
[/quote]

Why do you have to burst my happy bubble. Though I don't always trust the words that come out of an agent's mouth. Their goal is bigger contract = bigger commission. Yanda's input might be slightly distorted. *Wishful Thinking*

[gabefergy]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311093292' post='709641']
This is a league that is turning into a very plug-and-play type league with running backs. RBs are more capable than ever to make the transition from college to the NFL. Gems and quality players are found on benches all the time.

I think between Parmele/Allen/Steele we'll be able to find a quality backup. Both Steele and Parmele had decent camps last year. Plus with all the weapons we have in the aerial attack, we should take advantage of that more.
[/quote]
I agree. Allen has good size and power and could be that change of pace type, while Steele is the smaller 3rd down type back with good speed and shiftiness.

I dont think we can afford to resign Le'Ron and sign a fulltime FB. Le'Ron seems to be pretty set on being a RB, and unless he wants to get paid like a back-up there probably wont be a spot for him on our roster.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1311088453' post='709601']
Usually I agree one hundred percent of the time. In my mind its [b]always [/b]about the money. Players always say they want to remain with their current team, but its a front.

But I get a different vibe from Yanda. I don't know the man personally so it might be about the buck. But I heard a story about him once, it even included him talking to his agent about taking less money to stay a Raven. That type of loyalty goes back to his days as a kid. But the power of the dollar bill is very strong.
[/quote]
We're going to pay Yanda, he's a critical part to the Oline. We all know how mediocre at best our Oline was last year, letting an established veteran in his prime who is arguably our most consistent Olineman walk is just stupid. We would actually be screwed on the right side of our line without Yanda. Chester and Reid/Cousins....