Depth Chart

[20ReedsAll]

Not sure if anyone else noticed, but there is an actual depth chart up on the team website. http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Player_Roster/Depth_Chart.aspx

Its quite a bit different than what I was expecting, but obviously, there will be many changes to it before it is finalized. WR, RB, and Kindle being behind Burgess was somewhat surprising to me. What are your thoughts?

[CNC]

My eyes got HUGE when I saw David Reed Starting

[PuRock]

[quote name='20ReedsAll' timestamp='1312734416' post='739647']
Not sure if anyone else noticed, but there is an actual depth chart up on the team website. http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Player_Roster/Depth_Chart.aspx

Its quite a bit different than what I was expecting, but obviously, there will be many changes to it before it is finalized. WR, RB, and Kindle being behind Burgess was somewhat surprising to me. What are your thoughts?
[/quote]

Its pretty clear that they listed all rookies at the back of the depth chart. They are listing the vets first and allowing the rookies to prove themselves as pre season progresses.

I wouldn't read into this list very much at all. Its just a formality at this point in time.

[hawkprey]

I think it's in order of years experience rather than actual starters.

[mhead66]

To echo everyone else, if the COACHES had made this list, based upon where the players stand NOW, I'd be surprised... but I'm certain that's NOT the case.

[POE]

It's always interesting to follow the depth chart and its changes through out training camp and pre-season but it's way too early to take it seriously without actually having any game experience to base it off of. Two weeks from now though we can come back to this and really start to get a small glimpse of what is to come with the roster.

[20ReedsAll]

[quote name='PuRock' timestamp='1312734645' post='739653']
Its pretty clear that they listed all rookies at the back of the depth chart. They are listing the vets first and allowing the rookies to prove themselves as pre season progresses.

I wouldn't read into this list very much at all. Its just a formality at this point in time.
[/quote]

Yea I'm aware of that, but I found it interesting nonetheless. I'm hoping we keep a combo of Boldin, Reed, Smith, and Doss as our starters. If we're gonna get younger, I want us to go all in and forget about "veterans" like Hardy and Jones.

[baltravens]

Thanks for the info.
I was as usual analyzing and referring to the roster as early as this morning, and even late last night, so it must have just gone up today.

[scrock]

I like David Reed, I think he's going to be a playmaker at WR just as he was in the kicking game

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='20ReedsAll' timestamp='1312737944' post='739708']
Yea I'm aware of that, but I found it interesting nonetheless. I'm hoping we keep a combo of Boldin, Reed, Smith, and Doss as our starters. If we're gonna get younger, I want us to go all in and forget about "veterans" like Hardy and Jones.
[/quote]

If we are going all in as far as getting younger, wouldn't that mean no Boldin? Just asking.

Oh and Hardy is still considered young, he's a vet in the since that he's actually started in the NFL before, as none of the other young WR has.

But I do agree with you, the Ravens are committed to getting young, and they've done just that, both offensively and defensively.

[SecretAgentMan]

Oneil cousins, had some sucess last year, he started at houstin on the right, guarding Super Mario, not allowing him to have a sack. David Reed has potential, Art Jones is starting, we have two good corners. But I think Zibby should be #2 and Pollard should be the starter

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1312741717' post='739788']
[b]Oneil cousins, had some sucess last year, he started at houstin on the right, guarding Super Mario, not allowing him to have a sack.[/b] David Reed has potential, Art Jones is starting, we have two good corners. But I think Zibby should be #2 and Pollard should be the starter
[/quote]

To be fair, Cousins gave up pressures and sacks to other players in that game, and did nothing to help the running game.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Here's what the Sun has to say about the depth chart:

[quote]
[u][b]OFFENSE[/b][/u]
WR: Torrey Smith / James Hardy
WR: Anquan Boldin/ Tandon Doss
LT: Michael Oher / Brady Bond
LG: Ben Grubbs / Collin Madison
C: Matt Birk* / Bryan Mattison
RG: Marshal Yanda / Justin Boren
RT: Oniel Cousins / Jah Reid
TE: Ed Dickson / Dennis Pitta
QB: Joe Flacco / Tyrod Taylor
FB: Vonta Leach
RB: Ray Rice / Jalen Parmele

[u][b]DEFENSE[/b][/u]
DT: Haloti Ngata / Lamar Divens
NT: Terrence Cody / Brandon McKinney*
DE: Arthur Jones / Cory Redding
Rush: Terrell Suggs / Paul Kruger
ILB: Jameel McClain / Dannell Ellerbe
ILB: Ray Lewis / Tavares Gooden
OLB: Jarret Johnson / Sergio Kindle
CB: Domonique Foxworth / Jimmy Smith
CB: Chris Carr / Lardarius Webb
FS: Ed Reed / Haruki Nakamura
SS: Tom Zbikowski / Bernard Pollard[/quote]
[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/projected_depth_chart_version_10.html#more"]Source: Ravens Insider[/url]

I still expect Reid to take over for Cousins and Bernard to make a serious push. Other than that, Reed will take Hardy's spot down the line. But that offensive line depth is atrocious.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='CNC' timestamp='1312734602' post='739650']
My eyes got HUGE when I saw David Reed Starting
[/quote]
What is going on with Reed? I haven't heard him mentioned at all during training camp. Is he hurt or something?

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1312742196' post='739803']
What is going on with Reed? I haven't heard him mentioned at all during training camp. Is he hurt or something?
[/quote]

He had wrist surgery over the off season, and he's on the PUP List right now.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1312742196' post='739803']
What is going on with Reed? I haven't heard him mentioned at all during training camp. Is he hurt or something?
[/quote]

Yes, he had wrist surgery over the offseason and hasn't quite been able to get 100%. He's said that he should be able to practice this week, so I don't think it's too serious. Just don't wanna push him before he's ready.

[scrock]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1312742028' post='739796']
Here's what the Sun has to say about the depth chart:


[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/projected_depth_chart_version_10.html#more"]Source: Ravens Insider[/url]

I still expect Reid to take over for Cousins and Bernard to make a serious push. Other than that, Reed will take Hardy's spot down the line. But that offensive line depth is atrocious.
[/quote]

Yeah our OL depth is an issue

[scrock]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1312742441' post='739810']
Yes, he had wrist surgery over the offseason and hasn't quite been able to get 100%. He's said that he should be able to practice this week, so I don't think it's too serious. Just don't wanna push him before he's ready.
[/quote]

The wrist injury was from last yearh, he injured it running back on kick returns...he should be coming off PUP sometime soon

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1312742028' post='739796']
Here's what the Sun has to say about the depth chart:


[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/projected_depth_chart_version_10.html#more"]Source: Ravens Insider[/url]

I still expect Reid to take over for Cousins and Bernard to make a serious push. Other than that, Reed will take Hardy's spot down the line. But that offensive line depth is atrocious.
[/quote]

I'm not so sure anybody behind Boldin will really have a "spot", truthfully. Of course guys will be listed as #2 #3 and such, but they'll play according to what we are looking to do offensively more so then where they are positioned on the depth chart. So whether he's 2, 3 or 4, I expect David Reed to play a lot this year.

Also if Hardy can get his hammy under control, I expect him to be used just like Malcolm has been and would have been used with us. It could develop into a larger role depending on how well he handles this role.

As for Cousins, I agree. I think ultimately, he's replaced by Ried, probably even before the start of the season. Also Reid took the first snaps with the 1s in Saturday's practice, so he might even start the first preseason game. I still feel that Cousin's best position is RG and he'll be used as the backup to both Yanda and Grubbs. I think once Reid takes that RT position and Harewood get healthy enough to prove he can be a capable backup, the coaches will feel better about moving Cousins inside.

As for the oline, my bold prediction is that Ryan Bartholomew will be our starting center by week 3 of the preseason and if Birk isn't able to go, he'll start against Pit.

Now I don't know if this will be because he's so good, or because Mattison just can't hold up, but I think it'll happen.

So I see our oline looking like this Oher, Grubbs, Bartholomew/Birk, Yanda, Ried. With Cousins as the top backup at both guard positions and LT. Harewood will be the backup at RT and either Birk or Bartholomew will be the backup center. Doesn't look great but i think it's serviceable.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1312742028' post='739796']
Here's what the Sun has to say about the depth chart:


[url="http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/08/projected_depth_chart_version_10.html#more"]Source: Ravens Insider[/url]

I still expect Reid to take over for Cousins and Bernard to make a serious push. Other than that, Reed will take Hardy's spot down the line. But that offensive line depth is atrocious.
[/quote]

As for the defense, I see Pollard, Zibby and Nakamura playing a lot. Zibby will probably get the starting nod, but Pollard's blitzing and tackling abilities are too strong to have him on the sidelines. As for Nakamura, he might be the better cover guy of the 3 and he's already established a valuable role in the Dime package.

[jimmysmith3]

We look pretty good to me other than our O-line we NEED to address. I think we could sign a C/G and also look to add a tackle. O-line is a very tough position in the NFL and you need quality depth if you are going to succeed in this league.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='scrock' timestamp='1312742675' post='739819']
The wrist injury was from last yearh, he injured it running back on kick returns...he should be coming off PUP sometime soon
[/quote]

Yea but the surgery was like in late Feburary/early March. So he's still recovering. He's been quoted as saying he should be back really soon. But the wrist has limited him from weight lifting and ultimately building his body from last year to this.

So when he comes back, physically he'll be behind, just from a football standpoint, but the sooner he gets back the better.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1312743519' post='739848']
As for the defense, I see Pollard, Zibby and Nakamura playing a lot. Zibby will probably get the starting nod, but Pollard's blitzing and tackling abilities are too strong to have him on the sidelines. As for Nakamura, he might be the better cover guy of the 3 and he's already established a valuable role in the Dime package.
[/quote]

I would expect Pollard to start, and Zibby to come in on passing downs and select other downs.

[AwakenTheDemon]

[quote name='jimmysmith3' timestamp='1312743540' post='739849']
We look pretty good to me other than our O-line we NEED to address. I think we could sign a C/G and also look to add a tackle. O-line is a very tough position in the NFL and you need quality depth if you are going to succeed in this league.
[/quote]

The problem is there's nothing really out there. O'Hara is about it, center wise, and it looks like he could sign with Miami, who he's visiting.

As for Tackles, you have:
Max Starks (PIT)
Jared Gaither (BAL)
Nick Kaczur (NE)
Langston Walker (OAK)
Bryant McKinnie (MIN)
Flozell Adams (PIT)
Shawn Andrews (NYG)
Kevin Shaffer (CHI)
Mark Tauscher (GB)
Tyler Polumbus (SEA)

And guards:
Brian Waters (KC)
Leonard Davis (DAL)
Derrick Dockery (WAS)
Rich Seubert (NYG)
Mike Pollak (IND)
Will Montgomery (WAS)
Chester Pitts (SEA)
Pat McQuistan (MIA)
Nick Cole (PHI)

Sure, there's more FAs for both positions, but aside from one or two people, it's incredibly weak.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='jimmysmith3' timestamp='1312743540' post='739849']
We look pretty good to me other than our O-line we NEED to address. I think we could sign a C/G and also look to add a tackle. O-line is a very tough position in the NFL and you need quality depth if you are going to succeed in this league.
[/quote]

Yea but the thing about depth is, you don't know its quality until they get a chance to play.

Olineman are like relief pitchers in baseball. There level of play can change over the course of one season, so signing olineman in FA can be a tricky thing.

I think we'll go out and get a veteran/end of his career type RT as well, but it'll be as a backup. I think the coaches really like Jah.

I can also see us getting a veteran type G/C, as I'm concerned about Birk. He's already flirted with retirement, needed to have his knees drained every week last season, and now this surgery won't help.

Like I said, I can see Ryan Bartholomew working into that starting Center spot in the next couple weeks. But we'll still need a veteran at that position, even if it's as a backup. Don't be surprised to see the Casey Rabach train roll back into the Castle if he can clean up whatever medical issue he had, in the next couple weeks.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1312743973' post='739872']
I would expect Pollard to start, and Zibby to come in on passing downs and select other downs.
[/quote]

I could see that as well. I just think ultimately the SS position is a rotational position this year.

Like I said Nakamura will probably lose out, mainly because the coaches really like him in that Nickle and Dime packages.

But I can definitely see Chuck using Pollard as more of that enforcer on 1st and 2nd down, then having him play closer to the LOS on 3rd with Zibby back deep in coverage.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='AwakenTheDemon' timestamp='1312744017' post='739874']
The problem is there's nothing really out there. O'Hara is about it, center wise, and it looks like he could sign with Miami, who he's visiting.

As for Tackles, you have:
Max Starks (PIT)
Jared Gaither (BAL)
Nick Kaczur (NE)
Langston Walker (OAK)
Bryant McKinnie (MIN)
Flozell Adams (PIT)
Shawn Andrews (NYG)
Kevin Shaffer (CHI)
Mark Tauscher (GB)
Tyler Polumbus (SEA)

And guards:
Brian Waters (KC)
Leonard Davis (DAL)
Derrick Dockery (WAS)
Rich Seubert (NYG)
Mike Pollak (IND)
Will Montgomery (WAS)
Chester Pitts (SEA)
Pat McQuistan (MIA)
Nick Cole (PHI)

Sure, there's more FAs for both positions, but aside from one or two people, it's incredibly weak.
[/quote]

I personally can't see why you'd bring any of those OTs in other then Gaither. Unless his back is just screwed, which could be the case.

As for OG/C, I think O'Hara would be a really good option. I know he's visting Miami, but with the ways things have been going as far as teams being linked to a player and him not signing, the Ravens could already be in play.

Reports are that Olin Kreutz took less money to sign with the Saints over the Ravens. I honestly couldn't see O'Hara choosing the Dolphins over the Ravens if it came down to it. But we'll see

[Alexir]

[quote name='CNC' timestamp='1312734602' post='739650']
My eyes got HUGE when I saw David Reed Starting
[/quote]

Torry was amazing at the practice yesterday.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1312746254' post='739935']
Torry was amazing at the practice yesterday.
[/quote]

Agreed. He put that vertical on display with his catch over Carr in the end zone.

[SecretAgentMan]

Bring in Matt Starks, lets see what he can do