Looking Ahead Could Gurode Slide Over To Center In '12?

[baltravens]

I may be jumping the gun here, but if Birk does not come back next year could Gurode slide over to center and man that spot for a few years? He originally played center and is only 32. If Gurode plays strong maybe he could fill a need that we don't have to address immediately in next year's draft.

[rmw10]

I doubt it. He's only on a one-year deal. Doubt he'll be back next year.

[BloodRaven]

Probably not, his gut is reaching critical mass. Do we really want a 400lb centre?

[Gtown Purple]

We'll probably need to get a cheaper solution.

[r.lewis52]

Don't know what's out there for talent in college but we should draft a center next year in the early rounds.

[gabefergy]

I think Gurode could be an option for next year depending on the price, but I really believe we may already have our future center on our roster in Mattison or possible Boren on the PS. I doubt we take a Center early in the draft....they can be found later.

[The Raven]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1317077042' post='806070']
I think Gurode could be an option for next year depending on the price, but I really believe we may already have our future center on our roster in Mattison or possible Boren on the PS. I doubt we take a Center early in the draft....they can be found later.
[/quote]

I like Mattison, but he's not physical enough or big enough to be a center in the same division as Casey Hampton. Boren is a guard. I'd like to resign Gurode for next year, as insurance in case our center situation doesn't pan out. He'd be a solid center for us, and a solid backup.

[Natty Boh]

Possible but I'm hopeful for a few O-Lineman in the draft...that hopefully develop of course.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1317079350' post='806119']

I like Mattison, but he's not physical enough or big enough to be a center in the same division as Casey Hampton. Boren is a guard. I'd like to resign Gurode for next year, as insurance in case our center situation doesn't pan out. He'd be a solid center for us, and a solid backup.
[/quote]
I'm not sold on Mattison either, but he has done nothing but improve during his time with the Ravens. I think he will get a decent look next year at moving into the starting role. Boren played mostly guard in college, but he played some Center as well. A lot of players do make the switch from Guard to Center like Gurode did.

[The Raven]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1317082097' post='806151']
I'm not sold on Mattison either, but he has done nothing but improve during his time with the Ravens. I think he will get a decent look next year at moving into the starting role. Boren played mostly guard in college, but he played some Center as well. A lot of players do make the switch from Guard to Center like Gurode did.
[/quote]

Wouldn't hate it either way. I'm a huge Boren fan though. Wish he made the 53 man, but I'm good with him on the PS. I think he could play center, he's a physical dude.

[bmore187]

I actually like Mattison

[The Raven]

[quote name='bmore187' timestamp='1317085270' post='806179']
I actually like Mattison
[/quote]

I like the guy, but thinking of him blocking Wilfork or Hampton scares the crap outta me...

[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/bitenails.gif[/img]

[bmore187]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1317085348' post='806180']

I like the guy, but thinking of him blocking Wilfork or Hampton scares the crap outta me...

[img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/bitenails.gif[/img]
[/quote]

Those two guys wont be around too much longer tho

[The Raven]

[quote name='bmore187' timestamp='1317086365' post='806192']

Those two guys wont be around too much longer tho
[/quote]

I'm quite aware of that, unfortunately, my point is, it scares me to think of Matty blocking massive NT's like them. Like, obviously Cody is a Raven, but could you imagine that trainwreck. Cody v.s. Mattison?

[Crabcakes&Football]

Certainly, he is a good center (5 time pro bowler duh) and still has a good bit of gas left in his tank. He will have to be extended or resigned after this year, but I believe he will if this is Birk's last year. We should start shopping the draft though regardless.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Crabcakes&Football' timestamp='1317088510' post='806222']
Certainly, he is a good center (5 time pro bowler duh) and still has a good bit of gas left in his tank. He will have to be extended or resigned after this year, but I believe he will if this is Birk's last year. We should start shopping the draft though regardless.
[/quote]

think the draft is the best option for long term. I've heard there's some quality centers this year.

[redlobster]

Might be a short term solution, no way I see Birk back next year. In all honesty the team will be lucky if his knee's can make it the whole season.

[RavenousBG]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1317046651' post='805452']
I may be jumping the gun here, but if Birk does not come back next year could Gurode slide over to center and man that spot for a few years? He originally played center and is only 32. If Gurode plays strong maybe he could fill a need that we don't have to address immediately in next year's draft.
[/quote]

I wouldn't have mentioned it. I mean this season is happening. But I think he will slide over next year if he isn't asking for a crazy sum of money. I think Birk is going to be gone. But if the Sal Cap permits I think we keep Gurode for a couple of years. We like players who are versatile and Gurode just proved that he can play at least two interior positions. Keeping him give us time to draft a young replacement and groom him. But if ol Sal says the money isn't right then we may have an all new Center next season.

There are other things to think about. We need to sign Rice, Grubbs, and start thinking about Joe too. So as I said, the price has to be right for us to keep Gurode. I think this is Birks last year though. Let's get him a Superbowl

[baltravens]

[quote name='RavenousBG' timestamp='1317092412' post='806264']

I wouldn't have mentioned it. I mean this season is happening. But I think he will slide over next year if he isn't asking for a crazy sum of money. I think Birk is going to be gone. But if the Sal Cap permits I think we keep Gurode for a couple of years. We like players who are versatile and Gurode just proved that he can play at least two interior positions. Keeping him give us time to draft a young replacement and groom him. But if ol Sal says the money isn't right then we may have an all new Center next season.

There are other things to think about. We need to sign Rice, Grubbs, and start thinking about Joe too. So as I said, the price has to be right for us to keep Gurode. I think this is Birks last year though. Let's get him a Superbowl
[/quote]
"Don't mention"? That is just what this board is for discussing football and the Ravens. Everything is game!