Official `2007 Ravens Starters and Backups

[Reed_4_President]

This was re-worded by me from something I read. I also gave some of my own opinions! on this just to let everyone and the mods know I did not copy any articles and paste the exact wording.

But anyways here it is.. hope people apreciate all this typing and I hope it hasn't been posted before if it has I am very sorry for wasting anyone's time. Sorry meant to type `07 not `08 In the Topic title LOL if a MOD could fix that, that would be great thanks!

`2007 Ravens Official Starting & Backup Lineup (Set in stone, except a few spots still)

--Deffense--

Safety - This is locked up Ed Reed and Dawan Landry start, Gerome Sapp is the backup for each of them.

Cornerback - The starting spots have Chris Mcallister and Samari Rolle's names on them but there is a competition for the nickleback spot. Ronnie Prude, Evan Oglesby, and Cory Ivy all want the job. In my opinion though Ivy is the best option but I think the Ravens should prolly go with Prude and look towards the future.

Middle Linebacker - Bart Scott and Ray Lewis have the spots OF COURSE.

Andrew Barnes will work with Dennis Haley to back Lewis and Scott up. Barnes in my opinion though should get slightly more time towards the end of the year as the Ravens prolly want to look at everyone as a possible replacement for Lewis

Outside Linebacker - On the outside Terrell Suggs has one spot wrapped up and Jarrett Johnson has to do something pretty bad to lose his spot on the other side.. (Bah how weird it will be without AD

Prescott Burgess and Gary Stills should back them up splitting the time pretty evenly.

--I think Still's should def start over Johnson for the position anyone else think that's a good idea?

Nose Tackle - Kelly Gregg will be the Ravens official nose tackle although Haloti Nagta will be doing pretty much the same thing but at defensive end. He will be backed up by Justin Bannan who is one of the best backup nose tackle's in the league (That's just my opinion)

Defensive End - The spots belong to Haloti Nagta and Trevor Pryce. They will be backed up by Dwan Edwards but I wouldnt be suprised if Justin Bannan rotates to defensive end and backs up Nagta at some point.

--Offense--

Quarterback - Steve McNair has takin on the starting position for at least one more year. At the backup spot you can expect to see Boller for one more year with Troy Smith beating out!! Drew Olson for the #3 quarterback spot!(BTW IM SO HAPPY BOUT THIS!! very good sign). That will put Olson on the practice squad but Kyle Boller will most likely leave Via free agency and Olson should be on the roster next year.

Running Back - Willis Mcgahee starts, Mike Anderson backs him up, Musa Smith is the energy guy off the bench.

Fullback - Supposedly Justin Green will start training camp with the spot (How dumb..) hopefully Le'Ron Mclain to take it from him(being that there is alot of hype bout this guy). I don't think it's a crucial role anymore like the past as Mcgahee dosn't need a lead blocker.. But I think Mclain will def win the starting spot at FB.

Wide Receiver - Mark Clayton has the #1 spot barring injury but after that it is a crapshoot. Derrick Mason will open the season with the number #2 spot but by the end of the year he will be splitting time with Demetrius Williams. Out of those 2 whoever doesn't get the number #2 spot will get the #3 spot. For number #4 I like Yamon Figurs!! supposedly Darling and Moore will be most likely leaving. I think it is good to develop talent and Yamon has potential to be great!!

Tight End - Todd Heap, Dan Wilcox, then Quinn Sypiewski.

Offensive Line - Ok I will do this slot by slot starting with left tackle going to Jonathan Ogden. The Left Guard spot is open heading into camp but I beleive Jason Brown is the clear favorite as he has worked with Ogden before. Center is tricky as Mike Flynn will probably do the best job but alot of people are thinking it is time to put some youth on the line with Chris Chester sound's like a good idea to me .

I'm sure Flynn will get the spot but watch for chester! to be there icleast 25% of the time this year.

At right guard the spot has Ben Grubbs name on it even though the organization wants him to work for it. Right Tackle is almost definitly Adam Terry but Marshal Yanda is talented and should see some playing time. For backups it is Yanda at right and left tackle. Chester at Center and Keydrick Vincent at the guard spots.

*Phewww* OK now I'm done typing.. time for a smoke break hope people enjoy this information going into the `07 season knowing who earned the starting position's and who is the backup's and what number slot they earned as a backup etc.. enjoy

[Mista T]

Mike Smith? Finnerty?

also: one of Darling or Moore will likely still be around for WR. Could be both if Figurs can't hold onto the ball.

[Reed_4_President]

Mike Smith? Finnerty?

also: one of Darling or Moore will likely still be around for WR. Could be both if Figurs can't hold onto the ball.

I didn't hear anything about Finnerty, If 1 of those receivers is still around I hope it would be Moore isn't he like 6'6 or am I way off? BTW Mista could you fix the 2008 in the Thread topic to 07 please

[Ravensfan23]

This was reworded by me from something I read. I also gave some of my own opinions! on this just to let everyone and the mods know I did not copy any articles and paste the exact wording.

But anyways here it is.. hope people apreciate all this typing and I hope it hasn't been posted before if it has I am very sorry for wasting anyone's time. Sorry meant to type `07 not `08 In the Topic title LOL if a MOD could fix that, that would be great thanks!

`2007 Ravens Official Starting & Backup Lineup (Set in stone, except a few spots still)

--Deffense--

Safety - This is locked up Ed Reed and Dawan Landry start, Gerome Sapp is the backup for each of them.

I have no problems with this. However expect one of the UDFAs to make the roster as Sapp will see more defensive snaps then he did last season. Either D. Jonhson or B. Blackshire

Cornerback - The starting spots have Chris Mcallister and Samari Rolle's names on them but there is a competition for the nickleback spot. Ronnie Prude, Evan Oglesby, and Cory Ivy all want the job. In my opinion though Ivy is the best option but I think the Ravens should prolly go with Prude and look towards the future.

I think Pittman will battle for that nickle spot as well, with Martin fitting for the dime package. All reports out of minicamp is that the young DB's were working hard and impressing with their cover skills. DeCosta says that Pittman is one of the best cover men we have so hopefully we can see some of that this preseason.

Middle Linebacker - Bart Scott and Ray Lewis have the spots OF COURSE.

Andrew Barnes will work with Dennis Haley to back Lewis and Scott up. Barnes in my opinion though should get slightly more time towards the end of the year as the Ravens prolly want to look at everyone as a possible replacement for Lewis

Here i would exchange Mike Smith for Antwan Barnes. Barnes will be more of an OLB/DE type of guy. Also expect to see Burgess learning the ILB spot behind Scott as that fits his skill set much better in our defensive

Outside Linebacker - On the outside Terrell Suggs has one spot wrapped up and Jarrett Johnson has to do something pretty bad to lose his spot on the other side.. (Bah how weird it will be without AD

Prescott Burgess and Gary Stills should back them up splitting the time pretty evenly.

[i]Like i said above Barnes will be more of a outside backer. I don't see Stills getting much time. Also add a healthy Dan Cody here. Expect to see Barnes and Cody in a similar situation as JJ was last season coming in to be a down lineman/OLB

Nose Tackle - Kelly Gregg will be the Ravens official nose tackle although Haloti Nagta will be doing pretty much the same thing but at defensive end. He will be backed up by Justin Bannan who is one of the best backup nose tackle's in the league (That's just my opinion)

[i]The Ravens do a hellva job of rotating Dlineman. Each guy on the Ravens Dline has the ability to paly any position along the line. So for this position i just say u have Ngata, Gregg, Pryce, then u have your backups.

Defensive End - The spots belong to Haloti Nagta and Trevor Pryce. They will be backed up by Dwan Edwards but I wouldnt be suprised if Justin Bannan rotates to defensive end and backs up Nagta at some point.

It shouldn't be a suprise at all because Bannan played lots of DE before his injury. Another DT will have the opportunity to make the team with the loss of Franklin. Althought with Suggs, Cody, and JJ able to play along the line it won't be easy for one of those young guys.

--Offense--

Quarterback - Steve McNair has takin on the starting position for at least one more year. At the backup spot you can expect to see Boller for one more year with Troy Smith beating out!! Drew Olson for the #3 quarterback spot!(BTW IM SO HAPPY BOUT THIS!! very good sign). That will put Olson on the practice squad but Kyle Boller will most likely leave Via free agency and Olson should be on the roster next year.

agree 100%

Running Back - Willis Mcgahee starts, Mike Anderson backs him up, Musa Smith is the energy guy off the bench.

PJ Daniels will be given the opportunity to show his talent, with the injury history of Musa u can't have too much depth. So i see 4 rbs making the team.

Fullback - Supposedly Justin Green will start training camp with the spot (How dumb..) hopefully Le'Ron Mclain to take it from him(being that there is alot of hype bout this guy). I don't think it's a crucial role anymore like the past as Mcgahee dosn't need a lead blocker.. But I think Mclain will def win the starting spot at FB.

I agree here. Green is an converted FB but if he can continue to improve it should be a nice little battle in camp between he and McClain.

Wide Receiver - Mark Clayton has the #1 spot barring injury but after that it is a crapshoot. Derrick Mason will open the season with the number #2 spot but by the end of the year he will be splitting time with Demetrius Williams. Out of those 2 whoever doesn't get the number #2 spot will get the #3 spot. For number #4 I like Yamon Figurs!! supposedly Darling and Moore will be most likely leaving. I think it is good to develop talent and Yamon has potential to be great!!

The top 3 guys are set in stone no matter how u look at it. The fourth spot will be a battle between figurs and DVD, as i don't see Moore making the roster unless we keep 6 WRs

Tight End - Todd Heap, Dan Wilcox, then Quinn Sypiewski.

If we keep 5 WR, then we will have 4 TEs, and if we have 6 WRs then only 3 TEs will make it.

Offensive Line - Ok I will do this slot by slot starting with left tackle going to Jonathan Ogden. The Left Guard spot is open heading into camp but I beleive Jason Brown is the clear favorite as he has worked with Ogden before. Center is tricky as Mike Flynn will probably do the best job but alot of people are thinking it is time to put some youth on the line with Chris Chester sound's like a good idea to me .

I'm sure Flynn will get the spot but watch for chester! to be there icleast 25% of the time this year.

At right guard the spot has Ben Grubbs name on it even though the organization wants him to work for it. Right Tackle is almost definitly Adam Terry but Marshal Yanda is talented and should see some playing time. For backups it is Yanda at right and left tackle. Chester at Center and Keydrick Vincent at the guard spots.

I can only see Flynn remaining the starting center if Chester can't gain command of the line calls. Other then that i see Chester as the starting center. I think it will be hard to keep Grubbs out of the starting RG spot. I beleive Brown, Chester, Grubbs, gives us the best chance to be the type of running team we wanna be. I think it's possible that Vincent could be on his way out, if Rimpf can prove healthy and regain his form. Also Yanda's ability to fill in at guard will push Vincent out.

*Phewww* OK now I'm done typing.. time for a smoke break hope people enjoy this information going into the `08 season knowing who earned the starting position's and who is the backup's and what number slot they earned as a backup etc.. enjoy

[fub321]

I agree almost fully with this post, only thing is i think barnes should get some time in johnsons spot instead of stills to help replace AD

[Raven07]

looks pretty solid except for a few holes here and there....but thats why there's training camp, to even out those spots and make the Young players learn how to play the game more...it'll all even itself out in the end

[Ed_Reed20]

I'm really looking forward to the battles for the nickel and dime positions this pre-season. It was pretty fun to watch Prude, Oglesby(my personal favorite ) and Ivy battle for the job last year, This year, with Pittman healthy, it should be even more fun. Ivy played well last year but he's over 30 and he's pretty small too. As much I like Oglesby, I think he is a much better special teams player than he is corner. So the battle is probably between Prude and Pittman.

I also can't wait to see Antwain Barnes hit the field. They called him "The Sackmaster" back at FIU and that is exactly what I think he will do for the Ravens. He will probably see more time on special teams in 07 but I expect him to lock up a starting job in 08.

[Reed_4_President]

I'm really looking forward to the battles for the nickel and dime positions this pre-season. It was pretty fun to watch Prude, Oglesby(my personal favorite ) and Ivy battle for the job last year, This year, with Pittman healthy, it should be even more fun. Ivy played well last year but he's over 30 and he's pretty small too. As much I like Oglesby, I think he is a much better special teams player than he is corner. So the battle is probably between Prude and Pittman.

I also can't wait to see Antwain Barnes hit the field. They called him "The Sackmaster" back at FIU and that is exactly what I think he will do for the Ravens. He will probably see more time on special teams in 07 but I expect him to lock up a starting job in 08.

I say Prude is going to take the starting position over Pittman.

[Ravensfan23]

I think with the addition of Jared Gaither it will be very K. Vincent to make this team. I was thinking about the depth at oline just the other night and i feel we will only keep about 7-8 oline. The 8 guys i feel JO, Brown, Chester, Grubbs, Flynn, Terry, Rimpf and Yanda. I think Gaither will have some strange injury that will put him on IR. We will keep a couple of young guys on the PS. We also picked up Steve Edwards, so if vicent remains on this team he will have earned it. However i just don't see it likely, he will be one of the bigger names that are cut this season. The question is do the Ravens cut ties with him early like after first cuts to allow him to catch on with another team, or do they give him a fighting chance to beat out some of the younger guys for a roster spot?

[KingRavenz]

Its Great to see how mcnair will be starting another season. He did excellent from my pov in his 1st season with the ravens. I think mcnair is way better then kyle boller. anyways, Great to see mason in #2 spot in wr starters . Samari!! im soo happy hes starting . i dont know if anyone agrees with what im saying but this is all from my pov and if u dont like it then thats your pov.

pov= point of view.

[Ravnet]

Maybe it is just me, but I don't feel THAT bad about losing AD. I mean he was an outstanding player for us, but he may have been a product of the system. Ray and Ed have said it a ton, when you come into the league and you are inducted into the Baltimore Ravens defense, its an exclusive fraternity and stars are pumped out. This is much like Kelly Gregg, a converted wrestler, and Bart Scott in my opinion. An up and coming product of the system is Landry who will become a great Safety in time.

[Reed_4_President]

Maybe it is just me, but I don't feel THAT bad about losing AD. I mean he was an outstanding player for us, but he may have been a product of the system. Ray and Ed have said it a ton, when you come into the league and you are inducted into the Baltimore Ravens defense, its an exclusive fraternity and stars are pumped out. This is much like Kelly Gregg, a converted wrestler, and Bart Scott in my opinion. An up and coming product of the system is Landry who will become a great Safety in time.

I agree totally on that but could just never put it into words .

[shutdownculdeSACK]

Gary Stills is a great special teams player, but a better LB option that Jarret Johnson? You must be kidding. I know that Jarret is no AD, but people don't realize that Jarret has been a big contributor to the team in the past few seasons.

I am very interested to see what happens with Clarence Moore & Devard Darling, I wonder why Devard has never really panned out.

[Ravnet]

I didn't hear anything about Finnerty, If 1 of those receivers is still around I hope it would be Moore isn't he like 6'6 or am I way off? BTW Mista could you fix the 2008 in the Thread topic to 07 please

No, your right he is a tall dude for being a wide reciever. However, I want nothing to do with Moore anymore quite frankly, he has been given so many opportunities and always falls flat. The signature play that you would figure he would be useful for is a lob pass in the red zone when he has 1 on 1 coverage. Sometimes there are corners that are 5'11 guarding this guy and he is a full 7 inches taller, yet the pass is still defended almost every single time. He was given chances in the Boller era also, and Kyle was quite good at lobbing it up for Clarence but he has horrendus hands and a sub-par vertical.

[MKdave]

No, your right he is a tall dude for being a wide reciever. However, I want nothing to do with Moore anymore quite frankly, he has been given so many opportunities and always falls flat. The signature play that you would figure he would be useful for is a lob pass in the red zone when he has 1 on 1 coverage. Sometimes there are corners that are 5'11 guarding this guy and he is a full 7 inches taller, yet the pass is still defended almost every single time. He was given chances in the Boller era also, and Kyle was quite good at lobbing it up for Clarence but he has horrendus hands and a sub-par vertical.

That exact thing happened against denver last year.

[shutdownculdeSACK]

That exact thing happened against denver last year.

Not really, he was up against Champ Bailey, the best cornerback in the league. You DON'T throw at Champ Bailey, you really can't blame that one on Clarence. Unfortunately, he doesn't have breakaway speed and can't get behind the secondary, & he's too lanky to play tough like the tall, strong receivers in the league.