Who Steps Up?

[GrimCoconut]

With quite a number of players as free agents who may not come back, it got me wondering which players on our roster would step up and make an impact if other players walked away. Not all of our free agents will be back, and even some of the people on our roster could be gone. With that said, here's a list of positions and the last year's starter.

[u][b]Offense[/b][/u]:
[b]Left Tackle[/b]: Bryant McKinnie (contract). Incumbent left tackle, currently signed with the team for another year. He has a big salary but played admirably last year. Jah Reid is listed as his back-up. Ramon Harewood is also on the roster, but he was on IR last year.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Jah Reid, Ramon Harewood.

[b]Left Guard[/b]: Ben Grubbs (free agent). Great left guard, played fantastic, a key part of our line. A lot can be said about Grubbs. When he was out (a rarity since he took every snap in his career until that Titans game) we missed him. Who's his back-up? It was Gurode, but he's also a free agent. After him it's Boren, an UDFA. We also signed Howard Barbieri (UDFA from Rutgers) formerly off of the Texans practice squad to a reserve contract. He could be nothing more than a camp body. There's also been talk about Jah Reid moving to his position.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Justin Boren, Howard Barbieri, Jah Reid.

[b]Center[/b]: Matt Birk (free agent) was the starter. His back-up, Gurode is also a free agent. That leaves Boren as the starting center. Yeah, that's scary. This is a position we need some help. The roster page also has Cecil Newton, and I have no idea who he is.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Justin Boren, Howard Barbieri (?), Cecil Newton.

[b]Right Guard[/b]: Marshall Yanda (contract). Incumbent right guard for now and for a while, hopefully. Plays through injuries. I believe we're stable here.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Marshall Yanda, Justin Boren, Jah Reid

[b]Right Tackle[/b]: Michael Oher (contract). Love him or hate him, he's the starter. His back-up was Jah Reid, who did pretty decent in the Patriots game. Got beat once and mauled the guy the next play. His penalties were down this year after last year & so were his sacks, though he had a lot of sacks & penalties last year. He showed improvement on the right side.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Michael Oher, Jah Reid, Marshall Yanda

[b]Quarterback[/b]: Joe Flacco (contract). The starter and franchise quarterback. He's going to get paid. Tyrod Taylor will only play in garbage time or in other situations I am not mentioning (on purpose). Flacco's tough as nails, and is well-suited for our division.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor

[b]Runningback[/b]: Ray Rice (free agent). Ray Rice is going to get paid, and he will be back on the team. The real question is who will be his back-up. Ricky Williams (contract) wants to come back, but there's some speculation that he could get cut. Behind Ricky Williams was Anthony Allen. After Anthony Allen, we have Matt Lawrence (IR) & Damien Berry. A lot of people like Berry. Lawrence has been here a while, and he is a restricted free agent. There's a good chance he's cut.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: (Ray Rice), Ricky Williams, Anthony Allen, Matt Lawrence, Damien Berry.

[b]Wide Receivers[/b]: Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Lee Evans, Tandon Doss, Patrick Williams, Rodney Bradley, Philip Livas, & David Reed. It's a position Ozzie wants to get more talent. The question here isn't who is the starter because anyone can play, but rather who do we keep. Anquan would be a surprise to go. Torrey is staying. Evans has a big contract and hasn't produced much last year, but we gave up a 4th round pick for him. Doss was selected by Flacco & we just drafted him; I doubt he goes anywhere unless they see something we don't. LaQuan is a popular player & performed OK when he played. David Reed fumbled multiple times and has been injured a lot during his tenure here, but adds a lot to the return game. The other guys are all practice squad guys. Who stays and who goes will be a big question. Philip Livas is listed as a return specialist. I don't expect us to have more than 6 wide receivers & I only think Anquan & Torrey have safe jobs. I would probably include Doss in there, too.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Anquan Boldin, Torrey Smith, Lee Evans, Tandon Doss, Patrick Williams, Rodney Bradley, Philip Livas, David Reed.

[b]Tight End[/b]: Dennis Pitta (contract), Ed Dickson (contract). Both are under contract. Their back-up Kris Wilson is a free agent. I expect to see Pitta & Dickson competing in camp for the starting role. Pitta needs to work more on his blocking, and Dickson needs to become friends with the jugs machine.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Dennis Pitta, Ed Dickson.

[u][b]Defense[/b][/u]:
[b]Defensive Tackle/End[/b]: Haloti Ngata (contract), Terrence Cody (contract), Cory Redding (free agent). Arthur Jones, Bryan Hall, Pernell McPhee, Michael McAdoo are the back-ups. We also have Brandon McKinney as a free agent as well. Pernell McPhee may be able to replace Redding if he walks since he showed great playmaking ability when he played, and was also taught by Redding. Redding is an experience vet, and had a great presence on the defense last year. Ngata is definite and so is Cody. It's Redding's spot that is in question.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Pernell McPhee, Arthur Jones, Bryan Hall, Michael McAdoo.

[b]Inside Linebackers[/b]: Ray Lewis (contract), Jameel McClain (free agent). Ray is under contract, but who plays next to him & eventually replace him is the big question. If McClain doesn't come back, then the other options are Cody Glenn, Dannell Ellerbe, Josh Bynes, Chavis Williams. A lot of people likes Bynes in the preseason. Cody is a new addition in the offseason, and linebackers with the name "Cody" bring back bad memories. Williams we had on the practice squad. Ellerbe just looked terrible in that Patriots game.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Ray Lewis, Cody Glenn, Dannell Ellerbe, Josh Bynes, Chavis Williams.

[b]Outside Linebackers[/b]: Terrell Suggs (contract), Jarret Johnson (free agent). Terrell's a beast, but we need someone opposite of him who can pass rush. JJ was great, but he's a free agent and is not guaranteed back. Who steps up? The back-ups were Paul Kruger, Sergio Kindle, Edgar Jones. The only one I feel comfortable with at this point is Kruger, and I'm not sure how good he is stopping the run.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Terrell Suggs, Paul Kruger, Sergio Kindle, Edgar Jones.

[b]Cornerbacks[/b]: Lardarius Webb (restricted free agent), Cary Williams (restricted free agent), Jimmy Smith (contract) were the starters. Their back-ups were Chykie Brown, Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, Danny Gorrer. Chykie we barely saw. Gorrer played good when we saw him. Carr was mostly hurt & wasn't very impressive, but was good the year before. Domonique has been on the chopping block for a while and has been out of football for 2 years now.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Lardarius Webb, Cary Williams, Jimmy Smith, Chykie Brown, Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, Danny Gorrer.

[b]Safeties[/b]: Ed Reed (contract), Bernard Pollard (contract). Both safeties are in their final year. Their back-ups Haruki Nakamura (free agent) & Tom Zbikowski (free agent) are both free agents. The only one not is Emanuel Cook from the practice squad.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Emanuel Cook.

[u][b]Special Teams[/b][/u]
[b]Kicker[/b]: Billy Cundiff (contract). A lot of people want Billy go get some competition, which might not be a bad idea. I'd like to keep Billy, but it's always good to have some people compete for a job, especially after his season. He's our kicker, so I expect him to still be with the team.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: Billy Cundiff

[b]Punter[/b]: Sam Koch (contract). I doubt he goes anywhere. End of discussion.

[b]Return Specialist[/b]: David Reed (contract), Lardarius Webb (restricted free agent). Multiple fumbles, a stupid penalty, and being injured frequently does not raise your stock on the team. I expect some competition or Reed to be released. I hate Webb being back there taking punt returns. The back-ups are Tom Zbikowski & LaQuan Williams, but Tom is a free agent. Chris Carr has returned and has good hands, but doesn't do much with it. Torrey returned them in college, but the idea of losing Webb & Smith to injuries from punts & kicks scares me. We also signed that guy Philip Livas, but we haven't seen anything from him.
[u]Potential Players[/u]: David Reed, Lardarius Webb, Chris Carr, Torrey Smith, LaQuan Williams, Philip Livas.

So that's it as far as I can think right now.

Personally, I'd like to see Pernell McPhee step up for Redding and maybe Kruger take over for JJ. I think it's time to see what Kruger can do, since next year will be his contract year if I'm not mistaken. If we part ways with Ricky Williams, I'd like to see what Allen could do since we drafted him. I also am a fan of Berry, and think all three of them could add something to the game. I'd like to see Michael McAdoo maybe become something for us, since there was no risk with him and he had potential. I am also excited for Josh Bynes, since he flashed something in preseason and with McClain a free agent he could prove to be very useful. I want to see Danny Gorrer and more of what he could do, since I like him a lot from his play on special teams and defense.

[IMissMattStover]

Grubbs and Yanda for sure...

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='IMissMattStover' timestamp='1328226930' post='983461']
Grubbs and Yanda for sure...
[/quote]
Grubbs is a free agent. I'm not including the free agents. If Grubbs, Redding, JJ don't come back, who on the current roster steps up for them? That's my question.

[IMissMattStover]

Oh, ok.....I'll wait until after the draft to declare my opinion.

[redrum52]

Jah Reid, Paul Kruger, Art Jones, Torrey Smith(steps up bigger), Tandon Doss, Ed Dickson I feel with comes back with a vengeance, Serigo Kindle, Pernell McPhee and hopefully Michael McAdoo put on some weight and got stronger cause I think he can wreak havoc if he can get bigger.

[Ravens Beast]

Look out for LaQuan Williams at WR, Paul Kruger, Pernell McPhee, Gorrer, and Jah Reid to have pretty good years.

I think Sergio will get back into the swing of things this year. Will likely be a 3rd down rusher every once and a while. The team will likely slowly introduce him back to football.

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1328226818' post='983456']

The roster page also has Cecil Newton, and I have no idea who he is.


[/quote]

That is Cam Newton's brother, doesn't mean he's a God Send at Center or anything, just throwing around facts.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='CalvinSmoke' timestamp='1328230225' post='983507']

That is Cam Newton's brother, doesn't mean he's a God Send at Center or anything, just throwing around facts.
[/quote]
Ahh, thanks. I was wondering and I didn't have the time or capability to look up any info on him. Is he any good or anything? Lol, that would be great if he ended up being a good player.

[ravensfan520]

I really hope that we can keep McClain. I think he is one of our free agents that no one seems to talk about... he may not be Ray Lewis (no one will be) but he is a good middle linebacker and if we can draft another one early to learn and rotate with McClain until Ray retires I will be happy. As much as everyone loves Joe I think that we can still succeed with Taylor as long as we can keep Rice and or sure up the line... if I had to use up all the cap space I wouldn't use or all on Joe and Rice.

I don't want anyone to think that I believe Taylor is better but at the risk of losing Rice and not having anything else left to sign an adequate OL I would let him go to free agency... but I am sure i am in the minority on that one. Joe is a good but not elite qb and if we have to I can live with Taylor as qb and tweekinf the offense to fit his style and continue to build a strong d and rely on it and ground and pound with a game manager of a qb if that is what Taylor only becomes... we have won more on just defense than we have with offense.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='ravensfan520' timestamp='1328246894' post='983742']
I really hope that we can keep McClain. I think he is one of our free agents that no one seems to talk about... he may not be Ray Lewis (no one will be) but he is a good middle linebacker and if we can draft another one early to learn and rotate with McClain until Ray retires I will be happy. As much as everyone loves Joe I think that we can still succeed with Taylor as long as we can keep Rice and or sure up the line... if I had to use up all the cap space I wouldn't use or all on Joe and Rice.

I don't want anyone to think that I believe Taylor is better but at the risk of losing Rice and not having anything else left to sign an adequate OL I would let him go to free agency... but I am sure i am in the minority on that one. Joe is a good but not elite qb and if we have to I can live with Taylor as qb and tweekinf the offense to fit his style and continue to build a strong d and rely on it and ground and pound with a game manager of a qb if that is what Taylor only becomes... we have won more on just defense than we have with offense.
[/quote]
I disagree with you here. The NFL has changed. You need to be a balanced team to succeed in this era. I don't buy into the passing-first philosophy because you need to run the ball effectively, but saying that you will ground & pound is not going to be very successful because people will stop that very easily. Look at the Broncos. Everyone believes Tebow will run, and when the Steelers planned they planned for him to run. He fooled them because he could throw, and they won.

If you have any doubts about Flacco & think Tyrod can be our QB of the future, let me show you this:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cur_3DSpOH4[/media]
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6kK73wpGNM&feature=related"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6kK73wpGNM&feature=related[/url]

Yeah, the quarterback position is pretty important.

[Matt Mattik]

With Ricky Williams retiring, once we get the draft done I would like to see maybe a McClain return as a our #2 RB. Or maybe Franchise Rice and score Snelling as a back up RB.

[redrum52]

I feel the defense will be ok. The question for me is who will be allowed to step up on offense. We wouldn't know what we had in Pitta if he had never played and that might be the case with Allen and Doss. Also, we wouldn't have seen Torrey step up as big if not for the Evans injury. We need to get people on the field and from there trial by fire. We all had given up on Clayton and he was showing his ability til he got injured on the Rams with a rookie qb. We need to ready to take risks with players. Cary Williams might have been able to perform 2 seasons ago if given the opportunity but he wasn't and now we see what we have in him.

[Yoonkeem]

nice analysis.
did you get it from another site?

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Yoonkeem' timestamp='1329210596' post='993752']
nice analysis.
did you get it from another site?
[/quote]
Thanks, and no, I did not. I just looked at BaltimoreRavens.com and picked out the people on there and wrote my opinions on them based upon what I've seen.

[Alexir]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1328247391' post='983749']
I disagree with you here. The NFL has changed. You need to be a balanced team to succeed in this era. I don't buy into the passing-first philosophy because you need to run the ball effectively, but saying that you will ground & pound is not going to be very successful because people will stop that very easily. Look at the Broncos. Everyone believes Tebow will run, and when the Steelers planned they planned for him to run. He fooled them because he could throw, and they won.

If you have any doubts about Flacco & think Tyrod can be our QB of the future, let me show you this:

Yeah, the quarterback position is pretty important.
[/quote]
Well not saying Tyrod should be our QB, but I think he could be if we needed it of him. But don't worry Belt Way Joe isn't going anywhere!


He is "the human highlight reel"

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J5a6qHLhBE"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J5a6qHLhBE[/url]

[Ravenslifer]

Whoever is on the offensive line next year needs to step up. I can only imagine what Flacco and Rice would have looked like this season if they had a solid line blocking for them in every game.

[The Raven]

Oher steps up. Just a bold prediction. Not a big fan of his at all, but obviously I want him to do well. My bold prediction is that he makes the pro bowl as a starter, and EARNS it; meaning he didn't just get blindside votes.

Defensively... who steps up... hmm...

I really can't think of anyone (on the roster) that needs to step up more than Kindle.

[BmoreRavens732]

IF JJ dont come back i think kruger will hit double digit sacks

[Tommy_Play_like_a_Raven]

I believe Kruger will show up big time. I think JJ goes and Kindle works in as a back up finally. ILB i think we draft a starter next to Ray Ray. Ellerbe and Bynes will fight for the back up spot. McClain and Ayanbadejo is gone. I believe Zbi goes and starts some where and Nakamura stays with cook as the back ups. I see redding staying but mcphee being very big this year. Ngata back up will be jones and i see us picking up Cody's back up in FA or Draft. On offense Rb- Allen is the back up. Big hard runner what we need. TE pitta 1 dickson 2. The tough call is WR. Smith and Boldin obvious 1-2 but evans may take a pay cut for 3 if not who knows. Flacco 1 and i think we sign a cheap vet as 2. Just my Opinion guys.

[Tommy_Play_like_a_Raven]

I believe Kruger will show up big time. I think JJ goes and Kindle works in as a back up finally. ILB i think we draft a starter next to Ray Ray. Ellerbe and Bynes will fight for the back up spot. McClain and Ayanbadejo is gone. I believe Zbi goes and starts some where and Nakamura stays with cook as the back ups. I see redding staying but mcphee being very big this year. Ngata back up will be jones and i see us picking up Cody's back up in FA or Draft. On offense Rb- Allen is the back up. Big hard runner what we need. TE pitta 1 dickson 2. The tough call is WR. Smith and Boldin obvious 1-2 but evans may take a pay cut for 3 if not who knows. Flacco 1 and i think we sign a cheap vet as 2. Just my Opinion guys.

[CapoRocky]

Forget looking for an overpriced receiver. I would try to sign Cliff Avril if the Lions don't tag him.

[Tommy_Play_like_a_Raven]

I forgot O-Line LT-Mckinny1-Oher 2 LG-??-1 Boren-2, C-Gurode-1 ??-2, RG-Yanda 1, Borren-2, RT- Oher-1, Ried-2, Harwood-3
Corners Webb-1 J.Smith-2 Williams-3(But webb will play nickle in 3 wide) Gorroer-4, and brown and a youngin battle for 5.
I think we have a new kickewr by end of camp.
And i think alot of UDFA make our team for depth to save money and hope they can contribute on special teams to sure that crappy unit up alittle, nothing like young hungery guys with a chip on their shoulders for kick off unit..lol

[The Raven]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1329409822' post='995468']
Forget looking for an overpriced receiver. I would try to sign Cliff Avril if the Lions don't tag him.
[/quote]

At first, I thought this was a stupid idea, but after looking into it it wouldn't be a bad idea. He played a bit of OLB in college, he's 25, fast, fairly strong, good pass rusher. My only concern is that he can't play the run. If he comes cheaply I'm for it. He and Suggs could be quite the tandem. This season they had, what, 26 sacks between the two of them? That'd be nice!

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1329422405' post='995670'] At first, I thought this was a stupid idea, but after looking into it it wouldn't be a bad idea. He played a bit of OLB in college, he's 25, fast, fairly strong, good pass rusher. My only concern is that he can't play the run. If he comes cheaply I'm for it. He and Suggs could be quite the tandem. This season they had, what, 26 sacks between the two of them? That'd be nice![/quote]
It's really not a bad idea. The only question is what is the price. We could have a front 4 like the Giants if we had him.

[CapoRocky]

A week ago, I would never had considered him over Williams, but I have heard that the Lions may not be able to tag him and don't want to resign him. He is a player that will compete with Suggs every year for DPOY. Let's keep our defense strong and forget about overpaying offensive players that may or may not thrive under Cameron.

[cobrajet]

I like Jah Reid in his second year and maybe Harewood if healthy make an impact on the o-line this year. I like Bynes in preseason and want to see what he can do in preseason again. McPhee, I believe could step in if Redding was not resigned. I was also impressed with Gorrer this year and would like to see him continue to progress. My biggest concerns are at receiver as I lost a lot of faith in Evans, LaQuan looked OK at times but not at a starter level yet, and Doss has not showed anything with the little playing time he has had. David Reed, has to go so I hope Livas can show promise, as I too hate Webb returning because of possible injury.

[Gordo52]

I also think this is Krugers time. Plus he'll be in a contract year so he'll be playing even harder.

[Bazooka Joe]

I think keeping Evans on the cheap is the best bet for the price at WR.

Arthur Jones/McPhee combo can replace Redding. McAdoo can get reps.

Kruger/draft pick can replace JJ.

Allen /Berry can replace Williams or Ricky could return if those kids falter.

Use draft to replace Grubbs. HAREWOOD is a possibility.

[Tommy_Play_like_a_Raven]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1329773372' post='998295']
I think keeping Evans on the cheap is the best bet for the price at WR.

Arthur Jones/McPhee combo can replace Redding. McAdoo can get reps.

Kruger/draft pick can replace JJ.

Allen /Berry can replace Williams or Ricky could return if those kids falter.

Use draft to replace Grubbs. HAREWOOD is a possibility.
[/quote]


I agree except on use the draft for a guard unless its 3 round or later. I belive the time is now for another 1st round ILB. and second round Center(ben jones)

[redrum52]

[quote name='Tommy_Play_like_a_Raven' timestamp='1329778858' post='998378']



I agree except on use the draft for a guard unless its 3 round or later. I belive the time is now for another 1st round ILB. and second round Center(ben jones)
[/quote]

I say first round center and if we need to trade up for Ronnell Lewis.