If Jameel McClain Leaves..

[ClintLB8]

What about looking at Jonathan Goff? I mean.. he's 6-2 240 and he would be a really cheap replacement. He hasn't been spectacular in any way.. but why not sign him to see how he does after his injury?

[Ravenslifer]

Maybe, but I think the FO is going to try to draft an ILB early and have him start. I am officially on the Donte Hightower to Baltimore bandwagon.

[ClintLB8]

Well, I would love to have Donta! That would be ideal in my opinion! Just wasn't sure if we would go OL in the first (especially with Grubbs probably leaving). I would definitely prefer Donta in the first!!!!

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1331747828' post='1021468']
Well, I would love to have Donta! That would be ideal in my opinion! Just wasn't sure if we would go OL in the first (especially with Grubbs probably leaving). I would definitely prefer Donta in the first!!!!
[/quote]

As far as o-line, the only guys I could see being there are Konz, the center from Wisconsin, Cordy Glenn, the guard from Georgia, and possible Ohio State tackle Mike Adams. Some people don't think Adams can play left tackle in the NFL - if he can't there's no point in drafting him. As far as the guards go, we have like 3 right tackles on the roster - Reid, Yanda, and Oher - if Yanda stays at guard, either Reid or Oher might move over to the left guard spot and the other is our right tackle. So really our needs are a long-term left tackle to replace McKinney and a center. So maybe the front office decides to go Hightower in the first round and hope that a day-2 tackle prospect like Zebrie Sanders or an even later developmental guy like Nate Potter falls. Center, a lot of them fall to the 3rd round or later, so I think we shoot for them there. I like Hightower so much because he's versatile - he can be an ILB and he can rush the passer, so he would be a great fit at a few positions.

[Ravenseconbeast]

losing Jameel McClain will hurt us a bit. Only step Jameel is taking is up from here.

And he'll probably be taken with a bargain price. Cant lose +100 tackle guy like this. Make a decent bid, and lets hope this beast comes back

[FerrariFan87]

Losing McClain would really hurt our D, especially after losing JJ... we gotta lock him up, although he's gaining a lot more leverage.

[hawkprey]

Anyone can play ILB next to Ray. That's why we keep finding UDFA's at inside linebacker that exceed expectations. McClellan is the latest one and I'll bet you he climbs up into the starting rotation this year. No need for a free agent at linebacker.

[CapoRocky]

I'd love to land Hightower. Just as long as the Squeelers don't get him.

[Blex64]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1331750103' post='1021555']
Anyone can play ILB next to Ray. That's why we keep finding UDFA's at inside linebacker that exceed expectations. McClellan is the latest one and I'll bet you he climbs up into the starting rotation this year. No need for a free agent at linebacker.
[/quote]

Don't know why this guy got negged. Nobody's every preformed as well as they did next to Ray, our other ILB will be fine. Kruger and Jones/McPhee stepping up on the line.

[Alexir]

Shoot, I wouldn't mind moving McClain back to OLB like his rookie year.

Either way, it looks like we will be drafting some linebackers this year! so pumped, love getting guys on defense.

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1331750255' post='1021566']
I'd love to land Hightower. Just as long as the Squeelers don't get him.
[/quote]

I have the Steelers taking Cordy Glenn in the first.

So Moses Hightower should be there to take at 29. He or Upshaw.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='Blex64' timestamp='1331750374' post='1021574']

Don't know why this guy got negged. Nobody's every preformed as well as they did next to Ray, our other ILB will be fine. Kruger and Jones/McPhee stepping up on the line.
[/quote]
True, and technically McClellan wasn't even playing next to Ray. He was (sorta) starting the game against San Fran and did a great job. ILB will be fine until Ray leaves. That's what we need to worry about. Not Jameel McClain leaving.

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1331750488' post='1021578']
Shoot, I wouldn't mind moving McClain back to OLB like his rookie year.

Either way, it looks like we will be drafting some linebackers this year! so pumped, love getting guys on defense.
[/quote]

It's looking like LB or passrush will be addressed round 1.

Pernell McPhee and Star Jones will aptly replace Redding.

We are getting younger and better defensively a la the Texans.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

uhg seems it looks like the new CBA has ripped some holes in our D , who knows though maybe the wizard of oz sitting in the castle in owings mills will summon up some decent drafts again . or maybe a single splash in FA.

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='hawkprey' timestamp='1331750631' post='1021587']

True, and technically McClellan wasn't even playing next to Ray. He was (sorta) starting the game against San Fran and did a great job. ILB will be fine until Ray leaves. That's what we need to worry about. Not Jameel McClain leaving.
[/quote]

Don't forget Ellerbe. He didn't get a second rd tender for nothing. McCleland was impressive and Josh Bynes is another prospect who impressed.

[Bazooka Joe]

[quote name='TheRavenouseD2008' timestamp='1331750955' post='1021606']
uhg seems it looks like the new CBA has ripped some holes in our D , who knows though maybe the wizard of oz sitting in the castle in owings mills will summon up some decent drafts again . or maybe a single splash in FA.
[/quote]

I like our patience. Notice the number of current Ravens playing on rookie deals. Indication of our recent strong drafts.

Ozzie and Decostarica have found the balance in contending and rebuilding at the same time.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

yeah the only thing is this looks like my first play through of madden 12 , got so close then all my FAs headed for greener pastures people saying the draft logic wasnt right were wrong its Far to real

[redrum52]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1331751426' post='1021623']


I like our patience. Notice the number of current Ravens playing on rookie deals. Indication of our recent strong drafts.

Ozzie and Decostarica have found the balance in contending and rebuilding at the same time.
[/quote]

Exactly. I said this before, if Kindull can become the player we drafted him to be we save money, a roster spot and a draft pick. Ozzy knows what he has and will address the problem positions. I feel a lot relies on how much we trust the recent draft picks who haven't seen much time. Remember, no one knew what we had in Pita til this year. Same with Carrie and Pawl Kroogur. Gotta let the young guys play.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

true just as long as no one says jj is going lets draft burfict , I would rather see Carrot Top there if your going to have a clown atleast get a funny one

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1331750488' post='1021578']
Shoot, I wouldn't mind moving McClain back to OLB like his rookie year.

Either way, it looks like we will be drafting some linebackers this year! so pumped, love getting guys on defense.
[/quote]
Yep. We needed to get a pass rush across from Suggs anyway and JJ just wasn't that guy. Great run defender, but offered very little pass rush.
Can't wait to see who we go after whether it's the draft or FA to improve the front seven.

[Romo Ravens]

[quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1331750579' post='1021584']

I have the Steelers taking Cordy Glenn in the first.

So Moses Hightower should be there to take at 29. He or Upshaw.[/quote][quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1331751238' post='1021616']

Don't forget Ellerbe. He didn't get a second rd tender for nothing. McCleland was impressive and Josh Bynes is another prospect who impressed.[/quote][quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1331751426' post='1021623']

I like our patience. Notice the number of current Ravens playing on rookie deals. Indication of our recent strong drafts.

Ozzie and Decostarica have found the balance in contending and rebuilding at the same time.[/quote][quote name='Bazooka Joe' timestamp='1331750918' post='1021604']

It's looking like LB or passrush will be addressed round 1.

Pernell McPhee and Star Jones will aptly replace Redding.

We are getting younger and better defensively a la the Texans.[/quote]

What?

[SideStep77]

We need to keep him, he is a veteran of our D and our team. With Redding and JJ gone, we need veterans to keep it together. He also makes a great signal caller in replacement for Ray Lewis.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

Still Carrot top works better then Burfict especialy since his face shield will have windshield wipers

[UMDan]

Patience is a virtue, and one that Ozzie clearly has given his reluctance to make big moves early in free agency every year. The teams that need to make big moves are (see: Redskins), the good teams (us, Packers, Steelers, Patriots, Giants) are patiently waiting for opportunities. We'll be fine.

[CapoRocky]

Knowing how Ozzie operates I am sure that when we finally jump in it will barely make a splash.

[SuRihtanil]

Maybe the Ravens are letting McClain see the FA waters and that nobody wants him. This way they reseign him cheap?

[Yatagarasu]

McClain's FA has been pretty quiet.

Maybe he does come back for cheap.

And we just add another LB in the draft for depth.

[scrock]

i can see the Ravens drafting a couple O-lineman and LB/DEs and Safety

in Ozzie I TRUST

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1331824123' post='1022811']
[b]McClain's FA has been pretty quiet.[/b]

Maybe he does come back for cheap.

And we just add another LB in the draft for depth.
[/quote]

It's been quiet because guys like Tulloch, Lofton and Fletcher are still available. Them settling for cheaper-than-expected deals would help the team retain Jameel.

[Grapple Raven]

Don't forget we already have McAdoo (DE/OLB). I am hoping to see his potential come to light this upcoming season, especially since we have lost both JJ and Redding, and don't know if McClain will remain. I would love to know how the Ravens potentially see using McAdoo.