Ravens Lose Brandon McKinney?

[scrock]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1333666952' post='1043580']
Or, we can let Kruger stay in his natural position and let him develop as a 3-4 OLB instead of forcing him to be a 3-4 DE where he does not belong. Kindle and[b] McClellan have proven nothing[/b] to say we should move Kruger to DE. Also, Harbs seems really optimistic about Kruger's potential to start at LOLB.
[/quote]

actually i think McClellan proved he has potential last year when Ray Lewis went out...he played decently

but i agree we should leave Kruger alone and let him pay where he's at..he finally started producing

[The Raven]

[quote name='redrum52' timestamp='1333667466' post='1043594']
I can see Kindle doing well at Krugers role last year. His burst off the line is good. You don't know what people can do til they are on the field. What if Troy Smith never got sick, we wouldn't have know what Flacco was capable of and I do.t want to hear crap about Flacco being a 1st round qb and its a different situation. Sergio was our first pick in the 10 draft. Throw him out there and see what he can do.
[/quote]

The difference is, Flacco wasn't coming off a potentially career ending head injury, that made him lose hearing in his left ear, lose balance and coordination, and caused him to miss a full year of football. I want Kindle to play as much as anybody, but you can't just throw him into a game just to see what he can do. Also, he did nothing in the preseason. There was no reason to put him in.

All this being said, I too think he could do well in Kruger's former role. But, he has to prove he can do it before we just "throw him out there"

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1333667521' post='1043596']
We could always shift McClain back over to the ILB if needed. I mean, we paid McClain good money to stay here. I want him to play. I'd prefer for him to not be a back-up ILB.

Personally, I want Ellerbe gone. I think his tender is too much for him and I would rather use that money to spend on another guy, like a LG FA or a DT FA. I think Ellerbe will stick around until at least the draft, but I feel like he is gone after that, especially if we get Mychal Kendricks.
[/quote]

On McClain, yes, I agree with that. He's made great strides and he's very underrated, even by fellow fans.

On Ellerbe, YES! I hate Ellerbe with a passion. The only reason he's still here is depth in case we don't draft someone we feel comfortable with. Once we draft someone, Ellerbe will be gone imo.

[berad]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1333668197' post='1043609']
The difference is, Flacco wasn't coming off a potentially career ending head injury, that made him lose hearing in his left ear, lose balance and coordination, and caused him to miss a full year of football. I want Kindle to play as much as anybody, but you can't just throw him into a game just to see what he can do. Also, he did nothing in the preseason. There was no reason to put him in.

All this being said, I too think he could do well in Kruger's former role. But, he has to prove he can do it before we just "throw him out there"
[/quote]

Harbs said working through the whole season in 2011 really helped him and that he'll get a lot of work in the 2012 TC and get a shot to compete. Have to remember that he was IR'd in 2010 and had no OTAs or anything because of the lockout. Take that for what it's worth but I'm hesitantly optimistic about the guy.

[Ravensfan23]

Grim I'm not sure which quotes from Harbs you're referring to, but he did speak about Kindle in the Kruger article on BR.com.

I believe he said Kindle would have every opportunity to compete. He said how they will coach him up as hard as they can because the talent is there and Kindle wants to work hard. I'm not sure if those are exact words bit was something to that extent.

Also Ozzie and Harbs have spoken highly of Kindle this offseason, mentioning how they are excited to see him with a full offseason.

Sounds like the Ravens really see something in Kindle and I can't wait to see that play out.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1333671034' post='1043652']
Grim I'm not sure which quotes from Harbs you're referring to, but he did speak about Kindle in the Kruger article on BR.com.

I believe he said Kindle would have every opportunity to compete. He said how they will coach him up as hard as they can because the talent is there and Kindle wants to work hard. I'm not sure if those are exact words bit was something to that extent.

Also Ozzie and Harbs have spoken highly of Kindle this offseason, mentioning how they are excited to see him with a full offseason.

Sounds like the Ravens really see something in Kindle and I can't wait to see that play out.
[/quote]
If he said something then that's good. I honestly want Kindle to be a beast. I don't like draft busts. I really have a lot of faith in Kindle, but I am not rushing him into the line-up. I feel like he should be given ample time to get back into the game. In my eyes, Kindle has seen an unfortunate series of events. As you said, he was IRed his first year then his next year there was a lockout that hurt his development even more.

I expect big things from him, but I'm not sure I expect Kindle to be a starter this year. I do believe he will crack the rotation, though. At least, I hope he does.

[Ravensfan23]

From the sound of things, Kruger is expected to take over that starting SAM position. I actually think Kruger will be an overall upgrade for us. JJ was the man, but it was time for an upgrade. Kindle will probably be given a role similar to Kruger's last year. During the preseason, Kindle had his hand in the dirty a lot and I expect him to continue that on 3rd downs this year.

As for losing BM. I don't think it'll hurt us at all. BM was a run stuffer only and while most NTs are that, the Ravens need to improve the pass rush from the interior of the defense. I like the 4 guys we have right now and we'll probably draft a versatile guy who can line up at all DL positions.

[cursona pirate]

yeah Kruger will be the next man up for this. I really like him. I think we will be fine without JJ as bad as that sounds.
We are all good

[Ravensfan23]

Even though McKinney is a big run stopper, I wonder if the Ravens are thinking about adding a guy like Bryant Desmond. He's not a NT, he's more in the mold of Pryce and Redding at 6'5" 290 but he seems like the type of late FA guy Ozzie likes to add. Almost like Pollard last year.

Desmond had 35 tackles and 5 sacks last season, which pretty much mirrors what Redding has given us the last 2 seasons.

Adding him to a rotation with Mcphee and Jones wouldn't be a bad idea to me. Because of his great leverage, Art Jones could actually be a viable backup to Cody, from a versatility stand point but not long term backup.

[ravensfan520]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1333667777' post='1043602']

I like Kindle and I have no problem giving him some snaps in the rotation when it actually matters. I'm not disagreeing with you regarding Kindle being a back-up to Kruger. Problem with Kindle is that he is a question mark. I think the biggest problem for him is just getting back into football and playing the game like he did. He had a serious head injury. Those kind of injuries can take years to heal, if they do. Neurological injuries can take about 10 years to fully heal, and we are talking about football here. If he takes another blow to the head, it could seriously impact his life and at least his healing process.

I'm not saying we should move on from Sergio Kindle, but I do find something interesting about Harbaugh's comments. If I recall correctly when Harbaugh was asked about Kruger he mentioned McClellan but nothing of Kindle. I find it interesting he didn't mention Kindle in there. I don't have that information in front of me right now, but I don't think Kindle is ready. I sure hope he is, though. I would hate to lose him as a player especially because of where we drafted him.
[/quote]

I did see a quote on the Ravens website that said the team will get him working with coaches and do what it takes to get him on the field. I think they will find a place for him... either on defense or special teams. This offseason will be good for him... he will get training camps to work on developing without the hearing in his ear. I think last year they played with a little caution and this year he will get more opportunities and this year he will get a legimate chance to shine. Our linebacker core has lost its depth and I think he is physically ready just needs reps to get the mental part together. He has raw talent and I hope he can play with the ones some in the preseason just to be on the field with Ray could be an eye opener for him.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1333674836' post='1043708']
Even though McKinney is a big run stopper, I wonder if the Ravens are thinking about adding a guy like Bryant Desmond. He's not a NT, he's more in the mold of Pryce and Redding at 6'5" 290 but he seems like the type of late FA guy Ozzie likes to add. Almost like Pollard last year.

Desmond had 35 tackles and 5 sacks last season, which pretty much mirrors what Redding has given us the last 2 seasons.

Adding him to a rotation with Mcphee and Jones wouldn't be a bad idea to me. Because of his great leverage, Art Jones could actually be a viable backup to Cody, from a versatility stand point but not long term backup.
[/quote]
Desmond Bryant is a RFA with a 2nd round tender, so I doubt the Ravens would give up a pick for him even though he would be a nice addition.

I think Shaun Rogers, Gary Gibson, Vonnie Holliday or even bringing back Kelly Gregg would be solid options in free agency plus a draft pick and we should be in good shape.

[BloodRaven]

That sucks, he really developed into a beast run stopper as one of Kelly Gregg's understudies. The Colts 3-4 line is really starting to take shape now.

[Yatagarasu]

Desmond Bryant is going to be a beast as a 3-4 DE.

He got 5 sacks as a 4-3 DT and 4-3 DE, which means he's really big and fast.

Too bad the Raiders tendered him and actually going to move into 3-4 Defense, which they got some good depth at the 3-4 DE spots, but no viable 3-4 OLB Pass Rushers or Nose Tackle.

[BloodRaven]

Arthur Jones plays at 320lb now, maybe he should take McKinney's spot in the rotation.

Derek Landri is still a FA, he's similar to McPhee just a high motor DT who would project well as an interior rusher or 3-4 DE.

[The Raven]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1333694487' post='1043910']
Arthur Jones plays at 320lb now, maybe he should take McKinney's spot in the rotation.

Derek Landri is still a FA, he's similar to McPhee just a high motor DT who would project well as an interior rusher or 3-4 DE.
[/quote]

I think Arthur Jones could do it actually. He's a real strong guy that knows how to use leverage. He kinda reminds me of Kelly Gregg in a way. He faced double teams a lot in college, and usually won. I wonder if he could hold up as the backup nose?

On Derek Landri, it would be nice to have another interior rusher, but I would prefer to get a run stopping DE to complement McPhee's pass rushing. I won't rule it out though.

[Bazooka Joe]

All we lost was depth that the draft can possibly replace. I wish McKinnie the best. Oh wait, I meant McKinney. McKinnie? McKinney?

Catsup? Ketchup?

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1333715687' post='1043972']
I think Arthur Jones could do it actually. He's a real strong guy that knows how to use leverage. He kinda reminds me of Kelly Gregg in a way. He faced double teams a lot in college, and usually won. I wonder if he could hold up as the backup nose?

On Derek Landri, it would be nice to have another interior rusher, but I would prefer to get a run stopping DE to complement McPhee's pass rushing. I won't rule it out though.
[/quote]

Cody only plays 44% of snaps and has developed the stamina to do it, this also resulted in McKinney seeing less snaps and being deactivated for a few games. Maybe we don't need a specialist backup NT to replace McKinney?

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1333694487' post='1043910']
Arthur Jones plays at 320lb now, maybe he should take McKinney's spot in the rotation.

Derek Landri is still a FA, he's similar to McPhee just a high motor DT who would project well as an interior rusher or 3-4 DE.
[/quote]

I think Arthur Jones is going to fill in for Redding as our starting 3-4 DE.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' timestamp='1333722402' post='1044086']


I think Arthur Jones is going to fill in for Redding as our starting 3-4 DE.
[/quote]
Yup. I remember readin an article about Jones saying he is slimming down this offseason to play the 5 tech instead of adding more bulk to play inside.

[The Raven]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1333722233' post='1044080']
Cody only plays 44% of snaps and has developed the stamina to do it, this also resulted in McKinney seeing less snaps and being deactivated for a few games. Maybe we don't need a specialist backup NT to replace McKinney?
[/quote]

Its worth thinking about, but in the case of injury, we'd really have to shuffle our dline around, which I don't want to do

[cursona pirate]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1333694487' post='1043910']
Arthur Jones plays at 320lb now, maybe he should take McKinney's spot in the rotation.
Derek Landri is still a FA, he's similar to McPhee just a high motor DT who would project well as an interior rusher or 3-4 DE.
[/quote]
320lb!? No way that's like 3 mes!

[PurpleReign92]

Brandon was a back up and special teams starter and is expendable. The reason is we have a lot of dept which he was a part of Art Jones, Mcphee, Krugar and McClellan..

[The Raven]

[quote name='PurpleReign92' timestamp='1333909477' post='1045504']
Brandon was a back up and special teams starter and is expendable. The reason is we have a lot of dept which he was a part of Art Jones, Mcphee, Krugar and McClellan..
[/quote]

2 of those are OLBs, and two of those are DEs. Brandon played mostly nose for us, so...

[reediddy]

[quote name='Irish Raven' timestamp='1333649005' post='1043184']
I like it [img]http://content.boards.baltimoreravens.com//public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png[/img]
And could tutor Cody and help him further along
[/quote]

Yup, and I'm sure he would love to return here after being part of such a dismal team

[GrimCoconut]

Re-signing Kelly Gregg on the cheap (vet minimum) would actually be a very good move if he was a back-up. I'm not very fond of the DTs in this draft, especially the late-round ones. I feel Gregg would be a very nice addition if he came cheap.

[The Raven]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1334008219' post='1046184']
Re-signing Kelly Gregg on the cheap (vet minimum) would actually be a very good move if he was a back-up. I'm not very fond of the DTs in this draft, especially the late-round ones. I feel Gregg would be a very nice addition if he came cheap.
[/quote]

I feel like this would also allow us to focus our draft picks on positions of greater need

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1334010843' post='1046231']
I feel like this would also allow us to focus our draft picks on positions of greater need
[/quote]
I feel like we can find a practice squader or swing man to fill in that back up role.

Cody's play is huge for us next year though. Good to see he's taking his job seriously.