53- Man Roster (Early Projection Edition)

[Yatagarasu]

[b]Offense (23):[/b]
QB:
Joe Flacco
Tyrod Taylor
RB:
Ray Rice
[b]Bernard Pierce[/b]
Anthony Allen
[b]Bobby Rainey[/b] - [b]Undrafted Rookie[/b]
FB:
Vonta Leach
WR:
Anquan Boldin
Torrey Smith
Tandon Doss
LaQuan Williams
[b]Tommy Streeter[/b]
TE:
Ed Dickson
Dennis Pitta
Davon Drew
OT:
Bryant McKinnie
Michael Oher
Jah Reid
OG:
Marshal Yanda
[b]Kelechi Osemele[/b]
[b]Gino Gradkowski[/b]
Justin Boren
C:
Matt Birk

[b]Defense (27):[/b]
NT:
Haloti Ngata
Terrence Cody
[b]Nick Jean-Baptiste[/b] - [b]Undrafted Rookie[/b]
DE:
Pernell McPhee
Arthur Jones
[b]DeAngelo Tyson[/b]
OLB:
Paul Kruger
[b]Courtney Upshaw[/b]
Sergio Kindle
Michael McAdoo
ILB:
Ray Lewis
Jameel McClain
Dannell Ellerbe
Albert McClellan
Brendon Ayanbadejo
CB:
Lardarius Webb
Cary Williams
Jimmy Smith
Corey Graham
Danny Gorrer
[b]Asa Jackson[/b]
Chykie Brown

S:
Ed Reed
Bernard Pollard
[b]Christian Thompson[/b]
Sean Considine
Emmanuel Cook

[b]ST (3):[/b]
Morgan Cox (LS)
Billy Cundiff (K)
Sam Koch (P)

[b]Total Players: 53[/b]

[b]Prime Practice Team Candidate:[/b]
John Brantley
Damien Berry
Phillip Livas
Josh Bynes
Chavis Williams
Ishmaaily Kitchen
Charles Brown

[b]Notable Cuts:[/b]
Ramon Harewood - Project over?

[b]PUP: [/b]
David Reed
Terrell Suggs

[b]Potential Players for Trades:[/b]
[b]Cary Williams [/b]- His value might rise for a CB Needy, and we have a deep CB Depth to cover
[b]Michael Oher[/b] - If our other OTs are doing well, his name might be on the trading block
[b]Paul Kruger[/b] - Pass Rushers are premium, but Kruger might be able to put on a show for other teams to consider giving up a pick, however this only works if Courtney Upshaw, Sergio Kindle, and other pass rushers live up to their potential
[b]Dannell Ellerbe [/b]- Ellerbe has been underachieving last two years, so this is his do or die year to impress his value

[b]Ravens' Best Chance to Breakout Players:[/b]
Paul Kruger
Jimmy Smith
Dennis Pitta
Tandon Doss
Kelechi Osemele - Ravens' Offensive Rookie of the Year
Arthur Jones
Bernard Pierce
DeAngelo Tyson - Ravens' Defensive Rookie of the Year

[BloodRaven]

Finally someone else sees sense in trying to move Kruger before week 6, we have next to no cap room to sign him and our offseason priorities will be Flacco, Rice and Reed in that order. Either way he's gone after this season, he's been pouting for years over his position changes and game time.

[arnie_uk]

No Danny Gorrer

[sameoldbull]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1335951953' post='1069661']
No Danny Gorrer
[/quote]
This. He looked damn fine when on the field. Rather have him than Chykie Brown (But I really want to keep him. He has such a cool name!)

[GrimCoconut]

I disagree about Davon Drew and Considine. I think we put one of the two UDFA TEs or one off of the street in there as the #3 TE. As for Considine, I think he will be cut. We have Thompson and Cook. I'm not saying I trust them 100%, but Considine isn't a Pro Bowler or anything. He's not that good. He's OK. I just don't see us having 5 safeties on this team. Personally, I see us carrying 7 CBs and 4 RBs, similar to your 4 RBs, 5 WRs.

There is some sense in trading Kruger, but that really depends. I can see us trade him if Upshaw beats him in camp for the starting SAM job, and McAdoo and Kindle can rotate in as pass-rushers with McClellan. Really, we have two guys who can play the SAM linebacker position in McClellan and McClain. I could see us move one of them out if we had to do it.

The only reason I'm not sure about us trading Kruger is it leaves us unproven depth behind Upshaw AS OF now. As I said, if the other OLBs show they have promise, then I do think we could trade Kruger. But the real question is--what would be your price for Kruger? I do agree we won't have the money to re-sign him next year.

Trading Williams makes sense if we can get a nice pick for him, even though I really like Cary Williams. We are one of the most stacked teams at CB, though I kind of like it that way. I like this depth.

As for The Holding False Start, I like Michael Oher and I am not a fan of his penalties or the way he played at tackle the last two years. With that said, who knows what happens with him. I like him as a guy but his play on the field has left much to be desired. If we could get a nice pick, I would trade him.

I'd also include in your trade bait Ray Rice. If we can't get a deal worked out, I wouldn't be surprised if we traded him now that we have Pierce. I think our offensive line will take a huge step forward this year.

I don't think we will get anything for Ellerbe. He doesn't have much trade value.

Nice work, though.

[PurpleReign92]

All I know is Rex Ryan is trying to up his game on D with that Quinton Coples pick. I sure as hope our D gives either Sanchez or Tebow a living Nightmare and get us Ravens some good field position when we go up against those thugs!

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='PurpleReign92' timestamp='1335970326' post='1069788']
All I know is Rex Ryan is trying to up his game on D with that Quinton Coples pick. I sure as hope our D gives either Sanchez or Tebow a living Nightmare and get us Ravens some good field position when we go up against those thugs!
[/quote]
Unless they make the playoffs we won't see them. We play the Pats this year. Our rival the Steelers get the pleasure of beating the snot out of the Jets.

[jdynamite]

Danny Gorrer played very well last year, so as of now I see him as the 4th CB on this team. Perhaps Chykie Brown ,A.Jackson, or graham impresses in camp but I think Gorrer remains atop them.

Also before this draft pick of Pierce I believed that Berry had a good chance of beating Allen for 2nd spot so no way Rainey beats out berry for me.

[rmw10]

[quote name='jdynamite' timestamp='1335976094' post='1069886']
Danny Gorrer played very well last year, so as of now I see him as the 4th CB on this team. Perhaps Chykie Brown ,A.Jackson, or graham impresses in camp but I think Gorrer remains atop them.

[b]Also before this draft pick of Pierce I believed that Berry had a good chance of beating Allen for 2nd spot so no way Rainey beats out berry for me.[/b]
[/quote]

Pierce, Allen, and Berry are all power backs. I don't think there's any way we keep 3 guys that essentially do the same thing. Rainey is quick, and could provide help in the KR game.

[Free Agent]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1335976466' post='1069892']
Pierce, Allen, and Berry are all power backs. I don't think there's any way we keep 3 guys that essentially do the same thing. Rainey is quick, and could provide help in the KR game.
[/quote]

Agreed. I think Berry spends another season on the practice squad.

[ClintLB8]

With the Jets really needing an OLB, I could honestly see them giving us a pretty nice pick for Paul Kruger. I could honestly see a 3rd rounder for him.

[Free Agent]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1335977400' post='1069902']
With the Jets really needing an OLB, I could honestly see them giving us a pretty nice pick for Paul Kruger. I could honestly see a 3rd rounder for him.
[/quote]

Even better, I could see Chuck Pagano giving us something decent for Kruger. Pagano could really use a good 3-4 OLB, since he has that Colts defense in total rebuilding mode.

[CapoRocky]

Going into training camp there is little doubt that we won't have serious competition at many positions for starting and backup positions. I think that it's way too early to predict how the draft picks do. However, I see Upshaw, Osemele, and Pierce as locks to make the team. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335978166' post='1069911']
Going into training camp there is little doubt that we won't have serious competition at many positions for starting and backup positions. I think that it's way too early to predict how the draft picks do. However, I see Upshaw, Osemele, and Pierce as locks to make the team. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess.
[/quote]
I hear you, but I think every draft pick will make the team. The Ravens don't typically cut their picks the same year. That's very, very rare.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1335978952' post='1069923']

I hear you, but I think every draft pick will make the team. The Ravens don't typically cut their picks the same year. That's very, very rare.
[/quote]

Sometimes they end up on the practice squad. A good example of this is keeping Kindle after he fell down the stairs. I see D. Reed as a good candidate for a trade. Maybe we can get a cheerleader for him.

[Yatagarasu]

True about Danny Gorrer. He performed solid against his receivers last year. Maybe he might turn out to be our next Cary Williams.

I think Ozzie is going to see what the market is for a solid CB. I know teams like Oakland, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and Detroit all need CBs.

I think Pagano is probably going to try to see if the market for our players die down so he can give low round picks.

I think it has to be 3rd or higher for Williams or Kruger because we will use them for our games this year.

I think Kruger might stay put because you can not have enough pass rushers. Suggs, McPhee, Kruger are our only established pass rushers. Kindle, Upshaw, McAdoo, and others have to emerge.

Williams might be expendable if Gorrer, Jacksn, Graham and others emerge to be pretty solid CBs.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335979240' post='1069930']


Sometimes they end up on the practice squad. A good example of this is keeping Kindle after he fell down the stairs. I see D. Reed as a good candidate for a trade. Maybe we can get a cheerleader for him.
[/quote]
Kindle never went on the practice squad. He was placed on IR his first season and then had a roster spot his second.

[Yatagarasu]

I think this year, we're going to go for 4 RBs and have 3 active on the roster.

Berry might be a solid #4 RB, but I think Rainey's explosiveness and speed along with his Return Duty might have the edge.

I say this year, we try to limit Ray Rices' touches because we need him for the playoffs.

I hope Pierce turns out to be a strong RB#2 like Ben Tate.

Ray Rice - 3rd Downs/ Passing Situations/ Scoring Plays
Pierce - Short Yardage Work/ Late Game Pounding
Allen - Short Yardage Work/ Insurance for Pierce
Rainey - Return Duty/ Big Yard Plays / Change of Pace

[Yatagarasu]

This is Kindle's do or die year because he's a restricted free agent next year and we might put a very low tender next year or move on if he hasn't overcome his devastating head injury.

However, If Kindle finally emerges, our Pass Rusher could look dominant again.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1335980421' post='1069946']
True about Danny Gorrer. He performed solid against his receivers last year. Maybe he might turn out to be our next Cary Williams.

I think Ozzie is going to see what the market is for a solid CB. I know teams like Oakland, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, and Detroit all need CBs.

I think Pagano is probably going to try to see if the market for our players die down so he can give low round picks.

I think it has to be 3rd or higher for Williams or Kruger because we will use them for our games this year.

I think Kruger might stay put because you can not have enough pass rushers. Suggs, McPhee, Kruger are our only established pass rushers. Kindle, Upshaw, McAdoo, and others have to emerge.

Williams might be expendable if Gorrer, Jacksn, Graham and others emerge to be pretty solid CBs.
[/quote]
I am very high on Gorrer. I loved what I saw from him last season. He is also a pretty damn good special teams player. I like him a lot and I definitely think he is in the mix. CB is our deepest position, so I can see us trade a player from that group. The likeliest of candidates would be Cary Williams, unfortunately. I really like Cary. Who knows what happens, though. I can see the Ravens not want to trade Cary because things can quickly change with CBs and injuries.

I agree with what you said about Kruger. It will be hard to trade him because he is pretty valuable right now to us. He knows our scheme, is a good pass rusher, and seems to be ready to break out. When you add in the fact that Kindle, McAdoo, McClellan and now Upshaw are all behind him it would be tough to replace him with anyone not named Upshaw. You also always need pass rushers, as you said. It's important to have guys who can rush the passer effectively so we can give Suggs and whoever is opposite of him a break.

It really does depend on Kindle's progression. I can see us trade Kruger if Kindle blows it up in camp and preseason.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Free Agent' timestamp='1335977986' post='1069909']
Even better, I could see Chuck Pagano giving us something decent for Kruger. Pagano could really use a good 3-4 OLB, since he has that Colts defense in total rebuilding mode.
[/quote]

Wow, how did I not think about that? Great point! I really am hoping that Upshaw gets to the 265 range and becomes elite on the opposite side of Suggs. Getting a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Kruger and still having two ELITE OLBs on the roster would be early Christmas!!

[gabefergy]

Chykie will make the final roster and he cant be put on the practice squad, Corey Graham is probably out of a job. I think we will only carry 4 safeties and Cook is most likely the man out there. Considine might be cut as well depending on TC/preseason. He was brought in primarily as a ST'er. Kitchen and some of the other DT's signed in UDFA will compete with Tyson for that last DT spot. I think Jean-Baptiste is a good fit for back-up NT but Kemoeatu will provide a nice competition there.

[rmw10]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1335988606' post='1070117']
Chykie will make the final roster and he cant be put on the practice squad, [b]Corey Graham is probably out of a job[/b]. I think we will only carry 4 safeties and Cook is most likely the man out there. Considine might be cut as well depending on TC/preseason. He was brought in primarily as a ST'er. Kitchen and some of the other DT's signed in UDFA will compete with Tyson for that last DT spot. I think Jean-Baptiste is a good fit for back-up NT but Kemoeatu will provide a nice competition there.
[/quote]

No way. He's a premier ST guy, something that we need. He'll be here.

[cursona pirate]

Where is Gorrer he played very well last year! Underated if you ask me!

[Yatagarasu]

I think this might be a realistic possibility:

Cary Williams traded for a conditional 3rd rounder that can be a 2nd rounder.

CB:
Lardarius Webb - Bona Fide 1
Jimmy Smith - Cover Corner
Corey Graham - Premier ST/CB Depth
Danny Gorrer - Next Cary Williams?
Asa Jackson - Punt Return Duty
Chykie Brown - Riding the Pine Again

[Yatagarasu]

It's lame that training camp is not at Westminister and is exclusive in the Castle, which means us fans don't get to see a lot of progress of the team. However, they might give an upper edge against our opponents as they don't see much of about training camp. Preseason is going to be the testing ground for our rookies and undrafted players.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1335989823' post='1070145']
No way. He's a premier ST guy, something that we need. He'll be here.
[/quote]
Perhaps, but we have a lot of draft picks invested in players at the same position who are younger and have more upside. I dont think we will be carrying 7 CBs.

[rmw10]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1335998950' post='1070293']
Perhaps, but we have a lot of draft picks invested in players at the same position who are younger and have more upside. I dont think we will be carrying 7 CBs.
[/quote]

I could see us carrying 7 corners if Chykie Brown swings between CB and S like he's been rumored too. If not, Brown's likely cut. There's only a 5th round pick invested in him. Corey Graham signed for 2 years/$3.7 mil. No way we eat that much for a guy that we just signed.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1335999395' post='1070305']
I could see us carrying 7 corners if Chykie Brown swings between CB and S like he's been rumored too. If not, Brown's likely cut. There's only a 5th round pick invested in him. Corey Graham signed for 2 years/$3.7 mil. No way we eat that much for a guy that we just signed.
[/quote]
Graham probably makes the team, but I think Chykie does as well. Maybe you are right and one of them makes a switch to safety. From what I have heard from Bears fans Graham is not a great coverage guy and is really only valuable in ST. I really doubt Brown gets cut. It's more likely that Jackson finds himself on the PS.

[GrimCoconut]

There is no way we cut any of our draft picks from this year or last unless they just suck, and I don't see that. Right now, I see our CB group having Webb, Smith, Williams, Graham, Gorrer, Brown and Jackson. Now that can change if we traded Williams like some suspect, or if we convert or swing Brown between CB & S. Our safeties are Reed, Pollard, Considine, Cook and Thompson, but I think that changes. I'm not so sure Considine makes the team, and I can see us convert Chykie to S if that happened.