WR/RB Battle

[ravensfan520]

What is everyone's thought on our upcoming wr battle? Will Streeter make the team or end up on the practice squad? Or will we keep all of them... ir Reed or even trade one of them for picks... also what about or RBs... what are your thoughts on the 4 backs we have dame rules apply. Berry back to the practice squad etc.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='ravensfan520' timestamp='1337446337' post='1079894']
What is everyone's thought on our upcoming wr battle? Will Streeter make the team or end up on the practice squad? Or will we keep all of them... ir Reed or even trade one of them for picks... also what about or RBs... what are your thoughts on the 4 backs we have dame rules apply. Berry back to the practice squad etc.
[/quote]

Honestly, i was dumbfounded that we even got another RB, when we had 2 other RBs that could get the job done. A.Allen is a beast, he is a mix between Foster and Peterson, long stride, great hands and a down hill runner. He just needs a chance.

[RAYvenFan20]

i dont see a need to keep david reed around anymore. he was on the team to return kicks, we got jones for that now

[GrimCoconut]

I am very interested in the WR and RB battle that is coming. With that said, since you've asked, I will supply my opinion on its outcome.

Tandon Doss: he makes the team. There's no way he doesn't unless he is that bad, and I doubt it. I think he emerges big time this year, desperate for playing time.

LaQuan Williams: I see him making the team. He's good on teams, which is big since he is depth. He can make some plays, and has decent speed, and offers some back-up on returner. No way he is cut.

Jacoby Jones: he makes the team, provides depth, comes in on plays where we want to emphasize speed. He probably sees sets with Smith and Streeter.

Tommy Streeter: read my words: there. Is. No. Way. Tommy. Streeter. Is. Cut. Or. On. Practice. Squad. He has too much upside. If anything, he could get 'injured'. I seriously doubt that happens, though. I see him contributing this year as a red zone target.

David Reed: poor guy can't get a break. He's always injured. I see him begin the year on PUP. We will activate him off of thre PUP if necessary but I see him likely on PUP as long as possible as insurance and most likely placed on IR unless someone else gets injured.

Now there are many UDFA and PS WRs on this team. I can't predict the outcome there, but of course one of them goes back to the PS. Another may be 'injured', too.

Let's talk RB.

Ray Rice: unless something huge happens, Rice will be here. I hope a deal gets done. The biggest question is who will be his back-up.

Bernard Pierce: despite AA, Berry, and Rainey I think he gets the #2 spot. It's just my gut intuition here.

Anthony Allen, Damien Berry, Bobby Rainey: I put these guys together because they are in the same boat. The real battle is for the #3 RB spot. I think the Ravens hold onto all three of these guys. I think one of them gets the #3 spot, one goes on IR, and the other goes on PS. If I had to guess, I say Rainey goes to PS so we can activate him as a returner if necessary. Berry goes on IR. Allen gets the #3.

I also want to add that there will be a battle for the CB position. I can see us trade one of our CBs, too. Right now we have 7 CBs and 4 safeties.

Webb: he's not going anywhere. We just extended the man. He is here to stay.

Smith: just used a 1st round pick on him. He's here to stay.

Williams: RFA, one more year here before a free agent. Could be traded.

Gorrer: impressed me when I noticed him on the field. He offers a lot on special teams, too. Harbaugh likes him. I don't think he makes it to the PS this year. Teams could poach him from us, teams like former Ravens DC Pagano or Ryan.

Jackson: just drafted. We won't cut him. He adds too much to the return game, too. Here to stay.

Chykie Brown: we just drafted him. If anything, I could see him get converted to safety or something but I just don't see him going anywhere. The Ravens do not have a history of cutting drafted players until the 3rd year. That's usually when we have cut guys. It could happen, I just doubt it.

Graham: I don't think he goes anywhere. We just signed him, but regardless of how new his contract is or even how much money he makes he should add a lot to our special teams. That will get him a job here.

That's 7 CBs. I don't see us keeping 7. I think one goes to IR or gets traded.

Ed Reed: he's not going anywhere. I don't care what crazy things he says. He plays this year.

Bernard Pollard: just extended him. He's a Raven.

Thompson: not going anywhere. Just drafted. He stays.

Considine: could be cut. I can see it happen.

Quarles: the only UDFA I added here. He has a lot of buzz and our safeties lack depth. He could be a cheap option if we wanted to save on Considine's salary. I don't believe Considine had any salary guaranteed.

[gabefergy]

I think Streeter will make the team, but he will have to really prove his worth in ST as well.

Depth will probably look like:

Boldin
Smith
Jones
Doss
Streeter
Williams

Reed may start the season on the PUP or may just be cut.

At RB, I think Pierce will definitely be the back-up. He is just a more talented back than Allen or Berry and is familiar with all the running schemes we use in Baltimore. Berry may find himself on the practice squad again unless he can beat our Allen as the 3rd RB.

[redrum52]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337449280' post='1079906']


Honestly, i was dumbfounded that we even got another RB, when we had 2 other RBs that could get the job done. A.Allen is a beast, he is a mix between Foster and Peterson, long stride, great hands and a down hill runner. He just needs a chance.
[/quote]

Didn't surprise me at all, I had said we would probably get one pretty early in the draft and we did. I think it was done in case Rice holds out our contract isn't worked out. I wouldn't be surprised if Reed wdidnt make the roster and Streeter maybe competes for the fourth spot since Jones was signed. I would think Laquan and Doss should all be ahead of him unless he shows he's the redzone threat we think he can be.

[izvoodoo]

I'm actually thinking we might go three headed monster and try to save rice some wear and tear if we give him a big contract. I do think Allen is the more complimentary of the two backs, as he's more of a bruiser. He's also the much bigger guy.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='RAYvenFan20' timestamp='1337450903' post='1079911']
i dont see a need to keep david reed around anymore. he was on the team to return kicks, we got jones for that now
[/quote]

Jones < Reed. lets not let the seattle game get to you. Jones cost you games in playoffs, Reed cost you regular game. I'd take the ladder.

[The Raven]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337449280' post='1079906']
Honestly, i was dumbfounded that we even got another RB, when we had 2 other RBs that could get the job done. A.Allen is a beast, he is a mix between Foster and Peterson, long stride, great hands and a down hill runner. He just needs a chance.
[/quote]

Not even. He's nothing like Foster. More like Jamal Lewis or [i]maybe[/i] McGahee.

He still has a chance. Don't act like he doesn't. But Perk, if he's such a "beast" why did we sign Ricky as the number 2 last year? And why did we [b]trade up[/b] to get Bernard? He must be such a beast!

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' timestamp='1337458959' post='1079944']
Jones < Reed. lets not let the seattle game get to you. Jones cost you games in playoffs, Reed cost you regular game. I'd take the ladder.
[/quote]

You should consider a career as a comedian.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1337459147' post='1079948']
You should consider a career as a comedian.
[/quote]

There's a tissue box on aisle 6. Grab a handful.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1337459117' post='1079947']
Not even. He's nothing like Foster. More like Jamal Lewis or [i]maybe[/i] McGahee.

He still has a chance. Don't act like he doesn't. But Perk, if he's such a "beast" why did we sign Ricky as the number 2 last year? And why did we [b]trade up[/b] to get Bernard? He must be such a beast!
[/quote]

Well look how Foster got his chance. He was on the practice squad and all their RBs were hurt so they had to let him play and look how he turned out. All he needs is a chance. Thats it.

[The Raven]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337461232' post='1079953']
Well look how Foster got his chance. He was on the practice squad and all their RBs were hurt so they had to let him play and look how he turned out. All he needs is a chance. Thats it.
[/quote]

Did I dispute any of that? AA has a chance. It's up to him to make something of it. The coaches have to prepare in case AA doesn't make the most of his opportunity.

[blitzking33]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337461232' post='1079953']
Well look how Foster got his chance. He was on the practice squad and all their RBs were hurt so they had to let him play and look how he turned out. All he needs is a chance. Thats it.
[/quote]

Allen will definitely get his chance. But let's not get ahead of ourselves comparing him to Foster. I like Allen, but I think Pierce will be a better compliement to Rice (Unless you're running options all game and Allen will be in open space every touch). If you're looking from a coach's perspective, its a 3rd rounder vs a 7th rounder and an UDFA. They will most likely go with Pierce first and stick with him or go with Allen/Berry and then work Pierce in and finally finish with Pierce as the back-up. Look at Rice in 2008.

[The Raven]

[quote name='blitzking33' timestamp='1337463027' post='1079962']
Allen will definitely get his chance. But let's not get ahead of ourselves comparing him to Foster. I like Allen, but I think Pierce will be a better compliement to Rice [b](Unless you're running options all game and Allen will be in open space every touch)[/b]. If you're looking from a coach's perspective, its a 3rd rounder vs a 7th rounder and an UDFA. They will most likely go with Pierce first and stick with him or go with Allen/Berry and then work Pierce in and finally finish with Pierce as the back-up. Look at Rice in 2008.
[/quote]

Uhh, just because Allen played in an option offense doesn't mean he needs to be in one to succeed. He's a talented running back who runs with authority. Allen also does not need to be in space, he made his money for us in preseason between the tackles. Even at GT, he showed himself as a fierce between the tackles runner. Even while getting the outside pitch, he showed a relentless pounding, running style that is more than suited for interior running.

I hate when people see a running back that ran the option in college, and then assume that they are option only RB's or that they can't play in a pro style run offense, or that they need to be on the outside. All of those assumptions are completely FALSE in regards to Anthony Allen.

Also, the fact that they are 3rd round, 7th round, and UDFA players is kinda irrelevant at this point. What matters [u]now[/u], is what you do [u]now[/u]. Not where you [u]were[/u] drafted. It's about who's the better player. They're not gonna give Pierce the advantage because he's a 3rd rounder. If he wins the 2nd string spot, it's because he's better.

[blitzking33]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1337464134' post='1079965']
Uhh, just because Allen played in an option offense doesn't mean he needs to be in one to succeed. He's a talented running back who runs with authority. Allen also does not need to be in space, he made his money for us in preseason between the tackles. Even at GT, he showed himself as a fierce between the tackles runner. Even while getting the outside pitch, he showed a relentless pounding, running style that is more than suited for interior running.

I hate when people see a running back that ran the option in college, and then assume that they are option only RB's or that they can't play in a pro style run offense, or that they need to be on the outside. All of those assumptions are completely FALSE in regards to Anthony Allen.

Also, the fact that they are 3rd round, 7th round, and UDFA players is kinda irrelevant at this point. What matters [u]now[/u], is what you do [u]now[/u]. Not where you [u]were[/u] drafted. It's about who's the better player. They're not gonna give Pierce the advantage because he's a 3rd rounder. If he wins the 2nd string spot, it's because he's better.
[/quote]
Lol. I want every Raven to succeed. But I just don't see Allen beating out Pierce. But I do see Allen beating out Berry though.
Rice->Pierce->Allen and Berry stays for ST or back to PS,

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='blitzking33' timestamp='1337465028' post='1079967']
Lol. I want every Raven to succeed. But I just don't see Allen beating out Pierce. But I do see Allen beating out Berry though.
Rice->Pierce->Allen and Berry stays for ST or back to PS,
[/quote]

It'll be interesting to see. There's more competition on the offense as a whole.

[flynismo]

Pierce >>>>>>>any other RB we have not named Rice.

[757RavensFan]

The #2 RB position will be won by the guy who's better at pass protection. That's how close it will be for those two.

[atlravensfan]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337449280' post='1079906']
Honestly, i was dumbfounded that we even got another RB, when we had 2 other RBs that could get the job done. A.Allen is a beast, he is a mix between Foster and Peterson, long stride, great hands and a down hill runner. He just needs a chance.
[/quote]

I smell back up plan just in case the contract talks with Rice and Flacco dont go well after this season. Not saying we wont sign rice but the ravens arent giving a RB 11 per just not happening. Plus the Ravens and Ray Rice were awful at times in short yardage situations. I heard guys on the radio saying that Damien really impressed.

[jdynamite]

I've seen the highlight reels of Pierce, but I was already confident in Allen and/or Berry backing up Ray Rice, apparently I think too highly of those 2 and their abilities if the team drafted a rookie this highly. With that being sad either Allen or Berry would have to have an outstanding training camp and preseason to claim the #2 spot over Pierce. This battle could come down to which RB knows their playbook the best and can pass block well enough to play on any down.
Damien Berry was a really tough scrapy runner at "The U" he fought for every yard and now he has put on about 15 lb of muscle. But I'm not sure he will see the field now.

WR battle, I think of J.Jones as a faster K.Washington ( with less dependable hands) he has always had a lot of potential and yet never became a stud for the Texans. He is a capable run-blocker as a WR. I think the team will begin this season with Jones 3 WR, L.Williams 4, Doss 5th, Streeter 6th ( Reed will be on PUP list or cut, because his acl injury recovery and no value as an actual WR. I think before the season is over Streeter make work himself into valuable minutes ( having Torrey Smith thrown into huge minutes last year may ease the minds of coaches and give Streeter some opportunities. )
While I never was high on Streeter at the U, after hearing him speak and reading articles about how his injury his freshmen year led Shannon Staff to overlook him some favorite other WRs and when the new Coaches came in the open position battles led to him getting his chance and he proved himself, now he has been working out with Ray Lewis to get into NFL shape ( so we know he is working hard ) now I want to read that he is working with Boldin and Flacco on route running and timing...
LaQuan Williams just plays so tough I feel like he will still battle off Doss as he did last year for playing time.

[baltravens]

[quote name='atlravensfan' timestamp='1337516789' post='1080052']
I smell back up plan just in case the contract talks with Rice and Flacco dont go well after this season. Not saying we wont sign rice but the ravens arent giving a RB 11 per just not happening. Plus the Ravens and Ray Rice were awful at times in short yardage situations. I heard guys on the radio saying that Damien really impressed.
[/quote]
I think we were awful in short yardage situations in major part due to our offensive line. That is why we drafted two offensive linemen very early. Who could forget how Birk was controlled in crucial times during the AFC Championship game? It could even be said that not having that push up front when we needed it really hurt us. [b]It[/b] is a head-scratcher to me why we drafted another RB high, too, but maybe the Ravens know something we don't.

[Ravenslifer]

I don't see much of a battle between Rice and the others for the starting gig if Rice plays. Pierce to me was brought here to develop in case Rice decides to hold out and/or leave in free agency after this season (kind of like how Taylor was brought in LAST year so he'd have time to acclimate to the playbook in case Flacco leaves). It will be between Pierce, AA, and Berry for the backup role, and I think whoever wins the job will see more time than Ricky did last year. I also think someone besides Rice will get the majority of goal-line carries. As far as WR battle, nobody's taking the starting spots from Q and Torrey, but I can see a tight battle between Tandon, LaQuan, and Jacoby for number 3. Ultimately I think Tandon wins out because his size and hands make him a great third down target and red-zone matchup, while Jacoby will win the returner's gig. Tommy needs to develop, and David Reed needs to learn to catch the ball and control his temper.

[Alexir]

[quote name='ravensfan520' timestamp='1337446337' post='1079894']
What is everyone's thought on our upcoming wr battle? Will Streeter make the team or end up on the practice squad? Or will we keep all of them... ir Reed or even trade one of them for picks... also what about or RBs... what are your thoughts on the 4 backs we have dame rules apply. Berry back to the practice squad etc.
[/quote]

I don't see Reed staying. Jacoby is our return guy, and what does Reed bring to the table?

[RivenHale]

Remember, just last year around this time everyone was stoked about Reed. I kept hearing he was making acrobatic catches all over training camp. He's not talentless; he's quick enough for a slot guy and could be a factor.

Not saying he will be, just saying don't write him off entirely yet.

[jazz1988]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1337528513' post='1080102']
I don't see Reed staying. Jacoby is our return guy, and what does Reed bring to the table?
[/quote]


Jones hasnt beaten any one yet for the return job and he definately has some competition in that area as well as the number 3 wideout spot.

[Alexir]

[quote name='jazz1988' timestamp='1337543457' post='1080159']
Jones hasnt beaten any one yet for the return job and he definately has some competition in that area as well as the number 3 wideout spot.
[/quote]

....right, we sign a guy on a 2 year 6.5 mil deal and you think he hasn't beaten out the injured David Reed. I understand there will be competition but he will be on our roster this year, and Reed won't because Reed is competing with Williams, Doss and Streeter. He isn't even on Jacoby's level. The guy hasn't even caught an NFL pass....and we know what he did in seattle and the off field problems.

[Kevin Mullins]

[quote name='PeRK82' timestamp='1337449280' post='1079906']
Honestly, i was dumbfounded that we even got another RB, when we had 2 other RBs that could get the job done. A.Allen is a beast, he is a mix between Foster and Peterson, long stride, great hands and a down hill runner. He just needs a chance.
[/quote]

Refering to a player with less then twenty yards rushing in his career, and coming from a Wing-T offense such as Georgia Tech where he didn't produce much as a cross between the best two backs.....is absurd.

He doesn't have Peterson's size, nor speed, nor agility. Chances are he doesn't have Foster's hands, or the patience AF developed when reading the zone blocks.

A. Allen is simply....... Anthony Allen...he will float for a few years....


Drafting Pierce is more of a move to position ourselves against Ray Rice. We have a top 5 back on our team. HOWEVER, OZ is not going to break the bank and screw the team's salary cap for years ahead just to have a guy at a position that is arguably the most replaceable in the NFL. Ray Rice is a monster, but he isn't worth paying CJ/AP money.

This year I have a hunch we will carry 4 RB's on the roster since AA is built a bit like a FB anyway. He may be on the team as Leach's successor IMO. Rice, Pierce, Berry.....Leach, Allen.

[jazz1988]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1337561582' post='1080230']
....right, we sign a guy on a 2 year 6.5 mil deal and you think he hasn't beaten out the injured David Reed. I understand there will be competition but he will be on our roster this year, and Reed won't because Reed is competing with Williams, Doss and Streeter. He isn't even on Jacoby's level. The guy hasn't even caught an NFL pass....and we know what he did in seattle and the off field problems.
[/quote]

Jones like i said before still has competition with other players when it comes to the kick return position. Since you want to bring up what Reed did in seattle well we all know what Jones did in the playoffs. Jones basically did the samething Reed did but the big difference between them is that Jones is five year vet and gave up the ball in one of the most important games for his team. Reed is only a wideout entering his third year, getting his first chance off season to really work his coaches since he couldnt last year, and etc

Im not saying that Jones wont be on the roster but im not willing to say he will be the number one kick returner and the number three wideout spot is will be his because its not atleast not yet .lol .

[bigdadgraham]

Hidden Gem! Dorian Graham. Great to be on here. I'm Pops