Cornerbacks - Who Stays And Who Goes

[rmw10]

Next from random.org is the CBs. I won't be doing a poll this time as there wasn't much discussion for the defensive line. Plus, the poll doesn't stay live long enough, so back to the traditional way! So, without further ado, here's the Ravens' 2012 CBs.


Starters:
Lardarius Webb - Our true shutdown corner that we just signed to a long-term deal. He'll be starting once again, no questions asked.

Jimmy Smith - Our (hopefully) future shutdown corner. Showed a lot of promise last year, and all accounts say the spot opposite Webb is his to lose. A big, physical corner that puts pressure off of the line.

Cary Williams - He's been battling a hip injury so far, but says he'll be ready to go by training camp. In his absence, Jimmy has taken over, but we'll still be seeing a lot of Cary on the field.



The Other Guys:
Danny Gorrer - A virtually unknown guy that showed a lot of potential last year. His man coverage is fantastic, while his zone coverage needs some work. The team had no probably throwing Gorrer out there last year, and he should see the field a lot once again.

Chykie Brown - A raw, fast CB we drafted last year. Reports say he's greatly improved and could be a big part of the defense this year. He's also spent a little bit of time at S to increase his chances of playing time/a roster spot.

Corey Graham - A FA signing this year that was brought in purely for his ST abilities. He's been a ST Pro Bowler, getting him a 2 year deal from the Ravens. Apparently, he's been no slouch actually playing the CB position so far, showing some ability to help if needed.

Asa Jackson - A rookie CB we drafted in the 5th round. He missed most of the spring workouts because of some school rule. Haven't heard much about him, but he does offer something in the return game as well as potential on the defensive side of the ball.

Jordan Mabin - A UDFA that we signed after an impressive tryout. Any other year, we'd probably be hearing his name, but not in their crowded backfield. He has potential, but is it enough to overtake one of the 7 guys before him?



So there's your list of corners. The Ravens love depth in the defensive backfield, but do they want to keep 7 guys around (plus 4 safeties)? Is there a guy from another position that forces them to carry 6 DBs like most teams do? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll make note for the BR forums 53-man roster.


Previous Positions:
Offensive Line - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47248-offensive-line-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Safety - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47280-safety-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Wide Receiver - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47152-merged-which-wrs-will-make-the-team/"]http://boards.baltim...-make-the-team/[/url]
Tight End - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47301-tight-end-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Defensive Line - http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47355-defensive-line-who-stays-and-who-goes/

[Bazooka Joe]

In my roster breakdown I have us carrying 6 CBs.

Webb
Smith
Williams
Graham
Gorrer
Brown

Asa Jackson will compete with Chykie. The other five are locks in my opinion.

I do have us carrying 7 WR, because I project our return guys will both be WRs. But if Deonte falters and Asa Jackson impresses, then we'll carry 7 CBs and only 6 WRs.

[redrum52]

I can see Asa becoming our next Webb. Undersized corner with st ability. Don't know why but I have a good feeling about him. I see him earning that dime slot and being groomed for the nickels when we DON'T resigned Cary. Never would have thought that CB is the group I feel most confident in.
my list for who stays is:
Webb
Smith
Williams
Can't remember his name from the Bears
Jackson
Gorrer

Can't wait til the preseason to see these guys play.

[Gordo52]

Webb
Smith
Williams
Gorrer
Graham
Brown
Jackson

Can't have enough CB's.

[PeRK82]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1341761626' post='1096163']
Next from random.org is the CBs. I won't be doing a poll this time as there wasn't much discussion for the defensive line. Plus, the poll doesn't stay live long enough, so back to the traditional way! So, without further ado, here's the Ravens' 2012 CBs.


Starters:
Lardarius Webb - Our true shutdown corner that we just signed to a long-term deal. He'll be starting once again, no questions asked.

Jimmy Smith - Our (hopefully) future shutdown corner. Showed a lot of promise last year, and all accounts say the spot opposite Webb is his to lose. A big, physical corner that puts pressure off of the line.

Cary Williams - He's been battling a hip injury so far, but says he'll be ready to go by training camp. In his absence, Jimmy has taken over, but we'll still be seeing a lot of Cary on the field.



The Other Guys:
[b]Danny Gorrer [/b]- A virtually unknown guy that showed a lot of potential last year. His man coverage is fantastic, while his zone coverage needs some work. The team had no probably throwing Gorrer out there last year, and he should see the field a lot once again.

Chykie Brown - A raw, fast CB we drafted last year. Reports say he's greatly improved and could be a big part of the defense this year. He's also spent a little bit of time at S to increase his chances of playing time/a roster spot.

Corey Graham - A FA signing this year that was brought in purely for his ST abilities. He's been a ST Pro Bowler, getting him a 2 year deal from the Ravens. Apparently, he's been no slouch actually playing the CB position so far, showing some ability to help if needed.

Asa Jackson - A rookie CB we drafted in the 5th round. He missed most of the spring workouts because of some school rule. Haven't heard much about him, but he does offer something in the return game as well as potential on the defensive side of the ball.

Jordan Mabin - A UDFA that we signed after an impressive tryout. Any other year, we'd probably be hearing his name, but not in their crowded backfield. He has potential, but is it enough to overtake one of the 7 guys before him?



So there's your list of corners. The Ravens love depth in the defensive backfield, but do they want to keep 7 guys around (plus 4 safeties)? Is there a guy from another position that forces them to carry 6 DBs like most teams do? As always, leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll make note for the BR forums 53-man roster.


Previous Positions:
Offensive Line - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47248-offensive-line-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Safety - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47280-safety-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Wide Receiver - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47152-merged-which-wrs-will-make-the-team/"]http://boards.baltim...-make-the-team/[/url]
Tight End - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47301-tight-end-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
Defensive Line - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47355-defensive-line-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]
[/quote]

I say keep Danny Gorrer , he did play last yr and did a pretty good job. I remember he made a play or two in the Jets game.

[ravefan52]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I have Webb[/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif], [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Williams, Smith, [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Gorrer, [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Graham, [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Brown, and [/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Jackson. But I'm trying to figure out who will be the no. 4 guy. Graham is a ST vet who is decent at corner and knows the position while Gorrer is young and has shown potential. Ill be watching both of these guys in the preseason games, Any thoughts? [/font][/color]

[GrimCoconut]

1. Webb
2. Smith
3. Williams*
4. Graham
5. Gorrer
6. Brown*
7. Jackson

I put asterisks next to those names because I am not sure of them. I can see us carry 7 CBs, though I am not sure that happens. I can see Brown moved to safety, but I would be surprised if he was cut. As for Williams, he has been a damn good CB for us last year and this is the final year of his contract. That means he could and probably will be gone next year. I could see us trade Williams for a nice draft pick next year, which would not change my list much except drop it back down to 6.

I think we have a very talented secondary. I think someone ends up getting traded, honestly.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1342009955' post='1096959']
1. Webb
2. Smith
3. Williams*
4. Graham
5. Gorrer
6. Brown*
7. Jackson

I put asterisks next to those names because I am not sure of them. I can see us carry 7 CBs, though I am not sure that happens. I can see Brown moved to safety, but I would be surprised if he was cut. As for Williams, he has been a damn good CB for us last year and this is the final year of his contract. That means he could and probably will be gone next year. I could see us trade Williams for a nice draft pick next year, which would not change my list much except drop it back down to 6.

I think we have a very talented secondary. I think someone ends up getting traded, honestly.
[/quote]

I like you're thinking, but I can't see Williams getting traded. Ozzie has said many times that you can never have enough CB depth and pass rushers, and with this pass happy NFL I tend to agree.

For being a 1st time starter, Cary Williams played extremely well last season. His length, speed and aggressiveness really stood out. I could see plenty teams being interested in him, if the Ravens were to put him on the block, but I think his on field value this year, is far more greater then any future draft pick we'd get in return.

I ultimately think we lose Williams next season like we did Josh Wlison last season. Unless he's re-signed during the season, I see him being offered big money on the FA Market.

[Ravensfan23]

At first I was a little iffy about Asa Jackson and Ch. Brown with the with the play of Gorrer last season and the addition of Graham. However, I think that they both make the team now. I think Jackson will probably be a strong ST guy and he'll find different ways onto the field. I think Brown is a lot like Webb. Now i'm not saying he'll breakout like Webb did, but I think their style of play is similar. I could very well see Brown getting seeing some action at Safety in the preseason and I think he'd do well enough to atleast make the coaches think about a possible switch.

I have us carrying 7 CBs

Webb
Smith
Williams
Gorrer
Graham
Brown
Jackson.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1342012104' post='1096962']
I like you're thinking, but I can't see Williams getting traded. Ozzie has said many times that you can never have enough CB depth and pass rushers, and with this pass happy NFL I tend to agree.

For being a 1st time starter, Cary Williams played extremely well last season. His length, speed and aggressiveness really stood out. I could see plenty teams being interested in him, if the Ravens were to put him on the block, but I think his on field value this year, is far more greater then any future draft pick we'd get in return.

[b]I ultimately think we lose Williams next season[/b] like we did Josh Wlison last season. Unless he's re-signed during the season, I see him being offered big money on the FA Market.
[/quote]

That's exactly why the team might field trade offers for him. There are a lot of teams who need help at CB and Cary proved he is a capable starter with good size, speed, and closing ability. The only thing he is missing is good hands lol. Anyways, we have so much young talent at the position we could afford to lose Williams in my opinion and still field a top secondary unit. Not saying it will happen, but I wouldnt be shocked either.

[rmw10]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1342025221' post='1097066']


That's exactly why the team might field trade offers for him. There are a lot of teams who need help at CB and Cary proved he is a capable starter with good size, speed, and closing ability. The only thing he is missing is good hands lol. Anyways, we have so much young talent at the position we could afford to lose Williams in my opinion and still field a top secondary unit. Not saying it will happen, but I wouldnt be shocked either.
[/quote]

The Ravens have never really done that though. They typically would rather get value out of the player on the field for the entire season.

[rmw10]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1342025221' post='1097066']


That's exactly why the team might field trade offers for him. There are a lot of teams who need help at CB and Cary proved he is a capable starter with good size, speed, and closing ability. The only thing he is missing is good hands lol. Anyways, we have so much young talent at the position we could afford to lose Williams in my opinion and still field a top secondary unit. Not saying it will happen, but I wouldnt be shocked either.
[/quote]

The Ravens have never really done that though. They typically would rather get value out of the player on the field for the entire season.

[CapoRocky]

I think that 7 CBs are going to make the team considering that 2 of them will play primarily on ST (Graham and Jackson). Having versitility is a major plus in the NFL, so if any of these guys can double as a safety it will help ensure them a place on the final roster.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1342025866' post='1097070']
The Ravens have never really done that though. They typically would rather get value out of the player on the field for the entire season.
[/quote]
You are right, but I think it would make sense given our depth at CB. It's completely speculative though.

[Gordo52]

Cary needs to stay. We have the best CB Trio in the league, I don't think we should mess that up.

We would really need him vs the Packers/Giants/Falcons/49ers in the superbowl. They all have a solid trio of WRs. (Also need him to cover Brown/Sanders when we face steelers, and the Pats TEs.)

[Yum Chickens]

Yeah I'm fine with cornerback depth... wouldn't mind having some of the lower strings playing safety as well, considering the POSSIBILITY (Note how I emphasized that last word and the following) that we MIGHT have SOME trouble with the safety position next year, MAYBE.

[Yatagarasu]

I think we're going to keep all 7 starting caliber CBs, unless someone throws a can't refused offer like a 2nd round pick. Until then, I hope we start training some of our CBs to play safety, cause our safety depth looks thin and unimpressive with a project rookie and special teamers. Maybe we might have to compensate our defense by taking away one of the safeties and putting in more cornerbacks in zone coverage.