Linebacker - Who Stays And Who Goes?

[rmw10]

Next off of random.org is the Linebackers. Only 2 more weeks remain before I put together the consensus 53 man roster, which should be good timing with the start of training camp so we can track to see how the board does as a whole. Anyway, the linebackers hold a lot of talent as always, but limited spots.


Starters:
Ray Lewis (ILB) - No info needed.

Jameel McClain (ILB) - A former UDFA that has showed tremendous ability to run the defense. He'll be starting next to Ray, and he should be reliable in the middle for us for years to come.

Paul Kruger (OLB) - He's finally getting his shot after sitting on the bench to start his career. He showed his pass rushing ability on 3rd downs last year, and is finally getting his shot as an everyday player.

Courtney Upshaw (OLB) - How good he is remains to be seen, but so far, all signs are positive. With Suggs' injury, a lot of pressure is on Upshaw to essentially fill the shoes. He seems poised to be a stalwart for this Ravens' defense, whether it be this year or not.


The Backups:
Dannell Ellerbe (ILB) - He always seems to be on the roster bubble, but seems to have finally cemented his spot. He has some rough games, but has shown the potential to be a solid ILB. He'll see plenty of time on the field.

Brendon Ayanbadejo (ILB) - A ST ace that has anchored that unit for the past few seasons. He was just re-signed, and should spend a lot of time with Corey Graham leading the ST unit once again.

Sergio Kindle (OLB) - Everyone knows the story with this guy. Suggs' injury opened up the primary backup position for Serg, and we just have to see whether he takes it by storm or not. Tons of pass rush potential, but a serious injury sabotaged the first portion of his career.

Albert McClellan (OLB/ILB) - With Suggs' injury, he'll probably stick mostly at OLB. A former UDFA that has played extremely well in small sample sizes. Versatility and ST ability should cement his spot on the roster.

Nigel Carr (ILB/OLB) - He can play both, but all signs point to him being an inside guy. He has shown some serious potential in workouts, and seems ready to make a name for himself. He has "character issues" that have held him back, but the talent is undeniable. Is there room for him?

Josh Bynes (ILB) - The love affair of last offseason. He still has potential, but Carr has been outshining him thus far. He's in an uphill battle, but it all depends how he shows up in practice and on game day as the offseason progresses.

Chavis Williams (OLB) - A UDFA from last year that was one of the few willing to learn ST, which lead him to the roster a few weeks into the season. Once again, ST is his key to the roster, but he's in a much more crowded position battle.

Ricky Brown (ILB/OLB) - Just signed. He was brought in for depth and potential ST duty. He plays incredibly hard, and in turn, gets injured quite a bit.

Darryl Blackstock (OLB) - A former 3rd round pick that was just picked up. Another depth guy that could offer a little on the ST unit.

Other:
Terrell Suggs (OLB) - We all know what happened, and it's likely he'll be placed on the PUP. No roster spot needed for him.

Michael McAdoo (OLB) - On Injured Reserve.




The Ravens love their linebackers, and the talent is there once again. It's interesting how many UDFA guys are in the competition, showing our ability to develop talent at the position. 8 LBs seems likely, but does someone else warrant 9 on the roster? Should be a relatively quiet, but interesting battle.




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]
Cornerback - [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/47394-cornerbacks-who-stays-and-who-goes/"]http://boards.baltim...s-and-who-goes/[/url]

[arnie_uk]

Ray Lewis better be the first one cut, he cant cover anyone, awful. And now this is a passing league, we need more mobile, coverage orientated Lbs

[GrimCoconut]

Well, I would say the roster pans out like this:

OLB: Kruger, Upshaw, Kindle, McClellan
ILB: Lewis, McClain, Carr, Ellerbe, Ayanbadejo

I think Bynes goes to the practice squad. Williams gets cut. I am not sure about Ellerbe, though. I know we tendered him, but I could see him cut if he doesn't impress.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Our depth is really going to be tested, especially OLB. It's time to see if Kruger is truly a three down player that can handle the run while still maintaing a good pass rush. It's time to see if Upshaw has what it takes to be DROY, and if Kindle can contribute.

I really like McClellan, though. He impressed at ILB when Ray was out, but his first position is on the outside, so he has versatility. I know he won't take one of the starting roles from Paul or Courtney, but he's great depth.

But what we need most is for someone to step up their coverage ability, particularly on the inside, and particularly McClain. We don't have an elite cover LB on the roster it seems, but for those who will take that as a shot at Ray, it isn't. He's our best cover LB, however, he's not elite at it anymore, and with his age, someone on the roster will have to surpass him.

[Gordo52]

I'm torn between Bynes and Carr. I like them both, I guess the preseason will determine which one stays and which one leaves.

[Bazooka Joe]

I have us on defense at 6 DL, 9 LB, 6 CB and 4 S.

Ray, McClain, Kruger, McClellan, Kindle, Upshaw, Ayenbadejo, Ellerbe, Carr.

[baltravens]

A quick word on Kindle, I think 2012 is his make or break year with the Ravens, and Kruger has been with the team long enough to flourish and step up and make a definite contribution at OLB given that Suggs will be out for at least the first half of the season. I am happy that Upshaw is going to be given the opportunity to make an impact right out of the gate given Suggs' absence.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1342365431' post='1098357']
Ray Lewis better be the first one cut, he cant cover anyone, awful. And now this is a passing league, we need more mobile, coverage orientated Lbs
[/quote]

lol you forgot the <[i]sarcasm> [/i]tag

[Yum Chickens]

Looking at this list, we should cut Lewis, Upshaw, Kruger, and Suggs.

But alas, on a serious note, all the first guys look very good I don't want to throw away other potential...

Does anyone know how many linebackers we usually have per year?

[ellicottraven]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1342365431' post='1098357']
Ray Lewis better be the first one cut, he cant cover anyone, awful. And now this is a passing league, we need more mobile, coverage orientated Lbs
[/quote] that perhaps is the most short sighted statement in the forum to date! congrats!

[Tiz]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1342365431' post='1098357']
Ray Lewis better be the first one cut, he cant cover anyone, awful. And now this is a passing league, we need more mobile, coverage orientated Lbs
[/quote]

Kudos on the post and getting a bite

[The Raven]

How is it possible for such blatant sarcasm to be interpreted as serious?

[hawkprey]

Sarcasm aside, Ray took off weight this year to help cover TEs.

We have a UDFA from each of the last 4 years on there: McClain, Ellerbe, McClellan, Carr (and of course Bynes and Williams, who were PS/signed late). That just goes to show you how set we are at ILB from having drafted Ray. 16 years later and we haven't needed to draft another one.

[ravensfan520]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1342367582' post='1098362']
Well, I would say the roster pans out like this:

OLB: Kruger, Upshaw, Kindle, McClellan
ILB: Lewis, McClain, Carr, Ellerbe, Ayanbadejo

I think Bynes goes to the practice squad. Williams gets cut. I am not sure about Ellerbe, though. I know we tendered him, but I could see him cut if he doesn't impress.
[/quote]

I think we should try and trade him for a 4 or 5 pick. I also have a feeling that Kruger will gone after this year as well... doesn't matter if he has a good or bad year. I think he might try and sign somewhere else... just an opinion though.

[Yoonkeem]

we produce quality linebackers every year,
i see mcclellen stepping up
other than that though,
i dont see anyone that special solidifying a spot

[The Raven]

I'm pumped for Kruger and Upshaw. Both of them have potential to be great players. They are both more fundamentally sound than Suggs. I'm not saying Suggs is bad at all, he just doesn't always remember his fundamentals.

Kruger and Upshaw are good, fundamental players with toughness, hustle, and a mean streak. I think Upshaw might be a better player than Suggs when he hits his prime. He just has better technique, more moves, and an endless motor. Again, not taking anything away from Suggs, just complementing Upshaw. Hopefully, Upshaw's talent can transfer to the NFL.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1342367582' post='1098362']
Well, I would say the roster pans out like this:

OLB: Kruger, Upshaw, Kindle, McClellan
ILB: Lewis, McClain, Carr, Ellerbe, Ayanbadejo

I think Bynes goes to the practice squad. Williams gets cut. I am not sure about Ellerbe, though. I know we tendered him, but I could see him cut if he doesn't impress.
[/quote]

Agree except I see whoever the odd man out is getting picked up by Pagano.

[rmw10]

Updated with the additions of Ricky Brown and Darryl Blackstock.

[BloodRaven]

ILB - Keep the best in coverage. Cut the rest.