O-line: Is this the worst group we've ever had?

[Ravensfan23]

I initially thought Gino was a bit on the small side seeing him line up at Center with Yanda and Williams on his sides, but he held his own much of the practice against Cody. I think much like Kelly Gregg, Gino's game will be able leverage and strength, which is what the oline does.

He had one play were I think he missed a blocking assignment on a pass because Cody was turned loose and left for Ray Rice to block. It was a pretty funny moment seeing Ray standup to Cody as if he wouldn't be bullied, while Cody give him a nice liitle pat as if to say, watch where you're going little fella.

But overall, Gino got in their and battled, He got most of the reps at 1st team Center and those guys didn't miss a beat. He did a good job in combo blocks with his OGs before getting to the second level to block the ILB when needed. He also picked up a few blitzes the defense came with. Like I said it was only one practice, but I like him, can't wait to see him in preseason.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1343711622' post='1107166']
Now, if the underlined names would have been Suggs/Kruger....Suggs/Upshaw then I would be sold,lol.
[/quote]

Of course those names would make it better, but trust me, Kruger and Kindle brought it during that practice. I say he did a good job handling their speed, because both of those guys get off the ball really quick. From a defensive standpoint they both did a good job of setting the edge, and keeping contain. Their pass rush was strong, but Flacco's movement in the pocket was really good. They didn't work the passing game much at this practice, because they focused more on short yardage. But you could definitely see positives from both sides of the ball.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ravefan52' timestamp='1343714777' post='1107181']
How is KO looking at LG?
[/quote]

He spent much of his time at RT. Surprisingly Jack Cornell moved around the Oline. He was at LT, RT and LG, all with the 1st team at times. I guess Harbs is serious about competition and finding the best 5 guys to start.

Now I'm not sure how much he may have practiced at LG during Oline drills, because those guys started off on the far field. But during live team drills, he spent most of his time at RT.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='wayne' timestamp='1343720766' post='1107192']
Will make no difference when the time comes to sign that player to a contract and we let them walk ( Brown, Grubbs ). If we retained the lineman we did draft in the early rounds, we would be in great shape but we let offensive lineman walk that last name isn't Ogden.
[/quote]

The Ravens signed Yanda and offered both Brown and Grubbs really big money to say. They both thought they were worth more then the Ravens were offering and got it. Brown proved to be overpaid, and Grubbs got paid as one of the best OGs in the game, which imo he's not.

Gaither wasn't re-signed because the Ravens didn't think he was healthy and surprise suprise, Gaither is hurt again.

The Ravens weren't gonna let guys like Brown and Grubbs strong arm them for money they didn't feel they were worth. Yanda signed a really nice contract and was willing to restructure it less then a year later to help the team, while Brown and Grubbs chased money. Can't blame anybody for that, it's just the nature of the business.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1343735264' post='1107214']
This line is, to me, a mix of too old and a bit too young. Yanda is the only vet that has shown consistency and is not over 30. Bobby Williams and Matt Birk are stopgaps and we know it - we drafted guys in KO, Gradkowski, etc. that should take their spots eventually if things pan out. The issue is the future at tackle - I thought Oher would be the right tackle, but now they're moving him back to left and IDK what he'll do there. Maybe he and Reid will surprise us, or McKinnie. In any case, the bottom line is right now the linemen of the future are all young, and most have very little to no experience. To call them the best or worst of anything is subjective IMO. We'll probably have growing pains, but if KO and Gino pan out we'll be looking good in a year or two. You can't rush building any part of your team, the NFL just doesn't work that way.
[/quote]

Well the thing is, Oher has always been a LT. This training camp makes the 3rd striaght year he's worked as the starting LT, which probably explains why the guy looks so comfortable there.

Imo the only reason Oher was moved to RT last season because it was what was best for the team, not necessarily a knock on his abilties. Ried nor Harewood were ready to start at RT last season, and Cousins sure wasn't the answer. So the Ravens had 1 of 3 options imo.

1. Keep Oher at LT and allow one of those young guys to take thier lumps at RT throughout the season.
2. Keep Oher at LT, shift Yanda to RT and have Gurode RG. Which moves Yanda from being dominant at RG, to good at RT.
3. Sign Big Mac who has pro bowl talent at LT and move Oher to RT.

#3 is the option they took, and while the other 2 might have worked out as well, I really can't disagree with the Ravens thinking here. Oher hasn't been getting the game snaps at LT, but he's been getting the practice snaps during the offseason and that's where a player really gets better. During the season you focus on scouting opponents and gameplanning to defeat them. During OTAs and Training Camp, you focus on scouting yourself and improving. I strongly feel Oher is ready to step in at LT at anytime and do well.

[ThePurpleWall]

wow we are starting this already lol come on people this is pretty bad,the team is good.

[ThePurpleWall]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343409689' post='1104167']
Oh noo... The oline looks bad after the first day of camp. We suck so much we're not gonna win any games. Lets just throw in the towel guys.

[/quote]

lol this

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343735394' post='1107216']
I initially thought Gino was a bit on the small side seeing him line up at Center with Yanda and Williams on his sides, but he held his own much of the practice against Cody. I think much like Kelly Gregg, Gino's game will be able leverage and strength, which is what the oline does.

He had one play were I think he missed a blocking assignment on a pass because Cody was turned loose and left for Ray Rice to block. It was a pretty funny moment seeing Ray standup to Cody as if he wouldn't be bullied, while Cody give him a nice liitle pat as if to say, watch where you're going little fella.

But overall, Gino got in their and battled, He got most of the reps at 1st team Center and those guys didn't miss a beat. He did a good job in combo blocks with his OGs before getting to the second level to block the ILB when needed. He also picked up a few blitzes the defense came with. Like I said it was only one practice, but I like him, can't wait to see him in preseason.
[/quote]

I think he compares well to Chris Myers of the Texans. Quick, strong, and tough. I've always been skeptical of how he'll do in short yardage, but leverage and a quick get off could give him the advantage there.

[Free Agent]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343735893' post='1107219']
He spent much of his time at RT. Surprisingly Jack Cornell moved around the Oline. He was at LT, RT and LG, all with the 1st team at times. I guess Harbs is serious about competition and finding the best 5 guys to start.

Now I'm not sure how much he may have practiced at LG during Oline drills, because those guys started off on the far field. But during live team drills, he spent most of his time at RT.
[/quote]

Im hearing a lot of good things about Cornell. I wouldnt be surprised to see him take a spot on the final roster, not only because he sounds like a talented player with much potential, but also it seems he is very versatile.

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343737085' post='1107225']
Well the thing is, Oher has always been a LT. This training camp makes the 3rd striaght year he's worked as the starting LT, which probably explains why the guy looks so comfortable there.

Imo the only reason Oher was moved to RT last season because it was what was best for the team, not necessarily a knock on his abilties. Ried nor Harewood were ready to start at RT last season, and Cousins sure wasn't the answer. So the Ravens had 1 of 3 options imo.

1. Keep Oher at LT and allow one of those young guys to take thier lumps at RT throughout the season.
2. Keep Oher at LT, shift Yanda to RT and have Gurode RG. Which moves Yanda from being dominant at RG, to good at RT.
3. Sign Big Mac who has pro bowl talent at LT and move Oher to RT.

#3 is the option they took, and while the other 2 might have worked out as well, I really can't disagree with the Ravens thinking here. Oher hasn't been getting the game snaps at LT, but he's been getting the practice snaps during the offseason and that's where a player really gets better. During the season you focus on scouting opponents and gameplanning to defeat them. During OTAs and Training Camp, you focus on scouting yourself and improving. I strongly feel Oher is ready to step in at LT at anytime and do well.
[/quote]

I'm kind of wondering if I was in their shoes, would I have taken option 1, but I understand what you're saying. I guess it didn't occur to me that shifting Oher to RT was more to protect inexperienced players than a knock on Oher. I have been operating under the impression the whole time (and I've posted it enough times) that the reason we signed McKinney and moved Oher over was because the FO decided Oher couldn't be an NFL left tackle (I thought that if we were worried about inexperience at right tackle, there would be options available). But if what you're saying is the case, I have more hope - like I said, I thought signing McKinnie was a signal that the FO gave up on Oher on the blindside, but hopefully I'm proven wrong.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343751355' post='1107331']
I think he compares well to Chris Myers of the Texans. Quick, strong, and tough. I've always been skeptical of how he'll do in short yardage, but leverage and a quick get off could give him the advantage there.
[/quote]

Yea I think Chris Myers is the prefect comparison. Not the biggest guy, but he gets the job done effectively.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343758611' post='1107399']
Yea I think Chris Myers is the prefect comparison. Not the biggest guy, but he gets the job done effectively.
[/quote]

He destroyed Cody in the playoff game. I couldn't believe a 290 pound center could destroy a 350 pound nose tackle like he did. I hope Gino can do the same. I really like him!

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Free Agent' timestamp='1343753193' post='1107346']
Im hearing a lot of good things about Cornell. I wouldnt be surprised to see him take a spot on the final roster, not only because he sounds like a talented player with much potential, but also it seems he is very versatile.
[/quote]

I think you hit it on the head man. The guy is versatile and full of potential at a young age. I see him at worse being like Justin Boren a guy who the Ravens try to stash on the PS, but will add him to the 53 if they fear other teams are looking at him.

In Jack Cornell, the Ravens can eliminate the roster spots of both Harewood and Waggle. Now I don't know how well the guy will fare in the Preseason, but he was definitely impressive for the 1 practice I saw. There is definitely some young talent on this oline.

[redrum52]

[quote name='ravefan52' timestamp='1343714510' post='1107178']

This next draft we need to get one or two lineman in the early rounds that will secure us for the future. The changing of the line every year is hurting us and some familiarity would help a lot. Preferably we draft a tackle so we can put Oher on one side and keep him there. Hopefully KO works out at left guard. I think Gino will do fine at center and Yanda is a lock at RG(and we should keep him there). This year however, i think it will be mckinnie, williams, birk, yanda, and oher. Hopefully mckinnie will hold up
[/quote]

I think that's what we've been doing. Might around crazy but I think we have most of the parts of our future line currently on the roster already. I think both Reid mad KO can and will have successful NFL careers if given the opportunity. And I'm opposed to moving Yanda out of position again. We have people who can play rt, no reason to keep moving him when he's one of the best at his position and we have other people who can fill in just about as well as Oher.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343758763' post='1107404']
He destroyed Cody in the playoff game. I couldn't believe a 290 pound center could destroy a 350 pound nose tackle like he did. I hope Gino can do the same. I really like him!
[/quote]

Yea I wanted the Ravens to go after Chris this offseason, but the Texans wasn't foolish enough to let him walk. He's a big reason why that Texans Oline is so good with their zone blocking and pass blocking.

Back when I first heard the Ravens talk about Gino before the draft, I watched a youtube clip of him and thought about Chris Myers. If the Ravens are serious about sticking with this zone blocking zone and Texans/Broncos type offense, then a guy like Gino is who we need. That's why I didn't see a issue with the Ravens passing on Petter Konz.

I think fans will be really happy with Gino, KO, Boren and Cornell doing the preseason.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343759518' post='1107421']
Yea I wanted the Ravens to go after Chris this offseason, but the Texans wasn't foolish enough to let him walk. He's a big reason why that Texans Oline is so good with their zone blocking and pass blocking.

Back when I first heard the Ravens talk about Gino before the draft, I watched a youtube clip of him and thought about Chris Myers. If the Ravens are serious about sticking with this zone blocking zone and Texans/Broncos type offense, then a guy like Gino is who we need. That's why I didn't see a issue with the Ravens passing on Petter Konz.

I think fans will be really happy with Gino, KO, Boren and Cornell doing the preseason.
[/quote]

I'm so eager to see the four of them in the preseason!!!

[baltravens]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343760017' post='1107430']
I'm so eager to see the four of them in the preseason!!!
[/quote]
Add me to that! And, do not forget about Reid. (I am eager to see the progression he has made from 1st to 2nd year.)

Boren has always been my darkhorse.

[Purple Punishment]

I'm hearing KO is looking like a straight beast!!

[hawkprey]

We have so many young guys that can play so many positions that finding the best combination could take a while.

Our lines could be:
McKinnie, Williams, Birk, Yanda, Oher
Reid, Osemele, Gino, Boren, Cornell.

That is a pretty good backup line. I'm hesitant to hear about who's looking good right now because I have no idea what to expect with our OLBs/DEs right now without Ngata and Suggs.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1343760301' post='1107435']
Add me to that! And, do not forget about Reid. (I am eager to see the progression he has made from 1st to 2nd year.)

Boren has always been my darkhorse.
[/quote]

He's gotta get healthy. That RT position could get away from Reid so quickly with the young talent we have on the line. I think Ried will be a really good RT, he just needs to get healthy and not let this calf injury linger. Because he could quickly find himself in a situation like Harewood and Reed. Where the team really likes them, but injuries have kept them out, while other youngsters are stepping up.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343708340' post='1107158']
How do you think Gino did? Did he do well against Cody?
[/quote]

Aaron Wilson tweeted: That things got a bit chippy at practice today between Gino and Cody. He said that Gino didn't back down.

Gotta like that.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343779278' post='1107651']


Aaron Wilson tweeted: That things got a bit chippy at practice today between Gino and Cody. He said that Gino didn't back down.

Gotta like that.
[/quote]

Love it. Love it when things get heated at camp.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343779278' post='1107651']
Aaron Wilson tweeted: That things got a bit chippy at practice today between Gino and Cody. He said that Gino didn't back down.

Gotta like that.
[/quote]

Wooo! Love it!

[Ravensfan23]

Sounds like KO mixed it up with McClain today. The young guys aren't backing down from the 1st team defense. The only time things get chippy is when both sides are going hard and battling each other, so Gino and KO holding their own is a great sign early.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1343783505' post='1107695']
Sounds like KO mixed it up with McClain today. The young guys aren't backing down from the 1st team defense. The only time things get chippy is when both sides are going hard and battling each other, so Gino and KO holding their own is a great sign early.
[/quote]

A lot of people don't approve of the feuds and fights at camp, but I dig it. It means they're workin and battling!

[Ravenseconbeast]

Only way K.O and Jah Reid can grow is to stay healthy. Both of them already have injury before t.camp. (Jah Reid twce now). Else they'll be like Harewood.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1343785985' post='1107739']
A lot of people don't approve of the feuds and fights at camp, but I dig it. It means they're workin and battling!
[/quote]

Yea you're not gonna want to fight a guy unless he's getting the better of you. Ryan Mink said that Art Jones rocked Ray Rice and Rice had some words for Jones after the play.

That's competition man. You gotta love that. If those guys are willing to go hard against each other, there going to go that much harder against opponents. Training camp is where respect is earned and bonds are built.

The vets usually push on the young guys to let them know that their playing with the big boys now. It's great to see the young guys push back and start to claim their spots among the big boys.

[display name]

Sure we have an old o-line, but we have a Pro Bowler in Yanda, as solid player in Oher, and a young hard-nosed Jah Reid to help balance things out.
Also, if it makes anyone feel better, I think it's obvious that our worst group was back when we had Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, and Jared Gaither stinking the place up. It's cool to think that those days were just a few years ago.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='display name' timestamp='1343933653' post='1108855']
Sure we have an old o-line, but we have a Pro Bowler in Yanda, as solid player in Oher, and a young hard-nosed Jah Reid to help balance things out.
Also, if it makes anyone feel better, I think it's obvious that our worst group was back when we had Chris Chester, Oniel Cousins, and [b]Jared Gaither stinking the place up[/b]. It's cool to think that those days were just a few years ago.
[/quote]

That rarely happened.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1343933898' post='1108858']
That rarely happened.
[/quote]

Gaither didn't play as strong in 2009 as he did in 2008 where he didn't allow a sack. I think it had more to do with injuries then his play though. The big guy just never really seemed the same after the injury in the Patriots game.

Seeing as how he's currently hurt and not practicing for the Chargers, I'd say we are in a better situation at LT, even with McKinnie being out right now.