KO at Tackle

[baltravens]

[quote name='nk02442' timestamp='1347216802' post='1143196']
[b]Nice way to skirt around what I was saying and making arguements out of thin air.[/b] Let me simplify this for you.

1. BM does have weak character. Use google if your so inclined and you can see his history of doing stupid [profanity deleted]. He is on this team out of desperation. Ravens should have never messed with Moving Gaither to RT. We had at that time, the best Oline in the league. If we kept that line together, we would be have been champs one of last two years. He is slow and gets beat easy by 1 move DE/OLB and speed rushers. He is too fat and old to react and gets beat.

2. Yes players do come off injuries all the time. The fact that he is at the end of his carrear and his body doesnt heal like a 25 year old is why they cut him. Lineman can have over 500 pounds of pressure on their ankles at times. You think he is going to be able to dig in and push a 320 DT back like a young healthy guy? As someone who has broken his ankle 7 times (army+sports is not forgiving) and sprained it over a dozen, it is never the same afterwards.

3. Why are you arguing about his probowls, all it does is weaken your arguement. Birk is one of the WORST C in the league, physicially. He is old , undersized and injury prone. His name reconignition and ability to call out assignments (beacuse Joe has never had to do it) is the reason he is still there. He is the smartest player on the team and the coaches reconize that.

4. Yes we all know MO is a little slow. 1 decent game does not make off for 10 other bad ones and poor undisiplined penalties. Stop making excuses for him and call a spade a spade.
[/quote]
Yeah, that is the norm for this member of the Flock.

[Tiz]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347211217' post='1143015']

Unfortunately, I agree. As you pointed out, we have Dallas, with DeMarcus Ware, as an example of a speed + power rusher. I'm not certain Oher can handle that. If James Harrison is healthy, he could be problematic. I think - at this point in his development - that Oher isn't the pass blocker that McKinnie is.


As you said, it's questionable whether Oher at LT and KO at RT will be ready to face some of our schedule's pass rushers. Next week we get Philthydelphia, where Babin and Trent Cole - coming from the edges - combined for 29 sacks. Harrison + Woodley, DeMarcus Ware, Dumervil and Von Miller - they'll have to face them all.

Right now, at this point, I think McKinnie is a better LT than Oher against the pass rush, and Oher is a better RT than KO against the rush...
[/quote]

McKinnie also have up the most sacks last year on the team
So no I wouldn't feel safe with him at lt vs ware
And I don't think the staff does as well

[baltravens]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347150495' post='1142570']
There's been a lot of very insightful posts in this thread - giving me food for thought, on the possible mindset of the FO regarding our OLine.

I share others' concern about some of these moves. Oher is a good run-blocker, and (IMO) an "average-at-best" pass blocker. I know he's been shifted around, but this is his 4th season; it's time for him to play like a 1st rounder, and start becoming dominant. I don't think he'll ever be an "elite" LT - I just hope he can stop the speed OLBs.

Williams, at 35, signed a 2 year deal; four years ago, he was a dominating run blocker and an adequate pass blocker. I hope he can cheat Father Time for one more year. Same with Birk - at 36, he is technically superb, but he has had to battle injuries the last couple of years. He had surgery on his varicose veins in July... and I'm not certain he'll make it all year. Both of these guys are question marks, IMO, because of their age, and both suffered injuries in the last year.

KO has impressed me this preseason - he started slow, but he seemed to improve every game. I think the right side of the OLine should be solid - Yanda is Pro-Bowl worthy, and KO should be fine.

My concerns are the age of the talent and the left side - I'm not sure that Oher-Williams-Birk will be able to stop Cincy's [b]very[/b] [b]strong[/b] DLine... I agree with many others, that McKinnie-KO-Birk-Yanda-Oher may have been the better option. Oher is more dependable at RT.

[b]I really think we need to invest 1-2 first or second rounders in the next two drafts on the OLine.[/b]
[/quote]
Look at what we did this past draft: Ozzie broke with tradition and finally addressed a major need by picking up KO and Gino early. I think there are other areas that should be addressed first next year, but let's first kick back and relax and see how KO, Gino, Reid, and even Harewood develop before we resort to an alternate plan. Don't forget Boren will be back next year, too.

[mhead66]

[quote name='Tiz' timestamp='1347233738' post='1143592']
McKinnie also have up the most sacks last year on the team
So no I wouldn't feel safe with him at lt vs ware
And I don't think the staff does as well
[/quote]
Against DeMarcus Ware, everyone chips him, leaves a back in to help, or puts a TE on that side. No, I wouldn't expect either Oher or McKinnie to handle Ware one-on-one all game.

And I'm not surprised when ANY LT leads the team in sacks allowed. On virtually every team, it's the ROLB that leads the team in sacks - because he's going against the QB's blind side. Ware, Harrison, Von Miller, Pierre Paul, Clay Matthews... and Terrell Suggs - all the best LB pass rushers are ROLBs. How many NTs get 15+ sacks? It's not fair to downgrade McKinnie for allowing more sacks than the other OLinemen.

And I think Oher would lead the teams in sacks allowed, if he plays all season at LT. Not an insult, it comes with the territory, for LTs. It's why their the highest paid OLinemen, and the highest drafted.

[mhead66]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1347234355' post='1143606']
Look at what we did this past draft: Ozzie broke with tradition and finally addressed a major need by picking up KO and Gino early. I think there are other areas that should be addressed first next year, but let's first kick back and relax and see how KO, Gino, Reid, and even Harewood develop before we resort to an alternate plan. Don't forget Boren will be back next year, too.
[/quote]
Not to insult the Ozzie, nor our draft picks... but I think that elite OLinemen are difficult to find, outside of rounds 1-2 in the draft. Other than QB and top-flight CBs, I believe their the most valued position.

Harewood was a 6th round pick three years ago, and I don't think he's in the conversation when discussing OLine starters. Boren was an undrafted free agent, and was released with an injury settlement - he wasn't deemed worthy of keeping on injured reserve. I think Jah Reid has been a flop, for a 3rd rounder - if he hadn't been a higher draft pick, I'm not sure he would have made the 53 - he's been out with a calf strain since July, and he couldn't win either the RT or LG spots before the injury - the scouting says he's too stiff to face speed rushers. Gino is still a question mark; when we drafted him, Kiper sharply criticized the pick, saying he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick. Yes, he's intelligent, but the jury's out on him, IMO. KO - yes, I think he's a find. I expect him to start at RT tomorrow.

But that proves my point - KO was a 2nd rounder. The other 4 are questionable, regarding their readiness to play in the NFL. That's why I said we need to invest some HIGH draft picks on the OLine, and not keep inserting lower round picks. The OLine is vital to a good offense, and we have 3 "starters" (McKinnie?) over 33 - with no one with any NFL experience waiting in the wings.

[baltravens]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347235172' post='1143638']
Not to insult the Ozzie, nor our draft picks... but I think that elite OLinemen are difficult to find, outside of rounds 1-2 in the draft. Other than QB and top-flight CBs, I believe their the most valued position.

Harewood was a 6th round pick three years ago, and I don't think he's in the conversation when discussing OLine starters. Boren was an undrafted free agent, and was released with an injury settlement - he wasn't deemed worthy of keeping on injured reserve. I think Jah Reid has been a flop, for a 3rd rounder - if he hadn't been a higher draft pick, I'm not sure he would have made the 53 - he's been out with a calf strain since July, and he couldn't win either the RT or LG spots before the injury - the scouting says he's too stiff to face speed rushers. Gino is still a question mark; when we drafted him, Kiper sharply criticized the pick, saying he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick. Yes, he's intelligent, but the jury's out on him, IMO. KO - yes, I think he's a find. I expect him to start at RT tomorrow.

But that proves my point - KO was a 2nd rounder. The other 4 are questionable, regarding their readiness to play in the NFL. That's why I said we need to invest some HIGH draft picks on the OLine, and not keep inserting lower round picks. The OLine is vital to a good offense, and we have 3 "starters" (McKinnie?) over 33 - with no one with any NFL experience waiting in the wings.
[/quote]
I must admit my mind is on the 2012 season, but at first glance I would draft a LT extremely high next year. Now with Boren, is he no longer a Raven, because that is news to me?

[mhead66]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1347235754' post='1143649']
I must admit my mind is on the 2012 season, but at first glance[b] I would draft a LT extremely high next year[/b]. Now with Boren, is he no longer a Raven, because that is news to me?
[/quote]
Absolutely. 1st round.

Yes, it was in today's Baltimore Sun - Boren was released with a settlement.

I think we need to do what Pittsburgh started 3 years ago. They drafted a (1st round) C in '10 - Pouncey and a (2nd round) LT in '11 in Marcus Gilbert, and both their first (David DeCastro) and second (Mike Adams) this year were OLinemen. If they all work out, they're going to have a young, formidable OLine in a year or two. I think we need to "Keep up with the Joneses." Most other positions can be found in the lower rounds, but quality OLinemen are hard to find after the first 2 rounds...

Of course, Marshall Yanda is an exception to the rule.

[The Raven]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347236070' post='1143656']
Absolutely. 1st round.

Yes, it was in today's Baltimore Sun - Boren was released with a settlement.

I think we need to do what Pittsburgh started 3 years ago. They drafted a (1st round) C in '10 - Pouncey and a (2nd round) LT in '11 in Marcus Gilbert, and both their first (David DeCastro) and second (Mike Adams) this year were OLinemen. If they all work out, they're going to have a young, formidable OLine in a year or two. I think we need to "Keep up with the Joneses." [b]Most other positions can be found in the lower rounds, but quality OLinemen are hard to find after the first 2 rounds...[/b]

Of course, Marshall Yanda is an exception to the rule.
[/quote]

I, along with others, highly disagree with this. Carl Nicks? Jahri Evans? Matt Birk? Jeff Saturday? Shoot, the three best guards in the NFL were all taken in the mid-late rounds.

[rmw10]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347236070' post='1143656']
Absolutely. 1st round.

Yes, it was in today's Baltimore Sun - Boren was released with a settlement.

I think we need to do what Pittsburgh started 3 years ago. They drafted a (1st round) C in '10 - Pouncey and a (2nd round) LT in '11 in Marcus Gilbert, and both their first (David DeCastro) and second (Mike Adams) this year were OLinemen. If they all work out, they're going to have a young, formidable OLine in a year or two. I think we need to "Keep up with the Joneses." Most other positions can be found in the lower rounds, but quality OLinemen are hard to find after the first 2 rounds...

Of course, Marshall Yanda is an exception to the rule.
[/quote]

Agreed, to some extent. Quality interior lineman can be found later. LT is really deep in next year's draft. We don't have too many needs.

QB - Good
RB - Good
WR - Good
TE - Good
OL - Need, breakdown below
DL - Good
MLB - Maybe? Is MLB that important anymore?
OLB - Need possibly, would have Suggs back. Hopefully Upshaw or Kruger can prove themselves as well.
CB - Maybe a 3rd CB if Cary doesn't sign here, more than likely a FA acquisition if Cary doesn't re-sign
S - I think we can wait a year for now

Draft Pick - Osemele - Gradkwoski (?) - Yanda - Oher doesn't sound too bad. Oher is at least competent, although Gradkowski and the draft pick would be question marks. Hell, get another lineman in round 2 as well

[mhead66]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1347236385' post='1143663']
I, along with others, highly disagree with this. Carl Nicks? Jahri Evans? Matt Birk? Jeff Saturday? Shoot, the three best guards in the NFL were all taken in the mid-late rounds.
[/quote]
Yes, and I can say that Tom Brady was a 6th round pick. However, by and large, you find quality players at higher rounds of the draft, especially in the OLine. You get high round picks every year - what position, other than pass rushing LBs, is a higher priority for the Ravens to draft in the next couple of years in the first 2 rounds? Should we spend a 1st rounder on a safety, to replace Ed Reed? Very few safeties are first rounders. We have 2 young CBs and a young DLine. How about a MLB in the first, to replace Ray? Again, not many MLBs picked in the first. On Offense, RBs and TEs can be found in later rounds, we don't need a QB, and we just drafted a WR in the 2nd last year.

What position SHOULD we focus on, in your opinion, in the early rounds?

[mhead66]

[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1347236699' post='1143675']
Agreed, to some extent. Quality interior lineman can be found later. LT is really deep in next year's draft. We don't have too many needs.

QB - Good
RB - Good
WR - Good
TE - Good
OL - Need, breakdown below
DL - Good
MLB - Maybe? Is MLB that important anymore?
OLB - Need possibly, would have Suggs back. Hopefully Upshaw or Kruger can prove themselves as well.
CB - Maybe a 3rd CB if Cary doesn't sign here, more than likely a FA acquisition if Cary doesn't re-sign
S - I think we can wait a year for now

Draft Pick - Osemele - Gradkwoski (?) - Yanda - Oher doesn't sound too bad. Oher is at least competent, although Gradkowski and the draft pick would be question marks. Hell, get another lineman in round 2 as well
[/quote]

Agree with your position assessment - for example, OLB has been addressed - we've spent 2nd rounders the last couple of years, with both Kindle and Upshaw, and if Terrell returns healthy, he surely doesn't need to be replaced. CB is set with starters - Jimmy was a 1st rounder and Webb is a Pro-Bowler talent. Not many teams select safeties or MLBs in the 1st, and outside of the OLine, we're strong on offense.

[rmw10]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347239731' post='1143776']
Agree with your position assessment - for example, OLB has been addressed - we've spent 2nd rounders the last couple of years, with both Kindle and Upshaw, and if Terrell returns healthy, he surely doesn't need to be replaced. CB is set with starters - Jimmy was a 1st rounder and Webb is a Pro-Bowler talent. Not many teams select safeties or MLBs in the 1st, and outside of the OLine, we're strong on offense.
[/quote]

Next year's draft should be all about offensive line and defense. We have plenty invested into the skill positions (QB, RB, WR) and just need some depth on the defensive side of the ball. A MLB or FS to replace Ray and Ed would be nice, but LT should be the number one priority, no matter what. Maybe we get lucky and Oher puts it together with Osemele on the right side and it no longer becomes a need. I think OLB could be a need as well, depending on how Kruger and Upshaw look this year.

Biggest Needs: LT, MLB, FS, OLB with CB and OG/C as honorable mentions for depth purposes. Skill positions are set unless an undeniable talent falls in our laps.

[The Raven]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347239348' post='1143763']
Yes, and I can say that Tom Brady was a 6th round pick. However, by and large, you find quality players at higher rounds of the draft, especially in the OLine. You get high round picks every year - what position, other than pass rushing LBs, is a higher priority for the Ravens to draft in the next couple of years in the first 2 rounds? Should we spend a 1st rounder on a safety, to replace Ed Reed? Very few safeties are first rounders. We have 2 young CBs and a young DLine. How about a MLB in the first, to replace Ray? Again, not many MLBs picked in the first. On Offense, RBs and TEs can be found in later rounds, we don't need a QB, and we just drafted a WR in the 2nd last year.

What position SHOULD we focus on, in your opinion, in the early rounds?
[/quote]

This is subject to change based on the performance of the team during the season, but the most immediate needs (in order of importance) are:

1. LT
2. OLB
3. C
4. FS
5. ILB

If there is a tackle in the first round that we can grab without reaching, I want him. I do want to get a starting LT early. However, it is still possible to find a starting lineman in the later rounds. All of our holes can be filled in the mid rounds, which gives us a great deal of flexibility in our draft.

We should no doubt focus on offensive linemen in the early rounds, however I do not deem it essential to get a lineman in the mid rounds.

[mhead66]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1347240293' post='1143809']
This is subject to change based on the performance of the team during the season, but the most immediate needs (in order of importance) are:

1. LT
2. OLB
3. C
4. FS
5. ILB

If there is a tackle in the first round that we can grab without reaching, I want him. I do want to get a starting LT early. However, it is still possible to find a starting lineman in the later rounds. All of our holes can be filled in the mid rounds, which gives us a great deal of flexibility in our draft.

We should no doubt focus on offensive linemen in the early rounds, however I do not deem it essential to get a lineman in the mid rounds.
[/quote]
[quote name='rmw10' timestamp='1347240222' post='1143805']
Next year's draft should be all about offensive line and defense. We have plenty invested into the skill positions (QB, RB, WR) and just need some depth on the defensive side of the ball. A MLB or FS to replace Ray and Ed would be nice, but LT should be the number one priority, no matter what. Maybe we get lucky and Oher puts it together with Osemele on the right side and it no longer becomes a need. I think OLB could be a need as well, depending on how Kruger and Upshaw look this year.

Biggest Needs: LT, MLB, FS, OLB with CB and OG/C as honorable mentions for depth purposes. Skill positions are set unless an undeniable talent falls in our laps.
[/quote]

I think all three of us agree - our OLine, replacing Ray and Ed, and then quality depth in positions we're not deep in - primarily OLB and CB. As was stated, our skill position depth is pretty impressive. Yep, if a player surprisingly falls, if a target player falls, we can leap on them, but it's best player available, while keeping your needs in mind...

It's a great problem to have, having enough quality depth that you have few critical needs!

[The Raven]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347241081' post='1143855']
I think all three of us agree - our OLine, replacing Ray and Ed, and then quality depth in positions we're not deep in - primarily OLB and CB. As was stated, our skill position depth is pretty impressive. Yep, if a player surprisingly falls, if a target player falls, we can leap on them, but it's best player available, while keeping your needs in mind...

It's a great problem to have, having enough quality depth that you have few critical needs!
[/quote]

In today's NFL, the main thing you need in an ILB is a guy who can take on blocks and tackle consistently. You can find that in a UDFA. You can find a mid round safety who can drop deep and make tackles. You don't need to spend a first on a safety or an ILB unless the dude's a straight play maker.

[mhead66]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1347241787' post='1143887']
In today's NFL, the main thing you need in an ILB is a guy who can take on blocks and tackle consistently. You can find that in a UDFA. You can find a mid round safety who can drop deep and make tackles. You don't need to spend a first on a safety or an ILB unless the dude's a straight play maker.
[/quote]
I totally agree. That's why I disagreed with everyone wanting us to draft Donta Hightower. He's an excellent player, but you can get "good enough" MLBs undrafted, as you said. Same thing for RBs - which is why (even though he was excellent in college) I think Cleveland was insane for spending the 3rd pick in the draft on a RB. Of course, this same team drafted a 29 year old rookie QB in the first, who - in his first game - had a 5 passer rating!

Safeties I also agree, unless you can get that ONE elite gamebreaker safety - the kind that only comes along every 5 years or so - like Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu or Eric Berry.

[PurpleReign92]

Kelachi Osemele is good enough to start at any position but Tackle... I think he fits at right or left guard... i really like this pick I think we will go forward with coaching him up and getting him ready for a pro bowl career.

[mhead66]

[quote name='PurpleReign92' timestamp='1347247015' post='1144180']
Kelachi Osemele is good enough to start at any position but Tackle... I think he fits at right or left guard... i really like this pick I think we will go forward with coaching him up and getting him ready for a pro bowl career.
[/quote]

According to the Sun he's [u][b]starting[/b][/u] at RT tomorrow - or at least he said he is.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1347226152' post='1143455']
Actualy he said he prefers Tackle, but he said that Guard is easier (duh).
[/quote]

No he said he preferred tackle originally, but now prefers guard because it's easier and he lacks range.

[BenMir]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1347249790' post='1144354']
No he said he preferred tackle originally, but now prefers guard because it's easier and he lacks range.
[/quote]
Can you post the source? I find it hard to believe that the 6'5. 36 Inch arms Osemele lacks range

[The Raven]

[quote name='BenMir' timestamp='1347264189' post='1144423']
Can you post the source? I find it hard to believe that the 6'5. 36 Inch arms Osemele lacks range
[/quote]

I think what he means by range is footwork and lateral agility.

[rmw10]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1347241787' post='1143887']
In today's NFL, the main thing you need in an ILB is a guy who can take on blocks and tackle consistently. You can find that in a UDFA. You can find a mid round safety who can drop deep and make tackles. You don't need to spend a first on a safety or an ILB unless the dude's a straight play maker.
[/quote]

This exactly. Over the years we've had Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe, and Bart Scott in the middle. Josh Bynes and Albert McClellan could easily fill that role. If a talent is there, take him, but it's not a big concern. UDFAs have proven over and over that they can command the middle. They may not be superstars, but they do what they need to do, and play some solid overall football.

S, same situation, although I'd rather grab one in round 2-4 than go with a late round/UDFA. Neither position requires a high draft pick unless you get a Lewis/Willis or Reed/Berry talent. It's a wash when pass rushers and corners are the most important parts of the defense nowadays.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347235172' post='1143638']

Not to insult the Ozzie, nor our draft picks... but I think that elite OLinemen are difficult to find, outside of rounds 1-2 in the draft. Other than QB and top-flight CBs, I believe their the most valued position.

Harewood was a 6th round pick three years ago, and I don't think he's in the conversation when discussing OLine starters. Boren was an undrafted free agent, and was released with an injury settlement - he wasn't deemed worthy of keeping on injured reserve. I think Jah Reid has been a flop, for a 3rd rounder - if he hadn't been a higher draft pick, I'm not sure he would have made the 53 - he's been out with a calf strain since July, and he couldn't win either the RT or LG spots before the injury - the scouting says he's too stiff to face speed rushers. Gino is still a question mark; when we drafted him, Kiper sharply criticized the pick, saying he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick. Yes, he's intelligent, but the jury's out on him, IMO. KO - yes, I think he's a find. I expect him to start at RT tomorrow.

But that proves my point - KO was a 2nd rounder. The other 4 are questionable, regarding their readiness to play in the NFL. That's why I said we need to invest some HIGH draft picks on the OLine, and not keep inserting lower round picks. The OLine is vital to a good offense, and we have 3 "starters" (McKinnie?) over 33 - with no one with any NFL experience waiting in the wings.
[/quote]

Man i see where you're going with, and i agree...but at the same time i disagree. I agree with the notion that elite olineman are drafted early, i even agree with drafting one in the top 2 rounds...Chance Warmack-LG from Bama is my guy.

However where i disagree and will probably sound like i'm contradicting myself is....the fact about needing a great oline. I don't feel you need elite olineman to have an elite oline. I feel schemes make great olines. Look at a team like the Texans, individually I wouldn't consider anyone on their oline elite, or at least they weren't perceived that way entering the NFL. However Houston has a team great blocking scheme with that zone and each guy fits it well, so they are viewed as one of the NFL's best.

Because the Ravens are planning for a more aggressive, less predictable offense, i think it makes our oline unit much better then it is individually. The no huddle/uptempo offense is disigned to dictate tempo to the defense and take advantage of mismatches in personell. So i think the oline should be just fine.

The uptempo and speed of the offense should help to eliminate so many blitz and allow the oline less time to block because the ball should come out quick most time. Then play action provides extra time for deeper routes.

I really like the move, i think it's good for the present and future.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1347249790' post='1144354']


No he said he preferred tackle originally, but now prefers guard because it's easier and he lacks range.
[/quote]
I dont think thats what he meant. Hes played tackle his entire life, why is he going to come out and say he lacks range to play there? He said guard is easier, not that he prefers it.

Another aspect of this us Bobbie Williams and his history with the Bengals. He has spent years practicing against that Dline so he probably knows a thing or two about their tricks and tendencies as individual players. He also probably has a little revenge in mind.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347235172' post='1143638']

Not to insult the Ozzie, nor our draft picks... but I think that elite OLinemen are difficult to find, outside of rounds 1-2 in the draft. Other than QB and top-flight CBs, I believe their the most valued position.

Harewood was a 6th round pick three years ago, and I don't think he's in the conversation when discussing OLine starters. Boren was an undrafted free agent, and was released with an injury settlement - he wasn't deemed worthy of keeping on injured reserve. I think Jah Reid has been a flop, for a 3rd rounder - if he hadn't been a higher draft pick, I'm not sure he would have made the 53 - he's been out with a calf strain since July, and he couldn't win either the RT or LG spots before the injury - the scouting says he's too stiff to face speed rushers. Gino is still a question mark; when we drafted him, Kiper sharply criticized the pick, saying he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick. Yes, he's intelligent, but the jury's out on him, IMO. KO - yes, I think he's a find. I expect him to start at RT tomorrow.

But that proves my point - KO was a 2nd rounder. The other 4 are questionable, regarding their readiness to play in the NFL. That's why I said we need to invest some HIGH draft picks on the OLine, and not keep inserting lower round picks. The OLine is vital to a good offense, and we have 3 "starters" (McKinnie?) over 33 - with no one with any NFL experience waiting in the wings.
[/quote]

Man i see where you're going with, and i agree...but at the same time i disagree. I agree with the notion that elite olineman are drafted early, i even agree with drafting one in the top 2 rounds...Chance Warmack-LG from Bama is my guy.

However where i disagree and will probably sound like i'm contradicting myself is....the fact about needing a great oline. I don't feel you need elite olineman to have an elite oline. I feel schemes make great olines. Look at a team like the Texans, individually I wouldn't consider anyone on their oline elite, or at least they weren't perceived that way entering the NFL. However Houston has a team great blocking scheme with that zone and each guy fits it well, so they are viewed as one of the NFL's best.

Because the Ravens are planning for a more aggressive, less predictable offense, i think it makes our oline unit much better then it is individually. The no huddle/uptempo offense is disigned to dictate tempo to the defense and take advantage of mismatches in personell. So i think the oline should be just fine.

The uptempo and speed of the offense should help to eliminate so many blitz and allow the oline less time to block because the ball should come out quick most time. Then play action provides extra time for deeper routes.

I really like the move, i think it's good for the present and future.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1347235172' post='1143638']
Not to insult the Ozzie, nor our draft picks... but I think that elite OLinemen are difficult to find, outside of rounds 1-2 in the draft. Other than QB and top-flight CBs, I believe their the most valued position.

Harewood was a 6th round pick three years ago, and I don't think he's in the conversation when discussing OLine starters. Boren was an undrafted free agent, and was released with an injury settlement - he wasn't deemed worthy of keeping on injured reserve. I think Jah Reid has been a flop, for a 3rd rounder - if he hadn't been a higher draft pick, I'm not sure he would have made the 53 - he's been out with a calf strain since July, and he couldn't win either the RT or LG spots before the injury - the scouting says he's too stiff to face speed rushers. Gino is still a question mark; when we drafted him, Kiper sharply criticized the pick, saying he was projected as a 6th-7th round pick. Yes, he's intelligent, but the jury's out on him, IMO. KO - yes, I think he's a find. I expect him to start at RT tomorrow.

But that proves my point - KO was a 2nd rounder. The other 4 are questionable, regarding their readiness to play in the NFL. That's why I said we need to invest some HIGH draft picks on the OLine, and not keep inserting lower round picks. The OLine is vital to a good offense, and we have 3 "starters" (McKinnie?) over 33 - with no one with any NFL experience waiting in the wings.
[/quote]
Yanda was a third rounder. Gaither was a 5th. A lot of interior lineman are middle to late rounds. Tackles though? Those go high.

And people were really high on Jah last year when he was healthy through camp. I'm not sure about Gino, but when it comes to interior lineman unless you spend a lot of time on film it's hard to evaluate so I differ more on DTs and Guards/Centers to the scouts as opposed to what I see.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1347289907' post='1144553']
I dont think thats what he meant. Hes played tackle his entire life, why is he going to come out and say he lacks range to play there? He said guard is easier, not that he prefers it.
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Even he admits his preference is to play guard, where he can get help.[/size][/font][/color][color=#292727][font=inherit][size=3]
"I'm pretty sure I will be moved around for depth reasons and experience reasons because they want me to be versatile," Osemele said. "But as the season progresses and we kind of know our guys, then I probably will be at one spot or another."[/size][/font][/color][color=#292727][font=inherit][size=3]
"At first coming into it, I had a preference for tackle," he said. "Now that I play guard, I enjoy it. It's a little easier. I just don't have the range, and I have more difficulties than at guard. You don't face the same type of athletes that you do at tackle."[/size][/font][/color]
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[/quote] via baltimoresun

[Ravenseconbeast]

Harewood did a heck of a job today too.

In order for this no-huddle to keep the train moving, our O-line comes first. They are the anchor to push our offense to do their job. They need to play smart like they did tonight. Lets hope they dont start daydreaming like last year. We got work to do!

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' timestamp='1347343152' post='1147569']
Harewood did a heck of a job today too.

In order for this no-huddle to keep the train moving, our O-line comes first. They are the anchor to push our offense to do their job. They need to play smart like they did tonight. Lets hope they dont start daydreaming like last year. We got work to do!
[/quote]

He did a great job considering he's a rookie, he's got a rock solid anchor.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1347343043' post='1147567']


via baltimoresun
[/quote]
All he is saying is guard is easier. Isnt it a moot point now? He played at tackle and he played well at tackle. He is clearly capable.