Breakout candidates for next season

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='dirtybird10' timestamp='1361222882' post='1361398']


I agree, he's never really produced besides on special teams some and we have had him for what 3-4 years now? Its time to let him go and let some other talent get their chance on the active roster.
[/quote]

When has he gotten a chance on the active roster? To say he's never produced other then ST is accurate but it's not like any other WR outside of the top 3 has lit the offense up.

I don't wanna seem like i'm making Reed out to be some type of stud and I definitely don't wanna bash the other guys, but what has anyone else done more then him?

David Reed 3 seasons 5recs 9tgts 66yds 13.2ypc 0TD 2FDs
Tandon Doss. 2 seasons 7recs 20tgts 123yds 17.6ypc 1TD 6FDs
Deonte Thompson 1 seasons 5recs 6tgts 51yds 10.1ypc 0TD 2FDs
LaQuan Williams 2 seasons 4recs 12tgts 46yds 11.5ypc 0TD 3FDs

You guys say he can be replaced and I agree, but to say there is no room for him is a bit strong. Not like someone else is lighting it up in there limited opportunities. For whatever reason people act as if Reed has just blown opportunity after opportunity. Under Cam the guy had all of 5 chances to touch the ball. 2 end arounds that produced 31yds and 3 pass attempts that where all 9 routes which is not his game. End arounds and 9 routes, stops me if you've heard of talent being misused in Cam's offense before lol.

Again I don't wanna make it out to look like Reed is some type of stud waiting to breakout, but it's funny how Reed's game is more about quickness then speed, Caldwell puts him in position to showcase this, with sprint outs, crosses and stack releases and he actually showcases something on offense.

The fact that the coaches designated Reed to mimic Wes Welker in preparation for the AFCCG, speaks to what coaches think of his skill set more so then just a guy who has a similar build to Welker. In no way am I saying he's Welker like, because I actually see him as more of a Brandon Stokely. A guy that can go inside or outside and take advantage of matchups. It'll be interesting to see how Caldwell and Flacco choose to use him if he proves worthy of a role on offense. I think the coaches really like his talents, it's just a shame Cam wouldn't put these young guys in position to actually develop on field, and not just practice.

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1361150919' post='1360423']
First and foremost, D. Reed has to stay healthy. I he actually finished the season strong for a change. It'll be interesting to see what type of shot he gets in OTAs and TC this year. As you said he has good size and speed, but his balance and strength is probably his best assets.

People in Baltimore are feed up with him and foolishly think Harbs keeps him around for some other reason then talent, but the guy does have a good potential, he just has to show and prove. I'm thinking the combination of Harbs and Caldwell will really drive competition into these guy and the young guys will get many more chances with Caldwell running the show instead of Cam.

I'm sure his 3 fumbles in 2011 will lead people to think this is a crazy statement but Reed has really strong hands and a wide catch radius. He could be a really strong slot WR especially with Torrey Smith pulling coverage over the top, his rac potential would be big.

I could definitely see him as a sleeper, he and Thompson played well together in the Bengals game and probably would have had a bigger impact if it were Flacco at QB. Passing camps, OTAs, Training camp, preseason and the overall competition at WR should be fun.
[/quote]
Reeds a good Special teamer, he's a good gunner in coverage.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='izvoodoo' timestamp='1361251525' post='1361877']

Reeds a good Special teamer, he's a good gunner in coverage.
[/quote]

I think his potential is so much greater then that. Imo his quickness and toughness shown as a gunner would really help him in the slot. He's just like Boldin and Torrey, use them to their talents and they'll produce, but misuse them and you'll wonder why things aren't going well.

I'm so happy Ozzie made the moves he did in 2011, because if Torrey and Pitta weren't forced into action, I don't think Cam would have used them. What would we be saying about them right now?

[TheMadRaven]

Billy Cundiff baby! Oh, erm wait.

[Trevelyan]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1360871416' post='1357788']
Yea, also Flacco runs the offense much more under Caldwell. I've said for a couple weeks now that I have ARod and Flacco as my top QBs based off talent going into 2013. However even with that said, I don't think Flacco will do the same things Peyton did in Indy. It'll be the same style offense but run much different imo.

I love how Caldwell puts the game in Joe's hands. A lot of the downfield passing game is based on Flacco reading the defense and changing a route or 2. Under Caldwell Flacco will have the run pass option and it'll be based on him reading the defense. Safeties back, LBs spread out...run the ball. Defense playing quarters coverage....push the ball down field. The no huddle will be huge for Flacco and the offense.

With Peyton you have to basically play basic defenses because he'd always find your weakness and if that weakness is in man coverage, it's usually a big play. This is what Joe will be able to do now under Caldwell. Flacco is about to plant his flag as one of the the best QBs in the NFL and we'll witness a HOF career imo. It's a bit early for that, but he's on his way
[/quote]

To go further with that, I think the biggest reason you see such an improvement with Flacco is that the plays are getting out on time. I've seen in several games in the season where flacco had to call TO because the play came in late or the communication was not clear, which made for a very frustrating situation. With Jim, the play is quick, leaving Flacco with time to audible and read the coverage. This works well with Joe because defenses wont be able to fool him too easily or often due to the fact the defense he practices with are well known for disgusing coverage. Point blank, if your a ravens qb, you will learn a thing or two about reading hidden coverage's. Besides coaching, I dont think anyone will debate the fact that #5 has much better weapons than he did 3-4 years ago. In his first year he made it to the AFC title game, could you imagine what this team could have done in Flaccos first 5 seasons if he had torrey, jacoby, boldin, and pitta instead of Mason, Williams, and an aging, injury bitten Heap? I think Flacco could have had aleast one more ring because we would have beaten the giants and the cardinals as well.

[Trevelyan]

[quote name='Raven07' timestamp='1360823383' post='1357461']
im seeing at least one of these players having a break away year (from the pack) Doss-"touchdown" Tommy Streeter-Donte Thompson.
[/quote]

I saw doss in some of the games this season and he didnt really impress me like I thought he would with his hands. Tommy Streeter could be Q's potential replacement and Deonte Thompson is faster than Torrey Smith, and with a team that already has Torrey, Jacoby, Pitta, and Dixon, adding a Deonte type player will make it almost impossible for a team to defend the pass and contribute enough players to stop Rice/Pierce at the same time. If Jacoby and Streeter can master playing the slot, you could have two true burners on the outside causing all types of mismatch problems on the D. This is great for the ravens to have that type of depth, especially since they may have to let go some big guys this year. Unless Boldin decides to take a paycut next season, we could see some more playing time from the WR unknown.

[Trevelyan]

I have my bet on Justin Tucker. I can see him getting us out of some pretty tight games next year with his long range and accuracy. And lets not forget the fact all his touchbacks last year kept the ST fresh down the stretch. This guy will hopefully turn in to another stover for us and will be that extra weapon Flacco and the Ravens can use to get back on top.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Trevelyan' timestamp='1361287755' post='1362014']


I saw doss in some of the games this season and he didnt really impress me like I thought he would with his hands. Tommy Streeter could be Q's potential replacement and Deonte Thompson is faster than Torrey Smith, and with a team that already has Torrey, Jacoby, Pitta, and Dixon, adding a Deonte type player will make it almost impossible for a team to defend the pass and contribute enough players to stop Rice/Pierce at the same time. If Jacoby and Streeter can master playing the slot, you could have two true burners on the outside causing all types of mismatch problems on the D. This is great for the ravens to have that type of depth, especially since they may have to let go some big guys this year. Unless Boldin decides to take a paycut next season, we could see some more playing time from the WR unknown.
[/quote]

Deonte Thompson may be faster then Torrey, but he doesn't play as faster as Torrey or Jacoby. Actually the faster DT plays, the more out of control and mistake prone he becomes. Getting more comfortable in his role should help, but right now he's not there. It takes more then speed to be a weapon at WR, even though the offense will be faster, control will be important.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1361296080' post='1362136']


Deonte Thompson may be faster then Torrey, but he doesn't play as faster as Torrey or Jacoby. Actually the faster DT plays, the more out of control and mistake prone he becomes. Getting more comfortable in his role should help, but right now he's not there. It takes more then speed to be a weapon at WR, even though the offense will be faster, control will be important.
[/quote]
The only reason people hate David Reed is because:

1.) Drafted in 5th round
2.) Critical ST KR fumbles "cost" us the Seattle game, among another fumble in 2011 but I can't remember who it was against.
3.) Always injured
4.) Seems like a ST-only player.
5.) We have "new great receivers"
6.) The only thing we really ever saw from Reed are some end arounds Cam loved.

I think Cam grossly misused him TBH, but oh well. I expect him to be a guy we don't give a tender but re-sign for the vet minimum so he can show the league what he has.

[Dewy101]

I have really high hopes in Streeter. I think if he learns to use his hands better he can be very dangerous.

[poescrows]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1361121445' post='1359945']
That's bold.... I mean really bold. When Manning retires, and Brady, will he be top 3? Yes. But by Default. I'd rather have him than Brees. Age, for the future. He's done more his first five years than most QBs could do in 8. One more ring earns Joe a spot in the HOF
[/quote]Not that far fetched. My point was: Manning, Brady, Rogers and Brees will prob have the same numbers as this season, which leaves room for Joe to move in there amongst them, and IMO Caldwell running the O will get him there in 2013.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1361388225' post='1363244']

The only reason people hate David Reed is because:

1.) Drafted in 5th round
2.) Critical ST KR fumbles "cost" us the Seattle game, among another fumble in 2011 but I can't remember who it was against.
3.) Always injured
4.) Seems like a ST-only player.
5.) We have "new great receivers"
6.) The only thing we really ever saw from Reed are some end arounds Cam loved.

I think Cam grossly misused him TBH, but oh well. I expect him to be a guy we don't give a tender but re-sign for the vet minimum so he can show the league what he has.
[/quote]

I get all those points, not sure I'd call any WR who he's competing with Great, but I understand the attraction of a "new toy".

All i can say is, if people hate Reed for 2 fumbles lost in a regular season lost, i'm glad the Ravens didn't lose to the colts, because Ray Rice might have been run out of town.

[jimmypowder]

Joe Flacco is my pick for breakout candidate ! Yes it may seem silly after his incredible playoff performance
but with Caldwell as OC and Cam out fishing ,I think you will see a much improved,more consistent Flacco.

[Ravensfan23]

Not that it matters, but Cam got hired by LSU, so he won't be doing much fishing.

[Trevelyan]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1361296080' post='1362136']
Deonte Thompson may be faster then Torrey, but he doesn't play as faster as Torrey or Jacoby. Actually the faster DT plays, the more out of control and mistake prone he becomes. Getting more comfortable in his role should help, but right now he's not there. It takes more then speed to be a weapon at WR, even though the offense will be faster, control will be important.
[/quote]

Oh I agree on that point, I think Haward - Bey has already proved that but I think he has the potential to make his hands better with another offseason under his belt. I remember when people were not too sure about Jacobys hands when he came on but he took the initiative to not make it a problem this year. If Deonte and Streeter can follow suit, you are looking at some pretty good receivers in the future.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Trevelyan' timestamp='1361562191' post='1364981']


Oh I agree on that point, I think Haward - Bey has already proved that but I think he has the potential to make his hands better with another offseason under his belt. I remember when people were not too sure about Jacobys hands when he came on but he took the initiative to not make it a problem this year. If Deonte and Streeter can follow suit, you are looking at some pretty good receivers in the future.
[/quote]

Oh I definitely agree on that. People questioned Torrey's hands all the way down to the hand size and look how he's turned out. Both Streeter and TD are hidden gems, extremely talented but raw, so both guys could pan out.

I'll tell you what, if Streeter and DT pan out, the speed and big play ability Flacco will have with those guys combined with Torrey. Wow

[Trevelyan]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1361566939' post='1365076']
Oh I definitely agree on that. People questioned Torrey's hands all the way down to the hand size and look how he's turned out. Both Streeter and TD are hidden gems, extremely talented but raw, so both guys could pan out.

I'll tell you what, if Streeter and DT pan out, the speed and big play ability Flacco will have with those guys combined with Torrey. Wow
[/quote]

The real scary part is if the Ravens decided to move further into the no huddle offense, and we managed to draft a Justin Hunter or Javon Austin, how do you stop that in the shotgun or 5wide? We could still have Jacoby, and potentially Boldin which means there are potential 5 wide options the ravens could use and if that's the case with all that speed, I cant even imagine what they could do scheme-wise...........

[TonyTone1192]

If Pierce can stay healthy he is my number 1 choice... Great downhill runner and has a natural ability to run the rock and gain positive yards.

Also I like Tandon Doss. If we lose Quan which I fear that we will, I am a believer that Doss is ready to step up and catch 60+ balls w/ at least 4 tds

[Greatness]

1) Torrey Smith
- I'm a man and can admit when I'm wrong. I didn't see it with Torrey has I thought his drops and shaky route-running would be the death of him. He sure tuned me up good and I think he'll fully take the reigns from Boldin if Caldwell and Flacco continue this beastly relationship thus far.

2) Tandon Doss
- Because I'm still a believer and I know he has hands. He just has to get them back. I like him a lot and think he'll still be a beast in this league!

3) Jimmy Smith
- Game saving smackaroo on Crabtree on 3rd down. Game saving press coverage on 4th down. His confidence must be sky-high now. I think he's tired of being a role player and will want to live up to that 1st round billing.

4) ED Dickson
- Because he's Antonio Gates-lite with athleticism and because he will learn to catch.

5) *SHOCKER ALERT* Mount Cody
- Because you can only go up and I needed a 5th. lol

[flaccopoe]

I think Ellerbe can explode next year. He'll have a lot more looks, with Lewis gone.

[bmull]

I like both of the Thompsons: Christian and Deonte

[Guest llwillow1231]

I am going with Jimmy Smith and yes i called him a bust i think he proves me wrong. I think suggs comes back full force and him and upshaw become a nightmare defending the pass. one more Mcphee i think he goes unnoticed not next year he is going to break out.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1361947783' post='1371082']
1) Torrey Smith
- I'm a man and can admit when I'm wrong. I didn't see it with Torrey has I thought his drops and shaky route-running would be the death of him. He sure tuned me up good and I think he'll fully take the reigns from Boldin if Caldwell and Flacco continue this beastly relationship thus far.

2) Tandon Doss
- Because I'm still a believer and I know he has hands. He just has to get them back. I like him a lot and think he'll still be a beast in this league!

3) Jimmy Smith
- Game saving smackaroo on Crabtree on 3rd down. Game saving press coverage on 4th down. His confidence must be sky-high now. I think he's tired of being a role player and will want to live up to that 1st round billing.

4) ED Dickson
- Because he's Antonio Gates-lite with athleticism and because he will learn to catch.

5) *SHOCKER ALERT* Mount Cody
- Because you can only go up and I needed a 5th. lol
[/quote]

Honestly I like all 5. I think Dickson is just waiting to bust out. The Ravens really have something special with Pitta and Dickson, but Cam couldn't find the right mix. I think Caldwell will find that mix. We've seen the plays Dickson can make and even with his drops he does well. I'm so anxious to see how this offense will look next year. I think we'll finally see the talent hidden on this offense.

Like Doss as well. He's the new David Reed around here. Guy has a tough game and the masses think he's trash. I think what you'll see Caldwell get back to is allowing Joe to do what he does so well. Spread the offense out and let Flacco hit them quickly. YAC is what made Doss stand out at IU. Why not allow him to do the same in the NFL.

Cody probably was the one defensive player effected the most by the departures of JJ and Redding. Those guys did such a great job against the run that Cody didn't need to dominate, just anchor the line. Without those guys, Cody seemed to try and make plays too often instead of just doing his job. Ngata being injured didn't help either. Ngata being healthy and Art's development should help.

[Free Agent]

My breakout candidate is Jimmy Smith. With Cary gone, I really have a feeling that Jimmy is going to step it up and earn the starting job across from Webb.

I'll even go so far as to say Jimmy will be our best corner in 2013, since Webb won't be returning in elite form coming off of his injury. It's bold, but I could really see it happening.

[Greatness]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1362105108' post='1372906']
Honestly I like all 5. I think Dickson is just waiting to bust out. The Ravens really have something special with Pitta and Dickson, but Cam couldn't find the right mix. I think Caldwell will find that mix. We've seen the plays Dickson can make and even with his drops he does well. I'm so anxious to see how this offense will look next year. I think we'll finally see the talent hidden on this offense.

Like Doss as well. He's the new David Reed around here. Guy has a tough game and the masses think he's trash. I think what you'll see Caldwell get back to is allowing Joe to do what he does so well. Spread the offense out and let Flacco hit them quickly. YAC is what made Doss stand out at IU. Why not allow him to do the same in the NFL.

Cody probably was the one defensive player effected the most by the departures of JJ and Redding. Those guys did such a great job against the run that Cody didn't need to dominate, just anchor the line. Without those guys, Cody seemed to try and make plays too often instead of just doing his job. Ngata being injured didn't help either. Ngata being healthy and Art's development should help.
[/quote]

Glad you agree, Champ. I'm still really, really high on Tandon Doss. Don't know why, but I loved the pick soon as it was announced. Then hearing it was [b]Flacco Approved[/b] sealed the damn deal. lol

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Greatness' timestamp='1362123047' post='1373153']


Glad you agree, Champ. I'm still really, really high on Tandon Doss. Don't know why, but I loved the pick soon as it was announced. Then hearing it was [b]Flacco Approved[/b] sealed the damn deal. lol
[/quote]

I was high on Doss but honestly never expected much from him. Reason being because Cam just doesn't use more then 2 WRs and a TE. I'm still high on all the young WRs and can't wait to see who emerges during OTAs, Camp and Preseason. Q is probably in his last year and Jacoby will be 29 so his time will be up soon. Because of that you gotta start seeing what these young WRs can do. Because honestly the only guys who are really young is Streeter and Thompson. Doss, Reed and LaQuan should be contributing some way to this offense heading into their 3rd and 4th years. I can no longer blame Cam. Those guys either show and prove this year or it's time to get Flacco some new guys who can develop.

I think the entire WR group can breakout from the standpoint of starting to show their talents. You gotta show your talent before you show potential imo. I think Q will see minimal practice and preseason time, in order to get more reps for others.

[redravenfan]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1362146188' post='1373237']
I was high on Doss but honestly never expected much from him. Reason being because Cam just doesn't use more then 2 WRs and a TE. I'm still high on all the young WRs and can't wait to see who emerges during OTAs, Camp and Preseason. Q is probably in his last year and Jacoby will be 29 so his time will be up soon. Because of that you gotta start seeing what these young WRs can do. Because honestly the only guys who are really young is Streeter and Thompson. Doss, Reed and LaQuan should be contributing some way to this offense heading into their 3rd and 4th years. I can no longer blame Cam. Those guys either show and prove this year or it's time to get Flacco some new guys who can develop.

I think the entire WR group can breakout from the standpoint of starting to show their talents. You gotta show your talent before you show potential imo. I think Q will see minimal practice and preseason time, in order to get more reps for others.
[/quote]i was high on doss too i heard he had the best hands on the team . but he doesn't he can't catch anything ...

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='redravenfan' timestamp='1362146460' post='1373240']
i was high on doss too i heard he had the best hands on the team . but he doesn't he can't catch anything ...
[/quote]

I wouldn't go that far to say the guy can't catch anything.

[The Raven]

[quote name='redravenfan' timestamp='1362146460' post='1373240']
i was high on doss too i heard he had the best hands on the team . but he doesn't he can't catch anything ...
[/quote]

ONE bad game. That's all he's had. ONE! Did you see the ridiculous catches he's made in the preseason? In camp? He has some incredible hands. One game is not a good enough sample size to say Doss can't catch.

[T3hRaven]

If we can shore up the OL, Flacco is going to have a break out year. We saw the start of it during the playoffs, I think he's ready to claim his place among the upper echelon of players in the NFL.