Next Man Up: Extensions & Re-Signings

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='akacrow' timestamp='1362454507' post='1378045']
I can see it, the Ravens staff are on record saying they are good with Oher at LT.
[/quote]
So can I. I really think there's a good chance he's back at LT. He might do well with KO next to him. I think KO next to Oher is better than Oher next to Reid.

[Bravens292]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362454601' post='1378050']
So can I. I really think there's a good chance he's back at LT. He might do well with KO next to him. I think KO next to Oher is better than Oher next to Reid.
[/quote]

Didn't the FO say they plan on keeping oher at right? i usually take their word for it.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Bravens292' timestamp='1362455144' post='1378058']
Didn't the FO say they plan on keeping oher at right? i usually take their word for it.
[/quote]
They never said that.

[akacrow]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362454601' post='1378050']
So can I. I really think there's a good chance he's back at LT. He might do well with KO next to him. I think KO next to Oher is better than Oher next to Reid.
[/quote]

I am cool with Oher at LT, not ecstatic but OK.

I remember something in regards to what Bravens292 posted, but I have no link and my recollection is vague.

[redravenfan]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362449510' post='1377922']
Take this with a grain of salt, but Mark Zinno on 105.7 The Fan said that Leach will probably get cut (hopefully re-signed), Kruger's as good as gone, he wants Williams back, thinks Reed will be back, but most interesting...

He said, supposedly, that Harbaugh told him personally that Oher will be LT next year week 1 no matter what except injury.
[/quote]i have heard that several times on the fan .harbaugh likes oher for lt and "joe didn't get too beat up" i hope its speculation not truth

[Bravens292]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362455242' post='1378060']
They never said that.
[/quote]

i wrote it as a question 'cause i thought i was hearing it from somewhere or maybe it was just on this board. i don't really know.

either way, i'm not a fan of him at LT. if we don't get lucky in the draft, mckinnie leaves, and all LT's are taken in FA, fine but only in that scenario. one of those 3 should go our way though. i think by now the FO understands he needs some positional consistency.

[runamuk]

i think the fan is wrong oher is no good at lt thats why joe was on his back non stop and why the texans owned us hes good on the right . the oline worked well the run was better and pass protection was good . if oher is back on the left then joe will have problems .

[runamuk]

[quote name='Bravens292' timestamp='1362456991' post='1378093']
i wrote it as a question 'cause i thought i was hearing it from somewhere or maybe it was just on this board. i don't really know.

either way, i'm not a fan of him at LT. if we don't get lucky in the draft, mckinnie leaves, and all LT's are taken in FA, fine but only in that scenario. one of those 3 should go our way though. i think by now the FO understands he needs some positional consistency.
[/quote]i think i heard it too but no clue where . i agree with you the front office has to know right is a natural for him

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='runamuk' timestamp='1362457122' post='1378095']
i think the fan is wrong oher is no good at lt thats why joe was on his back non stop and why the texans owned us hes good on the right . the oline worked well the run was better and pass protection was good . if oher is back on the left then joe will have problems .
[/quote]
I don't know about that. I agree and disagree.

People around here act like McKinnie saved the day. He didn't. I think he had an impact, but the improvement in the left side had less to do with McKinnie at LT and more to do with KO at LG. It was KO at LG that changed everything, because then Joe had a solid pocket that wouldn't collapse where Jah Reid used to be, or Bobbie Williams.

Make no mistake: KO is what changed the OL, not McKinnie.

[akacrow]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362457320' post='1378098']
I don't know about that. I agree and disagree.

People around here act like McKinnie saved the day. He didn't. I think he had an impact, but the improvement in the left side had less to do with McKinnie at LT and more to do with KO at LG. It was KO at LG that changed everything, because then Joe had a solid pocket that wouldn't collapse where Jah Reid used to be, or Bobbie Williams.

Make no mistake: KO is what changed the OL, not McKinnie.
[/quote]

I am not as down as some folks on Oher at LT, and I agree to a point, but Oher and McKinnie both played LT with Grubbs at LG and McKinnie was the better player hands down.

This link has quotes from McKinnie in regards to his play time.

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-01-31/super-bowl-2013-ravens-offensive-line-bryant-mckinnie-emergence-49ers

[runamuk]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362457320' post='1378098']
I don't know about that. I agree and disagree.

People around here act like McKinnie saved the day. He didn't. I think he had an impact, but the improvement in the left side had less to do with McKinnie at LT and more to do with KO at LG. It was KO at LG that changed everything, because then Joe had a solid pocket that wouldn't collapse where Jah Reid used to be, or Bobbie Williams.

Make no mistake: KO is what changed the OL, not McKinnie.
[/quote]oh i agree with that i don't like michael oher . right he seems ok left not so much. i don't see mckinnie doing an entire season anywhere for any team .he outlived his usefullness i don't think he was ever in a doghouse,,,he is lazy . my hope is we can get a good lt in the draft and leave oher where he is

[Alexir]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1362450546' post='1377953']
Everything else is fine, but Oher at LT? Not smart!
[/quote]

If Oher starts at LT during playoffs, Joe doesn't break any records and we probably get bounced out by Denver.

The Oher LT project is over.


Also, I am so curious as too how much a team will overpay for Paul Kruger.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='1/28/01' timestamp='1362450322' post='1377944']
Yeah, have Oher cover the blindside (ah, hate saying that) of the $120M man! Riiiiggghhhttt, cause that makes sense.
[/quote]

Cut a few more guys and go after Jake Long! No way we want Oher at the blindside.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1362500838' post='1378329']


Cut a few more guys and go after Jake Long! No way we want Oher at the blindside.
[/quote]
I would like Long, but gaining him would pretty much lose us a 4th round comp pick at least next year, possibly a 3rd depending on contracts & postseason awards & playoffs. It's a real risk, especially with his health these past two.

[Ravensuperfan1]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1362500838' post='1378329']
Cut a few more guys and go after Jake Long! No way we want Oher at the blindside.
[/quote]

thats not practical. We'd have to backend the deal, and it will sting longterm unless the cap really increases

[CapoRocky]

I'm sure we can't afford Long but we can go after an OT in the draft and pick up McKinnie on the cheap.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Ravensuperfan1' timestamp='1362520004' post='1378531']
thats not practical. We'd have to backend the deal, and it will sting longterm unless the cap really increases
[/quote]

I was being sarcastic, btw. As much as I'd love Long, I'm totally sure we can't afford him.

[Ravensuperfan1]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1362521046' post='1378558']
I was being sarcastic, btw. As much as I'd love Long, I'm totally sure we can't afford him.
[/quote]

oh okay.

Yeah I think there is a good chance we drat an OL early. Not sure if we can retain McKinnie or not. Seems like he is going for the money. Will probably offer him a decent deal, but its on him. If I was an opposing NFL GM I wouldn't offer him too much, he's got baggage. Weight problems and effort issues, so he is a risk. But when in shape and motivated McKinnie is a hell of a LT.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='RavensFan4duration' timestamp='1362379031' post='1376827']
[i][b]Reality is a mediocre linebacker is all that Mr Ellerbee[/b][/i] [i][b]will ever be in this league![/b][/i]
[i][b]Perhaps we should just face the facts people? Ray lewis will never be replaced for the[/b][/i]
[i][b]simple fact that # 52 is one of the best middle Linebackers[/b][/i] [i][b]to ever play this game..[/b][/i]

[i][b]And Anquan Boldin is the Drive extender that the Ravens have been missing from[/b][/i]
[i][b]the offense until # 81 arrived from Arizona to move the chains![/b][/i]
[i][b]The Ravens[/b][/i] [i][b]Wide outs have never before been such a talented group of Playmakers[/b][/i]
[i][b]as what we have now on the Roster! from Jacoby Jones # 12 to Torrey Smith #82 to[/b][/i]
[i][b]The warrior wearing # 81 Anquan boldin along with the young speedsters made for[/b][/i]
[i][b]a very consistant and productive offense able to seemingly march down the field at will..[/b][/i]

[i][b]Dennis Pitta[/b][/i] [i][b]is a Game changer at tight end! as both an excellent Receiver and a[/b][/i]
[i][b]pretty solid blocker! # 88 takes the contact over the middle of the field without even[/b][/i]
[i][b]blinking despite repeatedly being pounded by Linebackers and Safetys or Corner backs[/b][/i]
[i][b]last season Dennis Pitta never quit on a route or a Blocking assignment the entire season..[/b][/i]

[i][b]Carey webster is very close to being a shut down corner back! and if Carey is not a[/b][/i]
[i][b]Raven next season? The Ravens[/b][/i] [i][b]have[/b][/i] [i][b]some weaknesses on the Defensive side of the ball[/b][/i]
[i][b]for the first time in many years without # 52 Ray Lewis being around to motivate[/b][/i] [i][b]or[/b][/i]
[i][b]inspire the rest of the Defense!..[/b][/i]
[/quote]

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='beasy2487' timestamp='1362525406' post='1378618']



[/quote]
To be fair, he makes some valid points. Not sure I agree with the Cary Williams and Ellerbe comments, but that's his opinion.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362332224' post='1375794']
So now that we've signed Flacco (our #1 priority) to his deal, the question remains who is the Next Man Up? This is currently being discussed in multiple threads, so I figured it would be easier to just have one thread to discuss all the possible extensions/re-signings.

[b]#1. Dannell Ellerbe[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) Currently, the next objective is supposedly Dannell Ellerbe, but from what I just read on Rotoworld, he is said to be seeking a "multi-year deal worth 25-30 million", which seems like an extremely steep price for an ILB. Granted, he does offer a ton in terms of pressure up the middle, and his coverage skills are decent but not exceptional. He is great against the run, really hits hard and has shown great instincts. He has also had a problem with injuries these past two years (concussion, thumbs, ankle off the top of my head), as well as maturity issues before this year. I am not so sure I want to invest 5-6M a year into an ILB, especially one that has had an issue with health these past two years.

[b]#2. Dennis Pitta[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Next up would be Dennis Pitta, I would think. I'd rank Ed Reed a bit higher, but I really think the Ravens will let him see what teams will offer & return to them with the offer sheets and they will attempt to match if the price isn't unreasonable. Dennis Pitta is Joe Flacco's favorite emerging weapon, it would seem. I think he is very critical to our future success, and since we have two TEs who will be RFAs this year and subsequently FA next year, I think we extend Pitta now rather than wait.

[b]#3. Michael Oher[/b]: (Final year of original deal) He is in the final year of his deal, and we were discussing an extension last offseason & early into the season. Those talks apparently didn't get too far. While a lot of people dislike Michael's play on the left side, he has shown great versatility as a swing tackle as well as the ability to play well on the right side. He has good character, and could be willing to sign for a bit of a discount, especially after we let the world see what he can do as a LT--which isn't that much.

[b]#4. Arthur Jones[/b]: (Restricted Free Agent) Another guy I think we will prioritize somewhere, and I think after Oher & Pitta he's our top-guy on the defense to retain for next year. He had a slow start, but I attribute that to not getting enough starting reps. He really improved a lot as the year went on and showed me at least that he's worth keeping around. I'd hate to lose him, because I think he would be a great piece of our defense in the next few years & beyond.

[b]#5. Ed Reed[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) After these guys, I think Reed could get his deal. It might be sooner, but I place him here because I really expect him to test the market to see his value. I don't think it will be as high as some believe. I also believe, if the reports are true, that he would return to Baltimore and we would match 5M a year or at least get close at 4.5M. I think Reed would return here for a half-million difference.

[b]#6. Paul Kruger[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) I see him being after Reed and the rest. The truth is, by this point, he will most likely be signed by another team.

[b]#7. Cary Williams[/b]: (Unrestricted Free Agent) See Paul Kruger.

What are your thoughts on who we keep and lose?
[/quote]

Kruger needs to be higher up like 1 or 2.

I LOVE everyone on the list and I wouldn't want to see anyone to go but the reality of the game is that its a business. And with the league transitioning into a pass happy league the key component in stopping these gun slingers is a pass rush. Our pass rush the first half of the season was awful. We can contribute some of that to Suggs being out, but Kruger came on strong toward the end of the season. I believe that he is starting to reach his potential and I would hate to see him gone the year after we lost Jarret Johnson (who was a VERY solid OLB). It doesn't matter how good a secondary is, if you cannot pressure the QB it's going to be a long day for any defense.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='TonyTone1192' timestamp='1362534921' post='1378791']
Kruger needs to be higher up like 1 or 2.

I LOVE everyone on the list and I wouldn't want to see anyone to go but the reality of the game is that its a business. And with the league transitioning into a pass happy league the key component in stopping these gun slingers is a pass rush. Our pass rush the first half of the season was awful. We can contribute some of that to Suggs being out, but Kruger came on strong toward the end of the season. I believe that he is starting to reach his potential and I would hate to see him gone the year after we lost Jarret Johnson (who was a VERY solid OLB). It doesn't matter how good a secondary is, if you cannot pressure the QB it's going to be a long day for any defense.
[/quote]
That's fair. I am going off of what it appears to be, not my own personal ranking of players. If I did off my own personal opinion, that list would be very different. Very different. But, that's not my intention of this thread. My intention was to have a centralized place to discuss these re-signings and extensions rather than muddling the entire board with a thousand threads on them individually.

Anyway, I ranked them that way based off of what I have heard from reports & what I believe the Ravens would do. It doesn't appear that Kruger is a big priority, despite what any fan may think. It sounds like we are more interested in Ellerbe, Reed, possibly Oher & Pitta than Kruger. I haven't heard a word of us being interested in re-signing him.

[Ravensfan23]

The longer it takes to get Ellerbe signed the less likely it is he'll return. I'm hearing that there are a good amount of teams very interested in Ellerbe. His agent might be thinking he can maximize elsewhere and because the Ravens won't overpay, I agree. I hope they can get a deal done.

Already having his ring, Ellerbe might jet for the money. If the Ravens have to get into a bidding war for Ellerbe he's gone. He's a really good young player, but he's not nearly proven enough for the Ravens to break the bank.

I'm hoping Ellerbe takes a fair deal, but won't fault him for setting his family up with a huge deal.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1362565153' post='1379455']
The longer it takes to get Ellerbe signed the less likely it is he'll return. I'm hearing that there are a good amount of teams very interested in Ellerbe. His agent might be thinking he can maximize elsewhere and because the Ravens won't overpay, I agree. I hope they can get a deal done.

Already having his ring, Ellerbe might jet for the money. If the Ravens have to get into a bidding war for Ellerbe he's gone. He's a really good young player, but he's not nearly proven enough for the Ravens to break the bank.

I'm hoping Ellerbe takes a fair deal, but won't fault him for setting his family up with a huge deal.
[/quote]
Yeah, I have slowly changed my thinking as well. A little more than a month ago, I concluded Ellerbe would be back, Krugs & Williams would walk, McKinnie would return surely, Birk would retire, & Reed would definitely return.

Since, my thinking has changed. About a month ago, I slowly began changing my opinion of Ellerbe returning to this football team. It's not that he is a bad player. He played really well, better than McClain ever did. The problem is consistency as well as health. Those two factors are currently big question marks, and I do not pay a guy 5M a year with those question marks at the ILB position. 2M more and he almost makes as much as Ray Rice. Ridiculous.

I don't think Ellerbe, McKinnie, Williams or Kruger return. I think we manage to get a long-term 3-year deal done with Reed to keep him then put the money to extending Pitta to avoid using the tag next year, and possibly Art Jones if the FO believes in him as much as I do. I would then try to bargain shop for cheap vets or cut vets to bring in to avoid losing comp picks.

I'd bring in Vance Walker (DT from ARI) as a DT/NT prospect (I think he can play 0-Tech), get Grant to play LB & keep McClain (he's insurance). Look at some veteran tackles who are FAs or cut and go from there. Sign some vet minimum deals.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I think Ellerbe has to be priority #1. He was our most versatile defender and at times, especially down the stretch, performed as our top defender.

The strength of our defense needs to be up the middle, and I dont know that we can afford to lose him. With Ray Lewis its always been a set position, but with him retiring, McClain coming off serious injury/surgery and no one else on the roster with enough playing experience, let alone experience running the defense, Ellerbe is almost a necessity. We need some continuity.

While Kruger did put up impressive numbers, even more impressive in the playoffs, he may never be more than a complimentary player and a pass rush specialist. While id love to have him, hes more of a luxury and I dont know that hes even worth the contract he can definitely get from another team. Granted we did have him switch positions, but its taken him this long to crack the regular rotation. He's not a starter for us, hes not very effective against the run, and i dont think hes capable yet of being "the guy".... the one who has to consistently beat double teams. He didnt put up numbers until Suggs returned and commanded much of the attention freeing up Kruger to go 1-on-1.

Dont get me wrong, I love the guy. If we could keep him Id be in for it, but i just dont know that its feasible without breaking the bank. I've always wanted him to break out and he finally did in a contract year, but he never did become that 3 down player that he needs to be in order for us to pay him that kind of money. Upshaw is a more complete player and I think with more opportunity and a healthy Suggs that Upshaw and maybe even Hamilton can (or maybe someone we draft this year) can replace what we got from Kruger for much cheaper.

I think Cary Williams is all but gone. He's a solid starter, but plays too soft in man-to-man coverage and allows way too many easy completions for 1st downs. He finally made some plays this year, but I still think the negatives about his game outweigh the positives, and for what hes expecting to be paid (and probably can get from some other team desperate for a starting CB) hes definitely not worth it. We have Webb coming back, Graham who in my opinion is a much more consistent player, and then J. Smith and Chykie Brown taking the next step I think we're set at the position. (I would love it if we could have hung on to Danny Gorrer or Josh Wilson 2 years ago, but thats beside the point.)

I think Ed Reed should be retained and allowed to retire a Raven as long as hes willing to accept a fair deal for what his present and future worth actually is - not what hes done in the past. Again, we need to stay strong up the middle of our defense and retain some continuity with Ray Lewis retiring. His leadership will be extremely valuable in the transition as well. And even though his tackling was pretty poor the entire season, QB's still game plan to stay away from him and his instincts/ability to read and anticipate an offense makes up for what hes been lacking physically. And maybe the injuries heal and he can play more physically.... but you also run the risk that they get worse and it diminishes even more. Regardless, Ed Reed is a RAVEN and the man deserves the opportunity to retire a Raven as long as he accepts a fair deal (which according to his recent comments I think he will).

McKinnie is where I'm torn. Clearly the O-line, and offense in general, was better with him at LT and Oher at RT. But could a lot of that been due to better play calling from Caldwell - having Joe roll out and move the pocket - or having Osemele at LG instead of RT? Regardless I think the concensus is that Oher is a much better RT then left and for his sake and the teams should be allowed to play there. You already have to replace Birk, do you really want to reshuffle the whole thing when the line looked the best it had in years during the playoff run? It's really a gamble bc what if you resign McKinnie and he shows up overweight and out of shape again? Money thrown away.I would let him test free agency and if he doesnt command much throw some money at him with stipulations on weight, # of games started, ect.... and then draft a LT either way. Maybe the answer is already on the roster (Harewood or Cornell) but in my opinion this is the most important position of question. When Joe has a clean pocket and time to throw he consistently does what he did in the playofffs. When he doesnt he's consistently inconsistent. We're making a shift toward offense and we have the skill players in place for a long time, it's time to make the O-line the #1 priority whether that means resigning McKinnie or not, a long-term solution needs to be addressed immediately. The rest of the line is relatively young, and we need to keep Oher on the right. Finding our future LT would guarantee in my mind that we contend for years to come.


Apologies for the long winded post.

[Latch]

I'm okay with letting Williams and Kruger walk. i love Kruger, but he's probably going to be asking for a lot and i see Suggs/Upshaw/Whoever being able to take his place next year. as for Williams, i was ready to let this guy walk a long time ago. he's an average CB who thinks he's Deion Sanders and i don't want to have to deal with that anymore. we're getting Webby back anyway, so it's not like we would be missing out on anything.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362580805' post='1379519']

Yeah, I have slowly changed my thinking as well. A little more than a month ago, I concluded Ellerbe would be back, Krugs & Williams would walk, McKinnie would return surely, Birk would retire, & Reed would definitely return.

Since, my thinking has changed. About a month ago, I slowly began changing my opinion of Ellerbe returning to this football team. It's not that he is a bad player. He played really well, better than McClain ever did. The problem is consistency as well as health. Those two factors are currently big question marks, and I do not pay a guy 5M a year with those question marks at the ILB position. 2M more and he almost makes as much as Ray Rice. Ridiculous.

I don't think Ellerbe, McKinnie, Williams or Kruger return. I think we manage to get a long-term 3-year deal done with Reed to keep him then put the money to extending Pitta to avoid using the tag next year, and possibly Art Jones if the FO believes in him as much as I do. I would then try to bargain shop for cheap vets or cut vets to bring in to avoid losing comp picks.

I'd bring in Vance Walker (DT from ARI) as a DT/NT prospect (I think he can play 0-Tech), get Grant to play LB & keep McClain (he's insurance). Look at some veteran tackles who are FAs or cut and go from there. Sign some vet minimum deals.
[/quote]

Yea it's tough when you get a guy like this. You'd love to have him back, but at what price? He's a very solid player who's trending up, but he wasn't consistent. He's a really good young vet, but i'm not sure he's a "must" have. I think the situation the Ravens face, makes his value more then it really is. I've always been a Ellerbe fan, but if his price tag gets close to Patrick Willis, do you pay him? I say no. We've both talked about double dipping at ILB in the draft, they may have to. I like all the ILBs we have on the roster, I really like Carr and Bynes but having Ellerbe back would be really good. However with that said, I think there are a handful of guys in the draft who would upgrade the position.

As for McKinnie, I think the Ravens will definitely offer him a deal, but I don't think they'll view his value as much as many here do. It'll be a one time offer and if he takes too long to accept, they'll quickly move to a guy like Max Starks. A vet who can come in for 1-2yrs and allow a guy LT to develop.

Cary and Paul are both gone. We already have the guys that were drafted to hold down their positions. Both Upshaw and Jimmy are basically 1st round picks and it's time for both to step up. Guys like McClellan, Hamilton, Brown and Graham also make those losses easier to deal with.

Going back to Ellerbe. I'd say one way or another you gotta upgrade the interior of the Dline. In 2011 the Ravens were strong up front on the Dline and that made the game easier for the ILBs. McClain played much better and even McClellan filled in well for Ray. But last year the Dline was pushed around way too much. Ngata being healthy should help more, Art being more developed should help, but the NT position has to upgraded. Like we saw from Cincy the Ravens could rely on a rookie at that MLB position, but the Dline has to be improved.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1362587611' post='1379607']
Yea it's tough when you get a guy like this. You'd love to have him back, but at what price? He's a very solid player who's trending up, but he wasn't consistent. He's a really good young vet, but i'm not sure he's a "must" have. I think the situation the Ravens face, makes his value more then it really is. I've always been a Ellerbe fan, but if his price tag gets close to Patrick Willis, do you pay him? I say no. We've both talked about double dipping at ILB in the draft, they may have to. I like all the ILBs we have on the roster, I really like Carr and Bynes but having Ellerbe back would be really good. However with that said, I think there are a handful of guys in the draft who would upgrade the position.

As for McKinnie, I think the Ravens will definitely offer him a deal, but I don't think they'll view his value as much as many here do. It'll be a one time offer and if he takes too long to accept, they'll quickly move to a guy like Max Starks. A vet who can come in for 1-2yrs and allow a guy LT to develop.

Cary and Paul are both gone. We already have the guys that were drafted to hold down their positions. Both Upshaw and Jimmy are basically 1st round picks and it's time for both to step up. Guys like McClellan, Hamilton, Brown and Graham also make those losses easier to deal with.

Going back to Ellerbe. I'd say one way or another you gotta upgrade the interior of the Dline. In 2011 the Ravens were strong up front on the Dline and that made the game easier for the ILBs. McClain played much better and even McClellan filled in well for Ray. But last year the Dline was pushed around way too much. Ngata being healthy should help more, Art being more developed should help, but the NT position has to upgraded. Like we saw from Cincy the Ravens could rely on a rookie at that MLB position, but the Dline has to be improved.
[/quote]
I really like the Ravens to sign a guy like Vance Walker. He was used in a 4-3 as a DT, but looking at the guy and the way he has played in a rotational/situational role REALLY makes me think he can be a NT. Roy Miller's another guy I like, who helped the TB Buccaneers become the #1 rated defense last year. He was a big part of it, but I get the impression he wants big money. Not sure we are willing to offer that kind of salary, and I really don't want to offer it, either. I don't want big FA signings to cost us a 3rd, 4th, or even 5th round comp pick.

[Alexir]

Anyone else find it strange we didn't franchise tag Ellerbe?

McClain injured, Ray gone, and the best linebacker we have we are letting go to free agency. I think we should of tagged him and then worked out a contract with him. I understand that tags can be costly, but I think Ellerbe would be happy to have a long term deal.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1362588156' post='1379614']

I really like the Ravens to sign a guy like Vance Walker. He was used in a 4-3 as a DT, but looking at the guy and the way he has played in a rotational/situational role REALLY makes me think he can be a NT. Roy Miller's another guy I like, who helped the TB Buccaneers become the #1 rated defense last year. He was a big part of it, but I get the impression he wants big money. Not sure we are willing to offer that kind of salary, and I really don't want to offer it, either. I don't want big FA signings to cost us a 3rd, 4th, or even 5th round comp pick.
[/quote]

I like Pat Sims as well. He's always been a solid rotation guy for the Bengals. He's a guy that plays with power and leverage. Despite not being a starter I actually think he'd be a upgrade over Cody. I like the lower level FA route and draft a NT.