Is inside linebacker that bad?

[BMORE_96]

Many people have lauded that ILB is or was the biggest hole on defense. I however have thought we have had a lot of depth there that is only bolstered by the McClain signing.

Potential Ilbs next year without draft

Albert Mcclelan(this guy was really good in the 2011 season with ray out) -He is a good edge setter with athleticism to play outside. He should be able to stop the run and make some plays blitzing or playing zone inside.

Rolando McClain- Guy was a beast in alabama 3-4(similar to ours) and has some speed. Something that we have lacked until Ellerbee at inside linebacker(no offense ray lewis).

JOSH BYNES- He could be the next ellerbee wiht his atleticism. He needs to bulk up to shed blockers and more coaching but this third year is usualy where our udfa linebackers shine.

Jameel Mcclain- He may be on his way out with the way his injury but he was a competent starter already and could provide valuable snaps.

Bottom Line: I believe ravens will not draft teo or ogletree. even author brown(unless they believe his athleticism is so great that he can become a great linebacker despite size).

With rolando, I would be comfortable with a rolando, albert, bynes, mcclain rotation. with bynes in for third downs. we will still draft one but he will be primarily a nickle lb.

[rmw10]

We aren't in too bad of a position, but we really lack a pass coverage linebacker. There are some really good coverage linebackers in the mid-rounds of the draft. It's still a need, but not a huge one.

[GrimCoconut]

It is a need, but that depends on things we as fans do not know. The MLB is supposed to be the signal caller of the defense. Jameel might not ever be the same and I didn't like him before the injury. Rolando is a huge question mark and is only on a one-year deal. Albert McClellan played I think one game against the Niners? A fine team but it's one game.

I don't know if we need to get a LB in the 1st. If the right guy is there, then I suppose we will. If not, then we won't. Just that simple.

[justifythegame]

[quote name='BMORE_96' timestamp='1365720343' post='1431142']
Many people have lauded that ILB is or was the biggest hole on defense. I however have thought we have had a lot of depth there that is only bolstered by the McClain signing.

Potential Ilbs next year without draft

Albert Mcclelan(this guy was really good in the 2011 season with ray out) -He is a good edge setter with athleticism to play outside. He should be able to stop the run and make some plays blitzing or playing zone inside.

Rolando McClain- Guy was a beast in alabama 3-4(similar to ours) and has some speed. Something that we have lacked until Ellerbee at inside linebacker(no offense ray lewis).

JOSH BYNES- He could be the next ellerbee wiht his atleticism. He needs to bulk up to shed blockers and more coaching but this third year is usualy where our udfa linebackers shine.

Jameel Mcclain- He may be on his way out with the way his injury but he was a competent starter already and could provide valuable snaps.

Bottom Line: I believe ravens will not draft teo or ogletree. even author brown(unless they believe his athleticism is so great that he can become a great linebacker despite size).

With rolando, I would be comfortable with a rolando, albert, bynes, mcclain rotation. with bynes in for third downs. we will still draft one but he will be primarily a nickle lb.
[/quote]

If it really wasn't that bad then they would've signed one of them to a long term contract. Right now the guys there are depth, and i would say good depth, but i expect a new pair of starting linebackers 2 years from now.

[Crabcakes&Football]

I think we should draft a guy somewhere in this draft. We've had the luxury of investing next to nothing in the ILB position for a long time.

[The Raven]

We might have a lot of linebackers, but how many quality linebackers do we have? I'd say we only have three that are capable of starting, and all three of them are flawed.

[wademan2636]

i think that now that we've signed rolando, ILB no longer becomes our biggest need. our 3 biggest needs (from least to most) are WR, LT, and S. We should target either a safety, WR, or LT early. I see us trading back into the early second round and taking armstead, and finishing the second round with swearinger. we will also definitely select a WR within the first 3 rounds.

I think McClain helps us immensely at the MLB position, and the MLB class is so deep this year that we don't need to draft one early.

So yes, I believe the McClain signing changes our priorities immensely.

[Ravensfan23]

The McClain deal doesn't eliminate ILB as a need, it just gives the Ravens more flexibility with the draft. A ILB could still very well be the first pick and much like adding Jimmy with Webb, we'll be looking at ILB being a strength. If a ILB is drafted early and McClain turns things around, it could be a Willis Bowman type deal.

The jury is still out on J. McClain and the fact that he such a small deal last year lends to my thinking that the Ravens view him as nothing more then a role player. If everything around him is going well, he plays well. However he's not much of a impact player imo. He doesn't read well, he reacts a tad slow way too often and gets loss in the passing game too frequent. He isn't a true ILB so i've always given him a pass, but if you can upgrade the position you definitely do.

Honestly for my money I'd take both Josh Bynes and Carr over Jameel and can honestly see him cut this year. I think Carr is much more athletic and would be better in that sub Dime package as a cover LB then Jameel. I think Bynes has better presence and instincts at the position then Jameel. My only issue is that the sample size has been so small for those two.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1365728176' post='1431231']
The McClain deal doesn't eliminate ILB as a need, it just gives the Ravens more flexibility with the draft. A ILB could still very well be the first pick and much like adding Jimmy with Webb, we'll be looking at ILB being a strength. If a ILB is drafted early and McClain turns things around, it could be a Willis Bowman type deal.

The jury is still out on J. McClain and the fact that he such a small deal last year lends to my thinking that the Ravens view him as nothing more then a role player. If everything around him is going well, he plays well. However he's not much of a impact player imo. He doesn't read well, he reacts a tad slow way too often and gets loss in the passing game too frequent. He isn't a true ILB so i've always given him a pass, but if you can upgrade the position you definitely do.

Honestly for my money I'd take both Josh Bynes and Carr over Jameel and can honestly see him cut this year. I think Carr is much more athletic and would be better in that sub Dime package as a cover LB then Jameel. I think Bynes has better presence and instincts at the position then Jameel. My only issue is that the sample size has been so small for those two.
[/quote]

If we miss out on Te'o and Arthur Brown, this isn't going to be a favorite amongst some of you but I've been in some deep film study of Sean Porter and I believe with his pass rush ability and cover skills.. he would make a good WILL in our defense if he adds a little weight.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='wademan2636' timestamp='1365727290' post='1431221']
i think that now that we've signed rolando, ILB no longer becomes our biggest need. our 3 biggest needs (from least to most) are WR, LT, and S. We should target either a safety, WR, or LT early. I see us trading back into the early second round and taking armstead, and finishing the second round with swearinger. we will also definitely select a WR within the first 3 rounds.

I think McClain helps us immensely at the MLB position, and the MLB class is so deep this year that we don't need to draft one early.

So yes, I believe the McClain signing changes our priorities immensely.
[/quote]

The guy was signed to a 1yr deal for 700K. At this point you can't count on McClain as a long term option. Hell based on his track record you can't even count on his much this year. One slip up off field and he's gone.

Because of this, you still address the ILB position early if the opportunity presents itself. What McClain's signing does is allow Ozzie to put on his poker face while strengthen his cards. Imo it's the same situation with Upshaw last year. The Ravens could go ILB, WR, FS, SS, OT, or DL with that first pick. Because Ozzie has so many options, they can afford to trade back and still have 3-5 BPA options when they pick.

What we as fans usually see as major needs, Ozzie doesn't.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1365728914' post='1431239']
The guy was signed to a 1yr deal for 700K. At this point you can't count on McClain as a long term option. Hell based on his track record you can't even count on his much this year. One slip up off field and he's gone.

Because of this, you still address the ILB position early if the opportunity presents itself. What McClain's signing does is allow Ozzie to put on his poker face while strengthen his cards. Imo it's the same situation with Upshaw last year. The Ravens could go ILB, WR, FS, SS, OT, or DL with that first pick. Because Ozzie has so many options, they can afford to trade back and still have 3-5 BPA options when they pick.

What we as fans usually see as major needs, Ozzie doesn't.
[/quote]

And Ozzie.. more times than not.. is right.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365728753' post='1431238']


If we miss out on Te'o and Arthur Brown, this isn't going to be a favorite amongst some of you but I've been in some deep film study of Sean Porter and I believe with his pass rush ability and cover skills.. he would make a good WILL in our defense if he adds a little weight.
[/quote]

My only question is where would you take him? I definitely think he's a Raven type player. He could be moved around the defense which Pees really likes.

Porter would be a heck of a pickup. Depending on his roles he might not even need to add much wieght. Even though he was rocked up, B.A. was listed about the same as Porter. So if you're gonna use him as a package guy, I say just put him out their and let him ball in. But if you're expecting him to be a full time guy, then adding weight is probably best.

[ravensfan2424]

The signing of Mcclain almost guarantees that our first pick, no matter what round, will be on a SS or a LT. Every other position can be filled in later rounds and isn't as pressing of a need

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365729153' post='1431245']


And Ozzie.. more times than not.. is right.
[/quote]

Oh yea. I would love to be able to spend the month of April with Ozzie and Eric, then sit in the War Room. I would honestly give up great seats to see the Ravens play in the Super Bowl for the chance to see Ozzie and company work the draft process.

I can't wait to see how Ozzie does in the draft.

[Free Agent]

As some have said, go after a coverage linebacker to pair with Rolando. I have very little faith in Jameel McClain, maybe someone like Josh Bynes or Nigel Carr will step up and contribute as well.

[Alexir]

I think we are set with the McClains, Bynes and McClellan. People are so flavor of the week and want "new" when these guys have been coached and just waiting in the wings. They want big names but that's not always gonna happen.

Rolando McClain is more talented than any LB that would be there at 32-64. Period. Just need to get his mind right

[Ravenseconbeast]

We're not exactly settling on being 'just good'.

'just good' doesnt win you much games in NFL

[Yatagarasu]

If our D-ine turns out great, then we'll be fine/

All we need is a LB that can cover.

[ClintLB8]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1365730664' post='1431267']


My only question is where would you take him? I definitely think he's a Raven type player. He could be moved around the defense which Pees really likes.

Porter would be a heck of a pickup. Depending on his roles he might not even need to add much wieght. Even though he was rocked up, B.A. was listed about the same as Porter. So if you're gonna use him as a package guy, I say just put him out their and let him ball in. But if you're expecting him to be a full time guy, then adding weight is probably best.
[/quote]

I would prefer he gained weight and became an every down. You know else who was listed as exactly 6-1 228 their first year as a Raven? Dannell Ellerbe.. So it can be done. I say get him as close to 240 as we can like Ellerbe. I would say trade up to mid 3rd for him unless Ozzie felt confident he would be there at the end of the 3rd.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='ClintLB8' timestamp='1365745587' post='1431484']


I would prefer he gained weight and became an every down. You know else who was listed as exactly 6-1 228 their first year as a Raven? Dannell Ellerbe.. So it can be done. I say get him as close to 240 as we can like Ellerbe. I would say trade up to mid 3rd for him unless Ozzie felt confident he would be there at the end of the 3rd.
[/quote]

I like it.

[Tyler]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1365726733' post='1431216']
We might have a lot of linebackers, but how many quality linebackers do we have? I'd say we only have three that are capable of starting, and all three of them are flawed.
[/quote]

To be fair to this team, when is the last time the Ravens drafted a middle linebacker not named Ray Lewis in the first round? This team has been a Linebacker factory for so long now. Bart Scott, Jameel McClain, and Dannell Ellerbe have all been Solid Starters as UDFA. I really like Josh Bynes. Rolando wasn't playing in a 3-4 in Oakland, and besides, I can't think of a recent Raiders pick that has panned out to his potential. It's sad how bad of an organization they are. My point is, I don't see the need to draft ILB in the first round because unless he is a future superstar, you can find serviceable guys that are a dime a dozen.

[Gordo52]

So we got a guy coming off serious spinal issues.

Another guy who is a ? At this point whose only signed through next season.

A former DL that's attempting to transition too ilb.

And another guy, who grim said only played 1 game vs the 9ers at ilb.

I still think drafting a fast, athletic ILB is a need. Brown is obviously the favorite, and even though I see bust potential in Olgetree, I'm starting to warm up to the idea if he's there at 32.

[Ravens Lover]

Defensivelly I think we are at least just as good as last year and probablly better, I like the Mcclain signing because he is young and still has his whole carreer before him, the only potential problem I see is that since we have no more Ray and Reed to keep guys in line that his off the field issues could become a problem, but Harbaugh is all about character and wont except any crap from players so I think he'll be ok

[Blackbirds Rule]

If the season started today I think Rolondo McClain and Albert McClellan would start at LB. Josh Bynes and Nigel Carr are back ups. Jameel McClain I anticipate IR or being cut. We need two ILB's in the draft. If Brown falls to us we take him. If he doesn't we'll draft two of the following Nico, Klein, Bostic, Vince Williams , and Pough. Most of these guys will be available rounds 3-6. If we don't get Brown I hope we get Klein. They are two really good coverage LB's. We could use the addiitonal speed in our LB group. Nico, Bostic, or Vince could all replace Rolando if we didn't resign him after the year.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Tyler' timestamp='1365760089' post='1431525']
To be fair to this team, when is the last time the Ravens drafted a middle linebacker not named Ray Lewis in the first round? This team has been a Linebacker factory for so long now. Bart Scott, Jameel McClain, and Dannell Ellerbe have all been Solid Starters as UDFA. I really like Josh Bynes. Rolando wasn't playing in a 3-4 in Oakland, and besides, I can't think of a recent Raiders pick that has panned out to his potential. It's sad how bad of an organization they are. My point is, I don't see the need to draft ILB in the first round because unless he is a future superstar, you can find serviceable guys that are a dime a dozen.
[/quote]

I agree, but I don't even know id Bynes, Carr, and the other unheard of linebacker are quality. I don't know if Hall will be a good ILB. McClain is serviceable, as is McClellan, but both of them are hugely flawed. McClellan doesn't cover, and McClain is bad in coverage and against the run. I expect him to be even worse against the run after his spinal injury. I'm really hoping Rolando plays to his potential.

I don't want to draft a first round ILB. Never really wanted to. I'm just saying that we don't have many starting quality players at the position.

[Ravenslifer]

I don't see ILB as a first round need. If Arthur Brown is there, he's going to be a Raven with what I believe will be a slide inside to ILB. But Minter and Te'O, I don't see it - I think we could draft an Elam or DeAndre Hopkins, then get Kiko Alonso or Kevin Reddick in the 2nd-3rd rounds. With Rolando signing, ILB is much less of a need to me - he's really talented. But we really don't have a speedy coverage linebacker that I feel can effectively match up with tight ends, which Arthur Brown can do.

[Blackbirds Rule]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1365777984' post='1431626']
I don't see ILB as a first round need. If Arthur Brown is there, he's going to be a Raven with what I believe will be a slide inside to ILB. But Minter and Te'O, I don't see it - I think we could draft an Elam or DeAndre Hopkins, then get Kiko Alonso or Kevin Reddick in the 2nd-3rd rounds. With Rolando signing, ILB is much less of a need to me - he's really talented. But we really don't have a speedy coverage linebacker that I feel can effectively match up with tight ends, which Arthur Brown can do.
[/quote]

Besides Brown, Ogletree, and Klein who are the other good coverage ILB's in the draft?

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='Blackbirds Rule' timestamp='1365779317' post='1431652']
Besides Brown, Ogletree, and Klein who are the other good coverage ILB's in the draft?
[/quote]

That's what I'm saying - there really aren't any. So if we can't get our hands on Brown or Ogletree, I don't see why we'd draft Minter or Te'O with our first round pick. So if the OP's question is whether ILB is such a big need, I'd say no it really isn't.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Blackbirds Rule' timestamp='1365779317' post='1431652']


Besides Brown, Ogletree, and Klein who are the other good coverage ILB's in the draft?
[/quote]
Kiko Alonso 6'3" LB from Oregon.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1365779597' post='1431656']


That's what I'm saying - there really aren't any. So if we can't get our hands on Brown or Ogletree, I don't see why we'd draft Minter or Te'O with our first round pick. So if the OP's question is whether ILB is such a big need, I'd say no it really isn't.
[/quote]
Manti Te'o is actually good in coverage--zone coverage. It is man coverage where he struggles but there are very very few LBs who are good in man.