Anyone else tired of hearing "The Ravens have lost too many pieces"?

[Rav'n Maniac]

Strength of schedule is a misleading "stat" and I put zero stock into it. If you really think all of the 32 team's records are going to add up exactly the same in '13 as they did in '12 you are sorely mistakened. All it is is a gauge of the previous year applied to a season that hasn't even occured yet. Citing strength of schedule does not diminish omar's opinion one bit.

 

 

Thid official sos is complete garbage. No even worth mentioning. You need to look at how many and where and when (as in days rest and back to back etc)you face elite qbs. This scherdule is far and away much easier than last years was.

 

It's overrated, I'll give you that. But it still matters. The Broncos won 11 straight games, but 9 were against teams that didn't even make the playoffs. If they played 6 playoff teams in that stretch, how would they have done? I know how a team fluctuates year in and year out, but a team that's great one year will probably still be good the next. Not a definite answer, but probably. And facing tough teams or far-away ones home or away has the potential to change the outcome. 

I agree that SOS is not the end all , be all. It still plays a part. My reference to it was to point out that there are other teams we face that will give us good games and that you can't discredit them because we beat them in the past. We own no team and for Omar to suggest that is the case is just not true.

[Corvus]

I agree that SOS is not the end all , be all. It still plays a part. My reference to it was to point out that there are other teams we face that will give us good games and that you can't discredit them because we beat them in the past. We own no team and for Omar to suggest that is the case is just not true.

I agree and I wasn't trying to pick on your post, I actually agree with you moreso than Omar. It was just that was your the only rebuttal you focused on when you quoted him. All of the AFC North games are tough for all 4 teams and there certainly isn't a "gimme" for any of them within the division. But that's also the reason why half of our division makes the playoffs every year, tough inter-divisional games while the Pats for example breeze through the AFC East. SOS is a decent gauge of how things MIGHT turn out the next year, but that is a huge might and thats about where it ends its usefulness.

[Ravensfan23]

I agree wholeheartedly. 

 

I'm glad you mentioned Spagnuolo. I think he will be a very big addition to this team, because I think we're going to run more 4-3 looks & formations than we ever have. 

 

I can definitely see that. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Ravens transition into more of a 4-3 now that Ray is gone. I think the respect for Ray kept Harbs from changing a few things. This defense was proven for about 7-8 years since Nolan brought that 3-4 scheme in and there wasn't much need to change it.

 

However when I think about Harbs being sort of a defensive guy under the late great Jim Johnson in Philly, it was a 4-3 defense. When you look at the success Pees had in NE, he was running a 4-3. Then you add Spagz who basically built his name off the success his front 4 had against Brady in the SB. He was able to get great pressure with his 4-3 defense

 

We have players who can operate well in both so I still see a hybrid type defense, just a lot more 4-3 as you said. Which honestly Pees tried to do last year anyway.

[Ravensfan23]

I completely agree OP and you didn't even mention Elam being an upgrade over Pollard.

 

 

Agreed. I'd really like to see more versatility next year with the defense running a lot of 4-3 looks. I'd like to see Pees experiment with the defensive front the Seahawks tend to use. Three big down lineman: Ngata, Canty, Williams with a faster, pass rusher specialist playing RDE/LEO which is where Suggs, Dumervil, and McPhee would play. The linebacker corps would have Brown at WLB, Bynes at MLB, and Upshaw/Simon at SLB... I also really like Spencer Adkins potential there too. Complete depth chart:

 

RDE - Terrell Suggs / Elvis Dumervil / Pernell McPhee
NT - Brandon Williams / Terrence Cody

UT - Chris Canty / Arthur Jones / DeAngelo Tyson

LDE - Haloti Ngata / Marcus Spears / Kapron Lewis-Moore

SLB - Courtney Upshaw / John Simon / Spencer Adkins

MLB - Josh Bynes / Jameel McClain
WLB - Arthur Brown

 

 

McClellan could then be our utility player and sub in at each of the LBers spots.

 

Canty and Ngata could switch places a lot, with their versatility to play both positions, to keep the offensive line confused and unsure which will line up where.

 

Don't leave out Nigel Carr. I think that guy has a world of potential especially if you're talking about a 4-3. I really think both he and Bynes step up big this year. Most of his impact will be on ST, but I think he could definitely see time at LB.

[rmw10]

Don't leave out Nigel Carr. I think that guy has a world of potential especially if you're talking about a 4-3. I really think both he and Bynes step up big this year. Most of his impact will be on ST, but I think he could definitely see time at LB.

 

I'm not sure there's room for someone like Carr, even though I do like him.  Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, Simon, and McPhee (if it's a permanent switch) are penciled in at OLB.  Brown, McClain (if healthy, which all signs are pointing to yes), Bynes, and McClellan are pretty much in at ILB.  That's 9 guys right there.  No way we can keep 10.

[Ravensfan23]

I'm not sure there's room for someone like Carr, even though I do like him.  Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, Simon, and McPhee (if it's a permanent switch) are penciled in at OLB.  Brown, McClain (if healthy, which all signs are pointing to yes), Bynes, and McClellan are pretty much in at ILB.  That's 9 guys right there.  No way we can keep 10.

 

If history says anything about Harbs is that he wants guys to compete and he's not afriad to give guys a shot. I would cation anyone to label Simon, Bynes and McClellan locks for anything.

 

To be clear, I like all those guys and do think there is a place for them, but if Carr continues to show the potential he has and plays well in PS I think a spot will be founded for him.

 

McClellan is a guy I like, but I'm not so sure he's not the odd man out. His best role should be as a OLB, but that position is loaded with guys that the Ravens went out of targeted. He's still learning the ILB position. Could he be a Jameel McClain? sure but I think he's actually in a tough position. Again I feel his best/strongest position is at DE/OLB. But look at how crowded that position is. We have the names you mentioned above. Then you add the young talent of Hamilton, Bryant, Copeland and McAdoo. If you're looking at him becoming a full time ILB, it might be a easier path for him. But I don't think he's shown enough to say that if guys like Carr, Bynes or Spencer outplay him that he's still safe. Hell the Ravens are talking about moving Hall to ILBer so he'll be apart of the competition as well. Much like the WR position, I think the ILB position battle will be wide open. Whoever wins will definitely earn it. 

[rmw10]

If history says anything about Harbs is that he wants guys to compete and he's not afriad to give guys a shot. I would cation anyone to label Simon, Bynes and McClellan locks for anything.

 

To be clear, I like all those guys and do think there is a place for them, but if Carr continues to show the potential he has and plays well in PS I think a spot will be founded for him.

 

McClellan is a guy I like, but I'm not so sure he's not the odd man out. His best role should be as a OLB, but that position is loaded with guys that the Ravens went out of targeted. He's still learning the ILB position. Could he be a Jameel McClain? sure but I think he's actually in a tough position. Again I feel his best/strongest position is at DE/OLB. But look at how crowded that position is. We have the names you mentioned above. Then you add the young talent of Hamilton, Bryant, Copeland and McAdoo. If you're looking at him becoming a full time ILB, it might be a easier path for him. But I don't think he's shown enough to say that if guys like Carr, Bynes or Spencer outplay him that he's still safe. Hell the Ravens are talking about moving Hall to ILBer so he'll be apart of the competition as well. Much like the WR position, I think the ILB position battle will be wide open. Whoever wins will definitely earn it. 

 

I mean, it's definitely possible, but I just can't see it happening.  Simon as a 4th round pick is a lock, and Bynes' play last year earned him a spot.  I agree that McClellan could be that odd man out, but his value comes in his versatility and ST ability, something that Carr hasn't shown to this point.  Could he become a ST stalwart this year?  Absolutely.  I just think McClellan has the edge based on experience.  I'm just convinced that if they liked Carr that much, he would have been on the team at some point with all of our injuries.  Instead of promoting Carr, we promoted Hamilton and moved McClellan inside.  Now, this isn't the end of Carr, but I do think it shows a lot.  It's a really crowded competition for the 8 or 9 spots at LB.  I honestly feel that the only way someone like Carr, Hamilton, etc. earns a spot is if McPhee isn't a permanent OLB, which is completely unclear right now.

[GrimCoconut]

If history says anything about Harbs is that he wants guys to compete and he's not afriad to give guys a shot. I would cation anyone to label Simon, Bynes and McClellan locks for anything.

 

To be clear, I like all those guys and do think there is a place for them, but if Carr continues to show the potential he has and plays well in PS I think a spot will be founded for him.

 

McClellan is a guy I like, but I'm not so sure he's not the odd man out. His best role should be as a OLB, but that position is loaded with guys that the Ravens went out of targeted. He's still learning the ILB position. Could he be a Jameel McClain? sure but I think he's actually in a tough position. Again I feel his best/strongest position is at DE/OLB. But look at how crowded that position is. We have the names you mentioned above. Then you add the young talent of Hamilton, Bryant, Copeland and McAdoo. If you're looking at him becoming a full time ILB, it might be a easier path for him. But I don't think he's shown enough to say that if guys like Carr, Bynes or Spencer outplay him that he's still safe. Hell the Ravens are talking about moving Hall to ILBer so he'll be apart of the competition as well. Much like the WR position, I think the ILB position battle will be wide open. Whoever wins will definitely earn it. 

This is what I love about Harbaugh--he makes guys earn it. He makes them sweat for it and bleed for it. The only guys he has ever outright given the job are probably Suggs, Ngata, Ray Lewis & Ed Reed. Those guys, however, are/were excellent players and the reasons for their automatic position is well-warranted due to the roster & what they brought to the game. 

 

I agree with you--Nigel Carr is a sleeper. He could go on the PS, which would be nice as well. We could always bring him up from the PS if a guy goes down with an injury, which is beneficial.  Same thing with Hall, of whom I am excited to see after how he performed last year in preseason at ILB. 

[GrimCoconut]

I mean, it's definitely possible, but I just can't see it happening.  Simon as a 4th round pick is a lock, and Bynes' play last year earned him a spot.  I agree that McClellan could be that odd man out, but his value comes in his versatility and ST ability, something that Carr hasn't shown to this point.  Could he become a ST stalwart this year?  Absolutely.  I just think McClellan has the edge based on experience.  I'm just convinced that if they liked Carr that much, he would have been on the team at some point with all of our injuries.  Instead of promoting Carr, we promoted Hamilton and moved McClellan inside.  Now, this isn't the end of Carr, but I do think it shows a lot.  It's a really crowded competition for the 8 or 9 spots at LB.  I honestly feel that the only way someone like Carr, Hamilton, etc. earns a spot is if McPhee isn't a permanent OLB, which is completely unclear right now.

I believe McClellan & Bynes make the roster as well, because the Ravens have highly touted those two prospects from what I've heard from sources in the media. Not private sources, mind you. Just things I've heard on the radio & in various articles I've read. Simon, while I like him a lot, could be a guy who gets an injury. You never know who may get injured during camp, legitimately or not. Lol. 

 

I like Carr as an inside blitzer. I think he could do very well there. 

[Alexir]

I laugh at this.

We only got better. Much much better.


Boldin will be missed but he wasn't Megayron for us, he was a role player.

Juice, Pitta, Doss and Thompson can fill that void.

[rmw10]

I believe McClellan & Bynes make the roster as well, because the Ravens have highly touted those two prospects from what I've heard from sources in the media. Not private sources, mind you. Just things I've heard on the radio & in various articles I've read. Simon, while I like him a lot, could be a guy who gets an injury. You never know who may get injured during camp, legitimately or not. Lol. 

 

I like Carr as an inside blitzer. I think he could do very well there. 

 

Oh yeah there's definitely a long way to go before we know.  However, if Simon does end up as an "IR" guy, that would mean another OLB makes the team.  I honestly feel that Brown, McClain, Bynes, and McClellan will be on the roster.  I think Carr may only make the roster based on the decision on whether we carry 8 or 9 LBs total.

[Ravensfan23]

I mean, it's definitely possible, but I just can't see it happening.  Simon as a 4th round pick is a lock, and Bynes' play last year earned him a spot.  I agree that McClellan could be that odd man out, but his value comes in his versatility and ST ability, something that Carr hasn't shown to this point.  Could he become a ST stalwart this year?  Absolutely.  I just think McClellan has the edge based on experience.  I'm just convinced that if they liked Carr that much, he would have been on the team at some point with all of our injuries.  Instead of promoting Carr, we promoted Hamilton and moved McClellan inside.  Now, this isn't the end of Carr, but I do think it shows a lot.  It's a really crowded competition for the 8 or 9 spots at LB.  I honestly feel that the only way someone like Carr, Hamilton, etc. earns a spot is if McPhee isn't a permanent OLB, which is completely unclear right now.

 

You can't take what happened last year as a indication of what will happen this year. If because he didn't play last year doesn't mean that he hasn't developed to the point where they see value in him this year. By that same thought It could be said that McClellan didn't impress at the OLB position with Suggs out last year so that proves he's not worthy. But both you and I know that's not the case.

 

Also, just because Simon's is a 4th round pick doesn't mean he'll make the 53. He's was a hand in the dirt DE in college, if he struggles to adjust to standing up, he'll probably be placed on IR with some type of injury. So you can't just call him a lock because he was drafted in the 4th round. Will he be cut? of course not, that's just foolish. But he'll still have to compete for reps. Harbs won't just hand him a spot because he was drafted. But I agree that in the grand scope of things he's a lock to make the team.

 

I'm not saying McClellan doesn't have a early edge right now. He performed relatively well when asked to last season so he should. Nor am I saying that Nigel Carr is the next Bart Scott or UDFA to make a splash. I just don't think right now the coaches especially Harbs is thinking that anyone outside McClain if 100% is a lock at ILB. Brown is gonna be limited in the early part of TC because they're not gonna push him too hard coming off that surgery. So he probably won't start being full go until maybe the 2nd preseason game. Can you honestly say if Carr or anyone else has a strong TC and has an impressive preseason, outplaying McClellan, that you could see Harbs saying.....we're gonna cut that guy and hold onto McClellan? Remember many of us fans thought that Ellerbe was a lock to start in 2010, but McClain outworked him and became the starter. So I strongly beleive McClellan will have to compete and fight just as hard as anyone else.

 

I don't wanna sound like i'm bashing McClellan, but guys like him seem to come a dime a dozen for the Ravens. Hybrid type pass rusher who the Ravens like to move around the defense and expect to play ST. While his versatility is great, it doesn't really cause him to stand out. Hell John Simon could push him off the roster or McClellan could be the next ST Ace and bring something extra to the defense. I don't know, I'm just excited to see all these young guys compete.

[rmw10]

You can't take what happened last year as a indication of what will happen this year. If because he didn't play last year doesn't mean that he hasn't developed to the point where they see value in him this year. By that same thought It could be said that McClellan didn't impress at the OLB position with Suggs out last year so that proves he's not worthy. But both you and I know that's not the case.

 

Also, just because Simon's is a 4th round pick doesn't mean he'll make the 53. He's was a hand in the dirt DE in college, if he struggles to adjust to standing up, he'll probably be placed on IR with some type of injury. So you can't just call him a lock because he was drafted in the 4th round. Will he be cut? of course not, that's just foolish. But he'll still have to compete for reps. Harbs won't just hand him a spot because he was drafted. But I agree that in the grand scope of things he's a lock to make the team.

 

I'm not saying McClellan doesn't have a early edge right now. He performed relatively well when asked to last season so he should. Nor am I saying that Nigel Carr is the next Bart Scott or UDFA to make a splash. I just don't think right now the coaches especially Harbs is thinking that anyone outside McClain if 100% is a lock at ILB. Brown is gonna be limited in the early part of TC because they're not gonna push him too hard coming off that surgery. So he probably won't start being full go until maybe the 2nd preseason game. Can you honestly say if Carr or anyone else has a strong TC and has an impressive preseason, outplaying McClellan, that you could see Harbs saying.....we're gonna cut that guy and hold onto McClellan? Remember many of us fans thought that Ellerbe was a lock to start in 2010, but McClain outworked him and became the starter. So I strongly beleive McClellan will have to compete and fight just as hard as anyone else.

 

I don't wanna sound like i'm bashing McClellan, but guys like him seem to come a dime a dozen for the Ravens. Hybrid type pass rusher who the Ravens like to move around the defense and expect to play ST. While his versatility is great, it doesn't really cause him to stand out. Hell John Simon could push him off the roster or McClellan could be the next ST Ace and bring something extra to the defense. I don't know, I'm just excited to see all these young guys compete.

 

Without getting too in depth here, I do agree with most of your points.  I do think Carr could make the team, but I view it as highly unlikely.  If Simon does end up on "IR" that would open up a spot for someone like Hamilton or McAdoo most likely.  Like you said, that last ILB spot comes down to McClellan and Carr.  The Ravens have made it known that they like McClellan, and I think he has the edge based on versatility, ST ability, experience, and the fact that Carr still has PS eligibility.  I'm not discounting the possibility, but I do view it as unlikely.

[Ravensfan23]

This is what I love about Harbaugh--he makes guys earn it. He makes them sweat for it and bleed for it. The only guys he has ever outright given the job are probably Suggs, Ngata, Ray Lewis & Ed Reed. Those guys, however, are/were excellent players and the reasons for their automatic position is well-warranted due to the roster & what they brought to the game. 

 

I agree with you--Nigel Carr is a sleeper. He could go on the PS, which would be nice as well. We could always bring him up from the PS if a guy goes down with an injury, which is beneficial.  Same thing with Hall, of whom I am excited to see after how he performed last year in preseason at ILB. 

 

Yea I love that about Harbs. Compete, there is no other way. Jimmy Smith came in as the 1st round pick and many of us though he was gonna be a shut down guy, even early on. Harbs said young man compete and show it first. Even though he's had to battle injury, we still thought last year he was gonna take over that starting job. Cary Williams out played him in practice and preseason and Harbs didn't give Jimmy a thing. Even now I think he'll have to earn that spot away from Corey Graham. That's exactly why I think Jimmy is gonna be a stud, because he's been humbled in his first 2 seasons. All that talk of being better then Aso coming in as a rookie might have given him a big head. Harbs and the NFL humbled him fast and I think he has the character to bounce back and use it as fuel.

 

Yes I was impressed with Hall in the preseason as well. I remember Rex would allow Buddy Lee and Ngata to stand up for a couple plays a game to confuse the offense and I thought that's what was happening with Hall. Then I saw him come back out the next series and was like, what?????? Even as an undersized DT he moved well at ILB. So I can't wait to see what he can do after working hard to get back into a ILB's body.

 

Going back to Harbs making guys compete. I think they'll be a strong battle at FB and Harbs wouldn't hesitate to part ways with Leach if Juice proved worthy. I think if Peirce continues to play well he'll take a lot of touches from Rice. Especially in games where the Ravens wanna play smash mouth football to close games out. Ihedigbo and Elam will have a strong battle imo. I think Chykie Brown could find himself in that nickleback role making it tougher for either Graham or Jimmy. Those are some battles that won't get as much pub as the WR and Center battle, but they'll be fun to keep eye on imo.

[GrimCoconut]

Yea I love that about Harbs. Compete, there is no other way. Jimmy Smith came in as the 1st round pick and many of us though he was gonna be a shut down guy, even early on. Harbs said young man compete and show it first. Even though he's had to battle injury, we still thought last year he was gonna take over that starting job. Cary Williams out played him in practice and preseason and Harbs didn't give Jimmy a thing. Even now I think he'll have to earn that spot away from Corey Graham. That's exactly why I think Jimmy is gonna be a stud, because he's been humbled in his first 2 seasons. All that talk of being better then Aso coming in as a rookie might have given him a big head. Harbs and the NFL humbled him fast and I think he has the character to bounce back and use it as fuel.

 

Yes I was impressed with Hall in the preseason as well. I remember Rex would allow Buddy Lee and Ngata to stand up for a couple plays a game to confuse the offense and I thought that's what was happening with Hall. Then I saw him come back out the next series and was like, what?????? Even as an undersized DT he moved well at ILB. So I can't wait to see what he can do after working hard to get back into a ILB's body.

 

Going back to Harbs making guys compete. I think they'll be a strong battle at FB and Harbs wouldn't hesitate to part ways with Leach if Juice proved worthy. I think if Peirce continues to play well he'll take a lot of touches from Rice. Especially in games where the Ravens wanna play smash mouth football to close games out. Ihedigbo and Elam will have a strong battle imo. I think Chykie Brown could find himself in that nickleback role making it tougher for either Graham or Jimmy. Those are some battles that won't get as much pub as the WR and Center battle, but they'll be fun to keep eye on imo.

That's possible, but I think it would be a bit dirty. FB isn't exactly a highly desired position anymore, and it could leave Leach without a job this late in the year, even if he is a beast. I'd rather we keep him, to be honest. I'd feel bad morally if we cut Leach now. 

[rmw10]

That's possible, but I think it would be a bit dirty. FB isn't exactly a highly desired position anymore, and it could leave Leach without a job this late in the year, even if he is a beast. I'd rather we keep him, to be honest. I'd feel bad morally if we cut Leach now. 

 

I agree.  I don't see Leach being cut at this point.  We've always been an organization that prides itself on cutting guys early to allow them to have plenty of time to find a job.  The only possible way I see Leach being cut is if some big name player gets cut, and I don't see that happening.

[Ravensfan23]

Without getting too in depth here, I do agree with most of your points.  I do think Carr could make the team, but I view it as highly unlikely.  If Simon does end up on "IR" that would open up a spot for someone like Hamilton or McAdoo most likely.  Like you said, that last ILB spot comes down to McClellan and Carr.  The Ravens have made it known that they like McClellan, and I think he has the edge based on versatility, ST ability, experience, and the fact that Carr still has PS eligibility.  I'm not discounting the possibility, but I do view it as unlikely.

 

Oh we don't disagree at all. I actually view it as unlikely Carr makes it too, unless he just flat out balls in the preseason. That's what I think will happen. I just think the possibilities of what could happen with this young defense are endless. We as fans are so used to our defense being set. But this year so many young guys could flash and show worth.

 

Yea the PS will be huge for the Ravens this year because everyone can't make the 53. Hamilton, McAdoo and Bryant have some serious pass rush ability. If they stay healthy those guys might dominate the 2nd half of preseason games, making it tough for the coaches to part ways with them. It should be fun

[rmw10]

Oh we don't disagree at all. I actually view it as unlikely Carr makes it too, unless he just flat out balls in the preseason. That's what I think will happen. I just think the possibilities of what could happen with this young defense are endless. We as fans are so used to our defense being set. But this year so many young guys could flash and show worth.

 

Yea the PS will be huge for the Ravens this year because everyone can't make the 53. Hamilton, McAdoo and Bryant have some serious pass rush ability. If they stay healthy those guys might dominate the 2nd half of preseason games, making it tough for the coaches to part ways with them. It should be fun

 

I think even if someone like Carr has a killer preseason, he might still be cut.  It just seems to happen every year.  In 2011, Bynes was almost a sure bet to make the team around here.  In the end, we cut him and didn't even sign him onto the PS until a few weeks into the season.  Last year, Omar Brown was phenomenal, but we cut him, signed him to the PS, cut him from there, and eventually, he ended up playing a couple of games for us.  While Rainey made the team based on his performance, he was cut and never played a down, although he had a brief stint on the active roster.  It even happened to Carr last year, where he played really well, but got cut and sat on the open market for weeks.

 

I just never know what to think/expect from this FO anymore, but I do trust them!

[Ravensfan23]

That's possible, but I think it would be a bit dirty. FB isn't exactly a highly desired position anymore, and it could leave Leach without a job this late in the year, even if he is a beast. I'd rather we keep him, to be honest. I'd feel bad morally if we cut Leach now. 

 

Oh i'd rather keep him as well, but as we are consistently reminded...The NFL is a Business. Leach has a high price tag for a FB and probably isn't in the long term plans for the offense. If you could swing a trade and get something in return I think Ozzie would take it. Only if Juice proves to be a stud. Ultimately I think we keep both guys and have Juice listed as the 3rd TE/HB. But what if one of the young guys prove to be a asset as a 3rd TE, then what do we do?

[Ravensfan23]

I agree.  I don't see Leach being cut at this point.  We've always been an organization that prides itself on cutting guys early to allow them to have plenty of time to find a job.  The only possible way I see Leach being cut is if some big name player gets cut, and I don't see that happening.

 

The thing about that is, you just don't know what you have behind Leach at this point. That's why I said Juice would have to prove to be a guy who you beleive can handle that position. So right now you can't cut Leach. But if after 3 or 4 week of camp, Juice is playing well and he's bringing a level of versatility to the offense that Leach is just not capable of bringing. I could definitely see them parting with Leach. Again don't think it will happen but definitely possible.

[GrimCoconut]

I think a guy going very unnoticed is Will Pericak from Colorado, who played DT but once played LB as well. Watch out for him. He's very talented. 

 

I'm not saying this because of the article. He's a very good player.

[Ravensfan23]

I think even if someone like Carr has a killer preseason, he might still be cut.  It just seems to happen every year.  In 2011, Bynes was almost a sure bet to make the team around here.  In the end, we cut him and didn't even sign him onto the PS until a few weeks into the season.  Last year, Omar Brown was phenomenal, but we cut him, signed him to the PS, cut him from there, and eventually, he ended up playing a couple of games for us.  While Rainey made the team based on his performance, he was cut and never played a down, although he had a brief stint on the active roster.  It even happened to Carr last year, where he played really well, but got cut and sat on the open market for weeks.

 

I just never know what to think/expect from this FO anymore, but I do trust them!

 

great point. They definitely have a better pluse on what these guys can do more so then we do. The only difference i would say about this year is that there aren't many locks at the ILB position. Just McClain and Brown imo. Last year it was Ray, McClain, Ellerbe and B.A with McClellan capable of playing their in a pinch. So that was basically 5 guys who not only made the 53, but made the 45 basically every game. So now we got McClain and Brown as basically locks, we both think Bynes has a great chance of making the team(I actually think he'll start) and you think McClellan is safe. So that's about 1 or 2 spots open at ILB, if the same amount are kept as last year.

[Ravensfan23]

I think a guy going very unnoticed is Will Pericak from Colorado, who played DT but once played LB as well. Watch out for him. He's very talented. 

 

I'm not saying this because of the article. He's a very good player.

 

I'll be keeping an eye on Brandon Copeland. I think he's similar to Upshaw in that the Ravens will be able to move him around the defense. He was a DE in college but the coaches have already told him they see him as a MLB. The guy is a powerhouse and his pro day numbers suggest he's very athletic and explosive. I'll definitely be keeping a eye on him.

 

Back to Upshaw real quick, I think he might end up being the most impactful player on our defense this year. Pees will be able to create so many matchups with moving him around. His stats might not reflect it, but if you're lining him up at DE with Doom outside of him. That'll give Doom the matchup of a TE or RB. If the OT kicks out because of the threat of Doom, that gives Upshaw a much better matchup. Or you could have Upshaw and McPhee inside with Suggs and Doom rushing outside in obvious passing down.

[GrimCoconut]

great point. They definitely have a better pluse on what these guys can do more so then we do. The only difference i would say about this year is that there aren't many locks at the ILB position. Just McClain and Brown imo. Last year it was Ray, McClain, Ellerbe and B.A with McClellan capable of playing their in a pinch. So that was basically 5 guys who not only made the 53, but made the 45 basically every game. So now we got McClain and Brown as basically locks, we both think Bynes has a great chance of making the team(I actually think he'll start) and you think McClellan is safe. So that's about 1 or 2 spots open at ILB, if the same amount are kept as last year.

I don't think Jameel McClain is a lock at all. He reminds me of Chris Carr, actually. I have said this before. I'm not a fan of Jameel McClain. Not at all. I was disappointed we signed him and for the price we did, though I suppose the price wasn't that bad. I do remember saying I felt like we would regret the signing because he would turn out to be a Chris Carr re-signing. I hate to say I told anyone so, so I won't. The book is yet written on him as well.

 

With all that said, I think he begins on PUP to rehab, and we'll see where we go with him after that--whether Active, PUP, IR, or injury settlement. I can see Carr, Brown, McClellan, & Bynes making it ahead of him, though. 

[GrimCoconut]

I'll be keeping an eye on Brandon Copeland. I think he's similar to Upshaw in that the Ravens will be able to move him around the defense. He was a DE in college but the coaches have already told him they see him as a MLB. The guy is a powerhouse and his pro day numbers suggest he's very athletic and explosive. I'll definitely be keeping a eye on him.

 

Back to Upshaw real quick, I think he might end up being the most impactful player on our defense this year. Pees will be able to create so many matchups with moving him around. His stats might not reflect it, but if you're lining him up at DE with Doom outside of him. That'll give Doom the matchup of a TE or RB. If the OT kicks out because of the threat of Doom, that gives Upshaw a much better matchup. Or you could have Upshaw and McPhee inside with Suggs and Doom rushing outside in obvious passing down.

I agree as well. Copeland has taken snaps at the MIKE in rookie camp, IIRC. I remember reading that somewhere. I could see another Albert McClellan deal where he plays between both positions & on ST.

 

When did the coaches say they saw him as a MLB? I don't remember that. Not that it hasn't been said. I just don't recall reading it.

[rmw10]

great point. They definitely have a better pluse on what these guys can do more so then we do. The only difference i would say about this year is that there aren't many locks at the ILB position. Just McClain and Brown imo. Last year it was Ray, McClain, Ellerbe and B.A with McClellan capable of playing their in a pinch. So that was basically 5 guys who not only made the 53, but made the 45 basically every game. So now we got McClain and Brown as basically locks, we both think Bynes has a great chance of making the team(I actually think he'll start) and you think McClellan is safe. So that's about 1 or 2 spots open at ILB, if the same amount are kept as last year.

 

The Ravens are very good at finding a way to keep a good player around without giving him a roster spot.  If you look at all of the guys that got cut that exceeded expectations in preseason, the primary reason is ST.  A lot of these guys get some work on the PS and eventually find some time with the team because they improve in the ST aspect.  It always seems that those final 3 spots come down to whether or not that player can play ST.

[rmw10]

I agree as well. Copeland has taken snaps at the MIKE in rookie camp, IIRC. I remember reading that somewhere. I could see another Albert McClellan deal where he plays between both positions & on ST.

 

When did the coaches say they saw him as a MLB? I don't remember that. Not that it hasn't been said. I just don't recall reading it.

 

He's been working at ILB primarily in OTAs, I heard.  Should be an interesting year, although I'm not impressed with the immediate future of most of our UDFAs.  I love the long-term potential, though.

[GrimCoconut]

He's been working at ILB primarily in OTAs, I heard. Should be an interesting year, although I'm not impressed with the immediate future of most of our UDFAs. I love the long-term potential, though.

I wouldn't be surprised if one of our UDFAs makes the team as an ILB. Copeland makes a ton of sense to me especially after what you and 23 told me. I think Will Pericak has a chance to make it as well.

I honestly think we could see the end of Rainey unless Allen loses the job, which I find possible though admittedly not likely.

[rmw10]

I wouldn't be surprised if one of our UDFAs makes the team as an ILB. Copeland makes a ton of sense to me especially after what you and 23 told me. I think Will Pericak has a chance to make it as well.

I honestly think we could see the end of Rainey unless Allen loses the job, which I find possible though admittedly not likely.

 

Yeah Copeland is one I really think has a legitimate chance, as well as Furstenburg.  I'd rather have Copeland over Carr, since he happened to be a pretty big discussion in this thread.  Pericak is one of those that I really like, but may fall victim to a numbers game.  That's the case with a lot of my favorite UDFAs.  I really like what they offer, but they just happen to be stuck in some very deep competitions, such as our 3 OL signings.  I agree about Rainey.  I think Berry might even be above him,

[Ravensfan23]

I don't think Jameel McClain is a lock at all. He reminds me of Chris Carr, actually. I have said this before. I'm not a fan of Jameel McClain. Not at all. I was disappointed we signed him and for the price we did, though I suppose the price wasn't that bad. I do remember saying I felt like we would regret the signing because he would turn out to be a Chris Carr re-signing. I hate to say I told anyone so, so I won't. The book is yet written on him as well.

 

With all that said, I think he begins on PUP to rehab, and we'll see where we go with him after that--whether Active, PUP, IR, or injury settlement. I can see Carr, Brown, McClellan, & Bynes making it ahead of him, though. 

 

I'm not the biggest McClain fan either but he's the only ILB on the roster with true starting experience. The biggest benefit the Ravens had in the middle in years past was Ray's experience. With Ray knowing the defense you could have young guys breaking into the NFL next to him and not worry about it. However with Ray gone, I can't see a starting combo of Bynes and Brown starting early. I think those two guys will be the starters eventually but not from day one.

 

Bynes has a limited experience calling the defense but when you have such turn over on defense you want some type of continuity in the middle because that's the QB of your defense. Huff, Elam, Ihedigbo nor Thompson or Brown will be able to cover for defensive calls early on like a Ed Reed would havev been. Maybe Ihedigbo because he was here last year. But a lot is gonna fall on the shoulders of the ILB early in the season until the defense really starts to get comfortable with one another. I think McClain is better suited to handle that early. But of course if a guy like Bynes proves up to that task, I could see him starting from day one.

 

As for the injury, I don't see McClain think he'll miss much time at all. I'm actually more concerned about Brown's injury then McClain.