"Who Stays and Who Goes?" - Wide Receiver Edition

[Gordo52]

Uncertainty or not, 8 WRs is a lot. When it's all said and done at least one of these young guys will be cut.

I said (which I'm sure of) lol. I'm just confused about PS and IR work regarding this thread and in real life. Is this thread just about WR's making just the final 53, or does it also include WR's who make PS & TC?
I'm just confused and other than that, this is a tough prediction. Especially when I'm unsure about some stuff.

[Gordo52]

Never mind thanks for clearing that up

[beanfigger]

For me, I think the first four on the list are safe bets to make the team, and the top 3 are pretty much guaranteed as long as health and our roster (meaning no big FA signings) remain relatively unchanged throughout the rest of the offseason.  I voted Mellette in just because I want him to have a real chance to show what he can do.  I picked Reed for the final spot over Q and Streeter mostly because I think he's going to have a much larger role in the return game if things stay how they are in our receiving corp.  I wouldn't be surprised if we keep more than our usual 6 receivers unless some of the candidates for 2-4 really step up and separate themselves from the pack in the coming months.  I also half expect us to make a FA signing late in the offseason if that scenario doesn't happen.  All these factors make it really hard to choose, at the moment.

[getpresales]

My guess is they really want Mellette to make the team. He's in the 7th position now. So I either see the Ravens going with 7 or it will be Doss or Streeter out the door. They just signed Crisco (D Reed) to a brand new contract this off season, and they have really been talking up Thompson, so I don't see either one of those guys being cut.

[gabefergy]

My guess is they really want Mellette to make the team. He's in the 7th position now. So I either see the Ravens going with 7 or it will be Doss or Streeter out the door. They just signed Crisco (D Reed) to a brand new contract this off season, and they have really been talking up Thompson, so I don't see either one of those guys being cut.

He was a 7th round pick, so its not like the team invested all that much in him. Now if he performs well they will want to keep him, but as if right now he would be on the bubble IMO. Guys like Reed and Streeter gave already been given votes if confidence ( new contract dir Reed and IR for Streeter which allowed us ti redshirt him) which make me think they are higher in the depth chart as of now.

[PuRock]

My guess is they really want Mellette to make the team. He's in the 7th position now. So I either see the Ravens going with 7 or it will be Doss or Streeter out the door. They just signed Crisco (D Reed) to a brand new contract this off season, and they have really been talking up Thompson, so I don't see either one of those guys being cut.

 

I wouldn't be sure about that.  While the Ravens generally like to keep every drafted player one way or another, it doesn't mean they'll make the 53 man roster.

 

Mellette is the perfect fit to either go on IR or go to the practice squad.  I doubt we'd lose him if we put him on PS.  Its not like we are known to have great depth at WR around the league and Mellette was a 7th rounder.  So we should be able to get him on the PS.  

 

Then again, people compare Mellette as the poor man's Aaron Dobson of the Patriots who went in the 2nd.   So we could have a diamond in the rough that has too much potential to risk the loss.  

[Ravensfan23]

I wouldn't be sure about that.  While the Ravens generally like to keep every drafted player one way or another, it doesn't mean they'll make the 53 man roster.

 

Mellette is the perfect fit to either go on IR or go to the practice squad.  I doubt we'd lose him if we put him on PS.  Its not like we are known to have great depth at WR around the league and Mellette was a 7th rounder.  So we should be able to get him on the PS.  

 

Then again, people compare Mellette as the poor man's Aaron Dobson of the Patriots who went in the 2nd.   So we could have a diamond in the rough that has too much potential to risk the loss.  

 

Despite their great reputation, the Patriots are not at all good at drafting WRs and developing them. So I wouldn't put too much wait on a Dobson comparison. Although I am a fan of Dobson and would have like the Ravens to add him.

[GrimCoconut]

I wouldn't be sure about that. While the Ravens generally like to keep every drafted player one way or another, it doesn't mean they'll make the 53 man roster.

Mellette is the perfect fit to either go on IR or go to the practice squad. I doubt we'd lose him if we put him on PS. Its not like we are known to have great depth at WR around the league and Mellette was a 7th rounder. So we should be able to get him on the PS.

Then again, people compare Mellette as the poor man's Aaron Dobson of the Patriots who went in the 2nd. So we could have a diamond in the rough that has too much potential to risk the loss.

Here's my outlook on the Mellette situation:

Yes he's a rookie and we don't traditionally like to let them go but we will and have proven to do it.

No, he doesn't appear to be a ST standout right now. He'll need that to compete.

Yes, we need him for the future. Jacoby is a free agent next year. I think Reed or Thompson replaces him at KR unless Bobby Rainey makes it. We'll discuss that layer but yeah. Asa is more of a PR in my eyes. We also have Doss and Smith coming due as free agents the same year in addition to McPhee and Jimmy Smith and Chykie Brown. I think Mellette reminds me a lot of Doss in terms of style. Reed also only has a 2yr deal.

I just can't see us cutting Mellette. I think he'll go on the reserve.

[CARavensFan]

My picks were pretty much in line with everyone else, the top five were Smith, JJ, Doss, Reed, and Thompson, my final spot was for Streeter, but to be honest I think that spot it still up for grabs. I picked Streeter because I think his differences make him valuable to the WR Corps, but if one of the other guys was to separate themselves or Streeter showed he wasn't ready to contribute then I think it could be replaced.

 

As far as the other five, I doubt that Doss, Reed, and Thompson lose their spots unless they are hurt, someone else clearly out plays them, or they fall apart.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I dont put too much stock in Reed's contract meaning he's safe. They had to re-up to keep him and a 2yr deal was the best and safest way to do it. If he makes it and contributes you've got a 2nd yr on the cheap. But its not like the deal handcuffs us to him. But I do think he ends up making the team this year.

 

I have Torrey, Doss, JJ, Deonte, Streeter, and Reed making it with Williams being cut and Mellette either IR or PS. 

 

I'll go ahead and say that's pretty much a stone cold lock.

[rmw10]

My guess is they really want Mellette to make the team. He's in the 7th position now. So I either see the Ravens going with 7 or it will be Doss or Streeter out the door. They just signed Crisco (D Reed) to a brand new contract this off season, and they have really been talking up Thompson, so I don't see either one of those guys being cut.

 

You really think they'd cut Doss in favor of Mellette?  Doss was a 4th round pick that played consistently as our #4 receiver last year.  Mellette is a 7th round pick that has been very hit or miss so far this offseason.

[blitzking33]

Mellette has flashed potential and has been the one who "plays like Boldin" the most. He has been complimented with his ability to catch the ball in traffic and has also scored a few TDs in practices. Also, it looks like he is the only one who catches with his hands instead of his body, something that Torrey rarely does (still a beast though).

 

Here's my picks..

Torrey -> Obvious reasons.

Jacoby -> Not my favorite to start opposite Torrey but has potential

Doss

Deonte -> Speed Kills and could be back as the return man if Jacoby gets a bigger role.

Streeter -> Maybe IR again... theres been reports of dropped passes and bad route running.

Mellette -> Strong hands and could make a run for a #3 or #4 spot.. But IMO, he could end up starting by the end of the year

Brown -> My sleeper pick. Maybe IR though.

 

Also.. If my IR candidates make does end up on IR, David Reed is next in line on my list.

[scrock]

The Knowns - Torrey, Jacoby, Doss, Deonte

 

2nd level guys - David Reed(the staff is high on him), Streeter(developing him for a reason), and my guess is Mellette

 

Unfortunately I dont think LaQuan will make the cut...I think he can play

[Ravensfan23]

Mellette has flashed potential and has been the one who "plays like Boldin" the most. He has been complimented with his ability to catch the ball in traffic and has also scored a few TDs in practices. Also, it looks like he is the only one who catches with his hands instead of his body, something that Torrey rarely does (still a beast though).

 

Here's my picks..

Torrey -> Obvious reasons.

Jacoby -> Not my favorite to start opposite Torrey but has potential

Doss

Deonte -> Speed Kills and could be back as the return man if Jacoby gets a bigger role.

Streeter -> Maybe IR again... theres been reports of dropped passes and bad route running.

Mellette -> Strong hands and could make a run for a #3 or #4 spot.. But IMO, he could end up starting by the end of the year

Brown -> My sleeper pick. Maybe IR though.

 

Also.. If my IR candidates make does end up on IR, David Reed is next in line on my list.

 

Not sure where you heard the info about Mellette. Everything I've heard says the guy is inconsistent right now. He'll make a catch but drop a really easy catch. He has looked decent in practice but nothing to get overly excited about.

 

Also I've heard that Doss, DT, and Reed has all shown strong "hands" throughout OTAs and Mini camp. So do you have a link saying where everyone is body catching?

[Ravensfan23]

I dont put too much stock in Reed's contract meaning he's safe. They had to re-up to keep him and a 2yr deal was the best and safest way to do it. If he makes it and contributes you've got a 2nd yr on the cheap. But its not like the deal handcuffs us to him. But I do think he ends up making the team this year.

 

I have Torrey, Doss, JJ, Deonte, Streeter, and Reed making it with Williams being cut and Mellette either IR or PS. 

 

I'll go ahead and say that's pretty much a stone cold lock.

 

agreed. Plus you have to remember the fact that Chris Carr was cut just 1 season after signing a 4yr deal and i'm sure the Ravens were on the hook for much more money then what Reed will get. Reed will have to earn his way onto this roster and will have to show he can provide something to the offense to see the field. His contract will have next to nothing to do with the decision to keep him.

 

The one thing I will say about the contract is just the fact that the Ravens made the decision to re-sign him for 2yrs. To me it says they see something in him that makes them believe he might be a guy to take that step to the next level. So if he does become a player, you would hate to lose him the very next season. So it was definitely a smart play.

[scrock]

Not sure where you heard the info about Mellette. Everything I've heard says the guy is inconsistent right now. He'll make a catch but drop a really easy catch. He has looked decent in practice but nothing to get overly excited about.

 

Also I've heard that Doss, DT, and Reed has all shown strong "hands" throughout OTAs and Mini camp. So do you have a link saying where everyone is body catching?

 

u just described torrey smith in his rookie camp...way to soon to label these guys

 

Mellette dominated at his level in college, its possible once he learns the playbook and can just focus on playing football instead of thinking that he can improve greatly

[Ravensfan23]

u just described torrey smith in his rookie camp...way to soon to label these guys

 

Mellette dominated at his level in college, its possible once he learns the playbook and can just focus on playing football instead of thinking that he can improve greatly

 

The guy definitely has talent and that's the biggest reason he's here. Caldwell's approach seems to be a lot simpler then Cam's but we are still talking about a NFL playbook, so who knows how long it'll take him to learn the playbook. The reason why it usually take WRs 2-3 years to develop is because they have to learn so much.

 

Also the biggest difference between Torrey and Mellette imo is what Torrey brought to the offense. The Ravens wanted his speed in the offense bad. Torrey could have been the worse WR ever drafted and he probably would have still saw the field as a 3rd WR imo. So he very well could come in and light camp on fire and make the team. But from all i've heard, Mellette still has a ways to go. Which is expected. Also what does Mellette bring that the offense absolutely needs? .

[PurpleCorsair]

The guy definitely has talent and that's the biggest reason he's here. Caldwell's approach seems to be a lot simpler then Cam's but we are still talking about a NFL playbook, so who knows how long it'll take him to learn the playbook. The reason why it usually take WRs 2-3 years to develop is because they have to learn so much.

 

Also the biggest difference between Torrey and Mellette imo is what Torrey brought to the offense. The Ravens wanted his speed in the offense bad. Torrey could have been the worse WR ever drafted and he probably would have still saw the field as a 3rd WR imo. So he very well could come in and light camp on fire and make the team. But from all i've heard, Mellette still has a ways to go. Which is expected. Also what does Mellette bring that the offense absolutely needs? .

Just to play devil's advocate, Mellette could provide that strong over-the-middle receiver, as opposed to a shifty slot receiver like Reed.

[rmw10]

Just to play devil's advocate, Mellette could provide that strong over-the-middle receiver, as opposed to a shifty slot receiver like Reed.

 

Enter Doss.  Mellette doesn't offer anything that we don't already have.

[Ravensfan23]

Just to play devil's advocate, Mellette could provide that strong over-the-middle receiver, as opposed to a shifty slot receiver like Reed.

 

You are absolutely correct, but is that something that is needed so bad you'd ask a inconsistent guy to fill that role? That's my point about comparing him to Torrey. The Ravens desperately needed speed added to this offense. It was clear that Torrey wasn't gonna be a consistent presence early on, so the trade for Lee Evans was made. However, because the Ravens really needed the speed that Torrey provided, they still found a place for Torrey. Then of course he broke out in his first start and proved a reliable #2 WR. But my point is, unless Mellette is so dominant that he outplays a couple of the top 5 guys, you problem aren't gonna overlook his inconsistencies and struggles like we were willing to do with Torrey. Because that strong over the middle presence isn't as needed, like Torrey's speed was.

[5aiah]

Enter Doss.  Mellette doesn't offer anything that we don't already have.

Mellette is faster and more explosive right I thought. Unless that article saying Doss really improved in those areas are true(which im skeptical) then they don't offer exactly the same thing. You can't teach speed and natural quickness, so unless Doss is showing his hands are rock solid even in traffic and through contact then I can see Mellette taking a shot at his job if he is doing everything else right.

[rmw10]

Mellette is faster and more explosive right I thought. Unless that article saying Doss really improved in those areas are true(which im skeptical) then they don't offer exactly the same thing. You can't teach speed and natural quickness, so unless Doss is showing his hands are rock solid even in traffic and through contact then I can see Mellette taking a shot at his job if he is doing everything else right.

 

They're very similar.  Mellette may be a tad faster, but nothing that truly stands out.  Give me the guy with 2 years in the system that has performed very well this year over the rookie who has been up and down.

[GrimCoconut]

Mellette is faster and more explosive right I thought. Unless that article saying Doss really improved in those areas are true(which im skeptical) then they don't offer exactly the same thing. You can't teach speed and natural quickness, so unless Doss is showing his hands are rock solid even in traffic and through contact then I can see Mellette taking a shot at his job if he is doing everything else right.

This is a common misconception regarding Tandon Doss. He's not slow. He's faster than Boldin. He's not fast either but neither is Mellette. I realize Mellette is the flavor of the month because he's a recent draft pick but Doss isn't a bum. Maybe your not saying that or even thinking it. I can't prove either. What I do know is a lot of people write him off. I get it. He's been hampered by injuries, didn't learn the system as fast due to they lockout. When he had supposedly learned the system he disappointed people. Torrey turned into what people thought Doss was and Doss has somehow become Torrey.

The thing is WR isn't some easy position to learn. There are many busts. I have no idea if Doss is bust or beast. What I do know is we shouldn't write him off just because of bad performances.

[5aiah]

This is a common misconception regarding Tandon Doss. He's not slow. He's faster than Boldin. He's not fast either but neither is Mellette. I realize Mellette is the flavor of the month because he's a recent draft pick but Doss isn't a bum. Maybe your not saying that or even thinking it. I can't prove either. What I do know is a lot of people write him off. I get it. He's been hampered by injuries, didn't learn the system as fast due to they lockout. When he had supposedly learned the system he disappointed people. Torrey turned into what people thought Doss was and Doss has somehow become Torrey.

The thing is WR isn't some easy position to learn. There are many busts. I have no idea if Doss is bust or beast. What I do know is we shouldn't write him off just because of bad performances.

Nope I am not saying or thinking either, what I was saying was that unless Doss(whose hands have been up and down) is showing he is consistent in his routes and pass catching why play him in slot over DT or Reed or Mellette(if he himself can get the playbook down and become consistent) just because he had experience last year. It should be who is better and if they are even hypothetically(which is what i was saying) go with the faster guy with more upside. Also being faster than Boldin isn't saying much and if you don't have his hands or route running skills(which Doss doesn't yet) you better be alot faster and quicker to make up for it.  

[GrimCoconut]

Nope I am not saying or thinking either, what I was saying was that unless Doss(whose hands have been up and down) is showing he is consistent in his routes and pass catching why play him in slot over DT or Reed or Mellette(if he himself can get the playbook down and become consistent) just because he had experience last year. It should be who is better and if they are even hypothetically(which is what i was saying) go with the faster guy with more upside. Also being faster than Boldin isn't saying much and if you don't have his hands or route running skills(which Doss doesn't yet) you better be alot faster and quicker to make up for it.  

Yeah, but Doss was being talked about as having the hands of Boldin before this season. All of a sudden, he's being labeled with the "stone hands" label. 

 

When it comes to Tandon Doss, I think a lot of his issues are the same as Jimmy Smith--confidence. I don't want to make this a CB thread, so I'll make a quick comparison real fast here by saying that both these players seem to have huge mental errors. I think these mental errors are their biggest issues. Doss looked fantastic in those preseason games. I remember people ready to trade Boldin then, lol. Then all of a sudden he doesn't have a good rookie year and is held back by not being ready for the offense in addition to injuries. Then the next year, he comes back and he has all this hype because Torrey was  a big surprise and he falls flat on his face, still struggles, and now he drops balls. 

 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/tandon-doss?id=2495449

 

Now I'm not saying the draft profiles on NFL.com are the Bible or anything, but I think the analysis is interesting. Doss is not slow. He's just not. He's not Smith fast or Jones fast but he's faster than Boldin and faster than Mason and probably a couple notches below Mason in speed. Mellette ran a 4.54 40-Y dash, and I think Doss can put those numbers up. I think he and Mellette have the same speed, actually. 

 

I don't disagree with you in saying the best players play. Knowing the Ravens and our need at WR with the things we've said about Doss, I'd expect him to stick around even if he has a bad camp. I don't think we'll cut him. He'd have to fall flat on his face and be dominated by Mellette for them to give up on him, I think. 

[rmw10]

Nope I am not saying or thinking either, what I was saying was that unless Doss(whose hands have been up and down) is showing he is consistent in his routes and pass catching why play him in slot over DT or Reed or Mellette(if he himself can get the playbook down and become consistent) just because he had experience last year. It should be who is better and if they are even hypothetically(which is what i was saying) go with the faster guy with more upside. Also being faster than Boldin isn't saying much and if you don't have his hands or route running skills(which Doss doesn't yet) you better be alot faster and quicker to make up for it.

I don't get the Doss doesn't have hands argument. He had 1 bad game. Reports are that he is catching everything in camp. Obviously that needs to translate to games, and I don't think he's been given a true opportunity to do that yet.

I also wouldn't say Mellette has more upside. There's nothing to support that claim at all.

Now, if Mellette comes into camp and just plays phenomenally, you have to find him a spot. Right now that's not the case. He's been very inconsistent. What he offers isnt enough to overcome his downfalls. When you have a guy like Mellette that doesn't excel in any part of his game, it doesn't make sense to carve out a spot unless he can make an immediate impact.

[GrimCoconut]

I don't get the Doss doesn't have hands argument. He had 1 bad game. Reports are that he is catching everything in camp. Obviously that needs to translate to games, and I don't think he's been given a true opportunity to do that yet.

I also wouldn't say Mellette has more upside. There's nothing to support that claim at all.

Now, if Mellette comes into camp and just plays phenomenally, you have to find him a spot. Right now that's not the case. He's been very inconsistent. What he offers isnt enough to overcome his downfalls. When you have a guy like Mellette that doesn't excel in any part of his game, it doesn't make sense to carve out a spot unless he can make an immediate impact.

I said it in my other post and I'll repeat it--this is why I think Tandon Doss is his own biggest enemy. He practices well and seems to dominate preseason but he seemed to choke in the Colts game, which was the one time he received significant playing time. I don't think it helped his confidence considering that the Colts game was a playoff game, either. The only thing I really question about Tandon Doss is whether or not he's mentally tough, but that's about  it.

[rmw10]

I said it in my other post and I'll repeat it--this is why I think Tandon Doss is his own biggest enemy. He practices well and seems to dominate preseason but seems to choke a bit in games. I don't think we helped his confidence by throwing him out in the Colts game as one of his biggest games, either. I question whether Doss is mentally tough, but that's about it.

I agree. I think he needs to get some serious reps before he gets written off. I imagine that it's very difficult to go into a playoff game and have that much pressure with so little reps throughout the year. But as you said, it's mental. Someone said that Q knew he was the man. I think Doss needs to know he's going to get so many targets a game as well.

[GrimCoconut]

I agree. I think he needs to get some serious reps before he gets written off. I imagine that it's very difficult to go into a playoff game and have that much pressure with so little reps throughout the year. But as you said, it's mental. Someone said that Q knew he was the man. I think Doss needs to know he's going to get so many targets a game as well.

I think I said that, but I wish I had the evidence to substantiate. One day I'm going to stop being lazy and uncover that piece of information.

[Ravensfan23]

I said it in my other post and I'll repeat it--this is why I think Tandon Doss is his own biggest enemy. He practices well and seems to dominate preseason but seems to choke a bit in games. I don't think we helped his confidence by throwing him out in the Colts game as one of his biggest games, either. I question whether Doss is mentally tough, but that's about  it.

 

Other then the colts game, what game can you say he choked in? I understand the confidence thing, but i think that's more about the injuries and proving himself. Not so much about lack of confidence in his abilities. I think we agree on that?

 

But I don't see where Doss chokes in games and I definitely don't see the bad hands thing(i know you didn't say that). I see a guy who was the #4 WR and was targeted 18 times during the regular season. Most of those 18 times were 9 routes and deep patterns outside the numbers. That's not his game, but again we are talking about Cam running the show. On plays were he was allowed to work towards the middle of the field vs sub packages he showed what he can do imo. Again I keep going to this brief Highlight video because that's all we really have to go on, but look at all his catches. If you notice most of his catches were either him working towards the middle or he started inside the numbers. It's not hard to see that this is the way the guys needs to be used, but Cam didn't do it often. When exactly would you say he's choked?