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

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Mellette would make the team over Streeter. The Ravens don't part with their draft picks. If Mellette isn't placed on ir I dunno if Streeter will make the team because of Harbs inexplicable man crush on Reed. It all comes down to what Mellette shows at camp.

Reed could play the slot better than Mallette or Streeter and that's our biggest need at the mo from the receiving corps in my opinion

[rmw10]

Mellette would make the team over Streeter. The Ravens don't part with their draft picks. If Mellette isn't placed on ir I dunno if Streeter will make the team because of Harbs inexplicable man crush on Reed. It all comes down to what Mellette shows at camp.

 

Except Streeter is also a draft pick...?

[T3hRaven]

Except Streeter is also a draft pick...?

 

They can't carry 7 receivers.  Someone has to go, and it seems like Thompson has performed better so far this camp as well as during last year's camp.  Him or Mellette is probably going on IR again, but if it comes down to it he'd be cut before Mellette.

[rmw10]

They can't carry 7 receivers.  Someone has to go, and it seems like Thompson has performed better so far this camp as well as during last year's camp.  Him or Mellette is probably going on IR again, but if it comes down to it he'd be cut before Mellette.

 

I don't know.  Obviously we won't carry 7, but I still hate the "we don't cut draft picks" argument.  I really think we've just been fortunate enough that Ozzie has continually drafted guys that are in the top 53 of 90.  If a draft pick isn't, they'll attempt to stash them on IR.  Based on camp reports, Mellette is the 7th or 8th best WR out there.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

They can't carry 7 receivers.  Someone has to go, and it seems like Thompson has performed better so far this camp as well as during last year's camp.  Him or Mellette is probably going on IR again, but if it comes down to it he'd be cut before Mellette.

I don't think we'll cut a 6th rounder after just one year of stacking him on IR; Mellette would rather follow on Streeter's footsteps and get the IR designation for the year; we need a big bodied WR for the end zone and Streeter would be the best option to develop there; special teams play will have a big word on all this too

[GrimCoconut]

Lol. I'll be surprised if we cut Streeter unless he attends Flops So Hard University. I also doubt we cut Mellette. I think one will end up on the IR. Perhaps both surprise and make it. Hate to say it but someone can get injured.

[rmw10]

Lol. I'll be surprised if we cut Streeter unless he attends Flops So Hard University. I also doubt we cut Mellette. I think one will end up on the IR. Perhaps both surprise and make it. Hate to say it but someone can get injured.

 

This is how I see it.  I think our top 5 are settled barring special circumstance (will not say the i word).  Smith, Jones, Doss, Thompson, and Reed.  That last spot comes down to Streeter, Mellette, and Williams.  1 will make the team, 1 will go on IR, and the last will most likely be cut and never heard from again.

[gabefergy]

Lol. I'll be surprised if we cut Streeter unless he attends Flops So Hard University. I also doubt we cut Mellette. I think one will end up on the IR. Perhaps both surprise and make it. Hate to say it but someone can get injured.

What about Drops So Hard University? 

 

 

couldn't resist..

[5aiah]

I don't know.  Obviously we won't carry 7, but I still hate the "we don't cut draft picks" argument. 

I think it is more that guys we draft are either studs,solid,or have potential(this is what we are talking about) and that we don't usually cut them right after drafting. That being said there is a point where you see that the upside isn't worth the time. Streeter might have hit that point if they are sure he will never be able to run routes well enough. I agree that the Ravens would absolutely cut someone if they weren't worth it whether they were a draft pick or not but that rarely happens. Mellette has upside as well but I could see him on IR.

[GrimCoconut]

What about Drops So Hard University?


couldn't resist..

That's Ed Dickson`s alma mater. Lol

[rmw10]

I think it is more that guys we draft are either studs,solid,or have potential(this is what we are talking about) and that we don't usually cut them right after drafting. That being said there is a point where you see that the upside isn't worth the time. Streeter might have hit that point if they are sure he will never be able to run routes well enough. I agree that the Ravens would absolutely cut someone if they weren't worth it whether they were a draft pick or not but that rarely happens. Mellette has upside as well but I could see him on IR.

 

Yeah I 100% agree.  I look back to 2009 when we cut Peerman and Drew, two late round picks that didn't show enough.  Drew ended up bouncing back to us, but the notion that we don't cut draft picks is false to me.  If you don't perform, you're gone.  If you perform, but fall just outside of the top 53, we'll find a way to keep you.  It all depends on whether Mellette/Streeter are closer to 53 or 90.  I firmly believe that both are closer to 53.  However, just because Mellette was drafted this year doesn't mean he has the edge on anyone, as someone seemed to imply earlier.

[GrimCoconut]

This is how I see it. I think our top 5 are settled barring special circumstance (will not say the i word). Smith, Jones, Doss, Thompson, and Reed. That last spot comes down to Streeter, Mellette, and Williams. 1 will make the team, 1 will go on IR, and the last will most likely be cut and never heard from again.

Yeah I agree with this. I think Streeter makes the cut and here's why:

The guy may be raw but so was Smith. Granted Smith was far more polished than Tommy but Tommy isn't a chump. I think he can run block as well as any other receiver here perhaps better. One reason Tommy was so raw is because Miami ran the ball frequently. They weren't a very strong passing team. I think this is greatly overlooked.

Tommy also offers much as a big guy. People mention Dickson but I think Tommy can replace Dickson`s role while Dickson replaces Pitta. I foresee Streeter having an impact in the redzone. He has great raw physical talent. I just can't see him not making the team. He would need to be embarrassed to not make it over Mellette and I'm a fan of Aaron.

[rmw10]

Yeah I agree with this. I think Streeter makes the cut and here's why:

The guy may be raw but so was Smith. Granted Smith was far more polished than Tommy but Tommy isn't a chump. I think he can run block as well as any other receiver here perhaps better. One reason Tommy was so raw is because Miami ran the ball frequently. They weren't a very strong passing team. I think this is greatly overlooked.

Tommy also offers much as a big guy. People mention Dickson but I think Tommy can replace Dickson`s role while Dickson replaces Pitta. I foresee Streeter having an impact in the redzone. He has great raw physical talent. I just can't see him not making the team. He would need to be embarrassed to not make it over Mellette and I'm a fan of Aaron.

 

I'm in 100% agreement here.  I don't think giving him a 2nd IR year does Streeter any good.  I think what he offers on the field is better than the other guys in contention for that last spot can offer.  I like Mellette a lot, but judging by reports in camp, he's not going to make the team.  He's been very inconsistent, and that's with most of his work coming against our 3rd string D.  The only way I can see that changing is if Mellette is an absolute monster on ST.

[rmw10]

Oh and just to add another point, Streeter may also benefit from Pitta's injury.  We don't have that red zone threat, so Tommy has a huge opening to step into that role.

[Ravensfan23]

I don't know.  Obviously we won't carry 7, but I still hate the "we don't cut draft picks" argument.  I really think we've just been fortunate enough that Ozzie has continually drafted guys that are in the top 53 of 90.  If a draft pick isn't, they'll attempt to stash them on IR.  Based on camp reports, Mellette is the 7th or 8th best WR out there.

 

Technically Justin Harper was cut and placed on the PS as a 7th round pick. Both Streeter and Mellette were both 7th round picks so i'm not sure why people think they can't be cut. I agree with you.

 

From what I saw at camp yesterday Mellette will not make this team. He's not a bad WR but he has a lot of work to do imo. Someone said he's similar to Doss, that can't be farther from the truth. Mellette is not at all explosive and labors in and out of his breaks. It also didn't help that Tyrod and Caleb were throwing to him most of the day and both guys wait for the WRs to come open instead of anticipation the routes, so it makes Mellette's lack of explosion stand out even more. He's a developmental guy all the way imo. Even though it was just one practice, I think he has a lot of work to do.

 

A guy that you guys should look out for is Marlon Brown. He's 6'5 and explosive with his feet. He does a really good job getting in and out of his routes and actually uses his 6'5 213lbs frame really well. One of the issues I have with Streeter is that he doesn't use his size well and plays more like a 6'2 guy. That's not the case with Brown. He not only high points the ball in the air, but he uses his size to out muscle defenders. He had a strong presence over the middle of the field when given chances. I'd keep my eyes on this guy during Preseason, he could be a hidden gem if he continues to progress. Streeter didn't practice yesterday, but if I had to go off of what i saw from Streeter last season and what I saw from Mellette at practice, I'd place Marlon Brown ahead of both guys honestly.

 

Now again it was just one practice and I didn't get to see everything, like blocking, understanding of route concepts and understanding of the offense because of course it was a controlled environment, but just off raw talent, I'd go with Brown.

[GrimCoconut]

Oh and just to add another point, Streeter may also benefit from Pitta's injury.  We don't have that red zone threat, so Tommy has a huge opening to step into that role.

Yeah, that's how I feel. I think Streeter will play a bit role in the red zone. Him and Dickson with Torrey Smith & perhaps Reed/Doss/Thompson will be some nice players for us in the Heinz. 

[rmw10]

 

A guy that you guys should look out for is Marlon Brown. He's 6'5 and explosive with his feet. He does a really good job getting in and out of his routes and actually uses his 6'5 213lbs frame really well. One of the issues I have with Streeter is that he doesn't use his size well and plays more like a 6'2 guy. That's not the case with Brown. He not only high points the ball in the air, but he uses his size to out muscle defenders. He had a strong presence over the middle of the field when given chances. I'd keep my eyes on this guy during Preseason, he could be a hidden gem if he continues to progress. Streeter didn't practice yesterday, but if I had to go off of what i saw from Streeter last season and what I saw from Mellette at practice, I'd place Marlon Brown ahead of both guys honestly.

 

Now again it was just one practice and I didn't get to see everything, like blocking, understanding of route concepts and understanding of the offense because of course it was a controlled environment, but just off raw talent, I'd go with Brown.

 

That's especially good to hear considering that Marlon is coming off of a torn ACL.  I really wasn't expecting him to even begin camp so that was a surprise to me.  I really considered him a PUP candidate that goes straight to the IR at some point.  I know right now he's in and out of practice since he's not 100% yet.  If you say he's that good, I'm really looking forward to seeing what he has in the preseason.

 

I've also heard really good things about Rashaad Carter.  I heard he has really great hands.  A bit of a project coming out of such a small school, but one worth keeping an eye on.

[GrimCoconut]

Technically Justin Harper was cut and placed on the PS as a 7th round pick. Both Streeter and Mellette were both 7th round picks so i'm not sure why people think they can't be cut. I agree with you.

 

From what I saw at camp yesterday Mellette will not make this team. He's not a bad WR but he has a lot of work to do imo. Someone said he's similar to Doss, that can't be farther from the truth. Mellette is not at all explosive and labors in and out of his breaks. It also didn't help that Tyrod and Caleb were throwing to him most of the day and both guys wait for the WRs to come open instead of anticipation the routes, so it makes Mellette's lack of explosion stand out even more. He's a developmental guy all the way imo. Even though it was just one practice, I think he has a lot of work to do.

 

A guy that you guys should look out for is Marlon Brown. He's 6'5 and explosive with his feet. He does a really good job getting in and out of his routes and actually uses his 6'5 213lbs frame really well. One of the issues I have with Streeter is that he doesn't use his size well and plays more like a 6'2 guy. That's not the case with Brown. He not only high points the ball in the air, but he uses his size to out muscle defenders. He had a strong presence over the middle of the field when given chances. I'd keep my eyes on this guy during Preseason, he could be a hidden gem if he continues to progress. Streeter didn't practice yesterday, but if I had to go off of what i saw from Streeter last season and what I saw from Mellette at practice, I'd place Marlon Brown ahead of both guys honestly.

 

Now again it was just one practice and I didn't get to see everything, like blocking, understanding of route concepts and understanding of the offense because of course it was a controlled environment, but just off raw talent, I'd go with Brown.

Streeter was a 6th round pick. Mellette was a 7th. Our 7th round pick in 2012 was DeAngelo Tyson. 

 

I like Marlon Brown a lot. He reminds me of some Anquan Boldin because of how physical he plays when I saw him play. I agree with you here. Is he practicing? I honestly don't know. I didn't know he was practicing already. I thought he tore his ACL last year. I'm a bit surprised there to be honest.

[Ravensfan23]

Yeah I agree with this. I think Streeter makes the cut and here's why:

The guy may be raw but so was Smith. Granted Smith was far more polished than Tommy but Tommy isn't a chump. I think he can run block as well as any other receiver here perhaps better. One reason Tommy was so raw is because Miami ran the ball frequently. They weren't a very strong passing team. I think this is greatly overlooked.

Tommy also offers much as a big guy. People mention Dickson but I think Tommy can replace Dickson`s role while Dickson replaces Pitta. I foresee Streeter having an impact in the redzone. He has great raw physical talent. I just can't see him not making the team. He would need to be embarrassed to not make it over Mellette and I'm a fan of Aaron.

 

The biggest difference with Torrey was that the Ravens were willing to deal with his rawness simply because we desperately needed his speed injected into the offense. Even with the loss of Pitta can you honestly say we are in desperate need of anything Streeter offers?

 

Now I'm not saying Tommy won't make it, I'm just pointing out that he's gonna need more then just being a draft pick and a big body to make this team imo. There is some talent on this team at WR and we know how much Harbs loves guys who compete, regardless of where they were drafted. Each year under Harbs we've seen UDFA rookie make the 53 man roster. I wouldn't be surprised to see that guy come from the TE or WR position this year.

 

Also I hear that both Streeter and Laquan are banged up right now. That's not good when you have like 6-7 guys competing for the same position. Those reps are precious and injury forces you to miss those reps. That hurts a guy like Streeter.

[GrimCoconut]

The biggest difference with Torrey was that the Ravens were willing to deal with his rawness simply because we desperately needed his speed injected into the offense. Even with the loss of Pitta can you honestly say we are in desperate need of anything Streeter offers?

 

Now I'm not saying Tommy won't make it, I'm just pointing out that he's gonna need more then just being a draft pick and a big body to make this team imo. There is some talent on this team at WR and we know how much Harbs loves guys who compete, regardless of where they were drafted. Each year under Harbs we've seen UDFA rookie make the 53 man roster. I wouldn't be surprised to see that guy come from the TE or WR position this year.

 

Also I hear that both Streeter and Laquan are banged up right now. That's not good when you have like 6-7 guys competing for the same position. Those reps are precious and injury forces you to miss those reps. That hurts a guy like Streeter.

That's true about Torrey but we also need someone to replace Boldin & now Pitta. Streeter could fill that role if he can use his size enough and if he can make the catches. I don't like to say a guy can't do something because people have proved that wrong before. What we're missing from Boldin & now Pitta is the whole "make tough catches" & a "good run blocker who's physical". I'm not sure Streeter is either of those, honestly. Streeter is a good run blocker from what I remember watching when he was at The U. He blocked pretty well. Streeter needs work on his routes, hands, and using his size. Those are areas he needs to improve as well as being a contributor on ST. Injuries are a big deal. I was concerned about his frame before with injuries, so it might be a problem. Frankly, Brown could beat him. I just don't know if Mellette does. I think he's a bit too raw to beat Tommy right now.

[Ravensfan23]

That's especially good to hear considering that Marlon is coming off of a torn ACL.  I really wasn't expecting him to even begin camp so that was a surprise to me.  I really considered him a PUP candidate that goes straight to the IR at some point.  I know right now he's in and out of practice since he's not 100% yet.  If you say he's that good, I'm really looking forward to seeing what he has in the preseason.

 

I've also heard really good things about Rashaad Carter.  I heard he has really great hands.  A bit of a project coming out of such a small school, but one worth keeping an eye on.

 

Yea you can tell he's not all the way back from the ACL and that may be a reason to stash him on the IR, just to have him around for next season. But you could clearly see this guys talent shine. The ACL doesn't stop him from attacking that football or throwing his body around and that's exactly what he did. He'd have to have a really strong preseason to crack the 53, but I could see him be a Laquan williams type. I couldn't see if he's a ST guy or not. If he's able to play ST it'll definitely help.

 

Carter is another big bodied guy with strong hands. I believe he had a drop on a routine play but can't remember if it was him or not. He's a lot like Mellette where you can see the potential for him to be much more explosive then what he shows, but he seems a bit hesitant right now. Maybe it's that small school thing or just them thinking more then just reacting. Both guys seem to expect to win just because of their size, which i'm sure worked in college but their technique needs to improve at the NFL level. He should get some chances late in the preseason but in this case, the draft status of Mellette probably pushes Carter out of the picture because the Ravens are probably only willing to develop one of those guys.

[Ravensfan23]

That's true about Torrey but we also need someone to replace Boldin & now Pitta. Streeter could fill that role if he can use his size enough and if he can make the catches. I don't like to say a guy can't do something because people have proved that wrong before. What we're missing from Boldin & now Pitta is the whole "make tough catches" & a "good run blocker who's physical". I'm not sure Streeter is either of those, honestly. Streeter is a good run blocker from what I remember watching when he was at The U. He blocked pretty well. Streeter needs work on his routes, hands, and using his size. Those are areas he needs to improve as well as being a contributor on ST. Injuries are a big deal. I was concerned about his frame before with injuries, so it might be a problem. Frankly, Brown could beat him. I just don't know if Mellette does. I think he's a bit too raw to beat Tommy right now.

 

Oh yea i'm not saying Tommy can't provide those things, I'm just saying with Torrey it was a case were Ozzie was like we need this guy in the offense. But because he was so raw, Lee Evans needed to be brought in. With Streeter if he struggles in camp and continues to show rawness and inconsistencies in the preseason, I can't see the Ravens saying....Oh well we really need this guy in the red zone so he makes the team. Remember in 2011, both Doss and Laquan outplayed Torrey in the preseason, but Torrey had the speed we really needed. 

 

I actually think Tommy makes the cut, but he'll have to stay healthy and prove his worth over guys like Mellette, Brown, Carter or any guy that might be brought in.

[rmw10]

Yea you can tell he's not all the way back from the ACL and that may be a reason to stash him on the IR, just to have him around for next season. But you could clearly see this guys talent shine. The ACL doesn't stop him from attacking that football or throwing his body around and that's exactly what he did. He'd have to have a really strong preseason to crack the 53, but I could see him be a Laquan williams type. I couldn't see if he's a ST guy or not. If he's able to play ST it'll definitely help.

 

Carter is another big bodied guy with strong hands. I believe he had a drop on a routine play but can't remember if it was him or not. He's a lot like Mellette where you can see the potential for him to be much more explosive then what he shows, but he seems a bit hesitant right now. Maybe it's that small school thing or just them thinking more then just reacting. Both guys seem to expect to win just because of their size, which i'm sure worked in college but their technique needs to improve at the NFL level. He should get some chances late in the preseason but in this case, the draft status of Mellette probably pushes Carter out of the picture because the Ravens are probably only willing to develop one of those guys.

 

Really excited for Brown now.  I liked him when we signed him, but knew he was injured and didn't expect to hear much about him because of that.  I don't see him making the team with the injury, but I can see him being a guy that we definitely IR and reevaluate next year.  I'm all for a guy with a big body that actually uses it.  I always get excited over the big, tall guys (Hardy, Harper, etc.) so I hope Brown can prove me wrong lol.

 

I didn't really expect Carter to do much of anything.  He may end up on the PS, but not if we're choosing to develop Mellette and Brown as we expect.  It must be a small school thing.  Going against NFL competition is a whole different animal compared to the level they were up against in college.

[rmw10]

And not to ask too much, but do you have any info on Gerrard Sheppard?  I know he's not making the team, but I have a soft spot for the guys since I went to Towson as well, and I work right across the street from campus still.  I've met him a few times and he could not be a nicer guy.

 

And once again, thanks for giving all of this information.  I unfortunately do not have any luck.  I just want to go see the Castle lol.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Just a week before preseason.

 

Time to turn up the notch.   NFL CBs aren't a joke.  Hope few of these undrafted raw WRs can surprise us 

[CARavensFan]

Yeah I 100% agree. I look back to 2009 when we cut Peerman and Drew, two late round picks that didn't show enough. Drew ended up bouncing back to us, but the notion that we don't cut draft picks is false to me. If you don't perform, you're gone. If you perform, but fall just outside of the top 53, we'll find a way to keep you. It all depends on whether Mellette/Streeter are closer to 53 or 90. I firmly believe that both are closer to 53. However, just because Mellette was drafted this year doesn't mean he has the edge on anyone, as someone seemed to imply earlier.

I feel like the whole "we don't cut draft picks" is more true for the higher rounds, say 1-4, then with rounds 5-6 you get the benefit of the doubt to develop, and in round 7 you're just a step up from the UDFA guys (they're pretty much guys that we wanted but didn't think they would sign with us if they went undrafted.)

[beanfigger]

I feel like the whole "we don't cut draft picks" is more true for the higher rounds, say 1-4, then with rounds 5-6 you get the benefit of the doubt to develop, and in round 7 you're just a step up from the UDFA guys (they're pretty much guys that we wanted but didn't think they would sign with us if they went undrafted.)

 

I understand that sentiment, but the Ravens still have ALL their draft picks from the past three seasons on their team, currently, aside from Kindle.  Eventually, that has to stop because the roster size is limited, but it's still kind of another bullet for the "always keep draft picks" side of the argument.

[CARavensFan]

I understand that sentiment, but the Ravens still have ALL their draft picks from the past three seasons on their team, currently, aside from Kindle.  Eventually, that has to stop because the roster size is limited, but it's still kind of another bullet for the "always keep draft picks" side of the argument.

 

Or it could be that we are better at drafting, but we have cut players in the past we drafted, just not recently because we're done a better job of taking guys that have a good shot to make the roster.

[rmw10]

I understand that sentiment, but the Ravens still have ALL their draft picks from the past three seasons on their team, currently, aside from Kindle.  Eventually, that has to stop because the roster size is limited, but it's still kind of another bullet for the "always keep draft picks" side of the argument.

 

As CARavensFan said, I think this is more due to the fact that we picked quality players.  In years past, pretty much all of our draft picks didn't have anyone behind them to really push them, and they didn't have anyone in front of them to overtake.  This year, with 10 picks and a slew of depth, I see that changing.

[CARavensFan]

As CARavensFan said, I think this is more due to the fact that we picked quality players.  In years past, pretty much all of our draft picks didn't have anyone behind them to really push them, and they didn't have anyone in front of them to overtake.  This year, with 10 picks and a slew of depth, I see that changing.

 

Agreed, plus there are a decent number of guys that are in the last year of their deals that are still young so other teams could overpay for them (a la Ellerbe and Kruger), of course I think that is all part of Ozzie's plan as well because that leads to us getting more comp picks when we don't sign players in FA that have reached the end of their own contracts, but just signing guys that have been cut.