"Who Stays and Who Goes?" - Linebacker Edition

[rmw10]

In the wake of the Pitta news, it will be nice to discuss something else.  Linebacker is one of our most talked about positions and the competition will take full effect once again.  Because of timing, I have to keep OLB and ILB together.  To pick the number of LB's, we will once again go by the Ravens standard, which will be 9.  So when picking your players, choose only nine linebackers.  This can be any combination of OLB and ILB. 

 

Here are the choices:

 

Inside Linebacker:

1.  Arthur Brown (23) - Brown is our hopeful heir to Ray Lewis.  He was drafted in the 2nd round and has played very well so far this offseason.  He's in line to start this year.  Brown is an every down player and he has the ability in run stuffing and pass coverage.  Barring unforseen circumstances, Brown will be on the team.

 

2.  Daryl Smith (31) - Smith was a late free agent signing and is also in line to start next to Arthur Brown.  Smith is basically an older version of what we hope Brown to be.  He is also able to be a 3-down linebacker since he has the ability to cover the run and pass.  Like Brown, Smith will be on the team.

 

3.  Albert McClellan (27) - McClellan switched over full time to ILB from OLB this year.  He's had time at ILB, but will be asked to play full-time this year.  He's nothing spectacular, but has been running some with the first team in a veteran favored practice (Brown on 2nd team).  He has value on ST and versatility likely gives him a spot.

 

4.  Josh Bynes (23) - Bynes is one of the fan favorite UDFAs from a couple of years ago.  He saw some extensive time at LB last year due to injuries, and his performance was up and down.  He had some real great games and others that weren't so much.  Look for him to be a reserve ILB once again this season.

 

5.  Bryan Hall (24) - Hall is a converted DT that lost 45 pounds to play ILB this year.  He's very athletic and has apparently done really well in the transition.  He can stop the run, but still struggles in the pass coverage aspect of the position.  Hall has spent a lot of time on ST work, and that will likely be his key to the squad.

 

6.  Nigel Carr (23) - Carr was one of the UDFA favorites last year, but never saw the team.  He has plenty of talent, but the question still remains whether he can avoid his off the field issues.  So far, so good in that aspect right now.  Even with his talent, he has a long road ahead of him to make the team with the talent in front of him.

 

7.  DJ Bryant (24) - Bryant is a do-it-all type of LB that is pretty average in everything he does.  He has the ability to play OLB, but projects as more of an ILB for the Ravens.  Like Carr, he has the talent, but also has a lot of people in front of him.  ST will be the only way Bryant makes a run at the final 53.

 

8.  Jameel McClain (28) - McClain is so low because of his injury.  Harbaugh said that he still can't play based on his MRI, so it's widely assumed that he will be starting the season on the PUP.  After he got his contract, he turned back into a below average player.  Don't expect to see him much, if at all, on the field this year.  He is not on the poll anymore since he will not be starting the season on the 53 man roster.

 

Outside Linebacker:

1. Terrell Suggs (30) - Suggs is coming off of a partially torn achilles, but that won't stop him.  He showed up to camp in the best shape of his life and has drawn rave reviews from coaches.  He's stepped up and has become much more of a leader.  Suggs will be a starter, and hopefully in contention for DPOY once again.

 

2.  Elvis Dumervil (29) - Dumervil was our prize free agent this year, and we got him because of a fax snafu.  He will be back in the more natural 3-4.  Combined with Suggs, expect a terrorizing pass rushing duo.  He can get after the QB. but does struggle a bit in setting the edge.  He will be on the team without question.

 

3.  Courtney Upshaw (23) - Upshaw showed up overweight this year, but we already know what we have in him.  He doesn't have the pass rushing ability, but is absolutely great at setting the edge.  Expect them to find ways to get him on the field, whether that be at OLB or on the DL.  He's making the team, no doubt.

 

4.  Pernell McPhee (24) - McPhee is making the transition from DE to OLB this year.  He's lost 15 pounds and is said to look like a natural at the position.  He still has some work to do, but early signs have been very encouraging.  Expect him to rotate in at OLB and DE in certain situations.  He'll also be on the team.

 

5.  John Simon (22) - Simon is a draft pick this year.  He is a workout warrior and has a relentless motor.  He struggles in both run and pass coverage, but getting after the QB is his specialty.  He will be staying at OLB and will rotate in on 3rd down occasionally.  Most of his value this year, however, will come from ST.

 

6.  Adrian Hamilton (25) - Hamilton is a very gifted pass rusher, judging by his 20.5 sacks in his senior season.  He started on the practice squad and saw minimal action last year.  He's been one of the camp standouts so far, but has a lot of depth in front of him.  He will have difficulties making the roster.

 

7.  Brandon Copeland (22) - Copeland is a UDFA this year that is considered NFL ready.  He has the ability to play at OLB, ILB, and DE.  OLB is his main position, which is why he is here.  He's played fairly well to this point, but also will fall victim to the depth in front of him.  Expect him to be on the practice squad.

 

8.  Meshak Williams (22) - Meshak was Arthur Brown's college teammate, and the two wreaked havoc together.  However, the same won't hold true in the NFL.  Meshak can play OLB and DE, but has a very long road ahead of him to make the team.  He's a good player, and the only way he can make the team is by standing out on ST.

[GrimCoconut]

Here's my brief opinion

OLB: Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, McPhee and Simon

ILB: Brown, Smith, Bynes, McClellan

PUP: McClain

Sleepers: Williams, Hall, Hamilton, Copeland and Carr.

If McPhee is listed as a DE then I would remove McPhee and put Hall in there.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

your vote

as i'm second to vote and i assume you were first, the only vote we got different is that i see Hall beating McClellan for a roster spot, but both might make it with McClain on the PUP

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Here's my brief opinion
OLB: Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, McPhee and Simon
ILB: Brown, Smith, Bynes, McClellan
PUP: McClain
Sleepers: Williams, Hall, Hamilton, Copeland and Carr.
If McPhee is listed as a DE then I would remove McPhee and put Hall in there.

so you were the one vote? naughty tricksy Grim! lol...

[rmw10]

as i'm second to vote and i assume you were first, the only vote we got different is that i see Hall beating McClellan for a roster spot, but both might make it with McClain on the PUP

 

I actually haven't voted yet.  I try to mix it up and not be first all the time lol.

[Cville-Raven]

If McPhee is listed as a DE then I would remove McPhee and put Hall in there.

I think they're pretty committed to him playing OLB.

[GrimCoconut]

as i'm second to vote and i assume you were first, the only vote we got different is that i see Hall beating McClellan for a roster spot, but both might make it with McClain on the PUP

McClellan offers versatility since he can play OLB or ILB and was effective on ST. As such he's currently ahead of Hall even if I'm excited about Hall's potential. That LB spot will be determined by ST play. If McPhee is listed as a DE then I can see us giving Hall the job as McClellan can be that versatile player.

Considering that Dumervil isn't the best against the run and Simon is a rookie that means only Suggs and Upshaw would be our edge setters. Not good

[GrimCoconut]

I think they're pretty committed to him playing OLB.

I'd agree but I'm just explaining my opinion since I clearly don't know what the Ravens are thinking.

I can honestly see us carry 10 LB

[rmw10]

If McPhee is listed as a DE then I would remove McPhee and put Hall in there.

 

I wanted to put him on the DL, but all reports are saying that he's playing OLB almost exclusively.  With that being said, I could definitely see them going with 6 DL and 10 LB if they do want to continue using McPhee on the line at times.  It doesn't seem like that's the case, though.

[PurpleReign92]

My favorite linebacker is already gone... #52

[rmw10]

Are people really not voting Daryl Smith? I know this is opinion based but try to be realistic as well.

[GrimCoconut]

Are people really not voting Daryl Smith? I know this is opinion based but try to be realistic as well.

Yeah, that doesn't make sense. Nor does it make sense for me to not see John Simon voted in. The guy was just drafted pretty high. He's making the football team unless he gets injured. 

[5aiah]

ILB-Brown,Smith,Hall,Bynes,McClellan

OLB-Suggs,Dumervil,McPhee,Simon,and Upshaw.

 

I think McClain is done here to be honest. Unless he is able to come back later in season if we have injury trouble I don't see us shaking things up just to get him back on the field when he isn't that good in coverage and we already have thumpers doing well during the season. So unless he just gets the sign that hes cleared before the season starts, bye bye McClain. The rest are pretty self explanatory. Also who isn't voting for Smith? Healthy he is the best ILB on the team period. He has been one of the best LBs(the best true OLB) in the league for a long time and can play inside and out and has played in a hybrid formation before. We are all about versatility, knock it off.

[ravensdan]

ILB-Brown,Smith,Hall,Bynes,McClellan
OLB-Suggs,Dumervil,McPhee,Simon,and Upshaw.

I think McClain is done here to be honest. Unless he is able to come back later in season if we have injury trouble I don't see us shaking things up just to get him back on the field when he isn't that good in coverage and we already have thumpers doing well during the season. So unless he just gets the sign that hes cleared before the season starts, bye bye McClain. The rest are pretty self explanatory. Also who isn't voting for Smith? Healthy he is the best ILB on the team period. He has been one of the best LBs(the best true OLB) in the league for a long time and can play inside and out and has played in a hybrid formation before. We are all about versatility, knock it off.

I voted this way exactly. Maybe I was only supposed to take 9 total, but there's no way these guys don't make thd team. Someone like McPhee or Simon double as d linemen as well.

[rmw10]

I voted this way exactly. Maybe I was only supposed to take 9 total, but there's no way these guys don't make thd team. Someone like McPhee or Simon double as d linemen as well.

Yeah you were only supposed to pick 9 lol. The problem with picking more is that it's usually the same people that are picking 1 more than they're supposed to. It quickly turns into a 60 man roster for them.

I've allowed time for a final vote where we can make replacements. Just for example, if someone thinks we should take Bryan Hall as a 10th linebacker and we should get rid of Ramon Harewood as a 9th OL, they make mention of that. If there's enough support, I'll change it for our final roster.

[5aiah]

Yeah you were only supposed to pick 9 lol. The problem with picking more is that it's usually the same people that are picking 1 more than they're supposed to. It quickly turns into a 60 man roster for them.

I've allowed time for a final vote where we can make replacements. Just for example, if someone thinks we should take Bryan Hall as a 10th linebacker and we should get rid of Ramon Harewood as a 9th OL, they make mention of that. If there's enough support, I'll change it for our final roster.

Yeah I think we keep 10 bro. Even with 3 TEs and 2 FBs. I know. But we gotta trim from somewhere else. Or else kick Bynes.Lol.

[ravensdan]

Yeah you were only supposed to pick 9 lol. The problem with picking more is that it's usually the same people that are picking 1 more than they're supposed to. It quickly turns into a 60 man roster for them.

I've allowed time for a final vote where we can make replacements. Just for example, if someone thinks we should take Bryan Hall as a 10th linebacker and we should get rid of Ramon Harewood as a 9th OL, they make mention of that. If there's enough support, I'll change it for our final roster.

I will shorten my vote in another category to compensate. I have picked the designated number for all the other positions thus far.

[rmw10]

Yeah I think we keep 10 bro. Even with 3 TEs and 2 FBs. I know. But we gotta trim from somewhere else. Or else kick Bynes.Lol.

I also think we keep 10 lol. But of course I have to tell people a number. I don't mind going 1 over or under, but that's not always the case. I've seen people pick anywhere from just 1 to everyone on the list. It's a really simple concept, but you always have those people that ruin things.

[rmw10]

I will shorten my vote in another category to compensate. I have picked the designated number for all the other positions thus far.

Yeah that wasn't directed at you specifically. More of a general statement. My post above tells all of my issues so far lol.

[GrimCoconut]

Terrell Suggs said something good about Josh Bynes on Twitter. He said to watch out for him. I'm guessing he is impressed by him. I like Bynes so this makes me happy

[rmw10]

Geeze LB has been the most frustrating edition so far.  Do people really think Smith won't make it and McClain will?  They made it pretty clear that Smith will start and McClain isn't healthy enough to start the year.

[5aiah]

Geeze LB has been the most frustrating edition so far.  Do people really think Smith won't make it and McClain will?  They made it pretty clear that Smith will start and McClain isn't healthy enough to start the year.

People don't know who he is. The best 4-3 OLB of the past 5 years is going to be cut by the Ravens who could use him at ILB(which he has played before).Yeah, right on guys.

[GrimCoconut]

Geeze LB has been the most frustrating edition so far. Do people really think Smith won't make it and McClain will? They made it pretty clear that Smith will start and McClain isn't healthy enough to start the year.

People probably don't know who he is. That's all. Going off of names. A lot of people think McClain is the heir. This is my guess. I personally can't stand the hype he gets. He's an average player that can play above average at times.

[GrimCoconut]

People don't know who he is. The best 4-3 OLB of the past 5 years is going to be cut by the Ravens who could use him at ILB(which he has played before).Yeah, right on guys.

lol. Like mind.

[rmw10]

I'm making the executive decision to remove McClain from the poll, since they've stated that he will not be starting the year practically.  If anyone doesn't like it, too bad :)

[5aiah]

People probably don't know who he is. That's all. Going off of names. A lot of people think McClain is the heir. This is my guess. I personally can't stand the hype he gets. He's an average player that can play above average at times.

OMG this needed to be said by someone who won't get a million negative votes. Hes a thumper in the run game nothing more. His peak was 2011 Ray Lewis. He is not a suitable long term heir even though we hope he fully recovers.

[rmw10]

Spencer Adkins was cut today so I removed him.  For whatever reason, a couple of you picked him to make the team.  Feel free to re-vote.

[beanfigger]

Spencer Adkins was cut today so I removed him.  For whatever reason, a couple of you picked him to make the team.  Feel free to re-vote.

 

I didn't feel I have enough respect on this board to say this, so I'm glad you did.

[rmw10]

I didn't feel I have enough respect on this board to say this, so I'm glad you did.

 

Lol normally I wouldn't, but the sheer ridiculousness of some people's choices in this thread is just incredible.  I'm all for this being opinion-based, but that opinion should be based on realism as well.  You always have the few outliers, but this thread has just been absurd haha.

[beanfigger]

Lol normally I wouldn't, but the sheer ridiculousness of some people's choices in this thread is just incredible.  I'm all for this being opinion-based, but that opinion should be based on realism as well.  You always have the few outliers, but this thread has just been absurd haha.

 

Personally, I felt this was one of the easiest positions to predict that you've polled so far.  Aside from the McClain injury throwing a wrench into the decision, I think at least 8 of these guys are shoe-ins.  So, if we are really only keeping 9, there should be far less disparity in the votes.  Really it seems to be which do we keep between Bynes and Hall, or do we keep both and have 10 LBs on the roster?