"Who Stays and Who Goes?" - Tight End Edition

[rmw10]

Finally, we are at the last position of this segment.  Next week, we will have the final vote and I will compile our consensus 53 man roster from there.  Last on the list is tight end, one of the positions in biggest flux.  To pick the number of TE's, we will again go by the standard, which in this case is 3.  Please, when picking, choose only three TE's.  If you think 2 or 4 make it, please save that for next week's final vote.

 

Here are your candidates:

 

1.  Ed Dickson (26) - Dickson is battling a torn hamstring right now, but that won't keep him from making the roster.  He's the best option we have right now after Pitta's injury.  He is a downfield threat that can make big plays, but don't count out his skill in the intermediate range either.  He's a willing blocker, although he's average.  He'll be on the 53.

 

2.  Billy Bajema (30) - Bajema has some familiarity with the Ravens after winning a ring with them last year.  He's known for his blocking, which is absolutely great out of a TE.  He doesn't offer too much in the passing game, but will occasionally come down with the ball if need be.  He's in competition for one of the two remaining spots.

 

3.  Dallas Clark (34) - Clark is a recent FA signing.  We have yet to see him in action here, but he has plenty of tape from the past to judge him on.  He cannot block at all, but he's a reliable pass catcher that can operate as a slot receiver.  He's likely going to fill the Pitta role this year, a reliable pass catcher over the middle.  Expect him to become one of Flacco's favorites.

 

4.  Visanthe Shiancoe (33) - Shiancoe was brought in after Pitta went down.  He's gotten the majority of first team reps but hasn't performed too well.  He's been wildly inconsistent.  He's come up with some great catches, but also some pretty bad drops.  He's also a willing blocker, but average at it.  He's in competition for one of the final 2 spots.

 

5.  Matt Furstenburg (24) - Matt is the fan favorite UDFA of the year.  He came out of the draft with great measurables and was poised to make the before the 3 vets above made their way here.  He's done very well so far this preseason, but has struggled in practice against more talented players.  Either way, he deserves more reps and will be in consideration for one of the last two spots.

 

6.  Alex Silvestro (24) - Silvestro is likely just a camp body.  He's an attractive piece to keep around because he can play on the DL as well.  He's a bigger bodied TE that can offer a bit in the blocking game as well.  He doesn't have much of a shot at the team, so expect him to be cut among the first wave.

 

7.  Dennis Pitta (28) - As we all know, Pitta is hurt and will not make the original 53.  He may be a candidate for the IR/Designated to Return list, however.

[rmw10]

Sorry to whoever voted so far.  Please delete your vote and submit again.  I've made the poll available for multiple choices.

[billick]

Dickson, Clark, Matt and Bajema.

 

Three TE's is not enough, IMHO.

 

Nice post.

[rmw10]

Dickson, Clark, Matt and Bajema.

 

Three TE's is not enough, IMHO.

 

Nice post.

 

Do you not read?  There's an opportunity for that next week.  Please revise and choose only 3.

[GrimCoconut]

Clark and Dickson are locks in my eyes. The third job goes to the best blocker and that's probably going to be Billy. I chose Furstenberg because of his upside but I'm doubtful he makes it. This is more of what I would do not Ozzie and John. I think Ozzie and John roll with Dickson, Clark and Bajema and make Furstenberg a priority but for me he makes the team and Billy is out due to Matt's upside and blocking

[rmw10]

Clark and Dickson are locks in my eyes. The third job goes to the best blocker and that's probably going to be Billy. I chose Furstenberg because of his upside but I'm doubtful he makes it. This is more of what I would do not Ozzie and John. I think Ozzie and John roll with Dickson, Clark and Bajema and make Furstenberg a priority but for me he makes the team and Billy is out due to Matt's upside and blocking

 

That's pretty much where I'm at, except I still think I'd personally take Bajema over Furstenburg.  I think we can find a way to keep him without giving him a roster spot, as I don't expect him to contribute too much this year.  I think Shiancoe played himself out of a spot the other night.

[GrimCoconut]

That's pretty much where I'm at, except I still think I'd personally take Bajema over Furstenburg. I think we can find a way to keep him without giving him a roster spot, as I don't expect him to contribute too much this year. I think Shiancoe played himself out of a spot the other night.

Yeah. I think Furstenberg goes to the practice squad or gets "hurt" in the final preseason game lol. I chose him because of his upside. I think Billy gets it

[RobFuseRaven]

I chose Dickson, Clark and Furstenburg. Dickson is a given. Pretty sure Clark will make it. The hard decision was the third spot. Shiancoe is inconsistent and I hope he is cut in the first wave. So it comes down to Bajema or Furstenburg. I think Bajema is actually an underrated pass catcher as well as a pretty good blocker, but I just like Furstenburg more because he has a lot of upside and he's played really well in preseason. albeit against backups. Think about how great the combo of speed, good hands and good blocking ability would be in a few years after some development. I don't think Ravens will keep both Dickson and Pitta in the future. He could develop into a good second Tight End. It might also be my biased for Maryland players, but you have to admit, no one wants to see him released and picked up by another team. I really don't think he's going to make it to the practice squad if cut.

[billick]

Furstenburg had a linebacker throwing to him his senior year  at Maryland. He stats reflect this.

[GrimCoconut]

My problem with Furstenberg making the team is his blocking. He's just not better than Billy in this regard. Unless one of Visanthe or Matt play like beasts in this next game I can't see either beating out Billy.

[BloodRaven]

It will probably be the vets Clark and Shianco or Bajema. Furstenburg will get stashed on the practice squad.

[beanfigger]

This has become one of the most difficult positions to predict what we do. As other positions seem to start to clear up, this one just gets more murky.

[ellicottraven]

I voted Dickson, Clark and Furstenberg, but think Bajema may win the job in lieu of Furstenberg who may go to the practice squad. Just a hunch given how poorly we blocked on our offensive front....

[5aiah]

I picked Dickson,(who is a lock) Clark, who is an older version of Pitta and will really help on third down as well as providing a contrast to Dickson(who is more a a down field threat) and Furstenburg(who i believe has more upside than Dickson or Pitta) because he will get snatched off the practice squad. He likely needs a year to develop like all of our other rookie TEs(Heap,Pitta,Dickson) but with how our TEs squad is looking I wouldn't be surprised if he was forced to play quite a bit this year. Dickson isn't the most durable,Pitta is already gone, Clark is pretty old(not sure if he will hold up either) as well. I think Shank will make the team as well and we take 4 TEs into the season(for obvious reasons) but just picked my top 3. 

[KillaBirdTJ]

I think Frustenberg can contribute THIS year. IMO too much stock is put into a players draft ranking... he may be better than Ed Dickson right now if given a chance. He blocks better, much better hands, and plays fast (4.6 in 40). Start him with the 1's next game to see what we got.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Furst over Shiancoe? Can't see it

[omar586]

Finally, we are at the last position of this segment.  Next week, we will have the final vote and I will compile our consensus 53 man roster from there.  Last on the list is tight end, one of the positions in biggest flux.  To pick the number of TE's, we will again go by the standard, which in this case is 3.  Please, when picking, choose only three TE's.  If you think 2 or 4 make it, please save that for next week's final vote.

 

Here are your candidates:

 

1.  Ed Dickson (26) - Dickson is battling a torn hamstring right now, but that won't keep him from making the roster.  He's the best option we have right now after Pitta's injury.  He is a downfield threat that can make big plays, but don't count out his skill in the intermediate range either.  He's a willing blocker, although he's average.  He'll be on the 53.

 

2.  Billy Bajema (30) - Bajema has some familiarity with the Ravens after winning a ring with them last year.  He's known for his blocking, which is absolutely great out of a TE.  He doesn't offer too much in the passing game, but will occasionally come down with the ball if need be.  He's in competition for one of the two remaining spots.

 

3.  Dallas Clark (34) - Clark is a recent FA signing.  We have yet to see him in action here, but he has plenty of tape from the past to judge him on.  He cannot block at all, but he's a reliable pass catcher that can operate as a slot receiver.  He's likely going to fill the Pitta role this year, a reliable pass catcher over the middle.  Expect him to become one of Flacco's favorites.

 

4.  Visanthe Shiancoe (33) - Shiancoe was brought in after Pitta went down.  He's gotten the majority of first team reps but hasn't performed too well.  He's been wildly inconsistent.  He's come up with some great catches, but also some pretty bad drops.  He's also a willing blocker, but average at it.  He's in competition for one of the final 2 spots.

 

5.  Matt Furstenburg (24) - Matt is the fan favorite UDFA of the year.  He came out of the draft with great measurables and was poised to make the before the 3 vets above made their way here.  He's done very well so far this preseason, but has struggled in practice against more talented players.  Either way, he deserves more reps and will be in consideration for one of the last two spots.

 

6.  Alex Silvestro (24) - Silvestro is likely just a camp body.  He's an attractive piece to keep around because he can play on the DL as well.  He's a bigger bodied TE that can offer a bit in the blocking game as well.  He doesn't have much of a shot at the team, so expect him to be cut among the first wave.

 

7.  Dennis Pitta (28) - As we all know, Pitta is hurt and will not make the original 53.  He may be a candidate for the IR/Designated to Return list, however.

its gonna b dallas>bajema>1st-nberg

Dickson injury is bad simply because its a lingering injury it will keep coming back during the season, they eventaully IR him.

Shincoe have been unimpressive.

silvestro is a camp body

dallas is the new security blanket for Joe.

1st-n-berg- i think he will grow in this offense and become a very good pass catcher.

bajema is good blocking TE

[5aiah]

Furst over Shiancoe? Can't see it

I have him over Shank because if he goes to practice squad I believe he will be scooped by some desperate team. I think they both make it though, we should carry 4 TEs especially considering Dickson isn't durable.

[beanfigger]

Somebody didn't vote for Dickson?

[jimmypowder]

My problem with Furstenberg making the team is his blocking. He's just not better than Billy in this regard. Unless one of Visanthe or Matt play like beasts in this next game I can't see either beating out Billy.

I agree hes not a better blocker but I think he is a faster better pass catcher then Billy.

 

He will be gone if we try to put him on the practice squad.

[rmw10]

Somebody didn't vote for Dickson?

 

Pretty typical.  Clearly Silvestro is the better player  :34853_brickwall:

[GrimCoconut]

I agree hes not a better blocker but I think he is a faster better pass catcher then Billy.

He will be gone if we try to put him on the practice squad.

I don't know man. I like Furstenberg as well but he hasn't been extremely impressive yet. I like his receiving but his blocking really needs work and as a third TE that's kinda important when you have Dickson and Clark as the other two TE. He's not extremely impressive on ST so I can't see him making it on that either. Maybe we stash him on IR or something. I think he's destined for the PS.

[rmw10]

I don't know man. I like Furstenberg as well but he hasn't been extremely impressive yet. I like his receiving but his blocking really needs work and as a third TE that's kinda important when you have Dickson and Clark as the other two TE. He's not extremely impressive on ST so I can't see him making it on that either. Maybe we stash him on IR or something. I think he's destined for the PS.

 

This is why I think we go with Bajema.  With one non-blocker in Clark, and one below average blocker in Dickson, I think it would be best to go with the guy that has blocked for years at a high level.  Furstenburg has all of the potential in the world, but I don't think we can rely on him to play a large role for this team in his rookie year.  Despite what we've seen, he still has a lot to work on.  With Dickson still on the mend, I think we have to go with more of a sure thing since I highly doubt we carry 4 TE's.

[GrimCoconut]

This is why I think we go with Bajema. With one non-blocker in Clark, and one below average blocker in Dickson, I think it would be best to go with the guy that has blocked for years at a high level. Furstenburg has all of the potential in the world, but I don't think we can rely on him to play a large role for this team in his rookie year. Despite what we've seen, he still has a lot to work on. With Dickson still on the mend, I think we have to go with more of a sure thing since I highly doubt we carry 4 TE's.

Yeah. I mean I voted for Furstenberg over Billy but I honestly don't buy it lol. I'm at least honest enough to say that. I'm just hopeful and rooting for him. I think Billy gets the job.

Juszczyk won't be cut. I can't promise that. As a result I just can't see Furstenberg making it when you consider that. He'll need to be a standout blocker and beat Billy in that regard to make this team. Right now he's getting pushed back by stronger guys. He also missed a key block. I noticed these things when I went back and watched the tape. He's just not ready.

[rmw10]

Yeah. I mean I voted for Furstenberg over Billy but I honestly don't buy it lol. I'm at least honest enough to say that. I'm just hopeful and rooting for him. I think Billy gets the job.

Juszczyk won't be cut. I can't promise that. As a result I just can't see Furstenberg making it when you consider that. He'll need to be a standout blocker and beat Billy in that regard to make this team. Right now he's getting pushed back by stronger guys. He also missed a key block. I noticed these things when I went back and watched the tape. He's just not ready.

 

Lol yeah I mean I'd like the guy to be what everyone around here is saying he is going to be.  He could reach that, but I think people are getting way too hopeful that it's going to happen this year.  I always hear the argument that he'll never make it to the PS, but it happens every year.  Josh Bynes, Nigel Carr, Omar Brown, Bobby Rainey, etc. are all guys that a lot of people said would get claimed.  Not only did some of these guys pass through waivers no problem, they sat on the open market for weeks before we put them on our PS.

 

If Dickson was 100%, I think you may be able to get away with keeping Furst around as the 3rd TE.  Because Dickson is hurt, we'd pretty much be relying on Furst as the 2nd TE.  Like you said, he has a lot to work on before we can rely on him in a large role.  I think he has the potential to be a good blocker, but he's struggling against 3rd string D's right now.  I'd hate to see what happens when we put him up against some of those premier guys.

[Ravenslifer]

Lol yeah I mean I'd like the guy to be what everyone around here is saying he is going to be.  He could reach that, but I think people are getting way too hopeful that it's going to happen this year.  I always hear the argument that he'll never make it to the PS, but it happens every year.  Josh Bynes, Nigel Carr, Omar Brown, Bobby Rainey, etc. are all guys that a lot of people said would get claimed.  Not only did some of these guys pass through waivers no problem, they sat on the open market for weeks before we put them on our PS.

 

If Dickson was 100%, I think you may be able to get away with keeping Furst around as the 3rd TE.  Because Dickson is hurt, we'd pretty much be relying on Furst as the 2nd TE.  Like you said, he has a lot to work on before we can rely on him in a large role.  I think he has the potential to be a good blocker, but he's struggling against 3rd string D's right now.  I'd hate to see what happens when we put him up against some of those premier guys.

 

I don't get that either - there's a reason 32 teams passed on him 7 times each, and I don't think 4 preseason games will suddenly make them change their minds.

[GrimCoconut]

Lol yeah I mean I'd like the guy to be what everyone around here is saying he is going to be. He could reach that, but I think people are getting way too hopeful that it's going to happen this year. I always hear the argument that he'll never make it to the PS, but it happens every year. Josh Bynes, Nigel Carr, Omar Brown, Bobby Rainey, etc. are all guys that a lot of people said would get claimed. Not only did some of these guys pass through waivers no problem, they sat on the open market for weeks before we put them on our PS.

If Dickson was 100%, I think you may be able to get away with keeping Furst around as the 3rd TE. Because Dickson is hurt, we'd pretty much be relying on Furst as the 2nd TE. Like you said, he has a lot to work on before we can rely on him in a large role. I think he has the potential to be a good blocker, but he's struggling against 3rd string D's right now. I'd hate to see what happens when we put him up against some of those premier guys.

Actually, Bobby Rainey never went to the practice squad. He was stashed on IR last year because of his foot or knee or something. I forget what it was but I know it was lower body. But outside of him I agree with you. He's mainly hype at this very moment.

People point to how he had a LB throwing him the ball. That's true but that wasn't every year. On top of it that doesn't matter. He's not developed enough to beat out a developed player yet.

Hey, I could be wrong. It's live for Furstenberg to make this team. I voted for him. Just keeping it real.

[rmw10]

Actually, Bobby Rainey never went to the practice squad. He was stashed on IR last year because of his foot or knee or something. I forget what it was but I know it was lower body. But outside of him I agree with you. He's mainly hype at this very moment.

People point to how he had a LB throwing him the ball. That's true but that wasn't every year. On top of it that doesn't matter. He's not developed enough to beat out a developed player yet.

Hey, I could be wrong. It's live for Furstenberg to make this team. I voted for him. Just keeping it real.

 

Actually Rainey did, although not immediately.  When we cut him a few hours before the game to get Allen on the roster, he spent quite a few weeks on the PS before we activated him and subsequently put him on the IR.

 

I'm rooting for Furst as well, but I don't see it this year.  He has the best chance out of all of our UDFA's.

[GrimCoconut]

Actually Rainey did, although not immediately. When we cut him a few hours before the game to get Allen on the roster, he spent quite a few weeks on the PS before we activated him and subsequently put him on the IR.

I'm rooting for Furst as well, but I don't see it this year. He has the best chance out of all of our UDFA's.

Sorry. I misunderstood you. I thought you meant finished the year on the PS.

[rmw10]

Sorry. I misunderstood you. I thought you meant finished the year on the PS.

 

Hey, it happens.  I know Rainey was a different situation in that he was cut after rosters were made, but I still remember the thread on him with so many people saying that we just made the worst move ever and there was no way he was going to clear waivers.  It happens every year.