Free Agents To Consider: Offense

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

He doesn't block particularly well, and that's likely what we need since Pitta is the same.  I'd be open to the idea, but I'd much rather have a more complete TE that can block and catch rather than a second guy who doesn't block really.

Thank you very much, didn't know a lot about his blocking skills.

[Mad Puppy]

I tend to think that Smith would be a very good person to learn from if we drafted Lee.  Also, I think if we could get Ebron we have to pull the trigger.  We would have 2 TE sets for the next 4-5 years that would be unstoppable.

How is Ebron a stud with pedestrian numbers like these at NC:

8TD's in 3 years? (3 in 2013, 4 in 2012, and 1 in 2011)

year - Rec - Yds - TD's

2013  62      973    3

2012  40      625    4

2011  10      207    1

 

I'm not seeing the hype here?

[Geving]

Any reports on interest in Montgomery or De La Puente? Hope we will sign one of these guys

[Ravenslifer]

How is Ebron a stud with pedestrian numbers like these at NC:

8TD's in 3 years? (3 in 2013, 4 in 2012, and 1 in 2011)

year - Rec - Yds - TD's

2013  62      973    3

2012  40      625    4

2011  10      207    1

 

I'm not seeing the hype here?

 

He's got the physical skill set to be a premier tight end in the NFL - the numbers are skewed because he played in a very run-heavy offense.  He is certainly one of the better players in this draft - however I'd say that he is no better or worse than Amaro or ASJ.  I think all three are pretty even, and Troy Niklas isn't far behind them.  But talent wise yes he is the kind of impact player you'd draft at 17 (but like I said so are Amaro and ASJ).

[Bravens292]

How is Ebron a stud with pedestrian numbers like these at NC:

8TD's in 3 years? (3 in 2013, 4 in 2012, and 1 in 2011)

year - Rec - Yds - TD's

2013  62      973    3

2012  40      625    4

2011  10      207    1

 

I'm not seeing the hype here?

 

Is the stat sheet all that matters? Jimmy Graham only had 17 career receptions at Miami but he was selected in the 3rd round and is now the top TE in football. If you've watch the tape, you'll see why Ebron is a stud. 

[Tank 92]

Given the lack of depth at TE it would seem that we take Ebron if he is available.

[BruceLeeRoy]

How is Ebron a stud with pedestrian numbers like these at NC:

8TD's in 3 years? (3 in 2013, 4 in 2012, and 1 in 2011)

year - Rec - Yds - TD's

2013  62      973    3

2012  40      625    4

2011  10      207    1

 

I'm not seeing the hype here?

 

He's a potential stud. Hopefully he would be good enough to offset having two TEs that cant block. 

[GrimCoconut]

Free agents I'd like to target are: 

 

C Mack

C Montgomery

C De La Puente

C Goodwin

C/G Velasco

C Ohrnberger

G/C Smith

G/C Boothe

G Colledge

T Strief

T Stewart

T Otto

 

I know everyone says "Keep KO at LG!" but you can't be so linear when predicting Ravens roster moves. I think we'd all like for him to remain at LG, but it might not be feasible. Also, we may need to get some better depth at guard in case he gets hurt again. So for me, I'd prefer we sign C Montgomery, T Stewart, as well as G Wade Smith.

 

Smith can compete for guard and center duties. He knows Kubiak's system. He has done well in the system. He can play all interior positions. Montgomery is a very capable blocker in the ZBS as that's what they ran in WAS and he also is good in run support. Stewart is a cut veteran OT who was one of the best for a very long time. Granted, he may retire and make it moot, but I'd rather have him because I feel like he could be a stopgap for a year or two. He also wouldn't affect in compensatory selections. He fits the profile of players we target.

 

Under this scenario, we could let Wagner battle it out with Stewart for the RT job. If Wagner loses, he can always remain a backup until he's needed and he can learn behind a once good RT. Montgomery and Gino can compete as well as Shipley and Jensen for the center job. Someone from that group should emerge. Smith will provide us veteran LG insurance in case KO goes down due to injury. 

[rmw10]

Free agents I'd like to target are: 

 

C Mack

C Montgomery

C De La Puente

C Goodwin

C/G Velasco

C Ohrnberger

G/C Smith

G/C Boothe

G Colledge

T Strief

T Stewart

T Otto

 

I know everyone says "Keep KO at LG!" but you can't be so linear when predicting Ravens roster moves. I think we'd all like for him to remain at LG, but it might not be feasible. Also, we may need to get some better depth at guard in case he gets hurt again. So for me, I'd prefer we sign C Montgomery, T Stewart, as well as G Wade Smith.

 

Smith can compete for guard and center duties. He knows Kubiak's system. He has done well in the system. He can play all interior positions. Montgomery is a very capable blocker in the ZBS as that's what they ran in WAS and he also is good in run support. Stewart is a cut veteran OT who was one of the best for a very long time. Granted, he may retire and make it moot, but I'd rather have him because I feel like he could be a stopgap for a year or two. He also wouldn't affect in compensatory selections. He fits the profile of players we target.

 

Under this scenario, we could let Wagner battle it out with Stewart for the RT job. If Wagner loses, he can always remain a backup until he's needed and he can learn behind a once good RT. Montgomery and Gino can compete as well as Shipley and Jensen for the center job. Someone from that group should emerge. Smith will provide us veteran LG insurance in case KO goes down due to injury. 

 

Stewart has already said that he's retiring, for what it's worth.

[GrimCoconut]

Stewart has already said that he's retiring, for what it's worth.

I haven't seen that anywhere. Please provide the source. Not saying you're wrong. I just want to read it because I still don't see it. 

[rmw10]

I haven't seen that anywhere. Please provide the source. Not saying you're wrong. I just want to read it because I still don't see it. 

 

Well, Twitter paraphrased so it isn't as definite as I thought.  But it still seems highly likely.

 

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20140314/SPORTS01/303140134

[GrimCoconut]

Well, Twitter paraphrased so it isn't as definite as I thought.  But it still seems highly likely.

 

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20140314/SPORTS01/303140134

Ahh. Thanks. The article does seem like he's done but he hasn't officially retired. Perhaps he's using that whole "if nobody comes knocking I have no choice to retire" kind of thing. We'll see. I still think he would be good competition at the least. I just hate the idea of handing the job to Wagner and I feel like Strief is unrealistic and will want too much--even for a RT. He also seems to really like NO and wants to stay there from everything I read. 

 

Winston just doesn't impress me anymore, nor Clabo. So, if Stewart's done I'd rather switch KO to RT and sign a guard like Boothe, Colledge, or Smith to play LG. Perhaps even put Gino or Wagner there and see how they do and sign a free agent center like Montgomery. 

[rmw10]

Ahh. Thanks. The article does seem like he's done but he hasn't officially retired. Perhaps he's using that whole "if nobody comes knocking I have no choice to retire" kind of thing. We'll see. I still think he would be good competition at the least. I just hate the idea of handing the job to Wagner and I feel like Strief is unrealistic and will want too much--even for a RT. He also seems to really like NO and wants to stay there from everything I read. 

 

Winston just doesn't impress me anymore, nor Clabo. So, if Stewart's done I'd rather switch KO to RT and sign a guard like Boothe, Colledge, or Smith to play LG. Perhaps even put Gino or Wagner there and see how they do and sign a free agent center like Montgomery. 

 

I still wouldn't be too surprised to see Wagner as the starter at RT.  I'd rather not rely on that, but I think it's possible.

 

You have to assume that our OL looks like...

 

LT - Monroe

LG - Osemele (or at RT)

C - Gradkowski, Jensen

RG - Yanda

RT - Wagner

 

That's already 6 guys that are essentially guaranteed a roster spot, and we still have 2 holes to fill in C and LT/RG.

[GrimCoconut]

I still wouldn't be too surprised to see Wagner as the starter at RT.  I'd rather not rely on that, but I think it's possible.

 

You have to assume that our OL looks like...

 

LT - Monroe

LG - Osemele (or at RT)

C - Gradkowski, Jensen

RG - Yanda

RT - Wagner

 

That's already 6 guys that are essentially guaranteed a roster spot, and we still have 2 holes to fill in C and LT/RG.

We could fit two more guys on there. Montgomery and Smith, Strief, etc. could easily work. Wagner or KO could be backup LT. I'm not fond of the idea either but in an emergency situation that's how it typically works. In fact, most teams like to slide their guards out in event of injury rather than moving a tackle from one side to the other. So it depends on whether we feel that KO is better at LG where he would slide to LT in event of injury or if we feel better about putting KO at RT and Wagner or a new addition at LG with him sliding out in the event of injury. 

[rmw10]

We could fit two more guys on there. Montgomery and Smith, Strief, etc. could easily work. Wagner or KO could be backup LT. I'm not fond of the idea either but in an emergency situation that's how it typically works. In fact, most teams like to slide their guards out in event of injury rather than moving a tackle from one side to the other. So it depends on whether we feel that KO is better at LG where he would slide to LT in event of injury or if we feel better about putting KO at RT and Wagner or a new addition at LG with him sliding out in the event of injury. 

 

That's what I was thinking, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us go with 9 OL this year either.  If I had to guess how this will end up, I'd think we'll sign a C sooner rather than later.  Once that happens I suspect we wait until the draft and pick up either a G or a T.  Whichever we don't pick early, I'd expect either a late round pick or a vet FA after the draft.

[GrimCoconut]

That's what I was thinking, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us go with 9 OL this year either.  If I had to guess how this will end up, I'd think we'll sign a C sooner rather than later.  Once that happens I suspect we wait until the draft and pick up either a G or a T.  Whichever we don't pick early, I'd expect either a late round pick or a vet FA after the draft.

Ozzie said he wanted to strengthen the interior OL. Granted, he can still do that but he typically talks about needs and addresses them in FA. I expect him to address the OL in FA over the draft. I like this group of RTs in this class, and I like a lot of the top guards, but I don't see Ozzie taking one unless they're of great value. Perhaps if they don't trust Wagner then I can see it, but they seem to like him quite a bit. They used him like we typically use players we want to use the next year. We have a habit of grooming draft picks the first year then using them more in larger roles the second year.

 

Wagner was used extensively as a blocking TE on the jumbo packages. That makes me feel like he's being targeted for the RT job, as we both suggested. I just hate the idea of handing him the job, which I feel is unlikely and it's why I suggested Stewart early on because we always have competition. I do agree that we could see 9 OL. I think our OL was so bad that Ozzie won't feel good with just 8 this year. 

[BloodRaven]

Theres also the trade option, we could target one or two big specimens approaching their final year, someone like Brandon Brooks or Marcus Cannon.

 

Also in regards to the centre problem, Birk showed in his last few seasons that a slow centre could anchor a ZBS system if he has the size and smarts.

[rmw10]

Ozzie said he wanted to strengthen the interior OL. Granted, he can still do that but he typically talks about needs and addresses them in FA. I expect him to address the OL in FA over the draft. I like this group of RTs in this class, and I like a lot of the top guards, but I don't see Ozzie taking one unless they're of great value. Perhaps if they don't trust Wagner then I can see it, but they seem to like him quite a bit. They used him like we typically use players we want to use the next year. We have a habit of grooming draft picks the first year then using them more in larger roles the second year.

 

Wagner was used extensively as a blocking TE on the jumbo packages. That makes me feel like he's being targeted for the RT job, as we both suggested. I just hate the idea of handing him the job, which I feel is unlikely and it's why I suggested Stewart early on because we always have competition. I do agree that we could see 9 OL. I think our OL was so bad that Ozzie won't feel good with just 8 this year. 

 

Yeah I'm operating under the assumption that a vet FA at either RT/LG will be available after the draft.  I see it more likely that we only hit one OL position in the draft.  I think not having those vets hurt last year.  Our OL is still very young.  KO, Gino, Jensen, and Wagner make up more than half of our current guys that will likely be on the team next year.  All have 2 years or less of experience.  Monroe and Yanda are the only established vets.

 

If I had to guess what the depth chart looks like entering TC, it would be...

 

LT - Monroe

LG - Osemele, Veteran FA

C - Veteran FA, Gradkowski

RG - Yanda, Jensen

RT - Wagner, Rookie

 

Obviously you can swap around these guys at LG and RT depending on where we have Osemele playing.

[Alexir]

Football games are won in the trenches and as of right now, I am concerned with both our lines. We have Monroe back and he is completely healthy. Yanda should be healthy but with KO, who knows? What do we know? Was he a flash in the pan at guard or is he better suited at tackle? Gino is a back up at best, how will we visit Center after striking out at that position in the draft and UDFA several times? Can Rick wagner be our RT?

 

We have 2 guys over 30 and declining with Ngata and Canty. Is Brandon Williams ready to contribute? Is Haloti healthy?

 

When I look at the "Talent" on this team compared to our two rivals in Ohio, I see us as an underdog. I know championships aren't won in free agency but our roster doesn't scream talent to me. Pitta is a good football player, but he isn't a game changer. We lack a game changer on both sides of the ball.

 

I trust Ozzie will get some value on the lines but right now I think we are farrrr from ready to put a competitve team out there.

[GrimCoconut]

Yeah I'm operating under the assumption that a vet FA at either RT/LG will be available after the draft.  I see it more likely that we only hit one OL position in the draft.  I think not having those vets hurt last year.  Our OL is still very young.  KO, Gino, Jensen, and Wagner make up more than half of our current guys that will likely be on the team next year.  All have 2 years or less of experience.  Monroe and Yanda are the only established vets.

 

If I had to guess what the depth chart looks like entering TC, it would be...

 

LT - Monroe

LG - Osemele, Veteran FA

C - Veteran FA, Gradkowski

RG - Yanda, Jensen

RT - Wagner, Rookie

 

Obviously you can swap around these guys at LG and RT depending on where we have Osemele playing.

Let's talk more about this in PM since eyes are around here. I actually disagree with your lineup a bit but I can't really discuss it openly. PM me.

[rmw10]

Football games are won in the trenches and as of right now, I am concerned with both our lines. We have Monroe back and he is completely healthy. Yanda should be healthy but with KO, who knows? What do we know? Was he a flash in the pan at guard or is he better suited at tackle? Gino is a back up at best, how will we visit Center after striking out at that position in the draft and UDFA several times? Can Rick wagner be our RT?

 

We have 2 guys over 30 and declining with Ngata and Canty. Is Brandon Williams ready to contribute? Is Haloti healthy?

 

When I look at the "Talent" on this team compared to our two rivals in Ohio, I see us as an underdog. I know championships aren't won in free agency but our roster doesn't scream talent to me. Pitta is a good football player, but he isn't a game changer. We lack a game changer on both sides of the ball.

 

I trust Ozzie will get some value on the lines but right now I think we are farrrr from ready to put a competitve team out there.

 

I wouldn't say we're far from ready.  I think Ozzie did really well in filling most of our high value needs and leaving some of the lower value types of guys as the main needs entering this leg of FA and the draft.

 

RB - can be drafted mid to late

WR - deep draft, don't have to hit in round 1

TE - for a number 2, mid rounds or a vet FA

C - the one position I feel we need to hit in FA

RT/LG - can be hit in the draft or filled with a solid vet FA

 

He hit the expensive needs already and left us in a good position to fill all of these second tier positions.

[Alexir]

I wouldn't say we're far from ready.  I think Ozzie did really well in filling most of our high value needs and leaving some of the lower value types of guys as the main needs entering this leg of FA and the draft.

 

RB - can be drafted mid to late

WR - deep draft, don't have to hit in round 1

TE - for a number 2, mid rounds or a vet FA

C - the one position I feel we need to hit in FA

RT/LG - can be hit in the draft or filled with a solid vet FA

 

He hit the expensive needs already and left us in a good position to fill all of these second tier positions.

 

RB-I would love Terrance West.

WR-Ozzie is bad at adding receivers via draft, so outside the first round, we just can't develop them. Torrey is a burner but can't run all the routes.

TE- Owen Daniels would be a nice signing but I really wanted someone more athletic

 

As for defensive line, I am not too excited about losing Art and having a banged up Canty and Haloti.

[Bravens292]

RB-I would love Terrance West.

WR-Ozzie is bad at adding receivers via draft, so outside the first round, we just can't develop them. Torrey is a burner but can't run all the routes.

TE- Owen Daniels would be a nice signing but I really wanted someone more athletic

 

As for defensive line, I am not too excited about losing Art and having a banged up Canty and Haloti.

 

I don't expect them to address that. My guess they're hoping Haloti is healthy and Lewis Moore and Williams can play well in Arthur's absence.

[rothtravo]

This is one way how I could see it:

 

LT-Monroe

LG-Gradkowski

C-Rookie

RG-Yanda

RT-Osemele

 

Or:

LT-Monroe

RG-Osemele

C-Rookie

RG-Yanda

RT-FA

 

Really anything could happen though. Someone might step up and who knows who will be added. I just hope we do add some more pieces to this line cause to me it was the source of our struggles on offense last year.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Yeah I'm operating under the assumption that a vet FA at either RT/LG will be available after the draft.  I see it more likely that we only hit one OL position in the draft.  I think not having those vets hurt last year.  Our OL is still very young.  KO, Gino, Jensen, and Wagner make up more than half of our current guys that will likely be on the team next year.  All have 2 years or less of experience.  Monroe and Yanda are the only established vets.

 

If I had to guess what the depth chart looks like entering TC, it would be...

 

LT - Monroe

LG - Osemele, Veteran FA

C - Veteran FA, Gradkowski

RG - Yanda, Jensen

RT - Wagner, Rookie

 

Obviously you can swap around these guys at LG and RT depending on where we have Osemele playing.

 

Here is the list of lineman available.   http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/freeagency/?year=2014&position=45&status=1&type=-1

 

Plenty of journeyman that can be affordable for us.   

 

I expect us to grab a center & guard next week

[Ravenseconbeast]

Bruce Campbell (OT) is gone on that list though.  He went to Redskins..

 

 

Think Brian De La Puente ( C) & Wade Smith (G) from texans should be looked @

[Alexir]

Bruce Campbell (OT) is gone on that list though.  He went to Redskins..

 

 

Think Brian De La Puente ( C) & Wade Smith (G) from texans should be looked @

 

Bruce Campbell is god awful. He is worse than having a Jah Reid or Oneil Cousins on the team.

[PolishRifle]

Football games are won in the trenches and as of right now, I am concerned with both our lines. We have Monroe back and he is completely healthy. Yanda should be healthy but with KO, who knows? What do we know? Was he a flash in the pan at guard or is he better suited at tackle? Gino is a back up at best, how will we visit Center after striking out at that position in the draft and UDFA several times? Can Rick wagner be our RT?

 

I totally agree with this. I think the current situation of the OL is the most concerning part of our offense. Everyone breaths a sigh of relief after we got Monroe back, but there are many holes in that OL and many uncertainties. We should be more active in FA, just for the sake of creating more depth.

 

We paid Flacco Tom-Brady-type-money, we probably should give him a Tom-Brady-type-OL.

[GrimCoconut]

Bruce Campbell (OT) is gone on that list though.  He went to Redskins..

 

 

Think Brian De La Puente ( C) & Wade Smith (G) from texans should be looked @

I'm very much in favor of Wade Smith. 

[Alexir]

Because of the value (low cost, young, proven) outweighing the concerns (injury), I wouldn't mind bringing in Sidney Rice on the cheap. He is 27 years old and would benefit from Flacco's Arm.

 

2 Smiths, 2 Rices