Free Agents To Consider: Defense

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Looks like we're interested in ryan Clark. Not sure how I feel about it. Would've been great signing 2-3 years ago and even though his tackle numbers were a career high It could be bc he allowed more completions than ever before. He looked slow all last year. He would be a good mentor to Omar brown and a possible draft pick, but idk how I feel about him being counted on as a regular starter.

And with his frequent appearances on espn and first take he's made some pretty nasty comments publicly about ravens currently on the roster. I don't know how his public scrutiny and shots would go over in the locker room

[rothtravo]

Looks like we're interested in ryan Clark. Not sure how I feel about it. Would've been great signing 2-3 years ago and even though his tackle numbers were a career high It could be bc he allowed more completions than ever before. He looked slow all last year. He would be a good mentor to Omar brown and a possible draft pick, but idk how I feel about him being counted on as a regular starter.

And with his frequent appearances on espn and first take he's made some pretty nasty comments publicly about ravens currently on the roster. I don't know how his public scrutiny and shots would go over in the locker room

I mentioned bringing in Ryan Clark last week and I don't think people liked that very much. I still think he would do a good job as a short term fix. I'd be happy with him, Clemons, or DeCoud to come in and play a couple years. It would be kinda exciting to have two young safeties starting though. Exciting, yet scary. 

[PolishRifle]

I'm not a fan of the Clark rumors. At this point of his carreer, the only thing he brings to the team is experience. However, atleast the FO is looking into the FS position. Our best bet is to rebuild our OL through the draft and Oz probably will have to invest all of our high draft picks to do so, because those players have to work for us immediately. That OL last season was one the worst in the league, we still have not changed anthing in any way and turning them into a good unit will be a tall order.

[Static]

Chafles Woodson on anybody? Almost had 100 tackles last year.

[rmw10]

Chafles Woodson on anybody? Almost had 100 tackles last year.

 

I believe Woodson has said it's Oakland, back to GB, or he'll retire.

[Ravenslifer]

Chafles Woodson on anybody? Almost had 100 tackles last year.

 

At 38?  He'd have to come fairly cheap for me to consider it - he's not a long-term answer.

[rmw10]

At 38?  He'd have to come fairly cheap for me to consider it - he's not a long-term answer.

 

I'm wondering if a stop gap for a year might be in the plans.  Next year, the only guys we really have to worry about that are FA's are Torrey and Jimmy.  It's looking like DL is going to be the biggest need next year, and after that, I don't see any glaring weaknesses assuming we address the OL this year.  If we don't want to spend on Clemons or use a high draft pick on some questionable players in a weak class, a 1 year stop gap might be the best option.

[Raven07]

Intriguing that the Ravens are "talking" to Former Steeler S Ryan  Clark, 

[sflegend89]

The longer Champ stays on the market the better bargain we could possibly get. His man coverage skills have deteriorated which makes him a liability at cb but I think a move to FS fits his skill set better at this point in his career. With the knowledge he has of route trees and coverage concepts I think he could be a really solid FS. Instead of chasing wr's all over the field he can sit back in almost exclusively zone and jump routes. 

 

Not a fan of the Clark rumors, we need someone who excels in coverage like Champ back there. Clark can still lay a lick on people but he's suspect in coverage and a penalty machine with the way the NFL is calling "defenseless receiver" and "unnecessary roughness". Wouldn't have to worry about that with Champ.

[Inqui]

I'm wondering if a stop gap for a year might be in the plans.  Next year, the only guys we really have to worry about that are FA's are Torrey and Jimmy.  It's looking like DL is going to be the biggest need next year, and after that, I don't see any glaring weaknesses assuming we address the OL this year.  If we don't want to spend on Clemons or use a high draft pick on some questionable players in a weak class, a 1 year stop gap might be the best option.

Interesting thought. What's the FS draft class supposed to be like for next year?

[rmw10]

Interesting thought. What's the FS draft class supposed to be like for next year?

 

It's way too early to tell right now.  I'm sure our scouting team has done some work though, so Ozzie should at least have a general idea as to what the class is going to look like, and the FA market as well.

[GrimCoconut]

Interesting thought. What's the FS draft class supposed to be like for next year?

 

 

The following list was taken PRIOR to this past college football season.

 

* - Indicates potential 2016 prospect.

• Deon Bush*, SS, Miami
• Karl Joseph*, FS, West Virginia
• Denzel Nkemdiche*, SS, Ole Miss
• Corey Moore, SS, Georgia
• LaDarrell McNeil*, SS, Tennessee
• Tevin McDonald, FS, Eastern Washington
• Rohan Gaines*, SS, Arkansas
• Elijah Shumate*, FS, Notre Dame
• Hakim Jones*, SS, North Carolina State
• Cody Riggs, FS, Florida

Either way, the 2015 draft class isn't looking too strong at safety, especially for teams that want a free safety.

 

 

It's way too early to tell right now.  I'm sure our scouting team has done some work though, so Ozzie should at least have a general idea as to what the class is going to look like, and the FA market as well.

Five words:

 

Kurtis Drummond from Michigan State. 

[RavensNation14]

The longer Champ stays on the market the better bargain we could possibly get. His man coverage skills have deteriorated which makes him a liability at cb but I think a move to FS fits his skill set better at this point in his career. With the knowledge he has of route trees and coverage concepts I think he could be a really solid FS. Instead of chasing wr's all over the field he can sit back in almost exclusively zone and jump routes. 

 

Not a fan of the Clark rumors, we need someone who excels in coverage like Champ back there. Clark can still lay a lick on people but he's suspect in coverage and a penalty machine with the way the NFL is calling "defenseless receiver" and "unnecessary roughness". Wouldn't have to worry about that with Champ.

Not really a fan of having Champ converted to being our FS. I'd rather us take a chance on a guy like Decoud or Clemons who can stay for a little instead of a one year stop gap guy. He has gotten torched over the past couple of years and I'd rather have a younger guy va the draft or FA that can improve and not just be a one year player. 

[Ravenslifer]

Interesting thought. What's the FS draft class supposed to be like for next year?

 

As of right now, there are some guys who could be very good like Derron Smith, Kurtis Drummond, Cody Prewitt, but a year can change things - injuries, an offseason to gameplan, etc., could change their outlook.  But right now I'd say it could be more top heavy than 2014.

[RavensNation14]

I stand corrected; this is the result of someone (like myself) who doesn't really keep-up with college football, enough, and relies on dated scouting reports... haha!

 

Anyways, besides Jimmy Smith, Webb, Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson, do you think the Ravens should potentially sign a cornerback, once the free agency period cools off? Baltimore doesn't have enough picks to draft one (high), with all the positions that are still in need of depth. So, what's going to happen?

 

Brown might be ready to replace Corey Graham as the nickel. But, Jackson has one more strike, left, before he has to sit-out a year. And, can we even trust a non-drafted rookie to provide emergency depth (or even play the dime, if something were to happen to Jackson)?

 

How about a reunion with Josh Wilson?

Ehhh I see what you mean by us getting another guy in there, but I think the Ravens look to the draft for a CB. If you look at the contracts they are getting right now it's insane. Ozzie doesn't want to dish that money out when we have guys like Chykie and Asa who have been waiting for their time to shine. I know they might not be the best, but we drafted them for a reason to step up and take over. I see us getting a CB in the late rounds just to develop and have some depth. 

[RavensNation14]

But, I just question if the Ravens even have enough picks to get a CB at some point in the draft. Right now, they've got their 1st (17th), 2nd (48th), 3rd and 6th round picks, in addition to, most likely, 2 4ths (Kruger and Ellerbe), a 5th (Williams) and either a 6th or 7th (Reed).

 

And, I only question this because I've a got feeling that the Ravens will probably draft an top tier o-line, early, and another offensive lineman as a project, latter in the draft. I also envision them selecting a WR and TE, in some round, as well.

 

That, right there, leaves the Ravens with 4 picks. Any of those I guess can go to a RB, DE/DT, ILB, or FS; and, that's not to say they might double-dip with any of the previous positions I already mentioned (sans the offensive line, obviously).

 

I can see Chykie Brown stepping-up, without-a-problem, as he's already gotten playing time at cornerback in the regular season. It's just that Asa Jackson is such a wildcard, at the moment, that he can technically break the amount of depth the Ravens have at cornerback, in multiple ways. He hasn't seen time at CB, I believe, in the regular season; and, more importantly, he's on his last strike.

 

I'm not really saying has to sign a free agent cornerback, right now. He can wait it out and sign someone who gets released, later on, or even someone who went unsigned. But, I think the CB position is getting overlooked, to be honest. People keep mentioning tight end, defensive line, etc. as areas that seem to be lacking depth, where, in actuality, cornberback seems pretty tine, for now.

 

But, we'll just have to wait-and-see, I guess!

Yea now that you put in perspective like that you are right, but I think we will be fine. I could see us signing a veteran maybe after the draft or in training camp. We did the same when we signed Chris Johnson (not the RB). Especially how Jimmy and Webb have had their fair share of injuries, we could definitely use a veteran guy to solidify our lineup. 

[rafahash]

But, I just question if the Ravens even have enough picks to get a CB at some point in the draft. Right now, they've got their 1st (17th), 2nd (48th), 3rd and 6th round picks, in addition to, most likely, 2 4ths (Kruger and Ellerbe), a 5th (Williams) and either a 6th or 7th (Reed).

 

The more I think about it, the more I figure Ozzie will trade down for more picks. This draft is very deep on WRs, we can trade down, still get a nice WR in the first round and use our 2nd round picks to address TE/OL. Then I think Ozzie could get a CB in the third round.

[RavensNation14]

I've had the same feeling, too; however, at the moment, I'm convinced that IF Zack Martin falls to the Ravens, Baltimore will draft him, as the Dolphins (who are drafting 2 spots after Baltimore) are the other team that is deeply in need for an o-lineman. Otherwise, I would be all for the Ravens trading-down with a NFC team (like the Cardinals, Eagles or Saints), just to accumulate more picks.

Yea I could see us taking Martin at 17, a WR/FS in the 2nd, and if we feel we need to address CB that badly I think we should take one in the 3rd or 4th. Stanley-Jeap Baptiste, Louchiez Purifoy, or Bashaud Breeland are some guys we consider

[rafahash]

I've had the same feeling, too; however, at the moment, I'm convinced that IF Zack Martin falls to the Ravens, Baltimore will draft him, as the Dolphins (who are drafting 2 spots after Baltimore) are the other team that is deeply in need for an o-lineman. Otherwise, I would be all for the Ravens trading-down with a NFC team (like the Cardinals, Eagles or Saints), just to accumulate more picks.

 

Yeah, of course. It all comes down to what happens on draft day and who are the guys left on the board, but trading down would make a lot of sense for us to take advantage of such a deep draft, specially because we have a lot of needs.

[Tank 92]

I doubt there is any trading down this year. Some sort of offensive player(O line, WR, TE) will taken at 17.

[GrimCoconut]

Not really a fan of having Champ converted to being our FS. I'd rather us take a chance on a guy like Decoud or Clemons who can stay for a little instead of a one year stop gap guy. He has gotten torched over the past couple of years and I'd rather have a younger guy va the draft or FA that can improve and not just be a one year player. 

I think Champ is a pretty good signing, personally. DeCoud just isn't that impressive. He is a boom or bust signing. Clemons is more of a conservative signing. Bailey, I feel, is probably a little bit of both. He could probably convert to FS and do it well, though it's uncertain how we he could do it. Still, I think he could be our best option. 

 

As of right now, there are some guys who could be very good like Derron Smith, Kurtis Drummond, Cody Prewitt, but a year can change things - injuries, an offseason to gameplan, etc., could change their outlook.  But right now I'd say it could be more top heavy than 2014.

Too true. I do agree that next year's safety class has the appearance of a very good one at the top in the very least. 

 

I stand corrected; this is the result of someone (like myself) who doesn't really keep-up with college football, enough, and relies on dated scouting reports... haha!

 

Anyways, besides Jimmy Smith, Webb, Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson, do you think the Ravens should potentially sign a cornerback, once the free agency period cools off? Baltimore doesn't have enough picks to draft one (high), with all the positions that are still in need of depth. So, what's going to happen?

 

Brown might be ready to replace Corey Graham as the nickel. But, Jackson has one more strike, left, before he has to sit-out a year. And, can we even trust a non-drafted rookie to provide emergency depth (or even play the dime, if something were to happen to Jackson)?

 

How about a reunion with Josh Wilson?

I think we should draft one high if the right player is there, whether that be Verrett, Gilbert, or someone else. Value is a big part of it. I don't think Brown will be able to replace Graham. If anyone can it would be Webb or Jackson. I think Josh Wilson would be a decent signing though I'm not sure how well he would fit with our current scheme.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Yeah, of course. It all comes down to what happens on draft day and who are the guys left on the board, but trading down would make a lot of sense for us to take advantage of such a deep draft, specially because we have a lot of needs.

It's tough to say if they'll trade back or not. It could make a lot of sense but its just a likely someone high on their board falls to us and they pretty much have to take him. With so many QB needy teams at the top we could easily see a run on QB's. If an elite o-line prospect falls into our lap it'd be tough to justify trading back, or if someone like Mike Evans falls and we have him rated highly (which I definitely do) id be pretty upset to see them trade back.

We've rarely drafted this highly, but when we have we have hit on franchise players. Suggs, Ngata, and Flacco come to mind. We may not pick this high again for a while so if theres a chance you can land a cornerstone type player im all in. But if there isn't someone there who jumps off the page, it could make just as much sense to trade back 5-7 spots and still land a quality player while accumulating more mid-round picks either to fill out depth or have the flexibility to move up in the 2nd or 3rd to make sure they nail a falling player they have rated highly.

This is going to be a very interesting draft as far as predicting what they'll do. So many options... and what seems to make the most sense now, may not come draft time depending on what else we may do in free agency. Getting Alex Mack or de la Puente makes finding a RT less of a pressing need. I hope we do get one of them coupled with a vet, stop gap FS to compete with Omar Brown so there aren't any real glaring needs and we can truly just take BPA and get someone who will be an impact player for years to come.

[Dnyce215]

Evans isn't getting past Detroit

[Static]

Nobody should be discussing Mike Evans , its not happening. Might as well be talking about Clowney or Manziel. 

[rafahash]

We've rarely drafted this highly, but when we have we have hit on franchise players. Suggs, Ngata, and Flacco come to mind. We may not pick this high again for a while so if theres a chance you can land a cornerstone type player im all in.

 

On the one hand, I agree with you on this point. On the other hand, it's worth noticing that this is a really deep draft. While it's important to have hit a franchise player now that we have the opportunity, it's even more important that we take advantage of the level of talent of this class, imo. We may very well hit a franchise player drafting this high and he will be an important asset, no doubt. But with as many needs as we have, we have to think about improving this team all around, and I think this can be a great year to do so. Due to the level of talent we see this year, I think we should take as much as solid starters as we can. 

 

Again, it all comes down to who's left on the board when we're on clock, but trading down seems like a great option to me. Specially given the fact that we don't have a lot of draft picks this year and we need to take advantage of this opportunity.

[radicals]

One possibility I see is the Ravens trading back and picking defensively with the first pick. I don't believe they'll target right tackle, they like Wagner and may bring in a veteran to compete with him, or move Osemele over to RT. It would be more likely that the Ravens pick a versatile guy that's can play guard while moving KO to tackle. Could easily see a pick being a guard like Su'a-Filo in the second round.

I don't think we may see many defensive free agents signed because whatever the need is, we could draft it early. Hence the interest to guys like Jimmie Ward and Ra'shede Hageman. I am beginning to think we may not bring in a guy like Clemons or Decoud for safety. I would love for the Ravens to go out and pick at the market and find some great guys, but it probably won't happen, for a while at least. They also might be waiting for future cuts and cap causalities. We might wait for a veteran corner or another safety to get cut and then the Ravens swoop in and take him.  

[FlocksGottaFeed]

One possibility I see is the Ravens trading back and picking defensively with the first pick. I don't believe they'll target right tackle, they like Wagner and may bring in a veteran to compete with him, or move Osemele over to RT. It would be more likely that the Ravens pick a versatile guy that's can play guard while moving KO to tackle. Could easily see a pick being a guard like Su'a-Filo in the second round.

I don't think we may see many defensive free agents signed because whatever the need is, we could draft it early. Hence the interest to guys like Jimmie Ward and Ra'shede Hageman. I am beginning to think we may not bring in a guy like Clemons or Decoud for safety. I would love for the Ravens to go out and pick at the market and find some great guys, but it probably won't happen, for a while at least. They also might be waiting for future cuts and cap causalities. We might wait for a veteran corner or another safety to get cut and then the Ravens swoop in and take him.  

Agreed. Great assessment. The only thing I'd add is because of us being the 17th pick - all the remaining talent will be crystal clear.We will most likely take the 'best' offensive (OL) player available. There's way too much pressure on the FO not to. That being said, there are so many promising CBs and FSs that will be available in the later rounds that we shouldn't lose-out on talent. As you said, we will also most likely secure that veteran FS and/or CB before training camp begins. My wishlist: TJ Ward and/or Champ Bailey.

[RayRicefan2720]

Evans isn't getting past Detroit

 

After getting Tate, I don't see a need for the Lions drafting Evans, so I'm still holding out hope...

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Nobody should be discussing Mike Evans , its not happening. Might as well be talking about Clowney or Manziel.

A case can be made for a situation where Clowney drops to the 5th-7th pick. And it's not all that far-fetched. While it may not be likely that Evans falls all the way to 17, it could happen. I'm not banking on it, my only point was in the unlikely scenario he would fall that far I couldn't justify trading back.

[BloodRaven]

Not to be that guy but Evans is neither a free agent or defensive player.