Free Agents To Consider: Defense

[BloodRaven]

I don't think we're looking at any high priced CB's.  It's not enough of a need.  If we lost out on Graham, we'll look for another cheap steal like how we got Graham in the first place.  DRC, Munnerlyn, etc. prices aren't going to fall enough to where it makes sense for us to sign one.  We need a 3rd CB.  We need starters in a lot of other places.

 

Exactly, players who fits the bill of "right player, right price" will freefall in the next few days. I definitely think we need Graham or a competent replacement at #3 as much as we need a starter at FS, the slot is where offenses do a lot of their damage.

[akacrow]

On defense we need a starter at free safety, because we don't have one.

 

then we should add a nickle corner, and maybe add a DT to fit in the rotation. 

 

Ozzie gets that done and I am a happy camper. 

[Ravenskid52752]

I don't think we're looking at any high priced CB's.  It's not enough of a need.  If we lost out on Graham, we'll look for another cheap steal like how we got Graham in the first place.  DRC, Munnerlyn, etc. prices aren't going to fall enough to where it makes sense for us to sign one.  We need a 3rd CB.  We need starters in a lot of other places.

with some one like Jabari Greer , Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond some like that.

[rmw10]

with some one like Jabari Greer , Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond some like that.

 

I wouldn't even predict it to be someone that highly priced, in my opinion.  I'm thinking more along the lines of a Sherrick McManis type of guy.  Good ST player that is quality depth in the secondary as well.  It's not a flashy move, but that's not how the Ravens operate.

[Ravenskid52752]

I wouldn't even predict it to be someone that highly priced, in my opinion.  I'm thinking more along the lines of a Sherrick McManis type of guy.  Good ST player that is quality depth in the secondary as well.  It's not a flashy move, but that's not how the Ravens operate.

Sherrick Mcmanis lol yeah

another guy how bout brice McCain who got released by the texans

[BloodRaven]

On defense we need a starter at free safety, because we don't have one.

 

then we should add a nickle corner, and maybe add a DT to fit in the rotation. 

 

Ozzie gets that done and I am a happy camper. 

 

From the names that are left I'm thinking Pat Sims, Bengal fans want him back, Oakland fans want him back yet he has no suitors? I've given up trying to figure out how these GM minds work. He's a high motor two gapper who has a similar game to Art Jones.

[52520Andrew]

Exactly, players who fits the bill of "right player, right price" will freefall in the next few days. I definitely think we need Graham or a competent replacement at #3 as much as we need a starter at FS, the slot is where offenses do a lot of their damage.

 

The slot is where the offense does a lot of damage but isn't Webb our slot guy? What we need is a #2 outside guy on the other side of Smith so we can keep Webb in the slot where I think he does best.

[rmw10]

The slot is where the offense does a lot of damage but isn't Webb our slot guy? What we need is a #2 outside guy on the other side of Smith so we can keep Webb in the slot where I think he does best.

 

I don't think it matters that much.  Webb slid into the slot because Graham was much better playing on the outside in 3 CB situations.  Webb is more than capable of playing the outside if we go for a pure slot guy.

[FerrariFan87]

The fact Daryl Smith hasn't signed anywhere else yet is good news... I think he'll be back with the Ravens at a good price.

[BloodRaven]

I don't think it matters that much.  Webb slid into the slot because Graham was much better playing on the outside in 3 CB situations.  Webb is more than capable of playing the outside if we go for a pure slot guy.

 

Yeah Webb gives us flexibility because he can play inside or out. Theres still a possibility that we fill that role by promoting someone from out current corps or through the draft.

[52520Andrew]

I don't think it matters that much.  Webb slid into the slot because Graham was much better playing on the outside in 3 CB situations.  Webb is more than capable of playing the outside if we go for a pure slot guy.

 

True but I am almost getting to the point where I consider a good slot corner more valuable than a #2 in nickel situations at least. Maybe if there are only 2 WRs for the offensive formation, we could roll Webb and Smith and move Webb inside on nickel situations for the #2 guy. I mean since teams are moving people around in the slot, I think it would be smart to do the same.

[Cville-Raven]

Don't really like the Byrd signing for New Orleans. I mean they cant have that much money. Wonder if we are going to just look to the draft for a FS.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I'm starting to think we're looking at either Pryor or Clinton-Dix with our first pick in the draft. I think Pryor would be a great pick there.

Other than maybe Clemons I just don't see any FS left on the market who solidify the position for us.

I'm thinking we may also look at a NT/DT type of guy in FA... At the right price the guy from Chicago would be a great pick up and would allow ngata to go to DE.

[akacrow]

It would be crazy to go into the draft expecting to draft a free safety #1.  We have either needed a wideout or a left tackle the last five years and haven't drafted either.   

[akacrow]

From the names that are left I'm thinking Pat Sims, Bengal fans want him back, Oakland fans want him back yet he has no suitors? I've given up trying to figure out how these GM minds work. He's a high motor two gapper who has a similar game to Art Jones.

 

Might be a good option, free safety seems to be the more pressing need with the way they are flying off the free agency board.  

[BloodRaven]

I'm starting to think we're looking at either Pryor or Clinton-Dix with our first pick in the draft. I think Pryor would be a great pick there.

I'm thinking we may also look at a NT/DT type of guy in FA... At the right price the guy from Chicago would be a great pick up and would allow ngata to go to DE.

 

Melton? he's a 3 tech tackle coming off a knee reconstruction.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Melton? he's a 3 tech tackle coming off a knee reconstruction.

Which is why I think he'll potentially come cheap and has the potential to be dominant as hes shown flashes of in the past. He could play the 3 tech in our 4-3, and I think he could be successful as a sort of modified 0 tech in our 3-4 bc of the talent in our front 7 with Canty, ngata, suggs and doom coming off the edges.

He doesn't have prototypical size and may not be able to handle 2 gap assignments against the run, but there are plenty of teams now who have their 0 tech only responsible for 1 gap especially when they're quick, athletic and have especially high pass rushing prowess. Wade Phillips does this all the time.

He's only 27 and could come cheap and I like his upside. He'd give us versatility with our fronts, and would give us more pressure up the middle, something we've been missing lately. I think the lack of a threat to bring pressure up the middle is why our pas rush suffered so much at the end of the year. They keyed on doom and suggs and that was it. Ngata wasn't getting it done and Cody is nothing more than a blob, zero pass rushing ability.

Im all for bringing in players with talent and adapting scheme to fit them as opposed to saying hey hes not a traditional 0 tech, he doesn't fit what we do.

EDIT: the knee construction is a legitimate concern, but like I said, im only interested if its minimal financial commitment.

[Sami84]

im going to be brutaly honest here. No sport is more based on physical prowess than the NFL. A knee construction can and usualy does mean the difference between all-pro and out of the league in a few years.

 

Im a bit dissapointed we didnt get byrd as clemons is hardly a game changer and not that good. 

[Ravenseconbeast]

*Both were overpaid by sucky franchises.. One being a playoff team because they got lucky that the best QB prospect since Elway was in the same draft class as they were the #1 overall pick.

Yup..I don't factor in outlier teams like browns/miami. Those team will always overpay. They have zero leverage.

[BloodRaven]

Which is why I think he'll potentially come cheap and has the potential to be dominant as hes shown flashes of in the past. He could play the 3 tech in our 4-3, and I think he could be successful as a sort of modified 0 tech in our 3-4 bc of the talent in our front 7 with Canty, ngata, suggs and doom coming off the edges.

He doesn't have prototypical size and may not be able to handle 2 gap assignments against the run, but there are plenty of teams now who have their 0 tech only responsible for 1 gap especially when they're quick, athletic and have especially high pass rushing prowess. Wade Phillips does this all the time.

He's only 27 and could come cheap and I like his upside. He'd give us versatility with our fronts, and would give us more pressure up the middle, something we've been missing lately. I think the lack of a threat to bring pressure up the middle is why our pas rush suffered so much at the end of the year. They keyed on doom and suggs and that was it. Ngata wasn't getting it done and Cody is nothing more than a blob, zero pass rushing ability.

Im all for bringing in players with talent and adapting scheme to fit them as opposed to saying hey hes not a traditional 0 tech, he doesn't fit what we do.

EDIT: the knee construction is a legitimate concern, but like I said, im only interested if its minimal financial commitment.

 

I guess I was confused because you said he would play nose and allow Ngata to move back out to DE. I agree with your assessment that we need to build and/or adapt to the strength of our players, a 3 man front isn't going to collapse the pocket without a blue chip stud like Dontari Poe, it's clear that Ngata is no longer that guy.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Omgosh...broncos get ware too.

$10m/year 3year deal

They are incredibly aggressive. Tj ward,aqib, ware. All in and mortgaging future for broncos.

[rmw10]

Jeff Zrebiec ‏@jeffzrebiecsun 

Ravens would like to re-sign Daryl Smith but not at current asking price. Spikes, Woodyard other FA options. Perhaps Mosley in draft.

[Juviebest]

Omgosh...broncos get ware too.

$10m/year 3year deal

They are incredibly aggressive. Tj ward,aqib, ware. All in and mortgaging future for broncos.

 

Well I will not be watching any NFL stuff on TV all offseason, all we will hear is Broncos Broncos Broncos....too bad they can't win a ring in the offseason. It is nice to see them overpaying for these dudes though even though the media will eat that ish up.

[Ravenskid52752]

 

Jeff Zrebiec ‏@jeffzrebiecsun 

Ravens would like to re-sign Daryl Smith but not at current asking price. Spikes, Woodyard other FA options. Perhaps Mosley in draft.

 

he's probably asing for that Karlos dansby deal 4 years 24 million . Not happening and I bet if he's there at 17 the ravens take Mosley to pair with art brown that would be a nice combo in the middle of the defense for years to come.

[Ravenseconbeast]

Jeff Zrebiec ‏@jeffzrebiecsun

Ravens would like to re-sign Daryl Smith but not at current asking price. Spikes, Woodyard other FA options. Perhaps Mosley in draft.

wow forgot about CJ mosley. Another phenomenal talent dropping just around our #17pick.

[beanfigger]

What's a more risky young combo, middle linebackers or safeties?  It seems we are leaning towards using two guys with fewer than two years experience for at least one of these spots.  Hopefully not both.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Not gonna lie, I'd be pissed with Mosley at 17...

[rmw10]

What's a more risky young combo, middle linebackers or safeties?  It seems we are leaning towards using two guys with fewer than two years experience for at least one of these spots.  Hopefully not both.

 

I wouldn't be surprised to see Rolando as a strong possibility if we can't agree with Daryl.  Woodyard might be a nice, cheap option as well.  I see Spikes getting more than we're willing to pay.

[Ravenskid52752]

What's a more risky young combo, middle linebackers or safeties?  It seems we are leaning towards using two guys with fewer than two years experience for at least one of these spots.  Hopefully not both.

safeties! Mos Def Safeties there you last line of D.

[beanfigger]

safeties! Mos Def Safeties there you last line of D.

 

I think I agree with you, but we do need at least some savvy linebackers to call plays and audibles.  Safeties are definitely becoming one of the most important positions on the field for defenses in today's game, though.