Welcome to Bmore, Zuttah

[codizzle]

Come on fellas, you trying to draft a rookie and make him a Pro-Bowler in 8 weeks? This is not Madden Football. Not every rookie you draft will turn into a starter, remember Sergio Kindle - Raven's 1st round pick few years ago? Or how about Payton Manning's Rookie year? Yeah, Payton looked pretty crappy and team went 4-12 that year. PLAYOFFS? WHAT PLAYOFFS?

Travis Frederick was a beast last year... As a rookie

[sflegend89]

Now I wonder if we'll target an OL like Martin or Lewan or a playmaker in the passing game like Marquise Lee, OBJ, Ebron, Kelvin Benjamin?

 

I mean FS is still possible but I think the offense is over due for a 1st round selection.. especially after last year

[DocMartin]

Travis Frederick was a beast last year... As a rookie

Who? Never heard of him

[airconteka1]

Come on fellas, you trying to draft a rookie and make him a Pro-Bowler in 8 weeks? This is not Madden Football. Not every rookie you draft will turn into a starter, remember Sergio Kindle - Raven's 1st round pick few years ago? Or how about Payton Manning's Rookie year? Yeah, Payton looked pretty crappy and team went 4-12 that year. PLAYOFFS? WHAT PLAYOFFS?

 

I think if you extend your sample size beyond 2 players you'll find plenty of examples of rookies doing well. If we take an OT in the first round then I'd expect them to be a starter, not necessarily a pro-bowler.

[sflegend89]

Who? Never heard of him

 

Cowboys took him right before we took Elam. Cowboys fans were belly aching that they didn't take Elam or Cyprien and that they "reached" on Fredrick and the kid actually had a really good rookie year as their starting Center. Ended up being a really good pick considering he made it to the tail end of the 1st round.

[Inqui]

Now I wonder if we'll target an OL like Martin or Lewan or a playmaker in the passing game like Marquise Lee, OBJ, Ebron, Kelvin Benjamin?

 

I mean FS is still possible but I think the offense is over due for a 1st round selection.. especially after last year

I think we go playmaker. The dropoff from the top of the skill positions is significantly bigger than the dropoff from the top of the LG/RT spots. Honestly, I feel like the need to draft OL in the first round (even the second) was overblown anyway. The only thing this signing really changes is everyone's perception (which isn't a bad thing I guess, haha).

[DocMartin]

Now I wonder if we'll target an OL like Martin or Lewan or a playmaker in the passing game like Marquise Lee, OBJ, Ebron, Kelvin Benjamin?

I mean FS is still possible but I think the offense is over due for a 1st round selection.. especially after last year

I agree to some degree. Look, if TE Ebron is still on the board at 17, you gotta take him. But if not, who would you take, BPA? I just got the feeling if Ozzie's man is not on the board, he will trade our 1st rounder for additional pick. He has history of that and I wouldn't second guessed him there.

[Inqui]

Cowboys took him right before we took Elam. Cowboys fans were belly aching that they didn't take Elam or Cyprien and that they "reached" on Fredrick and the kid actually had a really good rookie year as their starting Center. Ended up being a really good pick considering he made it to the tail end of the 1st round.

To be fair, I still think he was a reach considering he probably would have been around in the middle of the second. But point taken - rookies can do well early if they're good enough.

[redrum52]

Who? Never heard of him

The guy everyone thought was drafted way too high and made us look stupid. Center for the Cowboys. Realistically, with Jerry making the moves, no one can blame almost everyone for thinking it was a bad pick.

[DocMartin]

The guy everyone thought was drafted way too high and made us look stupid. Center for the Cowboys. Realistically, with Jerry making the moves, no one can blame almost everyone for thinking it was a bad pick.

Well, yeah, that guy did pretty good for rookie despite the fact Romo.was running for his life on most of the plays. And he was still over-reach because they could of.drafted him in 2nd round instead of 1st. Maybe Jerry forgot about his team also needed A DEFENSE, but anyways they got their plans and we got ours.

[juanman7]

Would putting Gradkowski at guard and Osemele at tackle be an option? Anyone know?

[DocMartin]

And before some folks.start.taking about Talents.and Playmakers and Pro-Bowl Free Agents I just say 2 words for y'all - Philadelphia Eagles. How many times Did they go to the Superbowl and Won in last 15 years ? Last time they were in Superbowl with T.O. Owens and LOST. So, don't worry and be happy - BALTIMORE RAVENS 2 TIMES.SUPERBOWL CHAMPS AND GOING.FOR.THREE SOON. GOOD NITE.

[codizzle]

Would putting Gradkowski at guard and Osemele at tackle be an option? Anyone know?

Yep definitely an option.. But that's what training camp and preseason are for.. We'll see soon

[BloodRaven]

I'm happy with this, it also seems to indicate a more long term focus on ZBS. Now all we need is some firepower at LG or RT.

[Purple Nurple]

polishing a Waste products doesn't change the fact that it's a Waste products.

Truthiness

[PurpleCityLights]

Gradkowski was deader than dead last; he was ranked 35th overall. Problem is, there's only 32 starting centers in this league!

Lol!!

[Ravenseconbeast]

I don't believe in the idea that a player/human being can't improve. I still to this day don't understand why we made Juan Castillo the offensive line coach when we knew the whole time he favored bigger/mauler type offense linemen which is something Gino is not.

I think its a little harsh to say Gino has no business in pro football but thats your opinion. Our offensive line in general was terrible even Yanda look bad at times.

Just ask any former fans from any team Juan Castillo was associated with. They are more than glad his gone.

I'm sure his a hard working man, w/ high values..still doesn't deter the fact he is completely clueless. If our season is mired with another poor oline, he should be canned mid season: Cam Cameron style

[cushrinada1986]

At 6'4 - 308LBS, this guy has very nimble feet and can swing out on runs very fast. He has played in zone schemes before so this is a good Kubiak fit. So now our C, LT, RG is locked up. If KO can come back, that would make LG but OZ will not leave that spot to chance. So once we get a RT and LG, and maybe a more experienced FS, we should be set for the draft. This is a smart move to get the needed pieces now, that way we can use the picks we have now to trade up and get a valued pick if needed.

[Militant X 1]

Welcome!

 

#Mili

[Stephenjr]

As I already said, I like this trade but I'm in a wait and see mode to see who earns the 3 starting spots up for grabs before gushing over the guy. You do realize the game you mentioned as an example was against the Atlanta Falcons' 31st ranked run defense right? Rainey's only other 100+ yard rushing game came against the 28th ranked Buffalo Bills' run defense. I have high hopes for Zuttah and our line too but not a particularly good example. Its sort of like how Rice had the terrible year he had but put up over 100 yards against a terrible Bears' run defense...

Okay, lets see, Ray Rice ran behind him in college, The Muscle Hamster ran behind him in Tampa and was injured, then another running back took over in Tampa when the Muscle Hamster got hurt. (can't recall his name) He had  2 really good games running behind Zuttah then he got injured, then Rainey came in and did ok. That is 4 RB's that have done well running behind Zuutah. Go to U-Tube and watch his film. He is a beast. He gets to the second level and steam roles. I am usually not very optimistic, but I know talent when I see it. Zuttah is very talented! Trust in the Wizard my friend!

[chsbasebalplayer]

Come on fellas, you trying to draft a rookie and make him a Pro-Bowler in 8 weeks? This is not Madden Football. Not every rookie you draft will turn into a starter, remember Sergio Kindle - Raven's 1st round pick few years ago? Or how about Payton Manning's Rookie year? Yeah, Payton looked pretty crappy and team went 4-12 that year. PLAYOFFS? WHAT PLAYOFFS?

Kindle fell down a flight of stairs and broke his scull and he was a second round pick not a first. Bad example..

[ravensdan]

Drafting RT is certainly good idea, but no Rookie will digest playbook and become a starter overnjght. Most likely be spending time on bench or Practice Squad for 8 weeks, at least. LG spot is wide open - for someone who is familiar.with system or NFL experience - Shipley, Wagner, Jensen, Reid or whoever, as long as they get the job done.

OLine starters drafted in 2013:

Justin Pugh, tackle, giants, round 1

Dj Fluker, tackle, chargers, round 1

Lane Johnson, tackle, eagles, round 1

Eric fisher, tackle, chiefs, round 1

Travis Frederick, center, cowboys, round 1(#7 center overall ranked)

Brian schwenke, center, titans, round 4(started wk 7)

Larry warford, guard, lions, round 3 (#4 ranked guard overall)

Kyle long, guard, bears, round 1

Chance warmack, guard, titans, round 1

Id say you certainly can expect your oline man drafted this year to start day one.

[izvoodoo]

OLine starters drafted in 2013:

Justin Pugh, tackle, giants, round 1

Dj Fluker, tackle, chargers, round 1

Lane Johnson, tackle, eagles, round 1

Eric fisher, tackle, chiefs, round 1

Travis Frederick, center, cowboys, round 1(#7 center overall ranked)

Brian schwenke, center, titans, round 4(started wk 7)

Larry warford, guard, lions, round 3 (#4 ranked guard overall)

Kyle long, guard, bears, round 1

Chance warmack, guard, titans, round 1

Id say you certainly can expect your oline man drafted this year to start day one.

That was also a really exceptional draft over all for olinemen

[DocMartin]

Would putting Gradkowski at guard and Osemele at tackle be an option? Anyone know?

I like the idea of KO being at RT at least for now.

LG spot is wide open, Shipley was there last time and was somewhat okay and Im not sure if Gino is any better. I like to see if Jensen or Wagner or Jah Reid can be a starter there. One of these guys have to step up and separate himself from others. Its going to be interesting Training Camp.

[DocMartin]

OLine starters drafted in 2013:

Justin Pugh, tackle, giants, round 1

Dj Fluker, tackle, chargers, round 1

Lane Johnson, tackle, eagles, round 1

Eric fisher, tackle, chiefs, round 1

Travis Frederick, center, cowboys, round 1(#7 center overall ranked)

Brian schwenke, center, titans, round 4(started wk 7)

Larry warford, guard, lions, round 3 (#4 ranked guard overall)

Kyle long, guard, bears, round 1

Chance warmack, guard, titans, round 1

Id say you certainly can expect your oline man drafted this year to start day one.

I don't dispute that. Are you saying all these players were starters in Week 1, 2013 season

How many of them became FULL TIME STARTERS before Week 7?

And Im glad you mentioned Giants, who lost their first 6 games in large part by poor performance of.theiir O-line.

Yeah, they got much better later but too late to make Playoffs.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Zuttah was brought in to start at Center. The only questionable position on our line is KO.

I keep seeing statements like "KO is good at RT but has all-pro or probowl potential at LG." Maybe I was seeing things differently than most, but I felt he as an individual played much better at RT during the regular season than he did at LG during the playoffs.

The unit sure played much better after the switch bc McKinnie upgraded LT over Oher, Oher played well at RT during the playoffs so there was no dropoff, and then KO was an upgrade at LG. But that doesn't mean KO necessarily played better or was a better fit for LG.

He graded out better at RT and actually looked pretty bad at times at LG, certainly not All-Pro performances at the very least. Long-term I don't know where he fits best, but for this season I think the best idea is to just weigh the options. If a great option at RT presents itself then KO goes to LG. If a great solution at LG comes up, then KO is the answer at RT. The versatility is great for us right now because it really does allow us to grab the best player.

All other things equal, Id bring in a LG to compete bc I really do think (and I think the tape agrees) that KO's best fit is RT, not LG.

[HomeoftheBRAVENS]

I like the idea of KO being at RT at least for now.

LG spot is wide open, Shipley was there last time and was somewhat okay and Im not sure if Gino is any better. I like to see if Jensen or Wagner or Jah Reid can be a starter there. One of these guys have to step up and separate himself from others. Its going to be interesting Training Camp.

 

I think we should keep Osemele at LG.He did ok at RT but he wasn't a standout player or a special player at that position.He shines best at the LG spot.I also think we should sign a free agent rt.We still have enough cap room to sign Eric Winston if he stays on the market for another month or so.Hes healthy and hes only 30 years old.Adding him would give us a respectable line.

[Ravenseconbeast]

I don't dispute that. Are you saying all these players were starters in Week 1, 2013 season

How many of them became FULL TIME STARTERS before Week 7?

And Im glad you mentioned Giants, who lost their first 6 games in large part by poor performance of.theiir O-line.

Yeah, they got much better later but too late to make Playoffs.

Some players pan out and some dont. What exactly is your point?

Our priority #1 is still our O-line. Don't be surprised to see if we draft one in #17.

[ravensdan]

I don't dispute that. Are you saying all these players were starters in Week 1, 2013 season

How many of them became FULL TIME STARTERS before Week 7?

And Im glad you mentioned Giants, who lost their first 6 games in large part by poor performance of.theiir O-line.

Yeah, they got much better later but too late to make Playoffs.

Yes. They all started. I designated schwenke who started later. And Pugh was the only member of the giants o-line that finished with a positive grade from pff. Their performance ranged from #4 overall in watford to Jordan mills of the bears who was rated as one of the worst tackles. But the point that a rookie o-lineman can't start is an erroneous one.

[flynismo]

Jesus, why do people STILL quote PFF as if their opinions mean anything?

 

Zuttah hasn't given up a single sack in over two years, playing at both C and LG, and PFF would have you believe that he is #22 in the entire league? Whatever