Marlon Brown

[Ravensuperfan1]

Marlon Brown was the lone bright spot of last year.

 

 

Seriously in a year when Pitta and Jacoby went down with injuries and Torrey was practically out there by himself for a handful of games, Marlon was the one dude to step up.  Sure you got a handful of plays from Dallas Clark and Stockley (I'm being generous here).

[Tiz]

I like Marlon Brown a lot but I really don't like how we're banking on him to take the next step. I get why and understand it. It makes sense. It doesn't mean I like it. I guess we're trying to get these guys a chance to shine. We do have a lot of talent at the WR position in Mellette, Brown, Campanaro behind the established Smiths and Jones. Overall, I expect Brown to have an impact and a pretty decent one. I don't think we'll see as many 2TE sets as people suggest. I definitely think we will, just not a ton.

The team isn't banking in him which is why Steve smith is here and jacoby jones was re-signed.

Marlon is looking at a 3rd or 4th spot depending on how he improves but is also in a position to move up going into next year or we draft another wr. He isn't being banked on anymore than he is being written off and had Evans been available at 17 I would have been more than happy to welcome a new wr because I think we need another young wr this year or next yr.

[Ravensfan23]

I like Marlon Brown a lot but I really don't like how we're banking on him to take the next step. I get why and understand it. It makes sense. It doesn't mean I like it. I guess we're trying to get these guys a chance to shine. We do have a lot of talent at the WR position in Mellette, Brown, Campanaro behind the established Smiths and Jones. Overall, I expect Brown to have an impact and a pretty decent one. I don't think we'll see as many 2TE sets as people suggest. I definitely think we will, just not a ton.

I get where you're coming from, but I don't think we are banking on him. Imo banking on him would be not adding Steve and hoping Brown progresses well enough to improve his numbers. I just think that contrary to what many of us think, the Ravens don't feel WR is as big a need. I agree with you that Brown will improve and we won't use as much 2TE as people think.

I just think once Smith was added it put us in a position to reallyallow Brown to develop. Even if Brown hits the sophomore slump, u still have Torrey, Steve, Pitta, Daniels and our targets out of the backfield. Won't count Juice cause he isn't proven year. So even without Marlon taking the next step the offense should be more then talented enough to preform well.

[GrimCoconut]

I get where you're coming from, but I don't think we are banking on him. Imo banking on him would be not adding Steve and hoping Brown progresses well enough to improve his numbers. I just think that contrary to what many of us think, the Ravens don't feel WR is as big a need. I agree with you that Brown will improve and we won't use as much 2TE as people think.

I just think once Smith was added it put us in a position to reallyallow Brown to develop. Even if Brown hits the sophomore slump, u still have Torrey, Steve, Pitta, Daniels and our targets out of the backfield. Won't count Juice cause he isn't proven year. So even without Marlon taking the next step the offense should be more then talented enough to preform well.

I think we are banking on him to an extent. We're expecting him to do well and likely be our #3 WR. Since we didn't do much to give him competition outside of Campanaro who isn't really competition for Brown. I just see this as us banking on him to improve. Smith isn't young and there's no telling how he'll hold up. Torrey I am not really worried about him. The question is if something happens to Torrey what happens? Or even Steve? That's what concerns me. Our depth is a bit questionable. I'm not mad because it gives guys a chance to develop but I do wish we had another talent to develop. With how long it takes WR to develop I feel we're banking on one of them to improve and be our future after Steve is done.

[Militant X 1]

Our fan base is one of the most fickle that I have ever seen.  Last season cats was in here praising Marlon for how he was stepping up as a "rookie" and making plays for us in crucial moments in the regular season!  They praised how he and Joe had developed some chemistry.  And now, since the draft; cats are in here being nit-picky and fault-finding about the same young man's game.  Scandalous!  Smh!

 

#Mili

[ravensdfan]

Our fan base is one of the most fickle that I have ever seen.  Last season cats was in here praising Marlon for how he was stepping up as a "rookie" and making plays for us in crucial moments in the regular season!  They praised how he and Joe had developed some chemistry.  And now, since the draft; cats are in here being nit-picky and fault-finding about the same young man's game.  Scandalous!  Smh!

 

#Mili

 

I love Marlon. If for no other reason than I believe his talent kept us from actually having a losing season.

 

I think he has some work to do in some areas, but it was his first season and don't WRs generally take some time to develop? We need to make sure this kid gets playing time because he is the future - S. Smith is a nice stop gap but he isn't young.

 

We do tend to do this with all our young receivers though, outside of Torrey. We don't play them and then wonder why they never develop.

[hawkprey]

Our fan base is one of the most fickle that I have ever seen.  Last season cats was in here praising Marlon for how he was stepping up as a "rookie" and making plays for us in crucial moments in the regular season!  They praised how he and Joe had developed some chemistry.  And now, since the draft; cats are in here being nit-picky and fault-finding about the same young man's game.  Scandalous!  Smh!

 

#Mili

Why does Romo get criticism? He was undrafted too. At some point you have to put draft position aside and expect what you'd expect out of anyone else. Marlon's in his second year now and he's done being a surprise find. 

[varaven]

um.........

[ravensdfan]

Why does Romo get criticism? He was undrafted too. At some point you have to put draft position aside and expect what you'd expect out of anyone else. Marlon's in his second year now and he's done being a surprise find. 

 

Does he get to play his 2nd year before you judge him? Because didn't he nearly break Torrey's rookie season record? Who knows what he'll do this season.

[Militant X 1]

I love Marlon. If for no other reason than I believe his talent kept us from actually having a losing season.

 

I think he has some work to do in some areas, but it was his first season and don't WRs generally take some time to develop? We need to make sure this kid gets playing time because he is the future - S. Smith is a nice stop gap but he isn't young.

 

We do tend to do this with all our young receivers though, outside of Torrey. We don't play them and then wonder why they never develop.

 

I've always said this about the difference between our "draftees" in comparison to other teams (i.e. steelers) drafted players that seem to start in games right away while ours sit on the pine and rot.  Even today; I saw on the news how that the steelers expect one of the WR's that they drafted to play right away.  Now, that's what I'm talking about!  Marlon played very well last season and if he keeps getting included in the rotation he will get better and better.  Just like their is "on-the-job-training" to me; there is also "in-game-experience" that can only be gained when a player is actually in the game! 

 

#Mili

[Militant X 1]

Why does Romo get criticism? He was undrafted too. At some point you have to put draft position aside and expect what you'd expect out of anyone else. Marlon's in his second year now and he's done being a surprise find. 

 

Hawk, Romo has been in the league for years now and still doesn't produce in the playoffs.  That's why he gets criticism.  lol!  For a "rookie" Marlon played well last season.  Give this kid more playing time and reps with Joe and he'll be a great receiver for us in the near future is how I see it!

 

#Mili

[Ravensfan23]

I think we are banking on him to an extent. We're expecting him to do well and likely be our #3 WR. Since we didn't do much to give him competition outside of Campanaro who isn't really competition for Brown. I just see this as us banking on him to improve. Smith isn't young and there's no telling how he'll hold up. Torrey I am not really worried about him. The question is if something happens to Torrey what happens? Or even Steve? That's what concerns me. Our depth is a bit questionable. I'm not mad because it gives guys a chance to develop but I do wish we had another talent to develop. With how long it takes WR to develop I feel we're banking on one of them to improve and be our future after Steve is done.

I definitely understand where you're coming from and as you did before, just because you understand what Ozzie is doing doesn't mean you like it. I feel the same way. I would have loved another talented young WR to develop, but then onthe other hand ididn't want to draft a guy just to say we got a "top WR" because as we both know top draft picks, especially WRs bust all the time. Imo there were only a handful of guys over the first 2 rounds for us to target which is why I really wantedto trade down in round one go give us more flexibility. Benjamin, Landry, Matthews and Lee are the guys ifeel would have either really compliment what we are looking to do or would have really put our offense over the top.

Without trade, 3 of the 4 just weren't options for us the way the draft fell for us. For my money any other guy taken would had been for exactly what you said, either depth or guys you want to develop and you just don't draft guysthat high for that.

As for Brown, of course they are banking on him to some extent and for good reason, he really gave the coaches reason to be encouraged about his development. The good thing about banking on him as a #3 this year and grooming him into #2, is that even if he struggles at times this year you still Pitta, Daniels and maybe even Juice to help pick up the slack. Whereas if you are banking on Brown stepping up without those additions and he struggles then we're probably screwed. That's what I meant by we're not really banking on him.

I see both Mellette and Camp as guys that can develop over the next couple years. Yes I know they are late round picks but what's different from them and the group of WRs taken in rounds 2-3 over the last 3 years? I really believe in our newsystem feel it fits our guys perfectly.

[ravensdan]

For what it's worth. Some asked about marlons playing time.

821/1173 snaps with flacco 70%

Torrey played 1143 snaps.

He caught 43/89 targets 59%

As for the debate if marlon v a rookie.

Point is somewhat irrelevant in my mind. Steve will be the number one for the next two years with Torrey being a close second. Jacoby will have a few big games on offense when the matchup is right and marlon or a rookie will be the 3/4 wr. If we could have gotten an upper echelon player they could have developed for a yr or two before being relied upon. I suppose marlon could be that guy. Regardless. They won't have a big impact this year unless there is an injury.

[flynismo]

For what it's worth. Some asked about marlons playing time.

821/1173 snaps with flacco 70%

Torrey played 1143 snaps.

He caught 43/89 targets 59%

As for the debate if marlon v a rookie.

Point is somewhat irrelevant in my mind. Steve will be the number one for the next two years with Torrey being a close second. Jacoby will have a few big games on offense when the matchup is right and marlon or a rookie will be the 3/4 wr. If we could have gotten an upper echelon player they could have developed for a yr or two before being relied upon. I suppose marlon could be that guy. Regardless. They won't have a big impact this year unless there is an injury.

I saw stats elsewhere (I believe cbssports.com) that had Marlon catching 49 of 81 passes. if that's accurate, it's very impressive

[1/28/01]

This says 49/83, for what its worth.

http://www.rotowire.com/football/player.htm?id=8936

[Drew P]

The Ravens O Line needs developing first.

[gabefergy]

Marlon has got some tiny hands.

He proved he's a good red zone threat but that's about it. I think it's because he has a decent feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage.

Against man coverage, he really struggled. He only caught one out of twelve Deep targets.

Future #3/4 WR.

[flynismo]

Marlon has got some tiny hands.

He proved he's a good red zone threat but that's about it. I think it's because he has a decent feel for finding soft spots in zone coverage.

Against man coverage, he really struggled. He only caught one out of twelve Deep targets.

Future #3/4 WR.

 

I don't believe that any player proves anything after one season, unless they were exceptionally good or bad. A guy as raw as Marlon that possesses his physical attributes could certainly improve over time, especially with good coaching. Fortunately, our WR coach, while nothing spectacular, cut his teeth in the NFL as a good route runner and good hands. He could be a tremendous boost for Marlon's career.

Even if the worst case plays out and he is just a #3 or 4, having a big guy with a nose for the end zone is a great thing to have.

[flynismo]

This says 49/83, for what its worth.

http://www.rotowire.com/football/player.htm?id=8936

I think I see what happened....the other guy I quoted said it was 43/89 for 59%. Obviously that isn't correct, since 43 is less than half of 89.

But switch the 9 and 3 from 43/89....it should have read 49/83, and that works out to 59% (actually rounds up to 60%); so it looks like he just had a typo.

 

That's not bad for an UDFA who before the season, I said I'd consider him a big success if he just put up 300 yards and 3 TD for us!

[gabefergy]

I don't believe that any player proves anything after one season, unless they were exceptionally good or bad. A guy as raw as Marlon that possesses his physical attributes could certainly improve over time, especially with good coaching. Fortunately, our WR coach, while nothing spectacular, cut his teeth in the NFL as a good route runner and good hands. He could be a tremendous boost for Marlon's career.

Even if the worst case plays out and he is just a #3 or 4, having a big guy with a nose for the end zone is a great thing to have.

The problem is he doesn't really use his physical attributes that well, which is why I focused on his red zone ability. Its the only reason I have to think he's going to be a player worth keeping around. Granted this is based off one season, but he struggled a lot as a rookie.

[Fang]

I think Marlon Brown has quite a future here. 500 yards and 7 TDs seems pretty good to me considering he was an undrafted rookie coming off a bad injury. That would be good for someone drafted on round 2! Remember Jacoby and Pitta were out for the first part of the year which I'm sure put pressure on Marlon. Not that he wasn't up to it, but it seems a lot to ask.

 

The 2013 Ravens just weren't that good. Marlon was a bright spot on an otherwise very mediocore team.

 

Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones and Marlon Brown sounds like a pretty decent receiving core. Add in the other young guys and they'll have some decent competition for the 5th and maybe 6th slots. Just need a RT!

[Gtown Purple]

Anyone who is expecting more from Marlon last year on an anemic offense needs their head checked. he has alot of upside and will get the chance to develop this year. At this point he's 4th on the depth chart so unless someone gets hurt he won't be seeing the field much anyway.

[gabefergy]

Anyone who is expecting more from Marlon last year on an anemic offense needs their head checked. he has alot of upside and will get the chance to develop this year. At this point he's 4th on the depth chart so unless someone gets hurt he won't be seeing the field much anyway.

He's a big reason why the offense was so anemic.

[Ravensfan23]

He's a big reason why the offense was so anemic.

He's a reason but not a big reason. Obviously as an udfa he was rough around the edges. But you have to consider the fact that Brown had next to no development practice time. What I mean by development practice is exactly want the rookies will go through staying Friday. He rarely got a chance to take his classroom teachings and apply them to the field because he was rehabing basically the entire off season practice schedule. Then he didn't start fully practicing until the 3rd week of the preseason and that's when you focus more on game plans then getting individual work. So what we saw from Marlon was basically just hits natural talent. Hell have a great opportunity for development over the next few months.

I agree that he still has so far to go in development, but I'd put him on the bright spot category from last season.

[gabefergy]

He's a reason but not a big reason. Obviously as an udfa he was rough around the edges. But you have to consider the fact that Brown had next to no development practice time. What I mean by development practice is exactly want the rookies will go through staying Friday. He rarely got a chance to take his classroom teachings and apply them to the field because he was rehabing basically the entire off season practice schedule. Then he didn't start fully practicing until the 3rd week of the preseason and that's when you focus more on game plans then getting individual work. So what we saw from Marlon was basically just hits natural talent. Hell have a great opportunity for development over the next few months.

I agree that he still has so far to go in development, but I'd put him on the bright spot category from last season.

It's not necessarily his fault, but he wasn't ready to play the role he was thrust into as a rookie.

[ravensnick]

Hawk, Romo has been in the league for years now and still doesn't produce in the playoffs.  That's why he gets criticism.  lol!  For a "rookie" Marlon played well last season.  Give this kid more playing time and reps with Joe and he'll be a great receiver for us in the near future is how I see it!

 

#Mili

I think it's more the team around him as well. He usually has a pitifully de and either crappy RBs like Felix Jones or injury prone Murray. He hasn't had the best O-line for a while. I think that team sniffing 8-8 is all Romo, Witten, Dez, and Murray (when he ain't hurt) dragging them to victory. On a Marlon nOte, he probably is already the best UDFA from his class.

[The Mom Gene]

It's not necessarily his fault, but he wasn't ready to play the role he was thrust into as a rookie.

but considering that he was thrown out there, he did ok.  He will get the chance to learn this preseason.

[The Mom Gene]

Hawk, Romo has been in the league for years now and still doesn't produce in the playoffs.  That's why he gets criticism.  lol!  For a "rookie" Marlon played well last season.  Give this kid more playing time and reps with Joe and he'll be a great receiver for us in the near future is how I see it!

 

#Mili

I agree...................

[gabefergy]

but considering that he was thrown out there, he did ok. He will get the chance to learn this preseason.

I guess he did OK, but I'm not expecting big things from him. I hope he proves me wrong.

[The Mom Gene]

I guess he did OK, but I'm not expecting big things from him. I hope he proves me wrong.

I would love to see him soar.