Marlon Brown

[JoeyFlex5]

finished product? not even close.

solid and capable option? absolutely.

number 1 receiver? nope, at least not now.

number 2 option? possible, but better as a big man jump ball threat as a #3.

he doesn't make "contested" catches as in the ones where he has to box out and get physical, he also gets alligator arms in heavy traffic and pretty much in the middle of the field.

out wide though, all joe has to do is throw it high, and he'll get his hands on it, in the redzone, all joe has to do is put it higher than any of the coverage guys can reach, and he'll get it, as you saw against denver, buffalo, and minnesota.

its possible he has hit his ceiling, and he may never get tougher and more physical, he may never learn the whole box out technique, he may never refine his routes, he may never lose the alligator arms in traffic, but if his ceiling is a 7td year, then guess what, he's got a roster spot on this team as a perfect role-player for joe to score us points in the redzone

[Ravensfan23]

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

Oh yea I definitely agree with that, which is why i love the additions of Smith Sr and Daniels before it pushes Brown to the #3 WR and the 3rd 4th or 5th option on any given play. I think it forces him to show and prove in order to get touches instead of being force feed like he was last year.

If he steps up this year and forces Kubes to put him onto the game plan more often then not, then I'm more then happy with him as a #2 moving forward. Now of course if there is a 4-6 year vet who hasn't put it all together comes available, I'd add him for competition.

[AwakenTheDemon]

Marlon Brown is rough around the edges, but this was a guy coming off a knee injury that no one was expecting much from. Everyone expected Jacoby and Stokley to contribute immediately while Marlon would be a fringe player at best. But when Jacoby went down (even after this time, I still groan when I see Trawick's name after that debacle of a return that took Jones out) and Stokely displayed that he really didn't have anything left, Brown was forced to play. Was he perfect? Absolutely not. But if you don't see potential in the guy, I don't know who you're watching. Remember, he made the catch that won the Minnesota game, and he won Rookie of the Week for that game too.

 

He's got great size, decent (and still developing) ball skills, and a nice set of hands. If he works for it, he's going to be a solid receiver in this league, and a terror in the red zone. Sadly, he had much higher expectations as he performed well when nothing was really expected from him at first. But give him some time, I don't think anyone is going to regret it.

 

Really, I think there's a lot of untapped potential at receiver on this team (Brown, Mellette, Thompson. But I think the clock is really ticking on Deonte though).

[gabefergy]

finished product? not even close.

solid and capable option? absolutely.

number 1 receiver? nope, at least not now.

number 2 option? possible, but better as a big man jump ball threat as a #3.

he doesn't make "contested" catches as in the ones where he has to box out and get physical, he also gets alligator arms in heavy traffic and pretty much in the middle of the field.

out wide though, all joe has to do is throw it high, and he'll get his hands on it, in the redzone, all joe has to do is put it higher than any of the coverage guys can reach, and he'll get it, as you saw against denver, buffalo, and minnesota.

its possible he has hit his ceiling, and he may never get tougher and more physical, he may never learn the whole box out technique, he may never refine his routes, he may never lose the alligator arms in traffic, but if his ceiling is a 7td year, then guess what, he's got a roster spot on this team as a perfect role-player for joe to score us points in the redzone

I agree with this for the most part, but the bolded is something he really struggled with. He may have gotten his hands on the ball, but he didn't come down with many. Most of his completions outside of the RZ were short hitches or comebacks. He does have a feel for getting open against zone coverage which is a useful talent, but he struggled the most winning 1v1 on the outside. He just wasn't able to get separation and he didnt use his size as well as you would like to see.

[JoeyFlex5]

I agree with this for the most part, but the bolded is something he really struggled with. He may have gotten his hands on the ball, but he didn't come down with many. Most of his completions outside of the RZ were short hitches or comebacks. He does have a feel for getting open against zone coverage which is a useful talent, but he struggled the most winning 1v1 on the outside. He just wasn't able to get separation and he didnt use his size as well as you would like to see.

yes he isn't great at high pointing those deep arcing balls, but what i was more saying is those 10-15 yarders to the back of the endzone, like against minnesota, if joe just slings it up high, he can reach up and snag it, what his problem is, is high pointing those balls on their way down when he gets the lofty types of throws, so that he can time his jump right to use his height properly, its more a art than a science and i don't think he has it, but if he can out leap and out jump defenders, he can catch those fastballs that are out of reach for everyone else

[HoldingCall]

Marlon Brown is rough around the edges, but this was a guy coming off a knee injury that no one was expecting much from. Everyone expected Jacoby and Stokley to contribute immediately while Marlon would be a fringe player at best. But when Jacoby went down (even after this time, I still groan when I see Trawick's name after that debacle of a return that took Jones out) and Stokely displayed that he really didn't have anything left, Brown was forced to play. Was he perfect? Absolutely not. But if you don't see potential in the guy, I don't know who you're watching. Remember, he made the catch that won the Minnesota game, and he won Rookie of the Week for that game too.

 

He's got great size, decent (and still developing) ball skills, and a nice set of hands. If he works for it, he's going to be a solid receiver in this league, and a terror in the red zone. Sadly, he had much higher expectations as he performed well when nothing was really expected from him at first. But give him some time, I don't think anyone is going to regret it.

 

Really, I think there's a lot of untapped potential at receiver on this team (Brown, Mellette, Thompson. But I think the clock is really ticking on Deonte though).

You hit it! Good post!

[Sami84]

For me its simple with Marlon Brown.

 

3 things

 

Get stronger. Put on 10-15 pounds of muscle

 Play stronger with the above- be more aggressive

Improve Routes

[HoldingCall]

Marlon had a good rookie season on a weak offensive team performance where the QB had little time to throw and no run game in sight. Perhaps it isn't fair to judge Rice, Pierce or Joe on last season's performances and perhaps not a good season to negatively judge Marlon either. 

[flynismo]

Marlon had a good rookie season on a weak offensive team performance where the QB had little time to throw and no run game in sight. Perhaps it isn't fair to judge Rice, Pierce or Joe on last season's performances and perhaps not a good season to negatively judge Marlon either. 

I don't think a lot of people realize what an amazing season Marlon had. Look at Megatron's rookie season:

 

48/95 for 756 yards and 4 TD.

 

Compare that to Marlon's 49/83 for 524 yards and 7 TDs.

 

A much higher catch ratio, and nearly double the TDs. The main reason that Marlon's yardage wasn't as high (other than less targets) is simply because of how we used Marlon.

 

That is very impressive, given what an abortion our offense was last season. And think that Megatron was hyped as the best WR to enter the league since Moss, and was drafted 2nd overall. Marlon wasn't even drafted at all.

 

Now, an important thing to remember also is that Megatron was a starter from day 1 and faced team's best CBs often, whereas Marlon was often lined up against nickelbacks and such.

 

This kid is something special. It's not to say he is the next Megatron, I only brought it up to put things in perspective since so many people seem to have pigeonholed him for some reason.

[Ravenseconbeast]

I think the ravens FO did the right thing. Maybe like our CB situation, Ozzie might've gone after certain WR in 1st/2round, then after that none of the WR he wanted was on his board.

[flynismo]

I think the ravens FO did the right thing. Maybe like our CB situation, Ozzie might've gone after certain WR in 1st/2round, then after that none of the WR he wanted was on his board.

No doubt at all about that...the WR avaliable at 17 were all reaches at that point. Well, maybe not a reach, but definitely not a good value.

[1/28/01]

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!

If I recall, you and I were discussing it. And I think I threw out some big numbers. Not 100% what they were, but hey now, I may have been right

[flynismo]

If I recall, you and I were discussing it. And I think I threw out some big numbers. Not 100% what they were, but hey now, I may have been right

Are you talking about back in preseason? I remember saying I'd thrilled with 300 yards and 3 TDs. I think he did that by the end of September lol

[lgcs27288]

I don't think a lot of people realize what an amazing season Marlon had. Look at Megatron's rookie season:

 

48/95 for 756 yards and 4 TD.

 

Compare that to Marlon's 49/83 for 524 yards and 7 TDs.

 

A much higher catch ratio, and nearly double the TDs. The main reason that Marlon's yardage wasn't as high (other than less targets) is simply because of how we used Marlon.

 

That is very impressive, given what an abortion our offense was last season. And think that Megatron was hyped as the best WR to enter the league since Moss, and was drafted 2nd overall. Marlon wasn't even drafted at all.

 

Now, an important thing to remember also is that Megatron was a starter from day 1 and faced team's best CBs often, whereas Marlon was often lined up against nickelbacks and such.

 

This kid is something special. It's not to say he is the next Megatron, I only brought it up to put things in perspective since so many people seem to have pigeonholed him for some reason.

There is also a big difference between Kitna and Flacco. He also had Roy Williams who started opposite of him, who at the time was considered to be top talent. If I had to guess, Williams faced the top CBs most of the time that season. Calvin also played with an injury most of that season.

 

Im not saying Marlon wasnt impressive because he was, but if you are going to compare seasons, lets get all the variables out there.

[HoldingCall]

There is also a big difference between Kitna and Flacco. He also had Roy Williams who started opposite of him, who at the time was considered to be top talent. If I had to guess, Williams faced the top CBs most of the time that season. Calvin also played with an injury most of that season.

 

Im not saying Marlon wasnt impressive because he was, but if you are going to compare seasons, lets get all the variables out there.

I'd say coming off an ACL had to impact Marlon to some degree. I've yet to see anyone not affect their first season back from one. We will have to wait and see how much better he can get. I expect the defenses to have a better understanding as to who he is and how he plays so I will expect to see early season pressure put on him. We'll see how that goes.

[flynismo]

There is also a big difference between Kitna and Flacco. He also had Roy Williams who started opposite of him, who at the time was considered to be top talent. If I had to guess, Williams faced the top CBs most of the time that season. Calvin also played with an injury most of that season.

 

Im not saying Marlon wasnt impressive because he was, but if you are going to compare seasons, lets get all the variables out there.

 

 

I'd say coming off an ACL had to impact Marlon to some degree. I've yet to see anyone not affect their first season back from one. We will have to wait and see how much better he can get. I expect the defenses to have a better understanding as to who he is and how he plays so I will expect to see early season pressure put on him. We'll see how that goes.

 

Yeah I mean there are a lot more things to consider on top of what you two have already added; it wasn't meant to be a direct correalation, just kind of a 'put things in perspective' observation.

[HoldingCall]

Yeah I mean there are a lot more things to consider on top of what you two have already added; it wasn't meant to be a direct correalation, just kind of a 'put things in perspective' observation.

Understood!

[Wildabeast88]

I see so many people here say it's fine we didn't get a top WR in the draft since we got Marlon, and he was a beast this year and will be a great receiver next season.

Why? What do you see in him that I don't? Great, so he got 500 yards and 7 TDs. Since what do 500 yards are a lot? Or even a decent amount?

No to mention I don't recall him having a great hands, nor do I remember him good at using his frame to shield the defender. He's not great with tough or contested catches, and he doesn't break tackles.

Please, help me up here so I, too, can feel better about our receiving corps.

one thing you need to remember is for a 3rd WR who was less than 8 months removed from an ACL so this yer he hold be more explosive plus one yer of experience will help him with using his body more to shield the DBs also coming off the ACL he didn't have but 2 weeks of training camp and couldn't practice in rookie mini camps or OTAs so all around e should be better

[Bullrush]

He reminds me of a little faster/shorter version of Clarence Moore. I just hope he doesn't end up like Moore and washes away after a couple years. He's had a good year last season, he needs to keep grinding now even though we added new guys to take his spot in the lineup. If he doesn't work hard he could end up like Moore. If he does continue to work hard I think he has the talent and tools to be a very efficient #2 receiver for years to come. Maybe Steve will take him under his wing and teach him a thing or two about the receiver position.

[beanfigger]

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.

Well, you have to bank on some players to improve from time to time. Otherwise, you end up with a brand new roster every season. We decided this offseason to bank on Marlon being our number 3, more than we are banking on, say, DeAngelo Tyson to fill in for Art Jones. It doesn't mean we always make the right choices, but they are the choices we have to make every year.

[GrimCoconut]

Well, you have to bank on some players to improve from time to time. Otherwise, you end up with a brand new roster every season. We decided this offseason to bank on Marlon being our number 3, more than we are banking on, say, DeAngelo Tyson to fill in for Art Jones. It doesn't mean we always make the right choices, but they are the choices we have to make every year.

I know that. I'm saying that I feel like we need to be careful because it could very easily back fire in our face. What concerns me is our WR depth. It's just not there behind the Smiths. It's okay to an extent because I'm excited to see how Mellette and Brown respond. But it also concerns me because it takes WR some time to develop and if we made a mistake here I think we'll have a harder time overcoming it than at DT. We've proven to be better at developing DT than WR. Granted that could change with a new coach.

[dontbnvus]

I know that. I'm saying that I feel like we need to be careful because it could very easily back fire in our face. What concerns me is our WR depth. It's just not there behind the Smiths. It's okay to an extent because I'm excited to see how Mellette and Brown respond. But it also concerns me because it takes WR some time to develop and if we made a mistake here I think we'll have a harder time overcoming it than at DT. We've proven to be better at developing DT than WR. Granted that could change with a new coach.

I honestly feel Brown has shown that he will respond very well. You said yourself he is BEHIND the Smiths this season. As a completely raw rook he stepped up as the number two. He was coming off a major injury and still he handled things like a pro. Tons of upside with this kid. He will have last seasons experience plus a complete offseason of coaching up.  Sky's the limit for Marlon.

[GrimCoconut]

I honestly feel Brown has shown that he will respond very well. You said yourself he is BEHIND the Smiths this season. As a completely raw rook he stepped up as the number two. He was coming off a major injury and still he handled things like a pro. Tons of upside with this kid. He will have last seasons experience plus a complete offseason of coaching up. Sky's the limit for Marlon.

I don't disagree and he's a player I'm really excited to see this year. He needs to improve his routes and even his catching. I'd like to see him play more to his size as well more consistently. The nice thing is he could be even better this year with improved coaching and in a more rotational role. Seriously excited to see him and Mellette play and hopefully take that next step.

[PolishRifle]

I don't disagree and he's a player I'm really excited to see this year. He needs to improve his routes and even his catching. I'd like to see him play more to his size as well more consistently. The nice thing is he could be even better this year with improved coaching and in a more rotational role. Seriously excited to see him and Mellette play and hopefully take that next step.

 

I like Marlon as well, but I do remember alot of passes being bated out of his hands, which he honestly could've held on to, if he'd just boxed out the ball better. He seems to have a nose for the end zone, but those plays he made could've been just lucky coincidences and I'm afraid there is not enough consistent play from him, that would prove that suspicion wrong. Next season will tell us I guess, but we do have alot riding on this guy. Don't know how I feel about this.

[GrimCoconut]

I like Marlon as well, but I do remember alot of passes being bated out of his hands, which he honestly could've held on to, if he'd just boxed out the ball better. He seems to have a nose for the end zone, but those plays he made could've been just lucky coincidences and I'm afraid there is not enough consistent play from him, that would prove that suspicion wrong. Next season will tell us I guess, but we do have alot riding on this guy. Don't know how I feel about this.

This is how I feel as well. I mean, I like what I've seen from him but he's got some concerns surrounding him as well. I think we'll have a good idea whether or not we can rely on him as a future #1, 2 3 weapon or not.

[RaineV1]

This season will be huge for Marlon Brown. The O-Line will be better so he'll be getting less rushed passes and likely more accurate ones from Flacco. He'll be getting coached by a better WR coach now. Also, defenses that face the Ravens will study him and focus on him when the Ravens get close to the redzone. Now we'll see what he can do when the spotlight is shining directly on him. Hopefully he lives up to and possibly surpasses his rookie season.

[Edgar]

This is how I feel as well. I mean, I like what I've seen from him but he's got some concerns surrounding him as well. I think we'll have a good idea whether or not we can rely on him as a future #1, 2 3 weapon or not.

faith not fear you guys. this guy performed last year. He'll be better this year. made clutch catches with the game on the line, i don't know, man- I gotta just be excited for this guy.

[GrimCoconut]

faith not fear you guys. this guy performed last year. He'll be better this year. made clutch catches with the game on the line, i don't know, man- I gotta just be excited for this guy.

Okay, but I have faith in him but that doesn't mean I can't question whether or not he can take the next step. I feel like he can buy I am concerned about whether he will due to issues I've seen from him in his rookie year. He's still on development and I think this year will be an important one for him, depending on how things go.

[0_o]

faith not fear you guys. this guy performed last year. He'll be better this year. made clutch catches with the game on the line, i don't know, man- I gotta just be excited for this guy.

 

How could you not be. I share your excitement

[beanfigger]

Okay, but I have faith in him but that doesn't mean I can't question whether or not he can take the next step. I feel like he can buy I am concerned about whether he will due to issues I've seen from him in his rookie year. He's still on development and I think this year will be an important one for him, depending on how things go.

For other good teams, their cautious optimism changes from position to position each year. For us, at least we keep it consistent with receiver every offseason.