Top 20 Players (ESPN)

[hawkprey]

If return yards counted as stats Josh Cribbs at 12,755 return yards would be considered among the greats at WR lol. So to your point, an obvious one, return yards do not count as yards lol. 

Exactly. Returner has value, obviously, but it's not hard to find a returner (as I've said earlier), which is why the player doesn't have a very high value. We've had no problem getting rid of many of our past returners - David Reed, Tandon Doss, Tom Zbikowski among them - and one of our most famous 1st round busts would've made this top 20 list had return yards actually meant something. Your kick and punt returner is usually your best WR, RB or CB who isn't that valuable on offense or defense. 

[HoldingCall]

Just seen this thread so here is my late addition.

 

 

1.  Flacco

2.  Suggs

3.  Ngata

4.  Yanda

5.  Webb

6.  Munroe

7.  Rice

7.  T Smith

8.  J Smith

9.  Pitta

10. S Smith

11. Osemele

12. D Smith

13. Jones

14. Dumervil

15. Zuttah

16. Tucker 

17. M Brown

18. Upshaw

19. McPhee

20. Elam

 

Injuries kept Pierce off the list for now. Elam just made it. The RT should be listed here but I haven't seen Wagner play. I may be overlooking Canty but we will see.

[Bullrush]

And the joke continues: Monroe at #14. This is getting hilarious. I can't believe these guys are getting paid to cover the Ravens...

 

No. 14: Eugene Monroe

Position: Offensive tackle

Total points: 177. First-place votes: One.

Highest ranking: No. 1. Lowest ranking: No. 19.
 

What you need to know: The Ravens re-signed Monroe to a five-year, $37.5 million contract in free agency after trading two picks (a fourth- and a fifth-rounder) to Jacksonville for him last season. He's a significant upgrade over Bryant McKinnie, and his athleticism should fit well in Gary Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme. Monroe was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2009 draft.

Where Monroe should be ranked: I had Monroe ranked one spot higher than this, but this is the neighborhood where he should be listed. Although Monroe isn't a Pro Bowl blocker, he's the best left tackle that the Ravens have had since Jonathan Ogden retired. He's consistent, athletic, hard-working and young. At 27, he can be the long-term answer to Joe Flacco's blind side.

File this away: One of the more durable left tackles in the NFL, Monroe has missed only four games in five seasons.

What the Ravens are saying about Monroe: "Eugene is going to be a leader for us for many years to come. He's going to be an anchor for us for many years to come." -- coach John Harbaugh

[gabefergy]

Monroe at 14???????? This is officially the worst list ever constructed. He has to be top 5. HAS TO. Just goes to show how idiotic Hensley is.

[hawkprey]

Monroe at 14???????? This is officially the worst list ever constructed. He has to be top 5. HAS TO. Just goes to show how idiotic Hensley is.

To be fair, this isn't Hensley's rankings. This is an average of beat writers/children, apparently. Whoever had Monroe 19th on their list must've have had Dylan 1-10.

[SecretAgentMan]

To be fair, this isn't Hensley's rankings. This is an average of beat writers/children, apparently. Whoever had Monroe 19th on their list must've have had Dylan 1-10.

But he spits hot fiya

[ravefan52]

Hahahah I just saw those last couple rankings. Obviously these "media members" are making a joke out if this or cover some other sport. ..

[gabefergy]

To be fair, this isn't Hensley's rankings. This is an average of beat writers/children, apparently. Whoever had Monroe 19th on their list must've have had Dylan 1-10.

It says he had him ranked one spot higher.

[Ozzsome]

The best thing that could have happened to Monroe was Kubiak. He will be one of the top LTs in the game under Kubiak, the zone blocking scheme will fit him perfectly

[Bullrush]

I'm interested to see who they have in the top 5, seeing how our top players are outside of the top 10.

 

No. 13: Ray Rice

Position: Running back

Total points: 178.

Highest ranking: No. 4. Lowest ranking: Not ranked.
 

What you need to know: Rice had a nightmarish season and offseason. He averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry in 2013 and then allegedly got into a physical altercation with his then-fiancee in February. This is an important season for Rice, who could get cut next offseason if he has a second straight unproductive season. Since the 2009 season, Rice leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 8,487.

Where Rice should be ranked: I had Rice at No. 9, although I can understand why he isn't in the top 10. It's tough for running backs to bounce back at age 27. But Rice has trimmed down and looks more explosive in offseason practices. I'm not saying Rice is a Pro Bowl runner, but he could surprise this season.

File this away: Rice became the Ravens' all-time leader in total yards from scrimmage last season with 9,214, surpassing Jamal Lewis (9,166).

What the Ravens are saying about Rice: "I can say he definitely looks good and he's running the ball well. Our guys are creating some room out there even with no pads on. We're creating some room out there and some holes, and sometimes that's tough to do in these kinds of practices. But I think we've looked really good and [Rice] has done a great job of pressing, cutting, getting in there and having the explosion afterward. He's shown a lot." -- quarterback Joe Flacco

[ravensnick]

I'm interested to see who they have in the top 5, seeing how our top players are outside of the top 10.

 

No. 13: Ray Rice

Position: Running back

Total points: 178.

Highest ranking: No. 4. Lowest ranking: Not ranked.

 

What you need to know: Rice had a nightmarish season and offseason. He averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry in 2013 and then allegedly got into a physical altercation with his then-fiancee in February. This is an important season for Rice, who could get cut next offseason if he has a second straight unproductive season. Since the 2009 season, Rice leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 8,487.

Where Rice should be ranked: I had Rice at No. 9, although I can understand why he isn't in the top 10. It's tough for running backs to bounce back at age 27. But Rice has trimmed down and looks more explosive in offseason practices. I'm not saying Rice is a Pro Bowl runner, but he could surprise this season.

File this away: Rice became the Ravens' all-time leader in total yards from scrimmage last season with 9,214, surpassing Jamal Lewis (9,166).

What the Ravens are saying about Rice: "I can say he definitely looks good and he's running the ball well. Our guys are creating some room out there even with no pads on. We're creating some room out there and some holes, and sometimes that's tough to do in these kinds of practices. But I think we've looked really good and [Rice] has done a great job of pressing, cutting, getting in there and having the explosion afterward. He's shown a lot." -- quarterback Joe Flacco

The lowest ranking for for rice is unranked outside the top 20!!!!

[acranfor]

The lowest ranking for for rice is unranked outside the top 20!!!!

I mean based on last year alone, would you rank him as one of our best players? I would rank him as one of our worst...

 

Based on body of work though, he should be top 5. BUT based on last year, number 13 is generous.

[Bullrush]

I mean based on last year alone, would you rank him as one of our best players? I would rank him as one of our worst...

 

Based on body of work though, he should be top 5. BUT based on last year, number 13 is generous.

 

The list is based on talent, so Ray Rice should definitely be ranked way higher. To not have him ranked in the top 20 is ridiculous to say the least.

[52520Andrew]

Well if it is based off last year, he is lucky to be this high. If in terms of career, this is low. In terms of talent, I would say it is still a bit high for him since he hasn't showcased that talent this past year. I expect Rice to bounce back but I have my doubts that we see him return to 2009 or 2011 form so I don't see him as an elite talent for us anymore.

[acranfor]

Well if it is based off last year, he is lucky to be this high. If in terms of career, this is low. In terms of talent, I would say it is still a bit high for him since he hasn't showcased that talent this past year. I expect Rice to bounce back but I have my doubts that we see him return to 2009 or 2011 form so I don't see him as an elite talent for us anymore.

Agreed. I think Rice will be utilized more as a scatback. I hope he proves me wrong.

[52liveforever]

my list:

 

1. Suggs

2. Flacco

3. Ngata

4. Webb

5. Yanda

6. torrey

7. Daryl

8. Pitta

9. Jimmy

10. Monroe

11. Smith Sr

12. Tucker

13. Jacoby

14. Dumervil

15. Upshaw

16. Osemele

17.  Elam

18. Marlon Brown

19. Mosley

20. Arthur Brown

[arnie_uk]

Isn't tucker our best player? I mean he's almost flawless, almost perfected his craft. While his craft could be judged to be easier, is he not better at his position than anyone else at theirs?

[Bullrush]

The list makes no sense, since all they look at is "talent". I mean that's what they're claiming to, but they really don't do that. How else do you justify having Mosley at 20 and Daryl Smith way ahead of him? Mosley is easily more talented. And how do you differentiate, how do you judge a kicker and a QB in terms of pure talent? You can't compare the two in terms of talent. The list is just stupid, they should have at least thought it out a little bit.

[Bullrush]

Steve Smith comes in at #12. Funny how somebody didn't even rank him in the top 20, yet Jacoby gets a top 3 vote from somebody.

 

No. 12: STEVE SMITH

Position: Wide receiver

Total points: 188.

Highest ranking: No. 5. Lowest ranking: Not ranked.

What you need to know: The Ravens signed Smith to a three-year, $11.5 million contract a day after he was officially cut by the Carolina Panthers. Smith turned 35 in May, and he is coming off a season where he had only 64 catches for 745 yards last season, among the worst numbers of his career when healthy. The Ravens envision him being a tough, clutch receiver, which was missing last season after the team traded away Anquan Boldin.

Where Steve Smith should be ranked: I'll admit it; I was the one who had Smith ranked the highest at No. 5. This is not a proclamation that Smith is going to put up career numbers. He's just the most polished and tenacious receiver that the Ravens have. If you watched the offseason practices, it's not a stretch to say Smith is going to be Joe Flacco's go-to receiver at critical moments in the game.

File this away: Over the past nine seasons, he has caught more than 70 passes in six seasons and put together six 1,000-yard seasons.

What the Ravens are saying about Steve Smith: "He’s our kind of guy in a lot of ways. I like the competitor. I like the fire in him –- the toughness. But I also think he’s a really good player. And I'll say this: Watching him out at practice, he’s still a really good player. There’s no doubt. He’s going to help us a lot." -- coach John Harbaugh

[Bullrush]

Two guys actually gave him a first place vote, not sure if they ever covered a Ravens game. Some other guy didn't even have him in the top 20. Nust...

 

No. 11: DARYL SMITH

Position: Inside linebacker

Total points: 191. First-place votes: Two.

Highest ranking: No. 1. Lowest ranking: Not ranked.

What you need to know: The Ravens re-signed Daryl Smith to a four-year, $16.1 million deal in free agency after he proved to be one of the best defensive players on the team last season. Smith was the reason why no one was talking about how the Ravens missed Ray Lewis in the middle of their defense. It'll be interesting to see if Smith can sustain this level of production. He turned 32 earlier this year.

Where Daryl Smith should be ranked: While some may consider this too low for Smith, I would argue otherwise. He was No. 14 on my rankings. I have my doubts whether he can put up the same numbers as last season. Smith posted double-digit tackles in four of his first six games, and he was then held to under seven tackles in five of his last seven games. He may not be in the Ravens' long-term plans after they drafted C.J. Mosley in the first round.

File this away: In his first season with the Ravens, Daryl Smith was one of three players in the NFL who ranked in the top 20 in tackles, recorded at least five sacks and had double digits in passes defensed.

What the Ravens are saying about Daryl Smith: “He fills a need for us at a high level. Just look at his production last season, plus he gave us leadership and maturity. He’s tough, he’s consistent, he’s intelligent, and he brings his lunch pail to work every day.” -- general manager Ozzie Newsome

 

So with 10 spots left, it's safe to say these guys are locked in:

 

CB Smith

QB Flacco

DT Ngata

LB Suggs

LB Dumervil

CB Webb

OG Yanda

TE Pitta

WR T. Smith

K Tucker

[codizzle]

Just saw this completed list in article on app and I'm speechless for multiple reasons but the absolute worst thing I saw was someone actually had Jimmy and Torrey outside of their top 20

How do these people have jobs? Why should I read any local news on the ravens outside of the 3 or 4 I know are good

[gabefergy]

Overall, it's not a terrible list, but I have a few issues with it. I think Webb should definitely be ranked ahead of Jimmy Smith. He has much more of a track record and we have seen when he is at his best, he is a top 5 CB in the NFL.

 

Eugene Monroe is criminally under ranked. He has no business being outside of the top 5, and an argument could be made for him as the best player on the team. Being ranked 14 is a joke.

 

I wouldn't put any rookie on the list.

 

I also think Jacoby Jones is too high. I wouldn't rank him top 20 personally, but he does bring a game-changing ability on ST.

[BmoreBird22]

Overall, it's not a terrible list, but I have a few issues with it. I think Webb should definitely be ranked ahead of Jimmy Smith. He has much more of a track record and we have seen when he is at his best, he is a top 5 CB in the NFL.

 

Eugene Monroe is criminally under ranked. He has no business being outside of the top 5, and an argument could be made for him as the best player on the team. Being ranked 14 is a joke.

 

I wouldn't put any rookie on the list.

 

I also think Jacoby Jones is too high. I wouldn't rank him top 20 personally, but he does bring a game-changing ability on ST.

I'm guessing they did their rankings on 2013 alone, and Webb was really inconsistent in the beginning of the season and looked like he was just giving up easy receptions toward the end. Or, it could be a projection of things to come for 2014

 

As for the rest, I agree. Couldn't believe how well Eugene Monroe performed with a patchwork offensive line and a new system. He was beyond incredible. 

[gabefergy]

I'm guessing they did their rankings on 2013 alone, and Webb was really inconsistent in the beginning of the season and looked like he was just giving up easy receptions toward the end. Or, it could be a projection of things to come for 2014

 

As for the rest, I agree. Couldn't believe how well Eugene Monroe performed with a patchwork offensive line and a new system. He was beyond incredible. 

Well Jimmy was really inconsistent as well. At least Webb had the excuse that he is coming back from injury.

[BmoreBird22]

Well Jimmy was really inconsistent as well. At least Webb had the excuse that he is coming back from injury.

I agree that the entire secondary was inconsistent. I think Jimmy played better out of the pair, but with Jimmy looking like he's finally got the mental aspect of the game and Webb getting healthy, the Ravens could have an electric duo at cornerback. If they could just figure out that nickel spot...

[gabefergy]

I agree that the entire secondary was inconsistent. I think Jimmy played better out of the pair, but with Jimmy looking like he's finally got the mental aspect of the game and Webb getting healthy, the Ravens could have an electric duo at cornerback. If they could just figure out that nickel spot...

I definitely think they will be an impressive pairing going forward. Jimmy hasn't been at the level of Webb yet imo, but I think he can get there. I like Asa as our NCB tbh. I was high on him as a prospect and liked what I saw from him in the preseason last year. I think we will be allright there.

[BmoreBird22]

I definitely think they will be an impressive pairing going forward. Jimmy hasn't been at the level of Webb yet imo, but I think he can get there. I like Asa as our NCB tbh. I was high on him as a prospect and liked what I saw from him in the preseason last year. I think we will be allright there.

I would agree if Webb returns to form, Jimmy is not at that level. However, I think he can get there if he continues his ascension and continues to get a grasp on the game like he has.

I'm just worried about inexperience because corner is a position where experience is so vastly important

[Bullrush]

I forgot all about this list, didn't even pay attention to it anymore. It became such a joke. The guys that voted should be fired and banned from ever covering the Ravens again. At the very least they should not be paid for it, that's ridiculous.

[Alexir]

It's a quite month so maybe this will help to get by. The guys at ESPN (Ravens coverage) thought it would be a good idea to do a poll on who our top 20 players are right now. It's pretty odd to see the first 2 names on that list, guys that have yet to play a game in a Ravens uniform. But I think once they do that they'll be very productive for us.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/130412/intro-to-ravens-top-20-player-countdown

 

No. 20: C.J. Mosley

Position: Inside linebacker

Total points: 34.

 

 

No. 19: Owen Daniels

Position: Tight end

Total points: 43.

 

 

No. 18: Marlon Brown

Position: Wide receiver

Total points: 52.

 

 

No. 17: Matt Elam

Position: Strong safety

Total points: 74.

 

 

No. 16: Kelechi Osemele

Position: Guard

Total points: 109.

 

 

No. 15: Jacoby Jones

Position: Wide receiver-returner

Total points: 124.

 

 

No. 14: Eugene Monroe

Position: Offensive tackle

Total points: 177. First-place votes: One.

 

 

 

No. 13: Ray Rice

Position: Running back

Total points: 178.

 

 

 

No. 12: Steve Smith

Position: Wide receiver

Total points: 188.

 

 

 

No. 11: Daryl Smith

Position: Inside linebacker

Total points: 191. First-place votes: Two.

 

 

In no particular order

 

10. Torrey Smith

 9. Jimmy Smith

 8. Lardarius Webb

7. Dennis Pitta

6. Terrell Suggs

5. Elvis Dumervil

4. Haloti Ngata

3. Marshall Yanda

2. Joe Flacco

1. ?

 

I can't think of 10. They must be putting Tucker in the top 10.

[Alexir]

I mean I don't want to overhype Pro Bowls and numbers, but no way is Joe Flacco the best player on the team. He might be the most valueable but I thought this list was 20 best players on each team. I don't see how you have a guy who hasn't been named a pro bowler above 3 future hall of famers like Suggs, Yanda and Ngata. I would be fine with Joe being a top 5 but they had to of given him number 1 just because he is a QB.