Predict the Week One Roster - Merged

[JoeyFlex5]

sometimes there is a simply answer for things and there isn't a need to put much thought into it. It's very possible that the reason Ngata is able to work really hard this offseason is because for the first time in 3 seasons he's not dealing with some type of rehab that limited his workouts in the offseason.

 

I find I interesting how people always want football players to be tough and play through injury, but rarely factor in injury for poor play. Now i'm not saying all of Ngata's struggles have come because of injury, but the guy has dealt with injury the past 2-3 years and when you are in the trenches it's tough to play at less then 100% all the times. Ngata's game has always been about power, explosion, quickness and strength. When you taken anyone of those attributes out of his game, he's just an above average guy. He's said to be 100% this year, so lets see what the big fella does with a number group of young guys around him.

i totally understand that, but conditioning and maintaining a certain body mass etc. go a very long way in keeping a player healthy when they are playing the more physical positions, and the injuries are also why i give him the benefit of the doubt. i hope he stays at 100% this year and plays like his job is on the line, because its possible that it is

[Ravenseconbeast]

We are definitely more suited to run the 4-3 now then in year's past imo, but with the way we run our base defense I'Dm not sure it matters anyway. Either way you are taking somebody off the field or forced to play them out of position sotospeak, which is why the coach basically cross train the entire front 7 as much as they can. I think weighing the pros and cons of a 4-3 switch would be fun.

I think the biggest thing right now is that both Art and CJ have to prove they are worthy of being on the field a lot. Art definitely didn't show that last year. He had his moments but nothing that made you say he's ready to dominate or anything. So he has a lot to so this year and CJ as a rookie definitely has a lot to prove. Once those guys prove they are ready to see the field on a consistent basis the coaches will have no choice but to find a way to keep them on the field.

More than Art, I think Elam as a SS is the biggest question coming into TC. I think Diggs last year was in a near pro bowl form. Losing Corey & Diggs is going to show big time in the regular season.

[Moderator 3]

PSA: Think you know who will make the Ravens’ 53-man squad? Here’s your chance to prove it, and you can win tickets and sideline passes to the Thursday night showdown vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers while you’re at it. Enter our annual “You Pick The Team” contest presented by New Era, starting Aug. 1.

[BmoreBird22]

PSA: Think you know who will make the Ravens’ 53-man squad? Here’s your chance to prove it, and you can win tickets and sideline passes to the Thursday night showdown vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers while you’re at it. Enter our annual “You Pick The Team” contest presented by New Era, starting Aug. 1.

When is the contest over?

[Moderator 3]

When is the contest over?

You'll have to check the rules when they post them Aug.1. In past years it ended the day before final cuts. Also, FIRST correct roster is the winner, not everyone who gets it right. You have to decide between going for the early points or waiting until after the first cuts.

[BmoreBird22]

You'll have to check the rules when they post them Aug.1. In past years it ended the day before final cuts. Also, FIRST correct roster is the winner, not everyone who gets it right. You have to decide between going for the early points or waiting until after the first cuts.

Do you happen to know if you can submit as many times as you want?

[Moderator 3]

Do you happen to know if you can submit as many times as you want?

Well, since the rules have not yet been announced, again all I know is how it worked in the past. In prior years you could only enter once.

[BmoreBird22]

Well, since the rules have not yet been announced, again all I know is how it worked in the past. In prior years you could only enter once.

I would assume they'd go the same as past years. Man, this is gonna be tough. Cornerback is the one I'll want to see

[HoldingCall]

I'm still wondering when the heck is John Simon going to show up and carve a role in the defense? I Never hear anything about the guy during OTA's, it's like he's a ghost? Guess we'll wait and see in training camp and pre season.....

Don't be discouraged by the lack of media press on Simon, just remember the amount of off season hype last year on (WR) Thompson and we saw (or didn't see) what he did during real games.

[acranfor]

Roster + Starters (s) + Rotation ®:

 

QB (3) - Flacco (s), Wenning, Taylor - I would not be surprised if we went with 2; Wenning on practice squad OR Taylor cut

 

RB (4) - Rice (s), Pierce ®, Juszczyk ®, Taliaferro - Forsett could find a spot, but think he is IRed or cut after suspension of RR

 

WR (5) - T. Smith (s), S. Smith (s), M. Brown ®, J. Jones ®, J. Butler - This is tough. I think the 5th spot comes down to potential to contribute right away on ST or O. I think Camp goes on IR to develop more. J. Butler beats out L. Williams from a potential standpoint. Would not be surprised to see 6 carried with either L. Williams, Camp or Butler occupying the last 2 spots.

 

TE (3) - Pitta (s), Daniels ®, Gilmore ® - Easy here. I think they all see time. Gilmore may see more time as the season progresses than Daniels - good screen option.

 

OL (9) -  Monroe (s), Osemele (s), Zuttah (s), Yanda (s), Wagner (s), Jensen, Gradkowski, Urschel, Hurst - I have AQ & Reid being cut since Jensen, Gino and Urschel are all interior lineman. Hurst & Osemele will be the prime T reserves. Hurst may see time in the role Wagner had last year - jumbo package TE. Would not be surprised if a vet T was brought in. If so, Hurst would go to practice squad or IR.

 

DL (7) - Canty (s), Ngata (s), Williams (s), KLM ®, Tyson ®, Jernigan ®, Urban - Day 1 starter will be Canty, but think KLM or Tyson replaces him as the season goes on. Cody was placed on PUP. Heavy rotation here.

 

LB (8) - Upshaw (s), D. Smith (s), Mosley (s), Suggs (s), Dumervil ®, A. Brown ®, Bynes, Simon - McClellan is odd man out

 

CB (5) - J. Smith (s), Webb (s), Ross (s/r), C. Brown, A. Jackson - I think Ross takes the Nickel spot to begin on the outside; Webb moves to slot; but Asa and Brown may take it back. Interesting competition here

 

S (5) - Stewart (s), Elam (s), Brooks ®, Levine, Miles - Levine and Miles make the team for ST play. Brooks will start as the backup FS, but will see time as a blitzer or coverage S/CB in certain packages. I hope he pushes for the starting FS job by mid season.

 

ST (3) - Tucker, Koch, Cox - Leon could make it interesting, but no need to cut Koch this year.

 

So in total that is 52 players on my roster. That leaves a spot for an extra Receiver (Camp or L. WIlliams), extra vet T, or another special team defender at LB, S or CB. My guess is we carry 6 WR to make the 53.  Thoughts?

[RavensNation14]

Roster + Starters (s) + Rotation ®:

 

QB (3) - Flacco (s), Wenning, Taylor - I would not be surprised if we went with 2; Wenning on practice squad OR Taylor cut

 

RB (4) - Rice (s), Pierce ®, Juszczyk ®, Taliaferro - Forsett could find a spot, but think he is IRed or cut after suspension of RR

 

WR (5) - T. Smith (s), S. Smith (s), M. Brown ®, J. Jones ®, J. Butler - This is tough. I think the 5th spot comes down to potential to contribute right away on ST or O. I think Camp goes on IR to develop more. J. Butler beats out L. Williams from a potential standpoint. Would not be surprised to see 6 carried with either L. Williams, Camp or Butler occupying the last 2 spots.

 

TE (3) - Pitta (s), Daniels ®, Gilmore ® - Easy here. I think they all see time. Gilmore may see more time as the season progresses than Daniels - good screen option.

 

OL (9) -  Monroe (s), Osemele (s), Zuttah (s), Yanda (s), Wagner (s), Jensen, Gradkowski, Urschel, Hurst - I have AQ & Reid being cut since Jensen, Gino and Urschel are all interior lineman. Hurst & Osemele will be the prime T reserves. Hurst may see time in the role Wagner had last year - jumbo package TE. Would not be surprised if a vet T was brought in. If so, Hurst would go to practice squad or IR.

 

DL (7) - Canty (s), Ngata (s), Williams (s), KLM ®, Tyson ®, Jernigan ®, Urban - Day 1 starter will be Canty, but think KLM or Tyson replaces him as the season goes on. Cody was placed on PUP. Heavy rotation here.

 

LB (8) - Upshaw (s), D. Smith (s), Mosley (s), Suggs (s), Dumervil ®, A. Brown ®, Bynes, Simon - McClellan is odd man out

 

CB (5) - J. Smith (s), Webb (s), Ross (s/r), C. Brown, A. Jackson - I think Ross takes the Nickel spot to begin on the outside; Webb moves to slot; but Asa and Brown may take it back. Interesting competition here

 

S (5) - Stewart (s), Elam (s), Brooks ®, Levine, Miles - Levine and Miles make the team for ST play. Brooks will start as the backup FS, but will see time as a blitzer or coverage S/CB in certain packages. I hope he pushes for the starting FS job by mid season.

 

ST (3) - Tucker, Koch, Cox - Leon could make it interesting, but no need to cut Koch this year.

 

So in total that is 52 players on my roster. That leaves a spot for an extra Receiver (Camp or L. WIlliams), extra vet T, or another special team defender at LB, S or CB. My guess is we carry 6 WR to make the 53.  Thoughts?

I think you nailed it with your roster lineup other than the fact Ross is out now. Depending on how Asa Jackson/Chykie Brown perform in the next couple of weeks, I think it's going to be one of them like you said. I personally think Jackson will start because I've only been hearing good things about him so far. I think Levine/Miles will be cut due to us picking up Will Hill once he comes back. He could be a major breakout player next year for us or even later in the year if he gets the defense down. 

[JoeyFlex5]

More than Art, I think Elam as a SS is the biggest question coming into TC. I think Diggs last year was in a near pro bowl form. Losing Corey & Diggs is going to show big time in the regular season.

do you really think we are going to regress with elam replacing diggs as the SS? 

 

elam in very limited SS action showed incredible talent, watch some footage from the bears game when elam and diggs switched positions(for whatever reason) he also got to play a little more SS in week 17 than usual. ihedigbo was a absolute steal for us and was one of my favorite players, but man elam has first team all pro SS written all over him, FS is a different story, with some more time to learn he could be a solid FS, but thats just robbing him of his potential, because people will be saying "where did this guy come from?" when he gets extensive time at SS, i have no doubts that he takes over as the face of this defense in the near future

[JoeyFlex5]

Don't be discouraged by the lack of media press on Simon, just remember the amount of off season hype last year on (WR) Thompson and we saw (or didn't see) what he did during real games.

but as much as this websites reporters fanboys on unproven players, it is a bit conerning to hear next to nothing about a fan favorite like that. although we heard nothing about marlon brown until preseason l;ast year, they were busy blowing up doss and thompson, then in preseason week 1-3 they were riding mellette, then they finally came to their senses with marlon lol

[HoldingCall]

but as much as this websites reporters fanboys on unproven players, it is a bit conerning to hear next to nothing about a fan favorite like that. although we heard nothing about marlon brown until preseason l;ast year, they were busy blowing up doss and thompson, then in preseason week 1-3 they were riding mellette, then they finally came to their senses with marlon lol

I know what you mean. I think they may sometime mislead us on purpose knowing the competition (AFC North and fans) may follow what is reported on the front page, or maybe they are just that bad. 

[Bruce_Almty]

Jamison Hensley came out today with his updated 53 man roster. I'd really like reports on the #45 ~ 65 ranked players. We all know who the top 45 players are. We don know who are the guys on the bubble? Who's projected to make the PS? What's Jim Hurst's status at RT? What happened to Seamster? No one mentions him as a CB anymore.

Anyway, it's preseason, we need more info.

Go Ravens

[rmw10]

Jamison Hensley came out today with his updated 53 man roster. I'd really like reports on the #45 ~ 65 ranked players. We all know who the top 45 players are. We don know who are the guys on the bubble? Who's projected to make the PS? What's Jim Hurst's status at RT? What happened to Seamster? No one mentions him as a CB anymore.

Anyway, it's preseason, we need more info.

Go Ravens

 

If you get the opportunity to watch the practice as I did yesterday, it's quite clear who has a shot at the team and who doesn't.  Guys that really don't have much of a shot spent most of the day practicing amongst themselves and got very few reps in 7 v 7 and 11 v 11 drills.  I won't get into a huge debate over it, but the only spot on him 53 I disagree with right now is Butler over Campanaro.  Campanaro looks really good out there and offers a lot that we don't have.

 

If yesterday was any indication (and I've heard it has been), then James Hurst isn't making this team.  He was consistently getting beat yesterday.  6'7 Brent Urban annihilated him with a swim move as did many other players.  He was getting killed in the running game too.  He's playing 2nd team LT right now, so it doesn't even look like he'll figure into the RT battle.

 

Seamster is another guy that is falling down the ranks.  He got fewer reps yesterday than the rest and got beat quite often, as has been the case through much of camp so far.  Olatoye and Jacobs have clearly pulled ahead of him.

[acranfor]

http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/11482/baltimore-ravens-projected-roster-2

 

Some comments on Jamison's prediction as compared to mine:

 

1. RB - I still think we cut down this group once Ray is back. Forsett starts on the team but is one of the first to get released or moved once we need a roster spot available. He may be released and brought back numerous times.

 

2. WR - Jamison and I are on the same page here. I still think there is a strong chance that we keep 6 between Camp, Butler and Williams as the last 2 spots. Williams is 'obviously' (based on reports) the weakest Receiver, but his ST play may keep him around. I predict Smith, Smith Sr, Brown, Jones, Camp, Butler.

 

3. OL - I actually may agree with Jamison here over my original projection. I had Urschel and Hurst over AQ and Reid, but we may want more NFL experienced backups on our roster over developing talent. Look for Urschel and Hurst to go to PS. An outside shot may be Reid and Urschel make the teams with AQ cut and Hurst sent to PS. I have little faith in AQ.

 

4. CB - This has changed since my last projection with Ross unfortunately getting hurt. I feel for the guy; he had a good shot at being this year's Graham. With that said, I think Webb, Smith, Asa and Brown are locks for making the team. I personally think the Nickel outside spot will not really be decided until the middle of the season and may be a weakness for us. The 5th CB spot should be between Olatoye, Franks or a vet signing (is Asante still out there?). The plan now is Smith and Brown on the outside and Webb in the slot. If Asa wins the 3rd spot, Webb will have to remain on the outside I think. Look for us to mix things up though; use Brooks as a possible slot coverage safety/CB, or Elam or Stewart.

 

5. S - I agree with the updated list here. I think we bring Hill on after his suspension and he competes right away with Brooks for rotation time and possibly taking time from Stewart as the starter. I hope Brooks starts to develop here, but if not, we may have a future in Hill at age 24, if he gets his head on straight. I like what the coaches are doing playing a left and right safety instead of a SS and FS. We have a pretty versatile group here.

[rmw10]

Tnx for the info; I don't have opportunities to visit B'more, just here online. Most of the staff writers post very superficial puff pieces and highlight the stars but it's the end of the roster guys I like reading about. Again, thanks for responding.

Go Ravens

PS. how's Brooks doing?

 

Not a problem.

 

Brooks did alright yesterday.  He got some 2nd team reps but was largely pretty quiet, as was much of the S group.  It was really difficult to get a read on them yesterday though because the emphasis seemed to be on testing out the young CBs since Webb and Chykie both didn't practice.  None of the Ss got much of an opportunity to show much.

[rmw10]

Let's give this another shot now that the first cuts are out of the way...

 

Quarterback (2):

In: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor

Out: Keith Wenning

 

There shouldn't be any surprises here.  Wenning is hardly getting any time and seems destined for the practice squad.  His only saving grace is if he shows some serious signs of being a good QB in the future on Thursday.  That could force our hand to keep him, but otherwise, he'll be heading to the practice squad.

 

Running Back (3):

In: Bernard Pierce, Justin Forsett, Lorenzo Taliaferro

Out: Fitzgerald Toussaint, Ray Rice (suspension)

 

This is another position that is nearly locked up at this point.  Toussaint is only sticking around to take a bulk of the carries in an effort to preserve the health of our 3 guaranteed guys.  The question here is whether Forsett is safe in week 3 when Rice is due back from suspension, but that's a question for another time.

 

Fullback (1):

In: Kyle Juszczyk

 

He's the only FB on the roster and he's an integral part of our offense.  No questions here.

 

Wide Receiver (6):

In: Torrey Smith, Steve Smith, Jacoby Jones, Marlon Brown, Michael Campanaro, Kamar Aiken

Out: Deonte Thompson, Jeremy Butler, Jace Davis

 

The top 4 are guarantees, and then you reach the battle.  Giving up a future pick would seem to make Campanaro a guarantee, coupled with the fact that he's done well in camp and showed some of that off in game 3.  The real battle is Aiken vs. Thompson.  I'm leaning Aiken here because he's been used on the first team ST unit on kick and punt coverage teams.  Thompson put up a good fight but just misses because it's been the same story every year.  I wouldn't totally be surprised to see Thompson make it though.

 

Tight End (3):

In: Dennis Pitta, Owen Daniels, Crockett Gillmore

Out: Nathan Overbay, Phillip Supernaw

 

It hurts to get rid of an awesome name like Supernaw, but it has to happen.  This used to be a guarantee but lately it's become a question mark.  Daniels' "fatigue" has brought up questions of him retiring or making the team.  However, he's finally returned to practice and the retirement rumors look to be squashed.  I'll put him in for now but it wouldn't be totally surprising to see him get left off if he runs into more "fatigue."

 

Offensive Line (9):

In: Eugene Monroe, Kelechi Osemele, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, Gino Gradkowski, Jah Reid, John Urschel, AQ Shipley

Out: James Hurst, Ryan Jensen, Parker Graham, Reggie Stephens

 

Hurst has finally entered the conversation.  I'm hesitant to give him a spot because I don't think they want to rely on Urschel as the primary backup G, which leaves Shipley in for now.  I wouldn't be surprised to see some sort of shakeup here on Thursday night, which could be really telling to who's making it and who isn't.  Jensen was relegated to the 3rd team and hasn't performed too well, so we hope he can go to the practice squad.

 

Defensive Line (5):

In: Haloti Ngata, Brandon Williams, Chris Canty, DeAngelo Tyson, Timmy Jernigan

Out: Derrick Hopkins, AJ Pataiali'i, Jamie Meder, Levi Brown

 

The 4 UDFAs are only here to take the snaps in the final game.  Hopkins hasn't been impressive, but has an argument due to a lack of depth.  I have him and the other 3 out because we've been using Upshaw and McPhee on the line quite a bit, and I think the team is comfortable enough to run with those 7 guys until Cody is healthy.

 

Inside Linebacker (5):

In: Daryl Smith, CJ Mosley, Arthur Brown, Josh Bynes, Albert McClellan

Out: Zach Orr

 

Put Orr down as a deep sleeper to make this team.  He's been getting a lot of ST reps with the 2nd team.  For now though, give me the 5 we know.  All of them have value in some way and there isn't too much question here.

 

Outside Linebacker (5):

In: Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, Courtney Upshaw, Pernell McPhee, John Simon

Out: DJ Roberts

 

The first 4 are locks and in for large roles on this team.  Simon has been unimpressive this preseason, but sticks around because he was a relatively high draft pick last year.  He could be the guy on the chopping block if we need a spot somewhere in the middle of the season.  Roberts has had a nice camp and looks like a practice squad candidate.

 

Cornerback (5):

In: Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Asa Jackson, Chykie Brown, Dominique Franks

Out: Tramain Jacobs, Sammy Seamster

 

This may not be final.  We could always add someone which could shake things up, but this is how I see it playing out now.  Jacobs has done well but hasn't elevated above the 3rd team other than a handful of snaps, so I don't know if he's a realistic option for the roster.  Seamster is another deep sleeper for this ST contributions, but he seems to be another practice squad candidate only.

 

Safety (6):

In: Matt Elam, Darian Stewart, Terrence Brooks, Jeromy Miles, Anthony Levine, Brynden Trawick

Out: Will Hill (suspension)

 

6 safeties?  Yes, and rightfully so in my opinion.  Levine earned his spot with his good CB play in his first game at the position the other night.  His ST contributions make him valuable.  Trawick and Miles also live because of their ST reputations.  Brooks and Levine could both be considered CBs as well.  With the uncertainty at CB, I think the guys at the back end of this position are safe because of their positional versatility.

 

Special Teams (3):

In: Justin Tucker, Sam Koch, Morgan Cox

 

The wolf pack rightfully lives on.

[Willbacker]

Great list rmw. I really hope they can find a  way to stash Wenning on the practice squad. I still like Hurst even tho he hasn't had a particularly good preseason for his swing tackle capabilities.

[GrimCoconut]

Hurst had an awesome game the other night. He's steadily improved each game. I know he had a poor camp but you could contribute that to starting slow after the injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make this football team. I think he's got a good chance to sneak onto the roster.

As for your projection, mine would probably be similar if not identical. I think that Bynes, Reid, and maybe even Thompson could be trade bait with another team. Not saying they would net much but player for player trades could happen with those three guys.

Bynes could go to a team like the Broncos, who appear to have a slight need at LB. Reid could go to a team like the Falcons, who just lost their other tackle to injury. Not sure where Thompson could go, but he's got talent as a RS and even WR, though it could be time for us to move on. I do think the team likes Orr, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him make the team.

We also typically have a guy who surprises people and makes the team. Orr could be that guy. If we trade Bynes, he could be the replacement. We are insanely deep at ILB.

Enough of the hyperbole on my part. Let's talk facts and more realistic options, lol. When it comes to Shipley, I'm still not convinced he'll stick around. Reid can play guard as well, so perhaps we could use him in that role if necessary. Same for Urschel, even with his lack of experience.

Finally, as for John "Let Down" Simon, we recently cut bait with a fourth round pick the year after drafting them. His name was Christian Thompson and he had a terrible preseason and camp as well, IIRC. Of course, I believe he was also suspended the year before but that's another story. I just see no value in Simon.

[TDubbs]

Finally, as for John "Let Down" Simon, we recently cut bait with a fourth round pick the year after drafting them. His name was Christian Thompson and he had a terrible preseason and camp as well, IIRC. Of course, I believe he was also suspended the year before but that's another story. I just see no value in Simon.

 

I disagree on that one. I think the front office sees John Simon as a project with big upside. I recently listened to Urban Meyer on a podcast (The Fighter and the Kid) and he was talking about work ethic, who was the best he's ever seen. #1 Tebows insane work ethic. But then he said a very close #2 out of everyone he's coached was John Simon. He said his work ethic is unbelievable and he's just very positive guy. I believe its just one of those situations where we don't know what happens behind the scenes, how much of a savage he is in the weight room and motivating guys. Take it for what its worth, but I don't think he's a let down.  

[rmw10]

Hurst had an awesome game the other night. He's steadily improved each game. I know he had a poor camp but you could contribute that to starting slow after the injury. I wouldn't be surprised to see him make this football team. I think he's got a good chance to sneak onto the roster.

As for your projection, mine would probably be similar if not identical. I think that Bynes, Reid, and maybe even Thompson could be trade bait with another team. Not saying they would net much but player for player trades could happen with those three guys.

Bynes could go to a team like the Broncos, who appear to have a slight need at LB. Reid could go to a team like the Falcons, who just lost their other tackle to injury. Not sure where Thompson could go, but he's got talent as a RS and even WR, though it could be time for us to move on. I do think the team likes Orr, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him make the team.

We also typically have a guy who surprises people and makes the team. Orr could be that guy. If we trade Bynes, he could be the replacement. We are insanely deep at ILB.

Enough of the hyperbole on my part. Let's talk facts and more realistic options, lol. When it comes to Shipley, I'm still not convinced he'll stick around. Reid can play guard as well, so perhaps we could use him in that role if necessary. Same for Urschel, even with his lack of experience.

Finally, as for John "Let Down" Simon, we recently cut bait with a fourth round pick the year after drafting them. His name was Christian Thompson and he had a terrible preseason and camp as well, IIRC. Of course, I believe he was also suspended the year before but that's another story. I just see no value in Simon.

 

I think Hurst could make it, but I'm not seeing it at the expense of Shipley.  The only way I see Shipley going anywhere is if a better G pops up on the market.  Reid seems much improved back at his natural T position and I think we prefer to keep him there.  Gino has been playing solely at C so I don't think he's an option either.  The only other guy there would be Urschel/Jensen (I'm assuming Urschel) and I'm not sure we're willing to bank on that much inexperience yet.  Shipley has been the top backup at G throughout the entirety of camp and I don't see that changing now despite his poor play.

 

Thompson is the only guy I can see being traded at this point, and I still think that would be a player swap type of deal if anything happens.  Reid and Bynes seem to be highly valued backups.

[Moderator 3]

Now that the first round of cuts is done, don't forget to enter the "Pick the Team" contest. Earliest time is the tie-breaker.

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/forum-6/announcement-44-you-pick-the-team-presented-by-new-era/

[GrimCoconut]

I disagree on that one. I think the front office sees John Simon as a project with big upside. I recently listened to Urban Meyer on a podcast (The Fighter and the Kid) and he was talking about work ethic, who was the best he's ever seen. #1 Tebows insane work ethic. But then he said a very close #2 out of everyone he's coached was John Simon. He said his work ethic is unbelievable and he's just very positive guy. I believe its just one of those situations where we don't know what happens behind the scenes, how much of a savage he is in the weight room and motivating guys. Take it for what its worth, but I don't think he's a let down.  

Yeah, I wasn't saying that he's a let down to the organization. I'm sure they still have hopes for him. He's definitely a project, though I'm just not sure his upside is that big. What frustrates me about Simon is he has a lot of potential and I really liked him coming out of the draft, but unlike other prospects, he hasn't really shown me improvements from year one to two. That's what bothers me. His pass rush moves still seem limited. I'm going to be focusing on him a lot in the final preseason game. 

[The Raven]

Yeah, I wasn't saying that he's a let down to the organization. I'm sure they still have hopes for him. He's definitely a project, though I'm just not sure his upside is that big. What frustrates me about Simon is he has a lot of potential and I really liked him coming out of the draft, but unlike other prospects, he hasn't really shown me improvements from year one to two. That's what bothers me. His pass rush moves still seem limited. I'm going to be focusing on him a lot in the final preseason game. 

 

Same. I feel like he should follow in Suggs' and Doom's footsteps and work with an MMA trainer to work on his hand use. For a guy as strong and athletic as he is, he shouldn't struggle this much with shedding blocks and making plays.

 

I also think Simon may freelance too much as an OLB. I think he needs to play smarter and refine his game a bit. 

[GrimCoconut]

Same. I feel like he should follow in Suggs' and Doom's footsteps and work with an MMA trainer to work on his hand use. For a guy as strong and athletic as he is, he shouldn't struggle this much with shedding blocks and making plays.

 

I also think Simon may freelance too much as an OLB. I think he needs to play smarter and refine his game a bit. 

Yeah. I mean, Arthur Brown is doing a better job against the run, he's getting off of blocks and I like to see that. I would be concerned otherwise. He bulked up and looks good. Elam has been quiet and it's hard to fully judge him because the camera isn't on him much being a safety unless he gets beat. Unless I get that All-22, I go off of what I do see and what I read on him. Elam has disappointed me as well, but I chalk part of it up to him being a safety. Williams looks like a freaking BEASTUD and like he will be the next best Ravens DL. Juszczyk made a huge leap between rookie and sophomore year. Jensen...well, we never saw what he did. Wagner also made a big improvements. Lewis-Moore got hurt, and we know that story. Marc Anthony and Mellette, well, you need some duds. Lol

 

I just worry Simon is rotting and staying at the status quo, and it's bothering the Hell out of me when I see him. 

[The Raven]

Yeah. I mean, Arthur Brown is doing a better job against the run, he's getting off of blocks and I like to see that. I would be concerned otherwise. He bulked up and looks good. Elam has been quiet and it's hard to fully judge him because the camera isn't on him much being a safety unless he gets beat. Unless I get that All-22, I go off of what I do see and what I read on him. Elam has disappointed me as well, but I chalk part of it up to him being a safety. Williams looks like a freaking BEASTUD and like he will be the next best Ravens DL. Juszczyk made a huge leap between rookie and sophomore year. Jensen...well, we never saw what he did. Wagner also made a big improvements. Lewis-Moore got hurt, and we know that story. Marc Anthony and Mellette, well, you need some duds. Lol

 

I just worry Simon is rotting and staying at the status quo, and it's bothering the Hell out of me when I see him. 

 

I'm gonna re-watch the second half of the game tonight and come back with more thoughts on Simon and the other youngsters like Jensen and Tyson. 

 

On Elam, I'm not sure what's up with him. I think he's been good, but not flashy. Like you said, that comes with the territory of being a safety. You're only on camera if you do something really bad or really good. 

[rmw10]

I'm gonna re-watch the second half of the game tonight and come back with more thoughts on Simon and the other youngsters like Jensen and Tyson. 

 

On Elam, I'm not sure what's up with him. I think he's been good, but not flashy. Like you said, that comes with the territory of being a safety. You're only on camera if you do something really bad or really good. 

 

Elam's first 4 or 5 plays of the game were brutal.  He was consistently throwing the shoulder or going for the strip instead of wrapping up and it just wasn't working for him.  I guess we should be used to that at this point though.

[GrimCoconut]

I'm gonna re-watch the second half of the game tonight and come back with more thoughts on Simon and the other youngsters like Jensen and Tyson. 

 

On Elam, I'm not sure what's up with him. I think he's been good, but not flashy. Like you said, that comes with the territory of being a safety. You're only on camera if you do something really bad or really good. 

http://russellstreetreport.com/filmstudy-front-seven-skin-washington/

 

Interesting how this guy noticed a lot of what I did with specific players, specifically the following: 

 

 

 

BrownA (+1/+3): Arthur played well against the run, making several plays at or near the LoS. He lost coverage of Paul (Q4, 5:44) for a gain of 20 (15 + 5 YAC) where he trailed and was not able to find the ball. He also slipped on the screen left, allowing Royster an 18-yard gain (-3 + 21 YAC, Q3, 10:02) It’s not clear how the Ravens will use Brown, but it’s a position of significant depth for the Ravens.

 

 

 

Hurst (+2/+4): He played well both as a run and pass blocker. He displayed the quickness and recognition skills to stay with a single rusher in space. Hurst entered in the 3rd quarter with the 2nd unit and played all 25 of the remaining meaningful snaps. I reviewed each of his plays only and scored him as 23 of 25 blocks with no negative events. He missed a cut block on Gettis (Q4, 15:00) and got caught in stunt traffic (Q4, 12:50) on Tyrod’s TD pass to Thompson. His blocking highlight came on Forsett’s 13-yard run left (Q4, 4:21) when he pushed LB Jackson well into the backfield, turned right to assist Jensen, then peeled off looking for another block in level 2. Many memorable combination blocks involve pinning and turning to clear both sides of a hole. Hurst was hungry to get 3 blocks on this one. I don’t see any reason the Ravens would cut James after this game and Reid’s health isn’t a factor.

 

I've been saying these two guys impressed me a lot. It's good to see others noticed the same thing, and here we have some proof on the matter. I really think Hurst has an excellent chance to make this team.