Rashaan Melvin

[Inqui]

I don't know what you called. But I find it hard to call anything after 1/2 day of training camp.

It's like calling a dessert the best ever after it's brought to the table, and you haven't even tasted it yet.

Yeah, it's a bit early to read much into anything just yet. Good that we have Melvin though, it does show why you need a string of capable CBs.

[Bruce_Almty]

This is what Wikipedia has to say about Rashaad...

 

"Melvin made his debut on December 14, 2014. In his first game, he was a pleasant surprise on the Ravens' hobbled secondary, recording 5 tackles and 1 pass deflected. In his first start the next week, Melvin continued his success, recording 8 tackles and a forced fumble. In week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, Melvin had 4 tackles.

However, this success would not carry into the playoffs. On January 10, 2015 against the New England Patriots, Melvin allowed 12 catches on 15 passes thrown his way, giving up 224 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus."

 

As 2nd year CB, he needs as much TLC from us as we gave Jimmy Smith in his first 2 years. The kid has potential.

[harfordravenfan]

I CALLED IT!

I predict we go undefeated... so far, so good :-)

[Ravensfan23]

I think it says a lot for Melvin that he is the guy who was given the opportunity to replace Webb with the 1s. It's just one practice but i think it just adds to his confidence. He probably had his worse game at any point in his football life against the Pats but i still think his experience last season was a confidence builder and there is something special that happens when a young player develops that Ravens Defensive Swagger. I personally think Smith and Melvin would make a really strong CB tandem.

As for Webb he's still a quality CB when healthy but he has to stay healthy. I don't think it was just for the sake of adding a quality corner that Ozzie went out and got Arrington. He's definitely insurance against Webb being injured. I think this is a crucial camp for Webb because if a couple of these young kids step up and Webb's back continues to give him issues, both Ozzie and Harbs have proven they aren't afraid of a youth movement. He could be a cap casualty next season. They would save about 3.5mil and that could go a long way to keeping both Yanda and KO.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

For an UDFA plucked off a practice squad, Melvin is a huge bonus.

 

Knocking this guy is just ridiculous. Expectations for him should have been zero, and he was a solid contributor for us last year.

 

His detractors focus on his poor play against the Patriots, but fail to give him credit for the fact that our secondary was completely depleted down the stretch last year. If not for his quality starts, we may not have even won enough games to get into the playoffs!!

 

We never see the Patriots if he doesnt step up and do a darn good job in the final, what, 3-4 games? 

 

For that he deserves a good look this training camp and I think he's currently penciled in as the #3 CB (on the outside, Arrington prob. ahead of him on nickel duties) so maybe #4 depending on how you look at it. He's clearly leapfrogged guys like Asa Jackson, a draft pick who's been given every opportunity to succeed. 

 

I evaluate player value taking into account investment and expectations. I dont just judge them all in a vacuum... i mean clearly Jimmy Smith is far better than Melvin. But Jimmy cost a 1st rd draft pick and now will be eating up a big portion of the cap - he HAS to play like an elite corner. Anything less and hes hurting the team imo (like Webb has recently).

 

Melvin on the other hands costs us near nothing, so if we get solid contributions and a guy that can come in to spell a starter or spot start in the event of injury that's incredibly valuable - especially considering the premium being placed on the position around the league.

 

So, please. Give the guy a break the few who are knocking him.... literally any positive contribution from him is a bonus and if he's outperforming former draft picks, so if anything those are the guys who need to bring more to the table. 

[DomMcRaven]

For an UDFA plucked off a practice squad, Melvin is a huge bonus.

 

Knocking this guy is just ridiculous. Expectations for him should have been zero, and he was a solid contributor for us last year.

 

His detractors focus on his poor play against the Patriots, but fail to give him credit for the fact that our secondary was completely depleted down the stretch last year. If not for his quality starts, we may not have even won enough games to get into the playoffs!!

 

We never see the Patriots if he doesnt step up and do a darn good job in the final, what, 3-4 games? 

 

For that he deserves a good look this training camp and I think he's currently penciled in as the #3 CB (on the outside, Arrington prob. ahead of him on nickel duties) so maybe #4 depending on how you look at it. He's clearly leapfrogged guys like Asa Jackson, a draft pick who's been given every opportunity to succeed. 

 

I evaluate player value taking into account investment and expectations. I dont just judge them all in a vacuum... i mean clearly Jimmy Smith is far better than Melvin. But Jimmy cost a 1st rd draft pick and now will be eating up a big portion of the cap - he HAS to play like an elite corner. Anything less and hes hurting the team imo (like Webb has recently).

 

Melvin on the other hands costs us near nothing, so if we get solid contributions and a guy that can come in to spell a starter or spot start in the event of injury that's incredibly valuable - especially considering the premium being placed on the position around the league.

 

So, please. Give the guy a break the few who are knocking him.... literally any positive contribution from him is a bonus and if he's outperforming former draft picks, so if anything those are the guys who need to bring more to the table. 

Agreed. Did people really think that he would stand a chance against the Patriots? I surely didn't. He just needs more time that's all.

[edreed2o]

This is what Wikipedia has to say about Rashaad...

 

"Melvin made his debut on December 14, 2014. In his first game, he was a pleasant surprise on the Ravens' hobbled secondary, recording 5 tackles and 1 pass deflected. In his first start the next week, Melvin continued his success, recording 8 tackles and a forced fumble. In week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, Melvin had 4 tackles.

However, this success would not carry into the playoffs. On January 10, 2015 against the New England Patriots, Melvin allowed 12 catches on 15 passes thrown his way, giving up 224 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus."

 

As 2nd year CB, he needs as much TLC from us as we gave Jimmy Smith in his first 2 years. The kid has potential.

Its funny how some people try to knock Rashaan because he reminds me strongly of Jimmy Smith. Rashaan has a ton of potential and I think one more season nder his belt and Webb's below average play will put Rashaan into the Ravens second starting corner. Jimmy and Rashaan would be a lethal combo if Melvin continues to get better.

[Guest]

I think it says a lot for Melvin that he is the guy who was given the opportunity to replace Webb with the 1s. It's just one practice but i think it just adds to his confidence. He probably had his worse game at any point in his football life against the Pats but i still think his experience last season was a confidence builder and there is something special that happens when a young player develops that Ravens Defensive Swagger. I personally think Smith and Melvin would make a really strong CB tandem...

 

 

Hmmmm......I don't know.  How do you turn away from a 200 yard 2 Touchdown debacle.  If Melvin Toast has to play as a "1", we are in trouble.

For an UDFA plucked off a practice squad, Melvin is a huge bonus.

 

Knocking this guy is just ridiculous. Expectations for him should have been zero,

 

Melvin on the other hands costs us near nothing, so if we get solid contributions and a guy that can come in to spell a starter or spot start in the event of injury that's incredibly valuable - especially considering the premium being placed on the position around the league.

 

So, please. Give the guy a break the few who are knocking him.... literally any positive contribution from him is a bonus and if he's outperforming former draft picks, so if anything those are the guys who need to bring more to the table. 

 

And zero is what he offered in the Divisional Playoff Game, playing 10 yards off for the most part. At least you're not offering opinion that he is of starter caliber.  Still, he was targeted and his ability was illustrated. If we have to rely upon him, it will not be a satisfying season.

Its funny how some people try to knock Rashaan because he reminds me strongly of Jimmy Smith. Rashaan has a ton of potential and I think one more season nder his belt and Webb's below average play will put Rashaan into the Ravens second starting corner. Jimmy and Rashaan would be a lethal combo if Melvin continues to get better.

 

Really? 

[Cillmatic]

If Melvin ever learns how to look back for the ball he'll be great.

Edited August 9, 2015 by Cillmatic

[Ravensfan23]

Hmmmm......I don't know.  How do you turn away from a 200 yard 2 Touchdown debacle.  If Melvin Toast has to play as a "1", we are in trouble.

 

And zero is what he offered in the Divisional Playoff Game, playing 10 yards off for the most part. At least you're not offering opinion that he is of starter caliber.  Still, he was targeted and his ability was illustrated. If we have to rely upon him, it will not be a satisfying season.

 

Really?

You turn away from it the same way you turn away from a 4 Ints game for Flacco or any player that has a terrible game. You view it as one game, you account for all the factors and you move one. Not really that tough honestly. Not sure why it seems so difficult for people to wrapp their minds around the fact that an undrafted practice squad guy who wouldn't have been on the tean if not for injuries got exposed by a HOF QB.

If Melvin ever learns how to look back for the ball he'll be great.

Jimmy had that same issue. It's a fundamental process. The more and more comfortable he becomes with his technique the better he'll become at completing the process imo. Often times the toughest part of the process for a young DB is locating the ball in tjat moment of truth. It's like when you first learn to drive and your instructor says you have to be able to monitor the traffic around you using your sides and rearview mirrors. As a rookie driver you're thinking why in the heck would i take my eyes off of what's in first of me to view whats behind me. It's just that slight fear of taking your eyes away from your responsibility. However once you become comfortable you can take your eyes on another direction and know that you are still in great position.

[rmw10]

Hmmmm......I don't know.  How do you turn away from a 200 yard 2 Touchdown debacle.  If Melvin Toast has to play as a "1", we are in trouble.

 

And zero is what he offered in the Divisional Playoff Game, playing 10 yards off for the most part. At least you're not offering opinion that he is of starter caliber.  Still, he was targeted and his ability was illustrated. If we have to rely upon him, it will not be a satisfying season.

 

Really? 

 

One game does not define a career.  As I've stated earlier in this thread, what makes you think he's a finished product?  Why does he not have the ability to improve?  It was an awful game, but I've seen nothing that would lead me to indicate that he's stuck as that player based off of that one performance.

[GrimCoconut]

You turn away from it the same way you turn away from a 4 Ints game for Flacco or any player that has a terrible game. You view it as one game, you account for all the factors and you move one. Not really that tough honestly. Not sure why it seems so difficult for people to wrapp their minds around the fact that an undrafted practice squad guy who wouldn't have been on the tean if not for injuries got exposed by a HOF QB.

Jimmy had that same issue. It's a fundamental process. The more and more comfortable he becomes with his technique the better he'll become at completing the process imo. Often times the toughest part of the process for a young DB is locating the ball in tjat moment of truth. It's like when you first learn to drive and your instructor says you have to be able to monitor the traffic around you using your sides and rearview mirrors. As a rookie driver you're thinking why in the heck would i take my eyes off of what's in first of me to view whats behind me. It's just that slight fear of taking your eyes away from your responsibility. However once you become comfortable you can take your eyes on another direction and know that you are still in great position.

Great analogy. Having played DB from middle school until I was a sophomore in college, I can agree that it's very similar. It takes time to get your feet under you, adjusting to being the guy in high school, having to earn the reputation again in college.

I'm sure the transition to the NFL is significantly harder. I'd probably get eaten alive. Lol.

[Ravensfan23]

One game does not define a career.  As I've stated earlier in this thread, what makes you think he's a finished product?  Why does he not have the ability to improve?  It was an awful game, but I've seen nothing that would lead me to indicate that he's stuck as that player based off of that one performance.

Also lets be honest. The entire defense played poorly in that game when we needed them most. We like to say that if Jimmy was playing the Ravens would have won and that may be true. But in reality even if Jimmy played Brady would have still had mismatches all over the field. Hill had no answer for Gronk, Webb only appeared to have a good game because Brady didn't throw his way as much and they still would have been successful on trick plays. Melvin isn't the only player that needs to put that game behind him.

[Ravensfan23]

Great analogy. Having played DB from middle school until I was a sophomore in college, I can agree that it's very similar. It takes time to get your feet under you, adjusting to being the guy in high school, having to earn the reputation again in college.

I'm sure the transition to the NFL is significantly harder. I'd probably get eaten alive. Lol.

Yea that was definitely Jimmy's issues imo. He was the man in college but only because of his size and speed combo. He had pretty lazy technique But you could understand because he was so good the game got boring to him. Then when he faced AJ Green in college he stepped his game up only for the coaches to move AJ away from him. So just like you said he had that I'm the man attitude that got wiped away really quickly in the NFL.

Now in the NFL he can't be lazy with technique and that has helped him a ton. I agree with Webb that he'll see a ton of action this season because QBs will be avoiding Jimmy on most cases unless it's a marquee matchup.

[52520Andrew]

I remember back when the forum melted down over Jimmy Smith getting toasted by Julio Jones in the 2013 pre season. Or how about Flacco throwing 5 INTs against the Bills? Those guys will never be anything more than that.

[Guest]

You turn away from it the same way you turn away from a 4 Ints game for Flacco or any player that has a terrible game. You view it as one game, you account for all the factors and you move one. Not really that tough honestly. Not sure why it seems so difficult for people to wrapp their minds around the fact that an undrafted practice squad guy who wouldn't have been on the tean if not for injuries got exposed by a HOF QB.

 

 

In regard to not locating the ball:

Jimmy had that same issue. It's a fundamental process.

 

The difference being Flacco has won at least one playoff game every year we've made playoffs, with the exception of the Post Championship Purge.  They are calling Flacco, "January Joe" now, like Reggie Jackson's, "Mr. October".  One can't compare Melvin to Flacco in that regard.

 

If all Melvin had to do was locate the ball, he'd have potential, but it doesn't end there.

 

Melvin was our leading tackler in the game the Pats deflated their footballs and Br*dy wore grip gloves.  He was more than picked upon. I've seen enough and don't want him on the field. If we are forced to play him again, it doesn't bode well.

 

Adding only 1 pass defensed vs Jacksonville and no picks.  Of course, we didn't pick the ball last year, despite having a credible pass rush.

Edited August 9, 2015 by Danny D

[rmw10]

The difference being Flacco has won at least one playoff game every year we've made playoffs, with the exception of the Post Championship Purge.  They are calling Flacco, "January Joe" now, like Reggie Jackson's, "Mr. October".  One can't compare Melvin to Flacco in that regard.

 

If all Melvin had to do was locate the ball, he'd have potential, but it doesn't end there.

 

Melvin was our leading tackler in the game the Pats deflated their footballs and Br*dy wore grip gloves.  He was more than picked upon. I've seen enough and don't want him on the field. If we are forced to play him again, it doesn't bode well.

 

Adding only 1 pass defensed vs Jacksonville and no picks.  Of course, we didn't pick the ball last year, despite having a credible pass rush.

 

Do you realize that he's only played 5 games in his career?  And one is the defining game where he shouldn't be an NFL player?  What about the other 4 where he played pretty well considering the circumstances?

[edreed2o]

Hmmmm......I don't know. How do you turn away from a 200 yard 2 Touchdown debacle. If Melvin Toast has to play as a "1", we are in trouble.

And zero is what he offered in the Divisional Playoff Game, playing 10 yards off for the most part. At least you're not offering opinion that he is of starter caliber. Still, he was targeted and his ability was illustrated. If we have to rely upon him, it will not be a satisfying season.

Really?

I only comment when im serious. Edited August 9, 2015 by edreed2o

[Static]

 

As 2nd year CB, he needs as much TLC from us as we gave Jimmy Smith in his first 2 years. The kid has potential.

 

This season will be his 4th year

[Guest]

Do you realize that he's only played 5 games in his career?  And one is the defining game where he shouldn't be an NFL player?  What about the other 4 where he played pretty well considering the circumstances?

 

Let's add a little more to the circumstances.  Melvin was an undrafted Free Agent for Tampa Bay who spent his first year there on IR due to a "Hamstring".  He made the team in year 2 but was released by the Bucs after week 2.  He was signed to the Dolphins Practice Squad and there we "poached" him. 

 

We were in a bind for corners last year and Melvin was considered the answer.  He was carved up like a Thanksgiving Turkey in the Divisional Round.  He had no resume to indicate such a performance was truly out of character.

 

He's from my alma mater but I won't forgive or forget.  If he's on the corner this coming year, fuhghedaboutit.  Don't worry though, barring everyone going down again, he won't be.

 

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/61646-rashaan-melvin/?p=2181625

Edited August 9, 2015 by Danny D

[rmw10]

Let's add a little more to the circumstances.  Melvin was an undrafted Free Agent for Tampa Bay who spent his first year there on IR due to a "Hamstring".  He made the team in year 2 but was released by the Bucs after week 2.  He was signed to the Dolphins Practice Squad and there we "poached" him. 

 

We were in a bind for corners last year and Melvin was considered the answer.  He was carved up like a Thanksgiving Turkey in the Divisional Round.  He had no resume to indicate such a performance was truly out of character.

 

He's from my alma mater but I won't forgive or forget.  If he's on the corner this coming year, fuhghedaboutit.  Don't worry though, barring everyone going down again, he won't be.

 

James Harrison also bounced on and off practice squads and even spent time over in Europe.  Him being on a practice squad at the beginning of his career means nothing.  Melvin might not have been our first option, but guess what?  He came in and played very well except for the one game which apparently defines his career.

[Ravensfan23]

James Harrison also bounced on and off practice squads and even spent time over in Europe.  Him being on a practice squad at the beginning of his career means nothing.  Melvin might not have been our first option, but guess what?  He came in and played very well except for the one game which apparently defines his career.

The greatest thing about this time of year is that you don't have to debate things you feel are common sense because these guys will show and prove on the field. Starting next week on field play will speak louder then anyway on this forum. Of course that won't stop people from having opinions that seem to have no evidence of truth or seem to have much thought behind it, guess that just comes with the territory.

[edreed2o]

Let's add a little more to the circumstances.  Melvin was an undrafted Free Agent for Tampa Bay who spent his first year there on IR due to a "Hamstring".  He made the team in year 2 but was released by the Bucs after week 2.  He was signed to the Dolphins Practice Squad and there we "poached" him. 

 

We were in a bind for corners last year and Melvin was considered the answer.  He was carved up like a Thanksgiving Turkey in the Divisional Round.  He had no resume to indicate such a performance was truly out of character.

 

He's from my alma mater but I won't forgive or forget.  If he's on the corner this coming year, fuhghedaboutit.  Don't worry though, barring everyone going down again, he won't be.

 

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/61646-rashaan-melvin/?p=2181625

Some players need more time to grow. Jimmy smith? Not all players can go to a new team and be thrown into the fire like that and succeed. He had one bad game. Against tom brady. Enough said. Thank god you arent a coach or GM. It was his fifth game. I dont care how many practice squads hes been on. Those arent real gametime experience. I cant wait til he shows up this year. You keep bringng up that one game and thats it. How many games did he play for us? Ok then. Enough said.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

This is what Wikipedia has to say about Rashaad...

 

"Melvin made his debut on December 14, 2014. In his first game, he was a pleasant surprise on the Ravens' hobbled secondary, recording 5 tackles and 1 pass deflected. In his first start the next week, Melvin continued his success, recording 8 tackles and a forced fumble. In week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, Melvin had 4 tackles.

However, this success would not carry into the playoffs. On January 10, 2015 against the New England Patriots, Melvin allowed 12 catches on 15 passes thrown his way, giving up 224 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus."

 

As 2nd year CB, he needs as much TLC from us as we gave Jimmy Smith in his first 2 years. The kid has potential.

 

How many of those 12 were really on Melvin and not on our safeties?

And of those that were on Melvin, how many could he have better defended if Pees hadn't given so much cushion with his way off-coverage, bend but don't break, semi-prevent D? Not that I'm suggesting that we should have pressed these WRs, but we should have tightened up the coverage to not allow these shifty quick guys to have so much space underneath to work with. That's playing right into the strength of their passing game.

And come to think of it, also the weakness of some of our DBs--Elam in particular is horrendous at tackling in space.

Edited August 9, 2015 by PerpetuallyBored74

[Bruce_Almty]

Some players need more time to grow. Jimmy smith? Not all players can go to a new team and be thrown into the fire like that and succeed. He had one bad game. Against tom brady. Enough said. Thank god you arent a coach or GM. It was his fifth game. I dont care how many practice squads hes been on. Those arent real gametime experience. I cant wait til he shows up this year. You keep bringng up that one game and thats it. How many games did he play for us? Ok then. Enough said.

Some day I'd like to read a non-Raven fan post a similar comment, "he had one bad game, against Joe Flacco; enough said." R-E-S-P-E-C-T

[JEEPercreepermd]

Why is everyone so up in arms over a backup CB? IF Smith and Webb stay upright, he's 4th behind Arrington.

He performed about as well as you could expect him to in the circumstances.

Yeah he had a bad game...against TOM BRADY. .Melvin isn't the first young CB that Brady has done that to in his career.

You can chalk that up to him just being overmatched.

The good news is that he's got some quality experience now, considering the history of Webb and Smith, he'll probably get at least a start or two this year.

Actually getting a whole off season and TC of reps with the starting D hopefully will help him improve as well.

At the end of the day. .we've had worse 4th Corners...waaay worse.

[izvoodoo]

I think as a 4th corner he's fair.

 

It's hard to find 4 good corners on an NFL team.  Most teams don't even have 2 good corners.  There is simply a lacking of strong secondary talent in a league that has made it impossible to defend wide receivers.  

[Ravens4Real]

I think as a 4th corner he's fair.

It's hard to find 4 good corners on an NFL team. Most teams don't even have 2 good corners. There is simply a lacking of strong secondary talent in a league that has made it impossible to defend wide receivers.

In actuality, he is technically our third CB. There should be another classification for guys like Arrington. If Smith or Webb go down, he is the next man up on the outside.

Arrington is not an outside corner and when his former teams played him out there is when he was downright terrible. He's strictly an inside CB. If it comes to the point to where Arrigton needs to move outside, we could be in trouble again.

[izvoodoo]

In actuality, he is technically our third CB. There should be another classification for guys like Arrington. If Smith or Webb go down, he is the next man up on the outside.

Arrington is not an outside corner and when his former teams played him out there is when he was downright terrible. He's strictly an inside CB. If it comes to the point to where Arrigton needs to move outside, we could be in trouble again.

Agreed.  I don't think our corner situation is great.  But I think Melvin is a decent prospect for our coaches to develop.  

[Cillmatic]

I hope Melvin's ready to step in when the time comes because Webb's goes down more than volume. Reports are saying that Melvin's been pretty mediocre though. So much for a having a top secondary-_-