Is Matt Elam a bust?

[Ravensfan23]

As much as I'm frustrated with Elam, and I really am, I can't label him as a bust yet. I'm struggling with it because I'm really down on him but I know it's not fair to call him one yet. I think this year decides his fate, but I can honestly see him stick around throughout his rookie deal because I don't see Will Hill sticking around. I think he gets paid and becomes a compensatory pick next year and Elam takes over in 2016 after playing as a rotational player this year.

 

I view Elam the same way I viewed Dawan Edwards and I currently view Upshaw. They were both guys who could have easily gone in the bottom half of the 1st round when drafted but the Ravens got them at the top of the 2nd. Both of those guys started slow in terms of winning over the fans, Edwards with his play, Upshaw was more of a weight thing, but some play as well. However once they carved out their roles they became really solid pros. He doesn't have a large name but Dawan Edwards is one of the only Ravens to leave and have steady long term success throughout his career. 

 

So in looking at Elam like those two and even Kurger to a extent, Elam is a guy that in a prefect year the Ravens would have traded back to get at the top of the 2nd round, but he was probably the highest rated player at a position of need and they probably couldn't trade out. So now looking at Elam on the field much like the others guys mentioned above, he struggled with a larger role early on. He's wasn't ready in his rookie year to run a secondary and certain wasn't ready to bare the pressure of replacing an Ed Reed. He's the type of guy imo that needs a lesser, rotational role and play his way into the player the Ravens want much like guys mentioned already. The Ravens tried to hide him last year but because of injuries he was forced to do things that's not his game, like coverage. 

 

As a 1st round pick many will be quick to label him a bust because of the perception of what a first rounder should be, especially for Ozzie. However right now I think he's just a young player looking to find his way and having guys like Hill, Lewis, Smith, Webb and now Arrington will allow Elam to have a more simpler role as a young pup following the vets and hopefully that reduces the pressure allowing him to just play free. Long term I see Elam much like a Dawan Edwards. A guy that fans will bash early and then he'll develop over years 3-5, crave out a solid role and then get paid by another team. He'll make some plays to help this team win in 2015 and when you do that, I could careless what round you were drafted in, you're just a part of the solution imo. 

 

I remember Jamison Hensley calling Jimmy Smith a bust simply because he wasn't living up to what a "Ravens Defensive" 1st rounder should be. Now Jimmy is one of the better CBs in the game and is probably one healthy season away from being viewed a lockdown guy. Perception can change in a blink of an eye in the NFL. One day your a bust the next fans are chanting your name at the Bank for making plays. 

[Ravensfan23]

Lmao.. it's so true. I've heard the confidence thing, but when he makes a play, he sure as hell doesn't seem too shy to let the world know. I'm not going to give up because he's shown flashes but hasn't put it all together. in his defense, it looks like that whole safety class was trash, sans, Eric Reid.

 

Confidence isn't what you do after the play, it's what allows you to play free and without thinking so much. You know a confident player when you see no hesitation, no indecisiveness. I think Elam has a ton of confidence in himself and is obviously not a shy person. Hell you would have thought he was an all pro the way he introduced himself at Webb's softball game. I just think it's  matter of being able to take what you know and do it on the field. Sounds simple but that's probably the biggest thing that stops people in general from ever reaching their full potential. 

[GrimCoconut]

I view Elam the same way I viewed Dawan Edwards and I currently view Upshaw. They were both guys who could have easily gone in the bottom half of the 1st round when drafted but the Ravens got them at the top of the 2nd. Both of those guys started slow in terms of winning over the fans, Edwards with his play, Upshaw was more of a weight thing, but some play as well. However once they carved out their roles they became really solid pros. He doesn't have a large name but Dawan Edwards is one of the only Ravens to leave and have steady long term success throughout his career.

So in looking at Elam like those two and even Kurger to a extent, Elam is a guy that in a prefect year the Ravens would have traded back to get at the top of the 2nd round, but he was probably the highest rated player at a position of need and they probably couldn't trade out. So now looking at Elam on the field much like the others guys mentioned above, he struggled with a larger role early on. He's wasn't ready in his rookie year to run a secondary and certain wasn't ready to bare the pressure of replacing an Ed Reed. He's the type of guy imo that needs a lesser, rotational role and play his way into the player the Ravens want much like guys mentioned already. The Ravens tried to hide him last year but because of injuries he was forced to do things that's not his game, like coverage.

As a 1st round pick many will be quick to label him a bust because of the perception of what a first rounder should be, especially for Ozzie. However right now I think he's just a young player looking to find his way and having guys like Hill, Lewis, Smith, Webb and now Arrington will allow Elam to have a more simpler role as a young pup following the vets and hopefully that reduces the pressure allowing him to just play free. Long term I see Elam much like a Dawan Edwards. A guy that fans will bash early and then he'll develop over years 3-5, crave out a solid role and then get paid by another team. He'll make some plays to help this team win in 2015 and when you do that, I could careless what round you were drafted in, you're just a part of the solution imo.

I remember Jamison Hensley calling Jimmy Smith a bust simply because he wasn't living up to what a "Ravens Defensive" 1st rounder should be. Now Jimmy is one of the better CBs in the game and is probably one healthy season away from being viewed a lockdown guy. Perception can change in a blink of an eye in the NFL. One day your a bust the next fans are chanting your name at the Bank for making plays.

I agree with everything you said but one thing you said bothered me--bringing up Jimmy Smith. I don't think you compared them, but the comparisons between Jimmy Smith and Elam need to stop. It's a huge pet peeve of mine. They're not anywhere close to the same in terms of comparison. Jimmy Smith had what you wanted but injuries and experience are what held him back. Once he gained experience and trusted his technique, he stopped biting on double moves and became what he is today.

I don't see the same from Elam. Elam has displayed very questionable football intelligence, and I can't get that stare down tackle against the Browns out of my head. It's things like that where I question if Elam can ever do it. Never saw stuff like that with Jimmy. With that said, Jimmy didn't have to start as soon as Elam, nor was he relied upon to coordinate the secondary. I think Elam was given too much. That, combined with the poor quality of safeties coming out today, are the reasons I find that validate his struggles to date.

I think there's still promise for Elam, but I don't think anyone should reasonably expect him to make big impacts this year. I think Will Hill is going to be the starter next to Lewis, and I see Elam being what he should've been from day one--a rotational player. We'll let him develop slowly and hope he puts it together and does well next year, when I expect Will Hill signs a deal with a new team.

[Ravensfan23]

I agree with everything you said but one thing you said bothered me--bringing up Jimmy Smith. I don't think you compared them, but the comparisons between Jimmy Smith and Elam need to stop. It's a huge pet peeve of mine. They're not anywhere close to the same in terms of comparison. Jimmy Smith had what you wanted but injuries and experience are what held him back. Once he gained experience and trusted his technique, he stopped biting on double moves and became what he is today.

I don't see the same from Elam. Elam has displayed very questionable football intelligence, and I can't get that stare down tackle against the Browns out of my head. It's things like that where I question if Elam can ever do it. Never saw stuff like that with Jimmy. With that said, Jimmy didn't have to start as soon as Elam, nor was he relied upon to coordinate the secondary. I think Elam was given too much. That, combined with the poor quality of safeties coming out today, are the reasons I find that validate his struggles to date.

I think there's still promise for Elam, but I don't think anyone should reasonably expect him to make big impacts this year. I think Will Hill is going to be the starter next to Lewis, and I see Elam being what he should've been from day one--a rotational player. We'll let him develop slowly and hope he puts it together and does well next year, when I expect Will Hill signs a deal with a new team.

 

Oh I definitely agree and you're right I wasn't comparing the two just using Jimmy as an example of how perception can change quickly. Jimmy was a stud from day 1 imo and had it not been for the injuries he would have developed a lot quicker. So again I definitely agree with Elam and Jimmy not being comparable. 

 

That's why I compared him more to the top of the 2nd round guys. Jimmy was a top 10-15 pick imo, off-field concerns dropped him. I personally can't get the busted coverage, i'm gonna look at my teammate and place blame while the play is still going instead of touching the WR down, play out of my head. It was almost like he thought he was back in college. The guy certainly has a lot of limitations, but he also has some strong qualities. He just needs to put them together as you stated. But long term 

 

Yea definitely Hill and Lewis as starters, but Pees like to play that 3 safety look a bit. In Dime packages I can clearly see Elam being what a healthy Webb was a few years back. That guy who plays around the LOS in sub packages and blitzes a lot. I can see him being that rover type guy which I think has always better suited him. Only coverage assignments he has is zone and RBs or 2nd TEs. Honestly I don't think he ever takes over for Hill, I think he stays in that rotational 3rd Safety role but he really makes his bones there sotospeak. Call me bias, but I think a healthy Terrence Brooks emerges during the back half of the season and he'll take over that coverage Safety type role once Will Hill get his deal else where. 

[LordRavens]

3 starters out of a draft is not a bad one. Plus the 2013 class across the whole league is not a good one. The fact that the our 2 picks hasn't panned out yet still got 3 solid starters just shows the crap shoot nature of the draft, and the value of mid-round picks. When judging the draft, It's really important not to focus too much on the top of draft while ignoring the mid rounds.

Maybe i need to be more specific. I was talking about the 2013 draft league wide. Eric Fisher=Bust Datone Jones=Bust 

[PurpleCity5]

I agree with everything you said but one thing you said bothered me--bringing up Jimmy Smith. I don't think you compared them, but the comparisons between Jimmy Smith and Elam need to stop. It's a huge pet peeve of mine. They're not anywhere close to the same in terms of comparison. Jimmy Smith had what you wanted but injuries and experience are what held him back. Once he gained experience and trusted his technique, he stopped biting on double moves and became what he is today.

I don't see the same from Elam. Elam has displayed very questionable football intelligence, and I can't get that stare down tackle against the Browns out of my head. It's things like that where I question if Elam can ever do it. Never saw stuff like that with Jimmy. With that said, Jimmy didn't have to start as soon as Elam, nor was he relied upon to coordinate the secondary. I think Elam was given too much. That, combined with the poor quality of safeties coming out today, are the reasons I find that validate his struggles to date.

I think there's still promise for Elam, but I don't think anyone should reasonably expect him to make big impacts this year. I think Will Hill is going to be the starter next to Lewis, and I see Elam being what he should've been from day one--a rotational player. We'll let him develop slowly and hope he puts it together and does well next year, when I expect Will Hill signs a deal with a new team.

 

Tell me about it! I remember watching that play and saying "GUAHHHH!!! HOW CAN YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?! I nearly lost all hope I had in Elam on that one play. 

 

I'm totally unsure about Elam's future. I don't see him beating out Hill or Lewis and if he doesn't show anything positive this season, then I can't justify not extending Hill.

 

This is do-or-die for Elam IMO and if he bombs this season as well, then I don't know what you do. Houston released D.J Swearinger, a 2013 2nd round draft pick after a disappointing two seasons. I don't know how much patience will be tested with Elam after three, and Oz came out publicly calling him out multiple times during the season for his play, if he doesn't show anything positive, then I think he get's the broom and Hill get's the extension. 

Edited May 15, 2015 by PurpleCity5

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

The hard sell with Elam is, he is not getting better, but is getting worse it seems. He needs 2 Safety clinics. One with Ed Reed, and one with Bernard Pollard. Should be fine after that

[mmcclend]

Last season really did a number on his confidence. I never was a fan of him coming out honestly. He just looks like a slow midget out there who can't tackle.

[Overseas Ravens lover]

Maybe i need to be more specific. I was talking about the 2013 draft league wide. Eric Fisher=Bust Datone Jones=Bust 

Absolutely, completely agree.

[Static]

Last season really did a number on his confidence. I never was a fan of him coming out honestly. He just looks like a slow midget out there who can't tackle.

 

One thing Elam isn't is slow. He is often one of the first ones to the ball. He just doesn't make the play or the tackle when he's there.

[gabefergy]

I don't think Elam is a lock to make the roster. It might depend on what kind of offset language is in his contract. Some team will put in a waiver claim if he is let go, and the Ravens brass have made it clear he needs to get better.

[Yatagarasu]

We know one thing for sure.

His 5th Year Option will most likely not be added.

I believe Elam will do everything to have a productive 2015 because the leash on him is really short with Will Hill going to a contract year and Kendrick Lewis paid as a starter.

If I was Elam, I would try to play ST, SS, slot, or any position to be on the field. He needs to bring back that ferocity.

Edited May 15, 2015 by Yatagarasu

[omar586]

he need to get it together, if he doesn't i wouldn't be suprised if he gets cut this TC

[Static]

lol yall are overreacting so hard. Elam still has all the talent in the world. There's no way we let him go without trying squeeze out that talent like a ripe orange. His 5th year option is questionable but until then, he's a Raven. 

[gabefergy]

lol yall are overreacting so hard. Elam still has all the talent in the world. There's no way we let him go without trying squeeze out that talent like a ripe orange. His 5th year option is questionable but until then, he's a Raven.

He makes decent money as a first round pick so that is reason alone to move on if he isn't peeforming. Considering he could barely get on the field last season, his amount of talent is very questionable. He really needs to step it up in a big way or he might be wearing a different jersey sooner rather than later

[Guest]

lol yall are overreacting so hard. Elam still has all the talent in the world. There's no way we let him go without trying squeeze out that talent like a ripe orange. His 5th year option is questionable but until then, he's a Raven. 

 

Not so sure about that. We put in a claim for D.J. Swearinger and if we'd gotten him Elam was history.

[jazz1988]

Not so sure about that. We put in a claim for D.J. Swearinger and if we'd gotten him Elam was history.

 

Swearinger isn't really all that good him self and there's a reason why The Texans cut him . You don't cut a starter unless he's really not that good or there's some friction between the player and coach. I'm not really sure if Elam would have been history if Swearinger was signed.  

[Guest]

Swearinger isn't really all that good him self and there's a reason why The Texans cut him . You don't cut a starter unless he's really not that good or there's some friction between the player and coach. I'm not really sure if Elam would have been history if Swearinger was signed.  

 

They cut Swearinger because he didn't want to play special teams.  Heck, we cut a safety because he was man enough to stand up and say an extra practice wasn't necessary.

 

It's easy to tick off Head Coaches.

 

If others don't believe Swearinger is of vastly more Strong Safety ability than we've had the last two years, they may, but our Front Office did put the claim in for him.  He's a hard hitter. There's Pollard, Swearinger and then Elam.  Pollard is Pollard, Swearinger is kinda Pollard with no ups or extras and then there's Elam who is essentially mini Pollard. 

[mmcclend]

One thing Elam isn't is slow. He is often one of the first ones to the ball. He just doesn't make the play or the tackle when he's there.

It's more so he's just stiff looking. And yeah he has very short arms so it's hard to wrap up.

[1/28/01]

Been a while since I said yes. Yes, he is.

[jimmypowder]

The hard sell with Elam is, he is not getting better, but is getting worse it seems. He needs 2 Safety clinics. One with Ed Reed, and one with Bernard Pollard. Should be fine after that

He has no instincts which Reed had in spades . He can't tackle let alone make the bone rattling hits Pollard layed down .

I have no issues with letting him go if he shows nothing in training camp and the preseason games .

He will show nothing in training camp or preseason by the way .

[ravensnick]

He has no instincts which Reed had in spades . He can't tackle let alone make the bone rattling penalties Pollard layed down .

I have no issues with letting him go if he shows nothing in training camp and the preseason games .

He will show nothing in training camp or preseason by the way .

Fixed.

 

And I guess you'd like to pay another $1 million against the cap ($1.5 mill to keep Elam, $2.5 mill to release him) just to have Elam off the team. That's just flat out dumb. Plus, who know, maybe he rises to the challenge. Don't write him off yet. 

Edited May 18, 2015 by ravensnick

[GrimCoconut]

Fixed.

And I guess you'd like to pay another $1 million against the cap ($1.5 mill to keep Elam, $2.5 mill to release him) just to have Elam off the team. That's just flat out dumb. Plus, who know, maybe he rises to the challenge. Don't write him off yet.

Not that I think Elam is gone, but I also don't think he's necessarily guaranteed a roster spot. We're not tight against the cap so cutting him wouldn't hurt. Furthermore, we might deem his roster spot more valuable than his potential. Not that I think he gets cut, but it's certainly a possibility.

Mainly playing devil's advocate though.

[ravensnick]

Not that I think Elam is gone, but I also don't think he's necessarily guaranteed a roster spot. We're not tight against the cap so cutting him wouldn't hurt. Furthermore, we might deem his roster spot more valuable than his potential. Not that I think he gets cut, but it's certainly a possibility.

Mainly playing devil's advocate though.

Almost $1 million isn't a drop in the bucket. We definitely cut him after this year if he fails to perform, but I think he has one more year. Who knows what he does.

Edited May 18, 2015 by ravensnick

[GrimCoconut]

Almost $1 million isn't a drop in the bucket. We definitely cut him after this year if he fails to perform, but I think he has one more year. Who knows what he does.

Oh believe me I know his cap hit if we cut him. I will maintain that I don't see him going anywhere unless he flat out gets beat and looks lost in camp. I don't think the cap hit will overrule the roster spot. Roster spots are arguably more valuable at this point in the offseason.

[ludy51]

No

[Maryland]

Probably old news but

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2015/2015-broken-tackles-defenses

 

Ravens were 6th best at avoiding missed tackles. Matt Elam, despite playing roughly 56% of the snaps (according to my math from PFF), accounted for 11 of our 70 missed tackles according to this article. 

[gabefergy]

Fixed.

And I guess you'd like to pay another $1 million against the cap ($1.5 mill to keep Elam, $2.5 mill to release him) just to have Elam off the team. That's just flat out dumb. Plus, who know, maybe he rises to the challenge. Don't write him off yet.

If he gets claimed on waivers, which he would, doesn't that team take on his salary?

[OLD SCHOOL SMASH BALL]

Can anybody confirm Elam's off season plan to get better? D. Sanders camp maybe?

[Challenge Accepted]

I actually think elam has pretty good play recognition, decent coverage, but horrid tackling. If you saw him play last year, whenever there was a wr/rb screen, elam would dash to the spot, but miss the tackle every time. Hopefully the lost weight will improve his coverage range, but if he doesnt improve his tackling, he's done for.