barring an incredible homerun in the draft..

[stampedehero]

I don't see us being a good team next year. 

Our pass rush WILL take a hit with the departures of Mcphee and the age of doom and sizzle

Our offense will take a big hit without Kubiak and the guys mentioned that are available are going to set us back

Steve smith won't be the same

We have no reliable all-round tight end ( gilmore just isn't a receiving threat)

torrey is torrey …he's still useful but don't think we should keep him

We haven't got the capspace to have a difference maker to overcome these things…I'm sorry but cecil shorts is a joke and if thats what we are going into next year( like some of you are recommending) then you aren't serious.

 

The positives?

 

Our secondary should be better

Our O line should be steady.

 

 

thats about it.

 

unless ozzie hits a home run in the draft and i MEAN a home run. Not just a couple of good players but a superstar in the making thats already an elite talent ( e.g. ODB)

Sami   Oh No you recieved 25 negs  Just when the Ravens fan base is adjusting to Trestman and M Wig you put the kabash on the spirit and this was before FA and draft selections.  

[harfordravenfan]

Cecil Shorts is actually a good player.... Did we pick him up or something?

Other than that, I Rx you a chill pill.

I'm extremely excited about our team going into next year but wouldn't mind getting one of those chill pills from ya. In the real world... Work has been really rough for me lately

[stampedehero]

I always felt the team should be better in 2015 than this past 2014 season due to all the new faces having time to adjust to each other. However, I did not assume Kubiak and other coaches would leave. Given that, I believe the strength of the team will depend on the success of the OL and DL and MAY not be overly affected by Kubiac's departure. If those two maintain dominance, next season COULD be highly successful.

 

Since there are so many variables, I never get into the guessing game as to how a season will go. Besides, it's more fun being impressed by success than disappointed by expectations. 

Super Good post You have the right view at the right time  Predictions by a fan base are meaningless to what MGMT decides  You are like me  Get in the car shut the door and take the ride.  MGMT has the wheel 

[stampedehero]

I would take chances on Michigans' Devin Funchess for the wide reciever  He has size weight and 126 catches, 1715 tards, 15 TDs in 3 years.  For running back I would take chances on Gordon from Wisconsin.   For pass rusher I would take a chance on Alvin Dupree from Kentucky  

[beasy2487]

Didn't bother reading the OP as I can only imagine the handwringing, but picking up from the topic: barring an incredible home run in the draft we should be marginally better than we were last year on both sides of the ball and contend. If we are able to replicate the 2013 draft I think we get a little better and establish ourselves as a top 5 team early in the season. If we are able to replicate the 2014 draft we're going to be a very tough out next year. I'm excited to see it come together.

[BMORE21]

I say go for Byron Maxwell in free gency... Then go deep threat WR for joe

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

We're going to be better than this past year.

 

It's not a foregone conclusion that we cant sign McPhee. Ngata will be extended or cut which should be able to save a good $10 mill in cap, Jimmy Smith will be extended which will save like $4-6mill against the cap, Jacoby can be cut post june 1 to save another $1-2, and there are probably a couple other cost cutting moves im forgetting at the moment.... but ive gone through it and we should be able to free up somewhere in the realm of $12-15 mill in cap space after accounting for RFA's and draft picks. Oh yea, I forgot - extend Yanda. That'll clear some extra space on top.

 

Resigning Torrey should only take a $2mill cap hit this year. So, that leaves you with $10-13 mill to work with. Thats more than enough to resign McPhee and still have plenty left over for a few "right player right price" type of FA signings we're used to, or possibly one, big splash signing. 

 

You can resign McPhee to a decent sized deal and work it where his cap hit is only like $3-4 mill this year. Vet minimum salary so only his pro-rated bonus will count against the cap. Give him a 5-6 year deal to spread it out, and accelerate the base salary in year 3 when we start shedding the big cap hits of some of the older guys like Webb, Doom, Daryl, etc...

 

Anyways, my point is the cap isnt as big a nightmare as some are making it out to be. We'll have our typical amount of space to work with and will as usual make resigning and extending our young core players and priority. I would think extending Jimmy and resigning McPhee would be the top 2 priorities.

 

--

 

The defense will be improved simply by getting healthy. We'll get Urban and KLM back - 2 young, talented guys to add to an already impressive rotation. Webb should be better the further removed from the injury he gets. Getting Jimmy back is enormous. Plus guys like Jernigan, Mosley and Williams will all have another off season of experience under their belt to improve. 

 

Will Hill will be resigned and have a full off season of practice to get even more comfortable in the defense, and hopefully we can find a guy to partner with him full time. 

 

If we lose McPhee it will definitely hurt, but the players returning from injury and the improvement we'll see from our young core would more than outweigh the loss. Plus as I mentioned earlier theres still a decent shot of retaining him.

 

--

 

Where we should see the most improvement is on offense. The run game may take a little step back, but only to make room for the big step forward the passing game will take. 

 

Our personnel will be largely unchanged in the run game. The players have learned kubiaks system and will continue to implement it effectively. Castillo will continue to teach and develop it. Sure, it may take a tiny step back without having Kubiak to call his plays, but come on calling run plays isnt rocket science.

 

I expect Trestman to have a large impact on the passing game. He'll build off the success we had with PA and bootlegs, and add a lot of up-tempo, shotgun where Joe has always seemed most comfortable and effective. His emphasis on high percentage throws and establishing a rhythm will help eliminate those head-scratching games and slow starts where the offense just couldnt seem to get it going until the final 2 minutes of the 1st half and 4th quarter.

 

Trestman will also help us get the most out of some of our most under-utilized weapons this past year. Juice is going to have a large role in this offense with a lot of FB screens, and motion out of the backfield. Camp and our TE's should see a lot of action.

 

Plus his offense schemes receivers into open space, if you can catch the ball and get YAC you can be extremely effective. thats a strength of steve smith (YAC, not catching the ball haha), and I think we may finally have the coach to use Torrey properly - just getting the ball into his hands on high percentage throws as much as possible and letting him use his speed to make plays with the ball in his hands.

 

--

 

And our ST are solid and will continue to be. 

 

I see great things ahead. The OP is definitely over-reacting and judging by most of your comments just seems love pessimism (I seem to remember a similar sentiment last offseason and look what happened).

 

I may be overly optimistic, but in truth I really dont see too many holes that can be poked in it... and there isnt much reliance on big question marks for my predicted outcome. Just by getting healthy and having another year of development for our young core, we'll be an improved team. And with just a minor improvement in the secondary and some properly inflated balls (joking) we were a Super Bowl team this year. Sky's the limit for next (which doesnt mean we definitely will, just that the potential to be a Super Bowl team is there... of course its the NFL anything can happen)

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I would take chances on Michigans' Devin Funchess for the wide reciever  He has size weight and 126 catches, 1715 tards, 15 TDs in 3 years.  For running back I would take chances on Gordon from Wisconsin.   For pass rusher I would take a chance on Alvin Dupree from Kentucky  

 

Are you saying you think we could get both Funchess and Gordon?

 

If so, both will likely be late 1st round picks. Would have to be one or the other (which I realize may be what you were saying, but was just a little unclear).

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

OK guys Sami has some very valid points here HOWEVER there's more good than bad. AND there are solutions to the teams concerns. The Cap space will be ok once NGata is restructured at a slight pay cut. Also Webb is going to not only restructure but he will get a significant pay cut. He knows he won't be worth much on the open market after the injuries he had. That's at least $10-12 mil in cap space alone. Then Flacco could have some $$ moved around as well. Then there's a couple players who could be cut or retire so capspace isn't a concern.

First let me say Mcphee isn't a special player. He is a good player but very replaceable. Doom n Sizzle are getting older yes but I think rush LB will be addressed early in a deep Edge rusher draft. We are a hard working team with a winning atmosphere that is contagious and promotes swagger and work ethic. This means we can grab a talented Rush OLB or DE that is underperforming on a bad losing team that promotes his bad work ethic and lack of confidence and underperforming. Many defensive stars have left the Ravens and underperformed for their new team like ellerbe. Well same thing can work in our favor by identifying talented but underperforming and out of shape players with bad low confidence and work ethic and bringing them into our confident winning structure and hard work habits. Players I like that fit that bill are Daquan Bowers and Derrick Morgan. Both will be cheaper than Mcphee and have raw talent. Bowers could be an elite De or OLB if he got in shape again and was on a winning confident team with a great work ethic while surrounding him with other talented players. If he got in top condition Bowers could be a beast with our big dominant DLine freeing him up. Yet we could get him for $1mil. Same with Morgan. Mcphee will cash in. Let him go we can replace him far cheaper. And Bowers if challenged and pushed to succeed by Harbs could fulfill his potential.

I also agree our weapons are a little raggedy. Gilmore can block and has hands but it takes more than hands to be a real receiving threat. He is a fine #2TE and blocking TE but anybody thinking he is going to take our offense to the next level is kidding and lying to themselves. As is anybody who thinks there is a chance Pitta if pitta returns at all will be a real receiving TE after 2 major hip surgeries and 30 yrs old. Ravens need to make other plans.SS should retire rather than play til he embarrasses himself.I have doubts he will be #1-2wr next year or get our offense to next level. Not saying he definitely won't be as good but He was already struggling at times and will be going on 37. I wouldn't mind him coming back just not count on him to definitely be a legit #1 or top shelf #2 but I wouldn't bet the success of the offense that he is still an elite WR. HOWEVER THERE IS EVEN BETTER SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. Joe has proven if he has a good OLine that he can help WRs and TEs perform to their max and then some. Like some of the elite QBs do. Good news is free agency is loaded with very talented WRs and TEs who have underperformed due to terrible and sub par QB play which causes them to be undervalued. Even better news is these players will have career years in our offense catching from Joe Cool 2.0, Having Joe will be a luxury to these pass catchers after dealing with terrible QBs!! Gresham has similar size/talent to Gronk. An overrated QB has held him back just like AJ Green is being held back by Daulton. Gresham will be a steal. Same can be said for Vernon Davis. He hasn't clicked well with Kaepernick. He actually played far better with Alex Smith. Same can be said for his teammate Crabtree. Although he has clicked better with kaepernick and Kaepernick has a strong fairly accurate arm, but Kaepernicks timing, reads,anticipation and mechanics have been sub par and even terrible this year and really hurt his targets. The value of both players are bad right now and would welcome a chance to play with Joe who made #3-4 undrafted WRs look above serviceable. What would Joe do with legit top talent TEs and complete WRs that attack the football. Rob Housler is as talented as Jordan Cameron or more but has suffered through terrible QB play. Housler is AWESOME!! OVER 6'5 AND 255 LBS HE Runs routes as fast and Sharp as a WR and his moves after the catch are rediculous for a TE nearly the size of Gronk!! Another breakout star in our offense. Same can be said for Kenny Britt whom would love to finally play with an elite QB!! Coaches and players alike say Britt has the talent identical to Julio Jones but just needs a competent QB. Randy Moss said he is going to be the biggest WR steal ever once he finds a team with a good qb. A complete WR!! Catches in crowds, sharp routes, deep speed and athleticism, and a great competitor who badly wants to be on a good team with a good qb and prove his talent!! He also lays crushing blocks. I just hope Oz, decosta and harbs recognizes these bargains and signs them to team with Joe. The potential is off the charts!! I like the FA WRs and TEs over the ones in draft. Only White Cooper and Parker are complete WRs. They will all go top 15 picks and the rest have questions about their speed or talent. Not like last yrs WRs. I know its easy to like Strong but show me any separation in his routes. I like the Free Agent pool better than draft this yr. Unless we trade up.

I hope the FO recognizes the bargains at WR, TE and the De/olb's that need to be pushed by strong coaching. I'm very disappointed letting a talent like Rolando go when he was about to focus and reach his potential. Hope they sign some of these TEs and WRs or even try to get Blackmon or Colt Lyerla focused. And if in peak shape and condition Bowers is an elite talent and was set to be the be the #1 pick in his draft class if not for knee concerns and gaining weight before the combine. I'm more disappointed about Rolando than the Elam bust. To let a top ilb slip through their fingers. Especially with Darry Smith aging. His play could fall off as well. I dont think it will but he is well over 30. I think he is 33 next year.They need to redeem themselves for letting Rolando go and find some WR/te bargains and find a bargain to replace mcphee who will cash in whether in FA or the draft. Like how they found Darryl Smith.

Ravens have a lot going. Will Hill is an all pro safety just ask giants fans who are furious bout cutting him. After an off season focusing on conditioning and weightroom and football instead of being suspended he could be the best all around safety in the NFL next year. He can do it all run cover play zone and the ball and big like a SS and athletic as A FS. We have the best guard tandem in the NFL and the best RT. If Monroe returns to a top 10 LT our offensive line is the best in the NFL. Our QB is elite and will help WRs we sign play at their optimal levels which will help us find some real bargains. Our DLine is as dominant and powerful as there is. We have one of the best shutdown Corners in the nfl returning and a very good speed corner returning in Jackson. I like Brooks but can't say he is a real good starter just yet but we should trust him and see that he gets coached up and works hard. If Arthur Brown bulks up he should be very good as well but there's bargains at ilb like Sean weatherspoon if they arent confident in Arthur Brown. But if he takes conditioning and nutrition seriously Darryl Smith has another good year in my opinion. And like I said our qb will allow us to sign some talented but undervalued WRs and TEs and allow them to have breakout seasons for us and play to their max. Our offensive possibilities are most exciting ever. Just don't believe it will be Brown Aiken or Shorts as part of it. Brown can contribute but I don't see him taking next step as a 1200 yard WR. He could but just not likely and would you bet the success of the offense on Brown/Aiken being a #1 or legit #2 Crabtree Britt Davis Gresham and Housler have shown it even with sub par QB play. Just my opinions. I think possibilities we can sign or draft are exciting. What do I know they could be terrible like Sami Says

 

 

You do realize that it takes more than potential, physical traits similar to other successful players, and a successful college career to actually realize success in the NFL.

 

I happen to agree that someon like Gresham could be a great value pick up in FA, but likening him to Gronk is absurd. Assuming that bc Britt has the physical traits and had 1 season of production, that the other 5 seasons of far under-performing expectations are the exception and him being a legit threat at WR is rule is just as ridiculous.

 

Could the things you say happen? Of course, you never know how a player with potential may perform in a different environment. But talking about it like it's a foregone conclusion, or taking a player who projected to be a star coming out of college who hasnt done anything in the NFL and attributing all of the failure to QB play or environment is silly.

 

This isnt Madden. These are real people, many of who you mention have had years now to figure it out and they havent. Could they come here and play better than they have elsewhere? Absolutely. But acting like its a sure thing that we can sign any of those players and immediately they are pro-bowlers is kind of crazy.

[stampedehero]

Are you saying you think we could get both Funchess and Gordon?

 

If so, both will likely be late 1st round picks. Would have to be one or the other (which I realize may be what you were saying, but was just a little unclear).  

 

I never said "get both" I said take chances.   Both you and I know Oz gets best player avaliable.  How do you read Get Both>??   Still I like these players and just indicated that premise only.  Thanx                                                        

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Are you saying you think we could get both Funchess and Gordon?

If so, both will likely be late 1st round picks. Would have to be one or the other (which I realize may be what you were saying, but was just a little unclear).

I never said "get both" I said take chances. Both you and I know Oz gets best player avaliable. How do you read Get Both>?? Still I like these players and just indicated that premise only. Thanx

Bc you said in the draft a wr target you'd take a chance on was funchess and at rb Gordon.

Your post didn't clarify by saying If we target wr I'd take a chance in funchess but if we target rb than Gordon.

Could have been interpreted that you were discussing a draft strategy to get a quality player at 2 positions of need (wr and rb) by targeting 2 players with big potential but that might slip into the 2nd round bc of perceived positional value. Rbs are less frequently being taken in the 1st and with funchess there are differing opinions as to whether he's a te or wr. Bc of that uncertainty as to where he fits there's a school of thought that he could slip into the 2nd round while others could argue that his versatility makes him even more valuable and is a 1st round lock.

I didn't want to assume what your intention was and simply tried to clarify which you meant ( I pretty clearly stated that in my post) for conversational purposes and then just added my opinion that I think both are 1st round locks.

[stampedehero]

Bc you said in the draft a wr target you'd take a chance on was funchess and at rb Gordon.

Your post didn't clarify by saying If we target wr I'd take a chance in funchess but if we target rb than Gordon.

Could have been interpreted that you were discussing a draft strategy to get a quality player at 2 positions of need (wr and rb) by targeting 2 players with big potential but that might slip into the 2nd round bc of perceived positional value. Rbs are less frequently being taken in the 1st and with funchess there are differing opinions as to whether he's a te or wr. Bc of that uncertainty as to where he fits there's a school of thought that he could slip into the 2nd round while others could argue that his versatility makes him even more valuable and is a 1st round lock.

I didn't want to assume what your intention was and simply tried to clarify which you meant ( I pretty clearly stated that in my post) for conversational purposes and then just added my opinion that I think both are 1st round locks.

Very good  Its great to have a discussion rather than what we could typically see in here  Thanks for your view.

[zwerrell]

Stop complaining. We will be fine.

This happens every off-season. We learned from 2000/2001.

There will be one no-brainer move (Cody Cut), one tough but understandable move (Torry not resigned?), one cunning business decision (Joe and/or Ngata creatively restructured/extended), one wildcard (we cut/signed WHO from the XXXs?), and one stroke of genius (totally unpredictable so I won't even try.)

Our D-line will be bolstered by returning developmental players. Our LB's will be intact and Mosley one offseason wiser. Our secondary will get healthy and likely deeper. Our boy Pitta and Daniels will be back (possibly - I'd bet Den keeps Thomas and Owen has a real shot at being the top TE here). Our backs will be back (except maybe Forsett, but I doubt we let him walk.) We will get a back-up QB. Our ST will be tops like usual.

The one place to not expect anything crazy is WR... But then again you never know. I wouldn't put it past Trestman to help find a gem in the 1st round.

So to quote A-Rod, RELAX.