AFCN: Who is Winning the FO Chess Match?

[ravensdan]

Agreed with most, but the 'Cheatriots'? I'm trying to stay within our division on this one. The AFC East hasn't been considered one of the strongest divisions to win in quite sometime, but the Jets, Bills and Dolphins are making it really interesting.

On the other hand, the AFCN and NFCW has been the 2 strongest. As far as the AFCN goes, I agree the Steelers M. Johnson magic was good, but comparatively, the Ravens losing Torrey, Ngata, J. Jones, etc. and picking-up multiple picks while increasing their cap space going into the draft was beyond 'magical'.

After all was said and done, every 'Need' position was addressed to make us more completive than the previous year and re-positioned to match the NFCN, as well.

My Take: Steelers, Bengals and Browns also had a great draft, but the Browns and Bengals (with BIG Dollars) didn't address QB play enough and the Steelers will still have to field at least 3 Elite Rookies on defense that make immediate impacts (that's a 'HIGH' bar in this league). That is extremely rare.

The reason I bring up New England as our greatest competition is because if you look at all their offseason moves they are trying to build their team like the Ravens. They have vastly improved up front on both sides of the ball. They are going to run the ball a ton and be able to rush the passer for once while their secondary is not as good.

I think one of our biggest improvements this year will be getting the running backs involved in the passing game. They should be deadly against a team like the Bengals with all unathletic linebackers. Combined with the new receiving tight end threats that's going to be a huge matchup advantage for us vs the Bengals.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

That the difference between us and the steelers. Our secondary on paper is very good but we got injured. Their secondary was just straight up awful no matter how you cut it. And they depended on 36 year James Harrison as their primary pass rusher. 

Absolutely. And when you throw-in the fact that Dick LeBeau, Troy, Taylor, Worilds and company are gone - how can they be expected to 'out-perform' the previous year?

 

edit - throw-in

Edited May 5, 2015 by jkm5bmore

[ravensdan]

Absolutely. And when you through in the fact that Dick LeBeau, Troy, Taylor, Worilds and company are gone - how can they be expected to 'out-perform' the previous year?

I think Worilds is by far their biggest loss. Troy and Taylor weren't huge contributors last year particularly Taylor. I just don't think Dupree is the right player to replace him.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

The reason I bring up New England as our greatest competition is because if you look at all their offseason moves they are trying to build their team like the Ravens. They have vastly improved up front on both sides of the ball. They are going to run the ball a ton and be able to rush the passer for once while their secondary is not as good.

I think one of our biggest improvements this year will be getting the running backs involved in the passing game. They should be deadly against a team like the Bengals with all unathletic linebackers. Combined with the new receiving tight end threats that's going to be a huge matchup advantage for us vs the Bengals.

Agreed. I may take that offense in my fantasy league, but with that defense (without Revis and Browner...) it could get ugly fast in the East. Now on 2nd thought, I'm thinking with these weapons I'm all-in (fantasy pick) with Flacco! Defense creates offense.

 

AFCN vs NFCW is my season to watch. Whoever survives from anywhere else...it won't be pretty.

Edited May 5, 2015 by jkm5bmore

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I think Worilds is by far their biggest loss. Troy and Taylor weren't huge contributors last year particularly Taylor. I just don't think Dupree is the right player to replace him.

Agreed. They are missing a combination of leadership, identity and newly established talent at the same time. We loss only 2 of those 3 after a Super Bowl and had to take time to get on course, again. Imagine 3...?

[FlocksGottaFeed]

the bengals win the whole offseason because they drafted derron smith 

 

/cry

[RavensFanMania]

the bengals win the whole offseason because they drafted derron smith 

 

/cry

We will be talking about this up until his HOF induction.  Still had an amazing draft, now lets hope he takes some bad angles on Perriman and misses tackles on Williams and Waller.

[JoeyFlex5]

We will be talking about this up until his HOF induction.  Still had an amazing draft, now lets hope he takes some bad angles on Perriman and misses tackles on Williams and Waller.

ill definitely be talking about it for this long lmao

[RavensFanMania]

ill definitely be talking about it for this long lmao

I'll always remember I had him in the 3rd round in my Ravens Mock and we several members expected him to go in the 2nd.  I'm still on a high from draft weekend.  What an amazing haul we had. 

[JO_75]

Who is winning the FO Chess Match after the draft?

 

Steelers: Outside of Bud Dupree who shouldn't have been on the board when the Steelers were on the clock, they had a so-so draft.  I think the losses from their defense will really show this year. Ben and the offense may be able to score a lot of points, but their secondary is what will hurt them most. If Brown holds out into the season, they could be in trouble offensively. They drafted two short corners, one specifically after they panicked when we STOLE Maxx Williams from them. Realistically, I expect the Steelers to cave in and further damage their future cap by giving Brown a new contract. Secondary is going to their weakness this year. (Think of Dallas in 2013 when the offense was great but their defense couldn't stop opposing offenses, ala Denver vs Dallas 2013).

 

Bengals: Ozzie does it all the time, draft for the future(Ricky Wagner, Brandon Williams, both sat before becoming starters) but Cincy did a really bad impersonation of Ozzie. They neglected the 2015 Bengals by drafting two OTs to replace their current starters.... in 2016. Not sure how that helps the team in 2015 but their next three picks will. Kroft, Dawson and Shaw. Those three filled needs to help them win this year. Derron Smith, that is all.

 

Browns: I will never understand suspending Ray Farmer for games when he does his work in April like every other GM. Either way, Farmer made up for last year by drafting two amazing starters for the Browns. Shelton will make an impact immediately, and Erving should be the starting RG before moving to Center in 2016. Browns hit again with Orchard and Duke Johnson, Orchard should replace Kruger once they figure out they overpaid him, Duke should improve the run game. Rest of the draft... meh. They just better hope Ifo can play, and if so he will be a hell of a steal in the seventh. 

 

Ravens: First three picks, should have never been there for us. Unlike the Bengals, our first two picks will actually contribute in 2015. Both Perriman and Williams should create mismatches for opposing defenses. Davis will be great in rotation and be even better as a starter in the future. Javorius Allen is not only a great runner but a great receiver as well. Forte had 102 receptions under Trestman, and I can see him wanting to do that with Foster/Allen. Tray Walker is a developmental corner but provides good depth. Not surprised by the Boyle pick but it says a lot about Pitta's future(PUP, IR?). KO's and Yanda's contracts are up, Yanda will get done, we all know that. Myers was chosen to be our potential starter at LG when KO goes and gets more money than he should. Waller, should be an amazing red zone threat at 6'6.

 

I know we have to play out the season but can we just skip to Baltimore vs New England for the AFC Championship?

[RavensFanMania]

Who is winning the FO Chess Match after the draft?

I know we have to play out the season but can we just skip to Baltimore vs New England for the AFC Championship?

Agree with your assessments with the AFC North Teams.    Baltimore 41-New England 17.  Now it's off to play the Hawks in Super Bowl 50.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

AFCN: Current After-Draft Power Rankings

 

One of the key indicators that evaluate how effective front offices are is the 'Power Rankings' after the draft. According to several current rankings our 2015 Ravens are a even more competetive team then last season's.

 

http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings/_/year/2015/week/0

 

Current Ranking               After 2014 Ranking

Ravens  7th                         11th                           UP 4

Steelers 9th                           6th                             Down 3

Bengals 10th                         9th                             Down 1

Browns   28th                        23rd                           Down 5

 

Outstanding FO work this offseason so far. Giving an extra shut-out to the scouting team.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Who is winning the FO Chess Match after the draft?

 

Steelers: Outside of Bud Dupree who shouldn't have been on the board when the Steelers were on the clock, they had a so-so draft.  I think the losses from their defense will really show this year. Ben and the offense may be able to score a lot of points, but their secondary is what will hurt them most. If Brown holds out into the season, they could be in trouble offensively. They drafted two short corners, one specifically after they panicked when we STOLE Maxx Williams from them. Realistically, I expect the Steelers to cave in and further damage their future cap by giving Brown a new contract. Secondary is going to their weakness this year. (Think of Dallas in 2013 when the offense was great but their defense couldn't stop opposing offenses, ala Denver vs Dallas 2013).

 

Bengals: Ozzie does it all the time, draft for the future(Ricky Wagner, Brandon Williams, both sat before becoming starters) but Cincy did a really bad impersonation of Ozzie. They neglected the 2015 Bengals by drafting two OTs to replace their current starters.... in 2016. Not sure how that helps the team in 2015 but their next three picks will. Kroft, Dawson and Shaw. Those three filled needs to help them win this year. Derron Smith, that is all.

 

Browns: I will never understand suspending Ray Farmer for games when he does his work in April like every other GM. Either way, Farmer made up for last year by drafting two amazing starters for the Browns. Shelton will make an impact immediately, and Erving should be the starting RG before moving to Center in 2016. Browns hit again with Orchard and Duke Johnson, Orchard should replace Kruger once they figure out they overpaid him, Duke should improve the run game. Rest of the draft... meh. They just better hope Ifo can play, and if so he will be a hell of a steal in the seventh. 

 

Ravens: First three picks, should have never been there for us. Unlike the Bengals, our first two picks will actually contribute in 2015. Both Perriman and Williams should create mismatches for opposing defenses. Davis will be great in rotation and be even better as a starter in the future. Javorius Allen is not only a great runner but a great receiver as well. Forte had 102 receptions under Trestman, and I can see him wanting to do that with Foster/Allen. Tray Walker is a developmental corner but provides good depth. Not surprised by the Boyle pick but it says a lot about Pitta's future(PUP, IR?). KO's and Yanda's contracts are up, Yanda will get done, we all know that. Myers was chosen to be our potential starter at LG when KO goes and gets more money than he should. Waller, should be an amazing red zone threat at 6'6.

 

I know we have to play out the season but can we just skip to Baltimore vs New England for the AFC Championship?

Outstanding read! Still don't know who we will face in the AFCC, but I'm feeling like we'll be in the hunt.

[DomMcRaven]

Outstanding read! Still don't know who we will face in the AFCC, but I'm feeling like we'll be in the hunt.

IF our secondary is solidified and Perriman, Williams, and Waller develop nicely, I really feel we'll be in the hunt.  

[JO_75]

Agree with your assessments with the AFC North Teams.    Baltimore 41-New England 17.  Now it's off to play the Hawks in Super Bowl 50.

 

Based upon things, I actually have Ravens vs Packers in Super Bowl 50 as things stand. 

 

Outstanding read! Still don't know who we will face in the AFCC, but I'm feeling like we'll be in the hunt.

 

New England lol. Manning's aging fast and his arm strength is decreasing. Look how bad he was in the loss against the Colts, so I don't expect the Broncos to be that good this year unless they really rely on the run game to hide Manning's decreasing arm strength. Colts... every time they have played the Patriots under Luck, they get stomped. Colts did nothing to address their secondary, in which I'm not sure how many more times Brady has to expose that secondary for them to do anything. They added these offensive weapons(Gore, Andre, Dorsett in the draft), but while that's great, you kinda have to stop the opposing QB from putting up 50 on your secondary. As I said, Steelers secondary will be their weakness this year, and that sums up the AFC. The only two real contenders left, us and New England. 

[DomMcRaven]

Based upon things, I actually have Ravens vs Packers in Super Bowl 50 as things stand. 

 

 

New England lol. Manning's aging fast and his arm strength is decreasing. Look how bad he was in the loss against the Colts, so I don't expect the Broncos to be that good this year unless they really rely on the run game to hide Manning's decreasing arm strength. Colts... every time they have played the Patriots under Luck, they get stomped. Colts did nothing to address their secondary, in which I'm not sure how many more times Brady has to expose that secondary for them to do anything. They added these offensive weapons(Gore, Andre, Dorsett in the draft), but while that's great, you kinda have to stop the opposing QB from putting up 50 on your secondary. As I said, Steelers secondary will be their weakness this year, and that sums up the AFC. The only two real contenders left, us and New England. 

Let's not forget that the Pats always runs through that defense as well. As a legitimate Super Bowl contender, I've always felt that the Colts were overrated. 

[Mt. Crushmore]

All 3 teams had good drafts.  I like the Ravens best though

[FlocksGottaFeed]

All 3 teams had good drafts.  I like the Ravens best though

Absolutely agreed. As a matter of fact, I could careless about teams outside of our division or not on our schedule this season before the season ends and the playoff schedule has been set. The AFCN has collectively had a pretty productive off-season (re-signings, FA acquisitions, drafts, UDFA, trades, extensions, etc.) and have placed 3 teams in the NFL Power Rankings Top 10. No other division has matched that so far. The Ravens have a commanding 'Improvement' lead on every team in the league thus far (up 4 positions). That's unprecedented.

 

With only a few plays separating the Ravens from a Super Bowl last season and the addition of needed talent during this off-season, we have to give HUGE credit to our FO for overcoming tremendous odds and once again putting us in the position to compete for a Super Bowl.

 

The AFCN and the NFCW and AFCW (on our schedule) have all scored high during this off-season, respectively.

I would argue that no team bettered their roster more during this off-season than the Ravens (thus far).

 

Congrats - Oz and company! GO Ravens!

[FlocksGottaFeed]

AFC North Writers Ranking: Cleveland Voted Us Down

 

Apparently, the Browns' writers feel our FO had the 4th place ranking for the AFCN Draft (contrary to the rest of the NFL and AFCN). Sour grapes? Maybe...

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/13624/afc-north-writers-vote-steelers-had-divisions-best-draft

 

No problem Cleveland writers. I've seen what you've written about your own team and it's never pretty.

[DomMcRaven]

AFC North Writers Ranking: Cleveland Voted Us Down

 

Apparently, the Browns' writers feel our FO had the 4th place ranking for the AFCN Draft (contrary to the rest of the NFL and AFCN). Sour grapes? Maybe...

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/13624/afc-north-writers-vote-steelers-had-divisions-best-draft

 

No problem Cleveland writers. I've seen what you've written about your own team and it's never pretty.

A little salty, huh? Too much salt is not good for the body....

[FlocksGottaFeed]

A little salty, huh? Too much salt is not good for the body....

Well said.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

2015 NFL Draft grades: Steelers, Colts among underachievers

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000491823/article/2015-nfl-draft-grades-steelers-colts-among-underachievers

 

Bucky Brooks thinks the Steelers got too conservative on draft day.

 

Steelers got Alvin "Bud" Dupree to give the team a DPR (designated pass rusher only). They picked a pair of cover corners in Senquez Golson (5'8”) and Doran Grant - note: Golson potentially struggling against bigger-bodied receivers and he could also have some trouble against the run in the 'hard running' AFCN and NFCW. Lastly, they say that Sammie Coates is a "boom or bust" prospect. GRADE: C+

 

I said early that their defense needed to get '3 rookie standouts'. We'll see.

Edited May 9, 2015 by jkm5bmore

[FlocksGottaFeed]

AFCN: Who Got Stronger Offensively and Defensively This Offseason?

 

According to separate analysis by Ravens, Browns and Bengals reporters...Baltimore did the better job.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17164/afc-north-roundtable-steelers-bengals-browns-ravens-quarterbacks-help-offseason

 

When it comes down to the defenses (not reported in the article above), I would say that the 'key' areas of concern have been addresses and somewhat surpassed expectations by the Ravens. The defensive secondary is stocked to the point that the training camp competition should be the 'best' we've seen since the early 'Reed' days (No, I'm not comparing any of our current players to Reeeeed! Just the deep bench). As a result, we should not only field a top 5 DB squad, but have several 'next-man-up' DBs available to keep the pace.

 

This thread only showing a 57% Ravens lead is not aligning with most polls in the AFCN and the league. The Ravens are overwelmingly ahead of the rest of the division according to most, currently.

[DomMcRaven]

AFCN: Who Got Stronger Offensively and Defensively This Offseason?

 

According to separate analysis by Ravens, Browns and Bengals reporters...Baltimore did the better job.

 

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17164/afc-north-roundtable-steelers-bengals-browns-ravens-quarterbacks-help-offseason

 

When it comes down to the defenses (not reported in the article above), I would say that the 'key' areas of concern have been addresses and somewhat surpassed expectations by the Ravens. The defensive secondary is stocked to the point that the training camp competition should be the 'best' we've seen since the early 'Reed' days (No, I'm not comparing any of our current players to Reeeeed! Just the deep bench). As a result, we should not only field a top 5 DB squad, but have several 'next-man-up' DBs available to keep the pace.

 

This thread only showing a 57% Ravens lead is not aligning with most polls in the AFCN and the league. The Ravens are overwelmingly ahead of the rest of the division according to most, currently.

Apart from the WR competition, I can't wait for the CB competition during training camp (barring significant injuries of course). 

[Ravens4Real]

AFCN: Who Got Stronger Offensively and Defensively This Offseason?

According to separate analysis by Ravens, Browns and Bengals reporters...Baltimore did the better job.

http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17164/afc-north-roundtable-steelers-bengals-browns-ravens-quarterbacks-help-offseason

When it comes down to the defenses (not reported in the article above), I would say that the 'key' areas of concern have been addresses and somewhat surpassed expectations by the Ravens. The defensive secondary is stocked to the point that the training camp competition should be the 'best' we've seen since the early 'Reed' days (No, I'm not comparing any of our current players to Reeeeed! Just the deep bench). As a result, we should not only field a top 5 DB squad, but have several 'next-man-up' DBs available to keep the pace.

This thread only showing a 57% Ravens lead is not aligning with most polls in the AFCN and the league. The Ravens are overwelmingly ahead of the rest of the division according to most, currently.

It would be awesome to win an offseason trophy. Reading your analysis is always with a really dark purple shades on.

Simply, the games are played on the field. Can't wait until the real stuff starts so I can quit reading who is winning the offseason.

[TXRavensFan]

It would be awesome to win an offseason trophy. Reading your analysis is always with a really dark purple shades on.

Simply, the games are played on the field. Can't wait until the real stuff starts so I can quit reading who is winning the offseason.

Sorry to hear someone forced you to read this thread. 

 

While the games on the field are won by the players and coaches, I find it interesting to talk about the moves that the front office makes in order to provide the team with those players. Winning in the offseason has a direct bearing on winning on the field.

[January J]

As soon as the Ravens add the vet corner I have always expected they will it will be another checkmate offseason.

Checkmate. Edited May 15, 2015 by January J

[Ravens4Real]

Sorry to hear someone forced you to read this thread.

While the games on the field are won by the players and coaches, I find it interesting to talk about the moves that the front office makes in order to provide the team with those players. Winning in the offseason has a direct bearing on winning on the field.

Usually, the teams that are deemed by the media as the "offseason winners" go into the season and don't do near as well as everyone thought. Just ask the Eagles of a couple years back. Just because you think all of these moves are great now, no one knows how they will work until the games are played.

[TXRavensFan]

Usually, the teams that are deemed by the media as the "offseason winners" go into the season and don't do near as well as everyone thought. Just ask the Eagles of a couple years back. Just because you think all of these moves are great now, no one knows how they will work until the games are played.

 

Then again, the media typically deems the teams that go out and spend the most money bringing in big name free agents as the "offseason winners", despite the fact they typcally (as you say) don't do nearly as well as they thought.

 

What's interesting is that despite the above, the front offices they deem the best typically don't do that, which creates a sort of paradox: when was the last time a franchise like the Ravens or Steelers or even Patriots "won" the offseason in the media's eyes, despite their continued on the field success?

 

That's why I think this discussion is an interesting one, specifically talking about the small moves and "under-the-radar" signings that demonstrate the front office's deftness in creating a complete and talented roster (albeit the draft isn't "small"), or bringing in a solid coach, to play the game on Sundays.

 

Plus, it's always cool to give Ozzie & crew their propers.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Then again, the media typically deems the teams that go out and spend the most money bringing in big name free agents as the "offseason winners", despite the fact they typcally (as you say) don't do nearly as well as they thought.

 

What's interesting is that despite the above, the front offices they deem the best typically don't do that, which creates a sort of paradox: when was the last time a franchise like the Ravens or Steelers or even Patriots "won" the offseason in the media's eyes, despite their continued on the field success?

 

That's why I think this discussion is an interesting one, specifically talking about the small moves and "under-the-radar" signings that demonstrate the front office's deftness in creating a complete and talented roster (albeit the draft isn't "small"), or bringing in a solid coach, to play the game on Sundays.

 

Plus, it's always cool to give Ozzie & crew their propers.

Absolutely agreed. "Plus, it's always cool to give Ozzie & crew their propers."

Gotta' appreciate the intense attention to details, long-hours and workload that they put in year in and year out.