Welcome to Baltimore: Darren Waller

[sflegend89]

I hate this comparison but I think it fits him like a glove after what I've seen thus far, Martavis Bryant. Definitely a guy who flew under the radar and I really didn't flinch when the Steelers drafted him, but turns out the guy can play a little bit. I see Waller as our counterpart to Bryant, raw talent, really good athlete, big body that he is still learning how to use but once he get's some actual game reps he will start to figure it out. 

 

I don't think Waller will make quite the splashes that Bryant did last year, he's probably one step behind him in terms of polish as a rookie but the way they play the game is very similar and I wouldn't be surprised if Waller has a handful of big plays this year.

[cushrinada1986]

Waller seems to put in the work to be a good WR. I like that. A big problem I had with Tommy Streeter was his work ethic. He seemed lazy and uninterested in football when I watched him play. I would've picketed outside the Castle had he made the team the year we cut him. He was horrible and deserved to go. 

 

Waller seems like a guy who wants to get better. Not saying he's Megatron, because guys practice great and then choke when the lights appear. You can see Tandon Doss & Torrey Smith for a recent example of that here at the same position group. 

 

I'm optimistic for Waller and understand anyone's excitement for him. I won't personally go beyond excitement and optimism for him, though, at this point. It is admittedly too early. 

 

I agree, after seeing some of the tapes of him in practice he does look the part of a dominating WR if he keeps up with his development. I will tone down my excitement about tonight but with Marlon and Perrimen out I think we may be in for some surprises at WR, in a good way. I would like to see him moved around as well, after hearing about him dusting web in practice I would love to see if he can replicate that type of success on the field. In the slot he would be like another TE with his size but faster then LBs but stronger and more physical than the DBs and honestly, how many teams will have enough 6'0+ corners to deal with Waller, Brown, and possibly Williams all at the same time? Lastly, being from a team that never really cared about the passing game should put a somewhat chip on his shoulder to show he can make those catches into something.

[cushrinada1986]

I hate this comparison but I think it fits him like a glove after what I've seen thus far, Martavis Bryant. Definitely a guy who flew under the radar and I really didn't flinch when the Steelers drafted him, but turns out the guy can play a little bit. I see Waller as our counterpart to Bryant, raw talent, really good athlete, big body that he is still learning how to use but once he get's some actual game reps he will start to figure it out. 

 

I don't think Waller will make quite the splashes that Bryant did last year, he's probably one step behind him in terms of polish as a rookie but the way they play the game is very similar and I wouldn't be surprised if Waller has a handful of big plays this year.

I think a solid year of polishing will do wonders for him. Having SSS leaving after the season will def open up a slot. If Breshad is not injury prone, we could already have our set of WR going into 2016!

[GrimCoconut]

you seriously putting torrey with the likes of tandon???

no idea what the guy did to deserve this but this is just ridiculous.......

No, I'm not but I can see why you thought that's what I did. Before you jump to conclusions, clarify what I meant. I'll clarify right now because I can see how I confused you.

I wanted to make a point that how a guy practices doesn't necessarily mean they'll be a good or bad player. We had players (Tandon) who practiced well and did nothing on the field. Those players choked when it went live. Then we had players who practiced poorly to the point that some fans called them busts (Torrey), yet those same players turned it on when things went live.

My point is that it's too early to say what Waller will be and whether he chokes or not.

Edit: I also agree. I'm not sure why people are hating on Torrey, but I'm guessing it's because he went to SF and that last play had lasting impressions from the AFCCG. If he signed a deal with the Ravens to stay here, I doubt there would be as many haters.

Edited August 13, 2015 by GrimCoconut

[Tru11]

No, I'm not but I can see why you thought that's what I did. Before you jump to conclusions, clarify what I meant. I'll clarify right now because I can see how I confused you.

I wanted to make a point that how a guy practices doesn't necessarily mean they'll be a good or bad player. We had players (Tandon) who practiced well and did nothing on the field. Those players choked when it went live. Then we had players who practiced poorly to the point that some fans called them busts (Torrey), yet those same players turned it on when things went live.

My point is that it's too early to say what Waller will be and whether he chokes or not.

Edit: I also agree. I'm not sure why people are hating on Torrey, but I'm guessing it's because he went to SF and that last play had lasting impressions from the AFCCG. If he signed a deal with the Ravens to stay here, I doubt there would be as many haters.

 

okay my mistake.

 

i  thought the bust calls where from him dropping passes in pre season games.

never knew he was bad in practice as well lol

[Cillmatic]

I'm really excited to see Waller play tonight. He has everything needed to be a star. He has the speed, size, he attacks the ball and they say his routes are quickly improving. He and Buck Allen and Maxx are gonna be entertaining players to watch.

[Purple_City39]

There's excitement about a player, but there's also saying that the player is the missing piece to a SB run and that he'd cut every WR not named Steve Smith in order to keep him.  That's a big difference.  I'm all for hyping our players if they deserve it, but there are limits.

 

Also, this type of hype comes with every one of our big and fast receivers.  The threads on Tommy Streeter, Justin Harper, and the likes are pure gold now.

Harper I can understand since he was apparently good in practice, but was Streeter really hyped that much?  Being over 6'4 is the only thing he has in common with Waller.  Streeter had no hands, no route running, was a twig he couldn't use his frame (mainly because he didn't have much of one), and didn't seem to be the brightest.

[Purple_City39]

okay my mistake.

 

i  thought the bust calls where from him dropping passes in pre season games.

never knew he was bad in practice as well lol

I don't recall Torrey practicing poorly either.  I do remember that Doss and Williams were showing up more in practice, but that wasn't to say Torrey was playing badly.  That said, I fully remember the preseason flops and the bust calls that game directly after them

[rmw10]

Harper I can understand since he was apparently good in practice, but was Streeter really hyped that much?  Being over 6'4 is the only thing he has in common with Waller.  Streeter had no hands, no route running, was a twig he couldn't use his frame (mainly because he didn't have much of one), and didn't seem to be the brightest.

 

Pretty much every big WR we've ever had got the same hype.  You'd think James Hardy and Eron Riley were future HOFers as well.

[izvoodoo]

Pretty much every big WR we've ever had got the same hype.  You'd think James Hardy and Eron Riley were future HOFers as well.

James Hardy actually played really well in college.  He just couldn't stay healthy at all. 

[Static]

https://public.tableau.com/profile/matt.chambers#!/vizhome/bigger_faster_stronger/Bigger

 

 

A chart of the NFL's most athletic Freaks. Mainly Speed to Size Ratio.  Darren Waller is up there with Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson , and DGB.

 

Infact ONLY  Calvin Johnson beats Darren Waller in speed to size ratio. But the majority of other athletic freaks were picked up higher than Waller. 

 

Breshad isn't on here because his 40 wasn't offical BUT his 4.25-4.35 would put him top 10 or so.

Edited August 13, 2015 by Static

[Purple_City39]

https://public.tableau.com/profile/matt.chambers#!/vizhome/bigger_faster_stronger/Bigger

 

 

A chart of the NFL's most athletic Freaks. Mainly Speed to Size Ratio.  Darren Waller is up there with Calvin Johnson, Vincent Jackson , and DGB.

 

Infact ONLY  Calvin Johnson beats Darren Waller in speed to size ratio. But the majority of other athletic freaks were picked up higher than Waller. 

 

Breshad isn't on here because his 40 wasn't offical BUT his 4.25-4.35 would put him top 10 or so.

That article is interesting.  Mark Clayton had the same 40 times as Torrey.  Greg Little is tied for strongest WR ever?  Wow

[beasy2487]

That article is interesting.  Mark Clayton had the same 40 times as Torrey.  Greg Little is tied for strongest WR ever?  Wow

 

Little should've been a DB. Tracks the ball well, strong as an ox, can't catch in the slightest.

[GrimCoconut]

okay my mistake.

i thought the bust calls where from him dropping passes in pre season games.

never knew he was bad in practice as well lol

I recall him having an okay camp, nothing impressive. The concerns really sparked when preseason came, but even preseason is hardly an indicator of success as we well know. Lol.

[usmccharles]

Edit: I also agree. I'm not sure why people are hating on Torrey, but I'm guessing it's because he went to SF and that last play had lasting impressions from the AFCCG. If he signed a deal with the Ravens to stay here, I doubt there would be as many haters.

I can't speak for everyone else and to be clear I like Torrey. I said from the beginning depends how much he wants, 8 mill a year no thanks. But the lack of effort in that AFCCG does stick out in my head, definitely seemed catchable, or at least try to go up For it. But nothing. Still stings. If that was boldin/SSS, that would of been a td

[GrimCoconut]

I can't speak for everyone else and to be clear I like Torrey. I said from the beginning depends how much he wants, 8 mill a year no thanks. But the lack of effort in that AFCCG does stick out in my head, definitely seemed catchable, or at least try to go up For it. But nothing. Still stings. If that was boldin/SSS, that would of been a td

Yeah, that's what I figured. I don't think it's necessarily wrong to feel that way, either. It's a valid complaint, but I wouldn't call Torrey a bust because of it--not that you are or have, mind you.

[usmccharles]

Yeah, that's what I figured. I don't think it's necessarily wrong to feel that way, either. It's a valid complaint, but I wouldn't call Torrey a bust because of it--not that you are or have, mind you.

Yea I normally don't chime in on the "bust" talk. Torrey did great things for us and helped get us a ring, we didn't have to pay him much at all compared to a number one and we got a lot of production. I don't know how people can't be happy with how that ended.

Back on topic. I think the hype train seems out of control on waller just bc he's an offensive player, I mean come on, we are the Ravens, everyone here is hyped about someone on defense I bet (Zsmith). Waller has everything to become a producer in this league, I honestly think he will be around for awhile for us and I won't go as far to say he will be an elite guy, but I will say I bet he will be mentioned as a steal around the league.

[Tru11]

I recall him having an okay camp, nothing impressive. The concerns really sparked when preseason came, but even preseason is hardly an indicator of success as we well know. Lol.

 

true pre season is pretty much getting some reps in and deciding who makes the 53 man roster.

[Rav'n Maniac]

While at the game last night, I thought Waller played very well. On the Camp TD, Waller was the one that cleared that side of the field out on a deep route, which left Camp so wide open. Schaub could have gone to Waller as well since he had a couple steps on the DB. Dude just towers many players and it's noticeable. 

[JoeyFlex5]

While at the game last night, I thought Waller played very well. On the Camp TD, Waller was the one that cleared that side of the field out on a deep route, which left Camp so wide open. Schaub could have gone to Waller as well since he had a couple steps on the DB. Dude just towers many players and it's noticeable. 

so waller used some blocking skills down the sidelines? 

 

hmm.. wonder where he learned that lol. i think thats a constantly overlooked part of his game, the fact that he has the size and the pedigree of being a GT starter, to dominate db's on exterior run plays. something tells me he is gonna make guys boldin look subpar in that department by the end of the year

[RaineV1]

I think Waller might be the guy that gets the pass interference calls this season, like Torrey did in the past. No one wants a receiver that size getting behind them.

[jbwnbf]

I think Waller might be the guy that gets the pass interference calls this season, like Torrey did in the past. No one wants a receiver that size getting behind them.

 

I think he drew 3 penalties in the game. Also seemed like he played a pretty big chunk of time but that's probably up due to injuries as well.

[Purple_City39]

so waller used some blocking skills down the sidelines? 

 

hmm.. wonder where he learned that lol. i think thats a constantly overlooked part of his game, the fact that he has the size and the pedigree of being a GT starter, to dominate db's on exterior run plays. something tells me he is gonna make guys boldin look subpar in that department by the end of the year

Yeah his blocking skills aren't mentioned often enough.  He very well may be the best blocking WR on the team currently.

 

In addition to that, teams have to account for him.  I'm sure defensive backs will be told that he's deceptively fast and his size alone will garner attention.  Proof of that is in the Campanaro TD.  Sending him deep will open up things for others players. 

 

I do hope they get him more passes in the next game. 

[JoeyFlex5]

Yeah his blocking skills aren't mentioned often enough.  He very well may be the best blocking WR on the team currently.

 

In addition to that, teams have to account for him.  I'm sure defensive backs will be told that he's deceptively fast and his size alone will garner attention.  Proof of that is in the Campanaro TD.  Sending him deep will open up things for others players. 

 

I do hope they get him more passes in the next game. 

im hoping to see more of aiken and butler next game, those are the guys that have been touted as 2's and 3's, and with aiken only getting one series and no targets IIRC, then i dont think its a fair assessment, although butler looked horrid last night i just have a hard time believing hes that bad after hearing flacco say hes basically racked up more yardage than anybody throughout practice. 

 

i think next week is when waller steps in as soon as the 1s step off the field and he essentially takes a 1 or 2 role for the rest of the game, that would give us a good indication of what kind of playing time he deserves in the real test in game 3, if he lives up to it then let the guy run with and against the 1s and see what he can do, he should be more comfortable by then and we'll see what he does against real competition. 

 

he had a solid performance, nothing spectacular, about what i expected him to have.

[GrimCoconut]

im hoping to see more of aiken and butler next game, those are the guys that have been touted as 2's and 3's, and with aiken only getting one series and no targets IIRC, then i dont think its a fair assessment, although butler looked horrid last night i just have a hard time believing hes that bad after hearing flacco say hes basically racked up more yardage than anybody throughout practice.

i think next week is when waller steps in as soon as the 1s step off the field and he essentially takes a 1 or 2 role for the rest of the game, that would give us a good indication of what kind of playing time he deserves in the real test in game 3, if he lives up to it then let the guy run with and against the 1s and see what he can do, he should be more comfortable by then and we'll see what he does against real competition.

he had a solid performance, nothing spectacular, about what i expected him to have.

I wouldn't call Aiken getting few reps any indication he's not still highly regarded. I'm not saying you are, but just in case. Maybe we just didn't see the need to go his way.

As for Butler, I don't think how he practices will ultimately secure his role here. Practice is good but play is better. If you practice well but don't bring that in-game you simply won't make the team.

Despite how raw Waller looked, I liked him better than Butler.

[Purple_City39]

im hoping to see more of aiken and butler next game, those are the guys that have been touted as 2's and 3's, and with aiken only getting one series and no targets IIRC, then i dont think its a fair assessment, although butler looked horrid last night i just have a hard time believing hes that bad after hearing flacco say hes basically racked up more yardage than anybody throughout practice. 

 

i think next week is when waller steps in as soon as the 1s step off the field and he essentially takes a 1 or 2 role for the rest of the game, that would give us a good indication of what kind of playing time he deserves in the real test in game 3, if he lives up to it then let the guy run with and against the 1s and see what he can do, he should be more comfortable by then and we'll see what he does against real competition. 

 

he had a solid performance, nothing spectacular, about what i expected him to have.

Tandon Doss and Justin Harper were touted as great practice players also.  I have no problem with Butler and Aiken getting more time.  I like Butler and have since last year.  I'm not big on Aiken though, which is weird as I think he and Butler are basically the same player.  I wonder if they both make the team. 

 

Next game I'm hoping to see Waller, Butler, and Camp get more targets and see Marlon make his 2015 debut.  Waller and Camp got open more than Butler and Aiken did from what I've saw and have read.

Edited August 14, 2015 by Purple_City39

[JoeyFlex5]

I wouldn't call Aiken getting few reps any indication he's not still highly regarded. I'm not saying you are, but just in case. Maybe we just didn't see the need to go his way.

As for Butler, I don't think how he practices will ultimately secure his role here. Practice is good but play is better. If you practice well but don't bring that in-game you simply won't make the team.

Despite how raw Waller looked, I liked him better than Butler.

Im not saying he isnt still highly regarded, just saying that with him being currently penciled as the #2, its not exactly fair that he gets 1 series with no targets, when he needs to get his reps as much as anyone else. im pretty much just saying that if hes really supposed to be our 2nd option, then lets see the play calls reflecting that next week. 

 

and as far as butler, i wouldnt give him a spot based off of good practice, but he was BAD last night, like he was on the same level as cassius vaughn and brynden trawick(except on offense of course), he was so bad that it almost seemed like an anomaly, i would like to see him get his fair shot next week as well, and if he is anywhere near as bad as he was last night then i think he goes bye bye.

[The Mom Gene]

Waller has had mixed reviews.  Just remember folks...  It's preseason, Game 1.  There had to be some butterflies out there last night.  I will resort to withholding my judgment until at least preseason Game 3.

[cushrinada1986]

While at the game last night, I thought Waller played very well. On the Camp TD, Waller was the one that cleared that side of the field out on a deep route, which left Camp so wide open. Schaub could have gone to Waller as well since he had a couple steps on the DB. Dude just towers many players and it's noticeable. 

Waller was open a couple of times during the game, he just didn't get a lot of looks. If you look at the play where butler missed that sideline catch, Waller had already beat his guy on the line. If there wasnt a safety over there I am pretty sure that would have been a TD. You can tell by the one catch he did make, he may not be the guy you put in screens but he is the guy if you can catch him in stride or going up the field he is going to break a tackle or two or at least take a DB with him on his back. guys strong, like a slimmer "move" TE when on the field. also liked the fact he was in with the second team and not the thirds and camp bodies.

[allblackraven]

we are just anointing this guy wayyyyy too much, hes like the new barry church around here.

'cept he can't do anything in secondary and Barry Church is unstoppable receiver.