Welcome to Baltimore: Darren Waller

[JoeyFlex5]

I think the bigger wrs struggle with press bc they are just a little slower off the line. You have guys like brown or are small and quick, so that first step to beat the press is easier for them. Guys that are bigger ie waller, they need room to build their speed up bc they aren't quick, they're fast if that makes sense. Basically agreeing with you

yeah it seems that beating press coverage isnt exactly the issue, but its more gaining separation after not being allowed a free release that is the problem.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I met Darren Wallers Aunt and cousin tonight at the Eagles game. Wonderful people... They went nuts when he scored his TD and I was worried the Eagles fans would take exception so I walked over to them to warn them and that's when they told me who they were.

Got to chat a bit with them... Really cool. One highlight from an otherwise miserable night.

[Radinho84]

This is an area where most big WR tend to ironically struggle.

Might be due to less explosiveness.

[cushrinada1986]

I think by midseason that will no longer be an issue. In the long term this kid will be hard to stop if Perrimen can beat the injury bug and camp can stay healthy in the slot.

[Guest]

There was a great slow motion film from the Defensive Side of the ball posted on the site of Waller's 1st TD, unfortunately I can't find it now to link it here.

 

What is illustrated in that film is what a good catch Waller made of a high and somewhat outside ball without ruining the timing of the route. It further reinforced how well Waller "Stayed Home" until the throw was made.

 

I really want to say a lot more, but it's premature. We just have to hope that things work out because we have the essential ingredients now. We need Perriman for it to all come together, but I believe we are poised for some fun.

 

We have some injuries, but at least as of this morning, there is no additional long term bad news:

 

"The silver lining is the Ravens don’t expect the injuries along the offensive line to linger into the regular season. The only potential long-term injury is Wesley, who has to be further examined before determining the exact severity of his injury."

Edited August 24, 2015 by Danny D

[Purple_City39]

With Perriman out for an undisclosed amount of time, I'm really surprised they aren't using Waller as a deep threat.  Maybe they will in this next game after mostly short and intermediate passes against Philly.

 

One thing I've wanted during the entire Flacco era was more than one deep threat at WR.  You get a big armed QB and initially don't give him a deep threat receiver (outside of Stallworth who mainly did end arounds) and then you only give him one with inconsistent hands and ball tracking ability who didn't always run at full speed until it was too late.

 

That's the main reason I'm pulling for Waller.  I envision him and Perriman lining up on the outside in the future and safeties not knowing who's side to slide to.  Plus Waller has looked much better than expected so I feel he deserves more opportunities.  He's the only WR not named Smith that has not only looked good in camp and games but has also stayed healthy

[Blackbirds Rule]

With Perriman out for an undisclosed amount of time, I'm really surprised they aren't using Waller as a deep threat.  Maybe they will in this next game after mostly short and intermediate passes against Philly.

 

One thing I've wanted during the entire Flacco era was more than one deep threat at WR.  You get a big armed QB and initially don't give him a deep threat receiver (outside of Stallworth who mainly did end arounds) and then you only give him one with inconsistent hands and ball tracking ability who didn't always run at full speed until it was too late.

 

That's the main reason I'm pulling for Waller.  I envision him and Perriman lining up on the outside in the future and safeties not knowing who's side to slide to.  Plus Waller has looked much better than expected so I feel he deserves more opportunities.  He's the only WR not named Smith that has not only looked good in camp and games but has also stayed healthy

I don't think we want to show too much. I don't think we'll open it up that much. Just work some basic runs and give our Wr's 1 on 1 opportunities. I definitely think we'll use Waller and Perriman as the deep threats. Waller is also going to be a very good red zone option as well.

[Purple_City39]

I don't think we want to show too much. I don't think we'll open it up that much. Just work some basic runs and give our Wr's 1 on 1 opportunities. I definitely think we'll use Waller and Perriman as the deep threats. Waller is also going to be a very good red zone option as well.

That's fair.  After I posted that, I was also thinking that they just want to see what he can do underneath since they know what he can do deep

[RayRocks]

I think people are making some strange comparisons for Waller.  I like him quite a bit, but I see him more as a Marques Colston type than I do Megatron, or whatever other big-bodied WR's he'd been compared to.

 

I think he'll be best off using his body and above average speed/quickness in the middle of the field, with the ability to be a threat in the Red Zone fairly often and splash plays on occasion. 

[Purple_City39]

I think people are making some strange comparisons for Waller.  I like him quite a bit, but I see him more as a Marques Colston type than I do Megatron, or whatever other big-bodied WR's he'd been compared to.

 

I think he'll be best off using his body and above average speed/quickness in the middle of the field, with the ability to be a threat in the Red Zone fairly often and splash plays on occasion. 

I disagree with the Colston comparison as he's not really a deep threat like Megatron or even Waller.  The Calvin comparison honestly shouldn't happen since Waller has proven nothing, but they come from the fact they have similar size and weight (Colston is 20+ pounds lighter than either of them) and the fact they both ran very fast 40s for their size (4.3 for Calvin, 4.4 for Waller) where as Colston's 40 was more in line of a guy his size (4.5).  Most importantly, Calvin and Darren come from the same school. 

 

I don't agree with the Calvin comparison as Waller hasn't proven to be on that level on the field, but in terms of measurables, it's the right one

[RayRocks]

I disagree with the Colston comparison as he's not really a deep threat like Megatron or even Waller.  The Calvin comparison honestly shouldn't happen since Waller has proven nothing, but they come from the fact they have similar size and weight (Colston is 20+ pounds lighter than either of them) and the fact they both ran very fast 40s for their size (4.3 for Calvin, 4.4 for Waller) where as Colston's 40 was more in line of a guy his size (4.5).  Most importantly, Calvin and Darren come from the same school. 

 

I don't agree with the Calvin comparison as Waller hasn't proven to be on that level on the field, but in terms of measurables, it's the right one

 

My comparison was less "physically" and more how I expect them to be used.  Calvin is a really complete receiver and the only part of his game that was really questioned coming out was his route running.  Waller is more stiff in the hips than Johnson is/was, and that's not necessarily a knock on Waller - CJ has incredibly loose hips for a man of his length.

[Guest]

I found the video of Waller's TD.

 

This angle makes one appreciate how much athleticism he showed on that simple play.

 

The throw is coming in high. Waller doesn't have to use his full 37" vertical, but note how he's up in the air about a foot and extended before the ball arrives. It's a bang bang play. Not a lot of time to react, but Waller stayed home and snatched a high somewhat behind him ball.  Note the quick cat step he takes coming down with the ball and the flexion in his hips as he changes directions.

 

But what I think I like most is the poise. A lot of rookies would have barreled into the backside knees of their blockers. Not Waller, he knew he couldn't clip his own man, so he gave a little juke and came in soft and then note how each of the lineman gets a pat on the cap.

 

You're gonna love this guy.

 

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/videos/videos/Darren-Waller-Snags-Touchdown-Pass/13fa0f0c-aee5-4891-8ee1-7396e01c2f6a

[polynesian15]

He's looks quite skinny for a 240-pounder, will he be able to withstand the rigors of the NFL or should he bulk up? That would probably hurt his speed if he went overboard.

[sflegend89]

He's looks quite skinny for a 240-pounder, will he be able to withstand the rigors of the NFL or should he bulk up? That would probably hurt his speed if he went overboard.

 

Waller will put on more muscle the next couple years but ideally stay about the same weight, being low body fat % is what makes someone look bigger at the same weight. For instance Calvin looks bigger than Waller even though he weighs less because he has less body fat. Size certainly won't be an issue for Waller, he will tower over corners and safeties and typically out weigh them by 30-50 lbs. Just remember a lot of stats are exaggerated in professional sports. Most db's listed in the 200's actually weigh in the 190's or even 180's for some corners. It's just an intimidation type of size bolstering teams put on their roster sheets. 

 

For instance Marshawn Lynch is around the same height as most db's, he's built like an absolute tank and legitimately weighs around 215. There's no way a lot of these db's between 5'9-6'0 legitimately weigh in the 200's. Same thing in basketball with adding inches to players' height, it's just an intimidation type thing. Waller probably legit weighs 240 but is closer to 6'5 than 6'6. WR's are more about exaggerating height than weight. Just like Perriman is actually 6'2 even though everyone was saying 6'3 when he got drafted.

Edited August 25, 2015 by sflegend89

[ellicottraven]

Waller will put on more muscle the next couple years but ideally stay about the same weight, being low body fat % is what makes someone look bigger at the same weight. For instance Calvin looks bigger than Waller even though he weighs less because he has less body fat. Size certainly won't be an issue for Waller, he will tower over corners and safeties and typically out weigh them by 30-50 lbs. Just remember a lot of stats are exaggerated in professional sports. Most db's listed in the 200's actually weigh in the 190's or even 180's for some corners. It's just an intimidation type of size bolstering teams put on their roster sheets. 

 

For instance Marshawn Lynch is around the same height as most db's, he's built like an absolute tank and legitimately weighs around 215. There's no way a lot of these db's between 5'9-6'0 legitimately weigh in the 200's. Same thing in basketball with adding inches to players' height, it's just an intimidation type thing. Waller probably legit weighs 240 but is closer to 6'5 than 6'6. WR's are more about exaggerating height than weight. Just like Perriman is actually 6'2 even though everyone was saying 6'3 when he got drafted.

But, aren't these guys measured and weighed accurately during the NFL combine? I thought they were but are accurate figures released to the public I am not sure...

[Guest]

Waller will put on more muscle the next couple years but ideally stay about the same weight, being low body fat % is what makes someone look bigger at the same weight. For instance Calvin looks bigger than Waller even though he weighs less because he has less body fat. Size certainly won't be an issue for Waller, he will tower over corners and safeties and typically out weigh them by 30-50 lbs. Just remember a lot of stats are exaggerated in professional sports. Most db's listed in the 200's actually weigh in the 190's or even 180's for some corners. It's just an intimidation type of size bolstering teams put on their roster sheets. 

 

For instance Marshawn Lynch is around the same height as most db's, he's built like an absolute tank and legitimately weighs around 215. There's no way a lot of these db's between 5'9-6'0 legitimately weigh in the 200's. Same thing in basketball with adding inches to players' height, it's just an intimidation type thing. Waller probably legit weighs 240 but is closer to 6'5 than 6'6. WR's are more about exaggerating height than weight. Just like Perriman is actually 6'2 even though everyone was saying 6'3 when he got drafted.

 

Also think Raven's Training Camp is no picnic and he may have shed a few pounds along with everyone else.

 

He's not built like Boldin, but he's stockier than A.J. Green.

[sflegend89]

But, aren't these guys measured and weighed accurately during the NFL combine? I thought they were but are accurate figures released to the public I am not sure...

 

Teams definitely know the legit specifics of height/weight from the combine. It's the numbers that get released to the public (usually via a team's official roster) that are exaggerated. A lot of db's are shorter and lighter than what they get listed as. You will be hard pressed to find many db's listed under 5'10 or under 190 lbs and there are A LOT of them in the NFL.

 

Not that teams even care about someone else's roster sheet but when they look at it in preparation for a game there is just nothing intimidating about a 5'9, 180 lb corner. But saying they're 5'10, 195 lb just adds more to the vibe that you have big physical players on your defense or a player can make himself  look better if he's trying to get signed, teams might not consider you if you are listed at 5'9 or under as a corner. You might just say "Well don't they know it's exaggerated when they look at it?" Sure, but some guys are exaggerated far more than others and it's hard to tell who has been given +1 inch and +5 lbs vs who's been given +2 inches and +15 lbs. It's not a big deal at all but just a small detail thrown in for "intimidation" if you want to call it that. Usually the smaller a player is, the more he get's exaggerated. Same in basketball, small guards get height added fairly commonly.

 

Note: Not ALL players exaggerate. The official roster is likely based on what the players themselves claim, Webb for instance is listed at 182 lbs which to me looks 100% legit. It just varies based on the player.

Edited August 25, 2015 by sflegend89

[Purple_City39]

But, aren't these guys measured and weighed accurately during the NFL combine? I thought they were but are accurate figures released to the public I am not sure...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure these are the measurements they use for players.  It's rare that it ever changes

[Runnin Raven]

Darren has been one of the real positives of camp so far for sure.  With Breshad's incredibly disappointing absence up til now, I am wondering if The Wall (lol) should be that guy to run the 9 route Torrey did so often.  He has pretty good straight line speed IIRC and certainly the size to win up top.  I know that would leapfrog him up the in the pecking order but you can't teach those physical gifts...and if he just gets a PI, mission accomplished.

 

Anyway, this kid is easy to root for.

[Purple_City39]

Darren has been one of the real positives of camp so far for sure.  With Breshad's incredibly disappointing absence up til now, I am wondering if The Wall (lol) should be that guy to run the 9 route Torrey did so often.  He has pretty good straight line speed IIRC and certainly the size to win up top.  I know that would leapfrog him up the in the pecking order but you can't teach those physical gifts...and if he just gets a PI, mission accomplished.

 

Anyway, this kid is easy to root for.

With Perriman's injury, I don't see how they don't use Waller for just that at minimum.  Besides the fact, as you said, he's been one of the consistent positives at the WR position, he's perfect for that role.  Maybe not Torrey per se since Torrey was a starter, but there's no reason Waller can't do a 2012 Jacoby or 2014 Martavis Bryant and just come in, run that deep route, and see what happens.  Even in that Saints preseason game, he drew how many penalties for the team?  With his consistent improvements and play, I don't see how they don't use him this season as of now.

[RavensFanMania]

Apparently Kenny Bell has looked pretty good, and Montgomery has done alright, though he's less likely to make an impact in year 1. Lewis and McBride haven't been bad but they're farther down in the depth chart for their teams and will probably be weekly inactives this season unless someone gets hurt or just plays really badly.

Really glad I drafts Kenny Bell. Really liked him in college and felt he was highly undervalued. He's going to be a good one.

[Gordo52]

Waller definitely looks more promising than former project receivers. I've been impressed, and actually a little surprised at how well he's done so far.

Maybe he can contribute this season.

[Cillmatic]

Flacco calls Waller a monster.

Illuminati confirmed.

[Guest]

Flacco calls Waller a monster.

Illuminati confirmed.

 

I knew Flacco would love this guy.  Personally, I believe he must of said it, but I don't see it on the site here.

 

Still think they'll bring him along slowly and that he'll be contributing to win games come mid year.

 

O.K. found it later...http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/11-Things-We-Learned-On-Joe-Flacco-Justin-Fosrett-And-Steve-Smith-Call/678c85d6-1b71-474e-9dc4-b9f072c898f5

 

"Rookie receiver Darren Waller is a “monster,” Flacco said, because of his size at 6-foot-6, 240-pound. “A guy like him gives you the ability to throw against little guys, and put the ball up here and there, which is what I like to do. I think he is going to be huge for us.”

 

Saw that in our Championship Run and we took that away from him. Now he's got all that and more.

Edited August 25, 2015 by Danny D

[ellicottraven]

Darren has been one of the real positives of camp so far for sure.  With Breshad's incredibly disappointing absence up til now, I am wondering if The Wall (lol) should be that guy to run the 9 route Torrey did so often.  He has pretty good straight line speed IIRC and certainly the size to win up top.  I know that would leapfrog him up the in the pecking order but you can't teach those physical gifts...and if he just gets a PI, mission accomplished.

 

Anyway, this kid is easy to root for.

Yes, he is easy to root for indeed. Very respectful, well spoken with a sure head on young shoulders kind of kid. Very likable and hard working too per Trestman.

[JoeyFlex5]

Darren has been one of the real positives of camp so far for sure.  With Breshad's incredibly disappointing absence up til now, I am wondering if The Wall (lol) should be that guy to run the 9 route Torrey did so often.  He has pretty good straight line speed IIRC and certainly the size to win up top.  I know that would leapfrog him up the in the pecking order but you can't teach those physical gifts...and if he just gets a PI, mission accomplished.

 

Anyway, this kid is easy to root for.

i think that waller is going to be torreys replacement in the long run, while perriman is a new breed of WR this team has never seen before playing a legitimate #1 role. 

 

i think this injury will be a thing of the past and forgotten by the end of the first quarter of the season

[Runnin Raven]

i think that waller is going to be torreys replacement in the long run, while perriman is a new breed of WR this team has never seen before playing a legitimate #1 role. 

 

i think this injury will be a thing of the past and forgotten by the end of the first quarter of the season

Man, now you're talkin! 

[Edgar@llenP0e]

He's looks quite skinny for a 240-pounder, will he be able to withstand the rigors of the NFL or should he bulk up? That would probably hurt his speed if he went overboard.

I reckon he looks quite fit. In more than one sense of the word.

[cushrinada1986]

Waller will put on more muscle the next couple years but ideally stay about the same weight, being low body fat % is what makes someone look bigger at the same weight. For instance Calvin looks bigger than Waller even though he weighs less because he has less body fat. Size certainly won't be an issue for Waller, he will tower over corners and safeties and typically out weigh them by 30-50 lbs. Just remember a lot of stats are exaggerated in professional sports. Most db's listed in the 200's actually weigh in the 190's or even 180's for some corners. It's just an intimidation type of size bolstering teams put on their roster sheets. 

 

For instance Marshawn Lynch is around the same height as most db's, he's built like an absolute tank and legitimately weighs around 215. There's no way a lot of these db's between 5'9-6'0 legitimately weigh in the 200's. Same thing in basketball with adding inches to players' height, it's just an intimidation type thing. Waller probably legit weighs 240 but is closer to 6'5 than 6'6. WR's are more about exaggerating height than weight. Just like Perriman is actually 6'2 even though everyone was saying 6'3 when he got drafted

 

 

 

 

 

I think he could bulk up like Gilmore and still be a viable deep threat one on one. Someone with that much size you cant keep a 5'9 guy on him, especially close to the endzone. I think they should try him out inside and outside next game with Givens and Ross (getting tired of the Aiken and Brown experiment) and see what they can do. Cant be any worse than Marlon Brown getting 1 catch for 0 yards.....

[Cillmatic]

Marlon brown is a confirmed bum. Waller has done really good on S/T. Why is he getting NO time?