Welcome to Baltimore: Darren Waller

[January J]

I cant wait to see the depth chart after camp. Butlers gonna have to fight to make the squad. Dont know much about him but hes definitely going to have compettion regardless with this core

[The Raven]

Hope we actually develop him and turn him into a weapon.

[D-Rey]

I heard he already has solid hands to go with his measurables.

[allblackraven]

Perriman                Williams(OLINE)                              Waller

                                                Joe                 Camp

 

                                               Buck 

 

i fully expect buck and perriman to be everything we are hoping. IF waller can eventually be a guy who can at least always keep the defense on their toes and make the occasional deep jumpball, and if camp stays healthy, this would be a stupid nice base formation to field, and theres always the option to move around guys like camp and williams and then juice would obviously be an x factor on the right downs. this is a seriously intriguing option, there is too much of everything

 

If you put Gilmore or Juice in Camp's spot and Forsett at the back (I'm assuming our Oline plays at the last year's level), I just don't see how that offense can be stopped. Waller must be a nightmare for CBs on run plays. He is a mean blocker and corners can't do anything but run backwards if they engage him, opening a huge space for Forsett, or watch Waller catch a jump ball if they don't. The beauty is that the box can't be really stacked because Perriman and Williams or Senior are meanwhile getting open on the other side. If play turns into pass, you have 3 catchers on the field averaging just short of 20y per catch and aren't easily stoppable one-on-one.

 

When that offense gels, we will have the most complete Ravens team ever. And If they can gel early, Denver won't have enough Peyton's to beat us, no matter how warm it is.

 

Call me crazy but I am excited.

[Shammy]

love the possiblities with this guy

[Inqui]

Feels like a Trestman pick, which I'm not complaining about.

 

I get the feeling our stuttering red zone offence was a big issue Ozzie an co talked about at their annual meeting. If he pans out we'll have a nice group of big guys to throw to, as well as the obvious option of running it into the end zone. He probably isn't in for an exciting rookie year while Engram does his thing, but I'd be looking to his second year for the fun stuff.

[baltimorefan328]

I have absolutely no high expectations for this guy, at least his rookie year, but I couldn't be happier with this pick in the 6th round. I agree people may recall memories of Streeter as the same potential size-speed guy who is very raw. I know highlight tapes arent the way to evaluate players, but if you watch his highlights when Georgia Tech played Mississippi State, there are definitely some things to like. I saw him toe-tapping the sideline, showing me he has some awareness. He sometimes just gets in the way of the man hes trying to block but also made some great sustained blocks as well. He seems to be very willing to highpoint to ball and corners simply bounce off him because of his size. Most importantly what I saw though, is the guy can catch. Obviously Georgia Tech is an option team but I saw a stat he had 26 catchable balls thrown to him, he caught all 26.

 

He catches with his hands and seems pretty natural doing so. I like to look at how wide receivers catch balls when theyre wide open because that can sometimes be more telling of exactly how comfortable they are catching the ball. Again I dont have expectations right now, but if this kid really wants to work and can improve, he should realize there is a potential roster spot for him, would love to see him take advantage

[JoeyFlex5]

If you put Gilmore or Juice in Camp's spot and Forsett at the back (I'm assuming our Oline plays at the last year's level), I just don't see how that offense can be stopped. Waller must be a nightmare for CBs on run plays. He is a mean blocker and corners can't do anything but run backwards if they engage him, opening a huge space for Forsett, or watch Waller catch a jump ball if they don't. The beauty is that the box can't be really stacked because Perriman and Williams or Senior are meanwhile getting open on the other side. If play turns into pass, you have 3 catchers on the field averaging just short of 20y per catch and aren't easily stoppable one-on-one.

 

When that offense gels, we will have the most complete Ravens team ever. And If they can gel early, Denver won't have enough Peyton's to beat us, no matter how warm it is.

 

Call me crazy but I am excited.

yes wallers blocking is something that is sort of forgotten when you think about a 6'6" wr running a 4.4. but he comes from a triple option where his primary job is to clear an outside lane, with us being a stretch based offense it is one hell of an asset to have such a dominant and experienced blocking wr, it will allow our rb's to turn the corner much more often rather than force a cutback, so those times when the OL doesnt execute perfectly(which happens no matter how good ur OL is) our guys can step on the gas and turn it up the sideline for big runs, its hard for a normal sized db to make the tackle when a 6'6" 240lb wr is shoving them into the bench 10 yards downfield. 

 

and yes putting gilmore in the slot or making juice a movement guy between the backfield and the slot will make it that much more deadly, the potential is reminiscent of the power sweep offense ran by lombardis packers, if waller can make his way on to the field consistently then it not only helps the passing game, but a guy like buck allen who has tremendous speed and too much power for a db to easily take down in the open field, can make a living for himself in the screen game and by turning the corner and running behind a guy like waller or gilmore. im really excited about the potential of what were building here, makes me sad that waller may never even make the active 53 and if he does make it it probably wont be for a few years

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

I like that we got some big boddied WR"s.

[Cville-Raven]

I like that this guy is big. Streeter was built like a twig.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Cville-Raven

[Bruce_Almty]

I would not get excited about Waller's exploits this season....he'll be extremely lucky to dress on game day. He needs at least this year, maybe 2, to develop & acclimate.

[ellicottraven]

He's a project player.  Those haven't worked out so well for this team in the past.

We didn't have Bobby Enghram coaching receivers then either. So, give the kid a chance please.

[RaineV1]

We didn't have Bobby Enghram coaching receivers then either. So, give the kid a chance please.

We also didn't have an OC who usually gets a lot out of big WRs, and we didn't have SSS to help out. This is probably the best moment in franchise history to take on project WRs.

Edited May 3, 2015 by RaineV1

[ellicottraven]

Ravens 6'6 WR vs Steelers 5'8 CB, wonder who wins...

Don't worry the Steeler CB can still tackle the receivers toes!

[ellicottraven]

We also didn't have an OC who usually gets a lot out of big WRs, and we didn't have SSS to help out. This is probably the best moment in franchise history to take on project WRs.

Exactly. Thank you.

[ellicottraven]

steelers fans will argue to the death that senquez golson would intercept any pass thrown to waller with his incredible ball skills, and then theyll argue that golson was their original target in the 2nd and we didnt steal williams from them

I enjoyed their GM Kevin Colber emphaticallly claiming Golshon was their target all along. So defensive tsk tsk...

[JoeyFlex5]

I would not get excited about Waller's exploits this season....he'll be extremely lucky to dress on game day. He needs at least this year, maybe 2, to develop & acclimate.

i realize this, but he looks alot better than our other late round wr projects from before, considering he can actually go up and catch with his hands and has the size to make it in the nfl, instead of a tall guy skinny as a rail who runs straight lines and body catches everything. plus we are in a better position now to develop a project guy like waller than we ever have been, with a quality wr coach, joe having much more creative control over the offense, and a OC who does great things with tall receivers

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Waller has the hands and he has the hips to go with that size and speed. He may not have a lot of experience catching the ball, but he's not as raw as you might think (recommend watching his tape). This guy could be the steal of our draft. First Campanaro, now Waller, our FO is starting to get a handle on how to draft WR in the late rounds.

[Wildabeast88]

I don't think the Steelers are dumb enough to match them up. They will put Golson on SSS though more likely than not

I like Smitty in that matchup too but I do love the matchup options that this creates and just imagine if big if Pitta can come back. Forsett in backfield with Pitta or Williams and SSS with Brown at 6 5 on one side and Waller at 6 6 on the other and even Aiken has good size

[Wildabeast88]

If you put Gilmore or Juice in Camp's spot and Forsett at the back (I'm assuming our Oline plays at the last year's level), I just don't see how that offense can be stopped. Waller must be a nightmare for CBs on run plays. He is a mean blocker and corners can't do anything but run backwards if they engage him, opening a huge space for Forsett, or watch Waller catch a jump ball if they don't. The beauty is that the box can't be really stacked because Perriman and Williams or Senior are meanwhile getting open on the other side. If play turns into pass, you have 3 catchers on the field averaging just short of 20y per catch and aren't easily stoppable one-on-one.

 

When that offense gels, we will have the most complete Ravens team ever. And If they can gel early, Denver won't have enough Peyton's to beat us, no matter how warm it is.

 

Call me crazy but I am excited.

I am too I am loving the matchups in my head right now

[Clmraven]

I really like Waller I think he has real potential, I think his lack of production is mostly scheme based his team only completed 100 some passes and 35 of those went to smelter, once smelter went down Waller had his 2 best games of the year, I won't get my hopes up too high but i really like the combo of trestman and these bigger receivers were picking up.

[Ravenslifer]

I think Waller will basically get a redshirt this year, and get some serious looks heading into next year.  SSS would be in the last year of his deal, and while I think the odds are good he plays it out, he could always retire or get cut next offseason - we've done similar things to great players in the past.  The key for Waller is whether he can beat out some of the non-starting receivers e.g. Campanaro, Aiken, Robinson, or at least make the case that he deserves a spot as much as they do.  Right now we have 2 spots open with the loss of Torrey and JJ.  Breshad will be penciled in for Torrey by default.  So there's really only one open spot, and Waller is a bit behind in terms of being pro ready coming out of GT, so I'd say the odds are against him this year.

[ravensfan160]

I enjoyed their GM Kevin Colber emphaticallly claiming Golshon was their target all along. So defensive tsk tsk...

I enjoyed that too. My question to him would have been "Then why did you take nearly all your allotted time to turn in the pick?" We know the Steelers rarely make trades so it is highly unlikely they were looking to trade down and still get their guy.

[beasy2487]

I enjoyed that too. My question to him would have been "Then why did you take nearly all your allotted time to turn in the pick?" We know the Steelers rarely make trades so it is highly unlikely they were looking to trade down and still get their guy.

 

We totally pulled the rug out from under them. I'm still giddy about that. Triple whammy: Hurt them, bolstered us, and forced a panic pick which set their whole draft forward a round. They left some good value on the board taking Golson in the 2nd, even he was shocked.  

[Ravensfan23]

For people saying that Waller will basically be redshirted or not to expect much from him this year, the biggest thing we have to remember is who the coaching staff is. Yes in years past we've clearly drafted guys like this before, but our HC and or OCs at the time weren't the type to give guys like this a shot. 

 

But think about Harbs history and what we know about Tresman's love for taking deep shots with big WRs. Now none of these guys have developed into studs recently, but just think about what the opinion of Marlon Brown was this time 2 years ago. Who was Kamar Aiken? Both Jeremy Butler and Aaron Mellette were giving great shots to make the active roster once they proved talented enough during camp. No again none of these guys are household names outside of Baltimore or even in Baltimore in most cases, but the point is they were even a shot to show and prove. 

 

So looking at Waller, i'm not saying he's gonna come in and be a ROY guy or even and decent contributor to the offense this season, but if he shows promise in camp, i'm willing to bet Harbs and Tresman will be looking to work him into any type of offensive rotation they can. Even if it's only to take 1 or 2 play action shots down field per game. 

[Purple_City39]

For people saying that Waller will basically be redshirted or not to expect much from him this year, the biggest thing we have to remember is who the coaching staff is. Yes in years past we've clearly drafted guys like this before, but our HC and or OCs at the time weren't the type to give guys like this a shot. 

 

But think about Harbs history and what we know about Tresman's love for taking deep shots with big WRs. Now none of these guys have developed into studs recently, but just think about what the opinion of Marlon Brown was this time 2 years ago. Who was Kamar Aiken? Both Jeremy Butler and Aaron Mellette were giving great shots to make the active roster once they proved talented enough during camp. No again none of these guys are household names outside of Baltimore or even in Baltimore in most cases, but the point is they were even a shot to show and prove. 

 

So looking at Waller, i'm not saying he's gonna come in and be a ROY guy or even and decent contributor to the offense this season, but if he shows promise in camp, i'm willing to bet Harbs and Tresman will be looking to work him into any type of offensive rotation they can. Even if it's only to take 1 or 2 play action shots down field per game. 

Not only Harbs and Trestman but also think about the WR coach, Engram.  Last season we saw 7th rounder, Campanaro look good when on the field, FA Aiken look good when on the field, Brown caught everything thrown his way when targeted also.  Name the last time we've seen low round picks or journeyman receivers come into Baltimore and look decent?

 

Engram is a huge difference maker right now and I think he can get something out of a 6'6, 240 WR with good hands and 4.4 speed.  Speaking of which, you don't think the Ravens front office and coaches saw what Pittsburgh did with a similar sized WR in Bryant last season?  I just can't see them trying to stash him unless he just sucks or truly gets hurt.  If he's on IR in 2015 then you might as well right him off because nobody ever comes back from rookie season IR stashing in Baltimore

[Ravensfan23]

Not only Harbs and Trestman but also think about the WR coach, Engram.  Last season we saw 7th rounder, Campanaro look good when on the field, FA Aiken look good when on the field, Brown caught everything thrown his way when targeted also.  Name the last time we've seen low round picks or journeyman receivers come into Baltimore and look decent?

 

Engram is a huge difference maker right now and I think he can get something out of a 6'6, 240 WR with good hands and 4.4 speed.  Speaking of which, you don't think the Ravens front office and coaches saw what Pittsburgh did with a similar sized WR in Bryant last season?  I just can't see them trying to stash him unless he just sucks or truly gets hurt.  If he's on IR in 2015 then you might as well right him off because nobody ever comes back from rookie season IR stashing in Baltimore

 

exactly. I've spoken my praises of Engram plenty of times before. I really like what he did in his first season with us. Not only the guys you named but I even saw improvement in Torrey last season as well. Even though it's not his natural game, you could see him playing with a lot more physicality last season, even resulting in a couple of unsportsman like conduct penalties. 

 

But more importantly, I think we gotta look at Joe, Say what you want about the guy, but he's one of the best of developing chemistry with WRs quickly and that's a huge part of developing guys. These guys get on the field with Joe and it seems like they've been playing with him for years. Even without the "QB led passing camp" that so many think is necessary, Joe develops a quick chemistry with these guys.  I remember when Pitta went down 2 years ago and Clark and Vashante were both in. I remember seeing both of those guys working with Joe after practice the day I went out to camp and the one thing they both said was that Joe just makes everything seem so easy. I remember hearing one of the WRs last year saying because Joe was so comfortable with Kubes offense early on in mini camps, it really put the entire WR group at ease and allowed them to play a lot faster and with confidence. 

 

I'm always excited about the late round picks and young guys because nothing brings out talent like opportunities and I love watching it. But knowing the Ravens now have a great support system in place for these young WRs, I get even more excited to watch them. 

[GrimCoconut]

For people saying that Waller will basically be redshirted or not to expect much from him this year, the biggest thing we have to remember is who the coaching staff is. Yes in years past we've clearly drafted guys like this before, but our HC and or OCs at the time weren't the type to give guys like this a shot.

But think about Harbs history and what we know about Tresman's love for taking deep shots with big WRs. Now none of these guys have developed into studs recently, but just think about what the opinion of Marlon Brown was this time 2 years ago. Who was Kamar Aiken? Both Jeremy Butler and Aaron Mellette were giving great shots to make the active roster once they proved talented enough during camp. No again none of these guys are household names outside of Baltimore or even in Baltimore in most cases, but the point is they were even a shot to show and prove.

So looking at Waller, i'm not saying he's gonna come in and be a ROY guy or even and decent contributor to the offense this season, but if he shows promise in camp, i'm willing to bet Harbs and Tresman will be looking to work him into any type of offensive rotation they can. Even if it's only to take 1 or 2 play action shots down field per game.

Yeah my man this is how I feel. For once, I actually feel really good about our WR corps and I feel like we're going to be surprised. I have good feelings on Waller. I believe that he'll have an image of some form. I don't see him anywhere but to the 53 unless he's legitimately hurt

[ravensfan160]

For people saying that Waller will basically be redshirted or not to expect much from him this year, the biggest thing we have to remember is who the coaching staff is. Yes in years past we've clearly drafted guys like this before, but our HC and or OCs at the time weren't the type to give guys like this a shot. 

 

But think about Harbs history and what we know about Tresman's love for taking deep shots with big WRs. Now none of these guys have developed into studs recently, but just think about what the opinion of Marlon Brown was this time 2 years ago. Who was Kamar Aiken? Both Jeremy Butler and Aaron Mellette were giving great shots to make the active roster once they proved talented enough during camp. No again none of these guys are household names outside of Baltimore or even in Baltimore in most cases, but the point is they were even a shot to show and prove. 

 

So looking at Waller, i'm not saying he's gonna come in and be a ROY guy or even and decent contributor to the offense this season, but if he shows promise in camp, i'm willing to bet Harbs and Tresman will be looking to work him into any type of offensive rotation they can. Even if it's only to take 1 or 2 play action shots down field per game. 

I agree. I think he will have a role because of Trestman. I also think any comparrison to other late round big guys we've drafted before like Tommy Streeter or Clarence Moore isn't fair. Waller had good production considering he played in a triple option offense plus he should be a good run blocker. That makes him an ideal red zone candidate not just for catching TD's but blocking as well.

[Ravensfan23]

Yeah my man this is how I feel. For once, I actually feel really good about our WR corps and I feel like we're going to be surprised. I have good feelings on Waller. I believe that he'll have an image of some form. I don't see him anywhere but to the 53 unless he's legitimately hurt

 

Yea i go back to thinking about the game vs the Chargers a few years back when the Ravens just didn't have an answer for the trees that SD had in Jackson Floyd and Gates. It was just like lob city, no routes, just run deep, look up and be ready to jump for the ball. Man that game was so frustrating. 

 

Now looking at Perriman, Brown, Waller and Williams I can't help but to get excited for the possibilities. If i'm any one of these guys i'm at the Castle bright and early everyday, headed straight to the basketball court and working on my post up game. lol. Flacco has proven time and time again to have the trust in his WR to just give them an opportunity to go up and make a play. If i'm those guys i'm doing everything possible to show Flacco he can trust me with the ball in the air, because if he can trust you he'll give you a shot.