Welcome to Baltimore: Darren Waller

[Purple_City39]

Butler

Honestly, I don't see Butler making the team unless he looks just leaps and bounds better than the others between now and mid August.  I think he goes the Deonte Thompson route.  Remember, in 2013 Thompson was supposed to be the #2 or #3 guy, according to pretty much all reports, until he got injured.  That was the last we saw of him.  I see Butler unfortunately going the same route.  He had a leg up on Aiken last year before the injury and now Kamar is somewhat proven in this offense and Butler is still a huge question.

[January J]

Honestly, I don't see Butler making the team unless he looks just leaps and bounds better than the others between now and mid August. I think he goes the Deonte Thompson route. Remember, in 2013 Thompson was supposed to be the #2 or #3 guy, according to pretty much all reports, until he got injured. That was the last we saw of him. I see Butler unfortunately going the same route. He had a leg up on Aiken last year before the injury and now Kamar is somewhat proven in this offense and Butler is still a huge question.

your right about that.

[Runnin Raven]

It's early but Waller is impressive.  First off, he's a physical specimen at 6'6".  Second off he sees himself right there at Breshad's level.  Thirdly he appears to be a mature, intelligent young man which puts him ahead of a lot of much higher draft picks over the years.

 

OT - Buck Allen is an awesome addition

[reed20]

I like it. I really wanted a big size like his on our team.

[Bruce_Almty]

I like it. I really wanted a big size like his on our team.

I like it also and really can't see 6th rounder, 6'6", Darren Waller with 4.45 speed going to the PS and the 47th best UdFA, 5'8", De'Andre Carter with 4.45 speed making the 53 as some forward thinkers are projecting. But we have until the end of August to speculate, ya never know what's going to happen between now and then.

[I*Bleed*Purple]

I think Waller HAS to make the 53. You don't take your chances sending him to the practice squad. Unless he has an absolute crap camp, he's gonna make the 53. I like everything about the guy. He's extremely intelligent, and obviously has the physical traits you want in an NFL receiver. I'll even go out on a limb and say that by the time it's all said and done, he'll be more productive than Perriman.

[stampedehero]

I've been saying this for a long time. Who (other from maybe Seattle) would be able to stop this?

The Broncos.  Lol

[stampedehero]

I actually don't know if the Seahawks can stop it...in theory. They've gotten weaker at CB and have lost key personnel in terms of staff. I know that's something we're used to hearing against the Ravens but it won't be easy for them. They have their work cut out for them, and they'll be on the road. They do have Wagner, Thomas, Sherman and Chancellor to go against Allen or Forsett, Perriman, Brown, Williams, Pitta?, Waller, Gillmore, Boyle and Smith. I'd actually go to a 3TE package at the goal line with something like this...

Brown | Gillmore | EM | KO | JZ | MY | RW | Boyle | Perriman/Brown

JF

JA

You pretty much make it tough for them to ascertain whether it's a run or pass. I've seen Seattle struggle with TE as well.

+> You are a wily veteran.  Would you analyize our scoring tactics with this lineup against the AFC North teams? We would need success 8 times.  I'm interested. Thanks.  If 3 TE's Pitta/Williams should be included. I assume Boyle makes the 53.  

[stampedehero]

I think Waller HAS to make the 53. You don't take your chances sending him to the practice squad. Unless he has an absolute crap camp, he's gonna make the 53. I like everything about the guy. He's extremely intelligent, and obviously has the physical traits you want in an NFL receiver. I'll even go out on a limb and say that by the time it's all said and done, he'll be more productive than Perriman.

If so, you should buy his jersey, wear and post it. I also like Waller

[GrimCoconut]

+> You are a wily veteran.  Would you analyize our scoring tactics with this lineup against the AFC North teams? We would need success 8 times.  I'm interested. Thanks.  If 3 TE's Pitta/Williams should be included. I assume Boyle makes the 53.  

Pitta is a question mark, but I wouldn't want Pitta in the game against the Seahawks with Chancellor back there possibly waiting to dislocate his other hip. I actually really like the idea of the 3TE set if these TEs play up to their potential. It could be a really devastating formation. 

[DomMcRaven]

The Broncos.  Lol

Mmmmmm......................nah.

[sflegend89]

Something I think that sets Waller apart from a lot of big "project" wr's is his intelligence. Watch him on the rookie camp series if you haven't already, he's got a good head on his shoulders. His off field issues in college are very misleading about his character and smarts. A lot of the time it's the thinkers and people who spend a lot of time in their own head who gravitate towards certain substances.

 

Arian Foster is a great example, he's one of the most intelligent and free thinking players in the NFL but he also had his share of substance issues as a young adult. I think Waller is cut from the same cloth mentally as Foster and that bodes very well for his progression as a player.

[ravensfan160]

Something I think that sets Waller apart from a lot of big "project" wr's is his intelligence. Watch him on the rookie camp series if you haven't already, he's got a good head on his shoulders. His off field issues in college are very misleading about his character and smarts. A lot of the time it's the thinkers and people who spend a lot of time in their own head who gravitate towards certain substances.

 

Arian Foster is a great example, he's one of the most intelligent and free thinking players in the NFL but he also had his share of substance issues as a young adult. I think Waller is cut from the same cloth mentally as Foster and that bodes very well for his progression as a player.

I agree but the problem is he would be the #6 WR. Would he offer anything on special teams? I don't think so. So if DeAndre Carter proves he could be our returner than Waller might be the odd man out unless we carry 7 WRs which I don't think we will since we might have to carry 4 TE's.

[sflegend89]

I agree but the problem is he would be the #6 WR. Would he offer anything on special teams? I don't think so. So if DeAndre Carter proves he could be our returner than Waller might be the odd man out unless we carry 7 WRs which I don't think we will since we might have to carry 4 TE's.

 

It will certainly be interesting to see how the 53 man roster stacks up. The way Ozzie values picks I don't think we would use a 6th on Waller if we didn't fully intend on carrying him on the 53, he will get snatched up immediately on the PS. Two possibilities I see are Carter going to the PS and Camp or Perriman taking over the return duties or Pitta starting the year on the PUP list. Just hard to predict as of right now, really depends on how Carter performs in training camp and how far along Pitta is health wise.

 

I definitely wouldn't count out Waller from being to able to contribute on offense even if it's mostly in the red zone or in power sets. Keep in mind he's probably the best run blocking WR on the roster, he's a lot like a TE in size with the traits of a WR, I think Trestman will be able to use his strengths effectively to help the offense even if it's only for 5-10 snaps a game. 

Edited May 18, 2015 by sflegend89

[I*Bleed*Purple]

If so, you should buy his jersey, wear and post it. I also like Waller

Is it available yet? I really think this kid has it. I can't say specifically what "it" is, but every time I watch him play, or watch him speak, I know it's there. Something about him just tells me that he'll have a long and prosperous career in the League.

[DomMcRaven]

Is it available yet? I really think this kid has it. I can't say specifically what "it" is, but every time I watch him play, or watch him speak, I know it's there. Something about him just tells me that he'll have a long and prosperous career in the League.

The "it" factor?

[January J]

Is it available yet? I really think this kid has it. I can't say specifically what "it" is, but every time I watch him play, or watch him speak, I know it's there. Something about him just tells me that he'll have a long and prosperous career in the League.

I'm with you- a little early to know for sure - but he def puts off a good vibe.

[baltimorefan328]

I agree as I've mentioned before I think this kid has the competitiveness and drive to be different but we will see when they hit camp and preseason. The last thing I want, however, is for him to make a team and then only come in on running plays that will completely tip off the defense. If Waller isn't quite ready I really only want to see in the redzone unless Harbaugh and Trestman trust him enough to have him pass catch just as much as run block between the 20s. I remember a couple years ago they had problems with this, although that was also in Cam's offense so not sure if Trestman would do something like that

[PurpleCity5]

I don't think the redzone will be a bill problem this year. 

[ludy51]

I don't think the redzone will be a Bill problem this year.

Eh. Without a QB the Bills might struggle in the red zone this year

[PurpleCity5]

Eh. Without a QB the Bills might struggle in the red zone this year

Lol you're right, but In our case I don't think it will be a problem. 

[mattw69]

I agree but the problem is he would be the #6 WR. Would he offer anything on special teams? I don't think so. So if DeAndre Carter proves he could be our returner than Waller might be the odd man out unless we carry 7 WRs which I don't think we will since we might have to carry 4 TE's.

 

We will carry 4 TE's. TJ Maxx Williams, Crockett Gillmore, Nick Boyle, Darren Waller.

Pitta I'm sorry to say will be on IR

Edited May 20, 2015 by mattw69

[beasy2487]

We will carry 4 TE's. TJ Maxx Williams, Crockett Gillmore, Nick Boyle, Darren Waller.

Pitta I'm sorry to say will be on IR

threw me off for a second with TJ Maxx...not gonna lie tho I like it lol although I disagree with the post. I don't think there's any way to know if Pitta is going to play. he's healthy right now...and if he stays exactly the way he is right now until week 1 he will be our starting TE. Now, if he has a setback of any kind he goes on IR and this is a totally different discussion but until then it's pure speculation.

I also don't think there's any way DW is listed as a TE on the depth chart this year. I think by the time his rookie contract is up he may be one of the best TEs in the league, but at this point I think the mental and physical learning curves are too steep for a full-on position switch.

Edited May 20, 2015 by beasy2487

[PaleoRaven]

Look, I'm sorry. Darren Waller HAS to make this team. He has freakish size and speed, and all of the tape out of training camp says he also has freakish ability. THIS is our late-round gem, folks.

[Rav'n Maniac]

Look, I'm sorry. Darren Waller HAS to make this team. He has freakish size and speed, and all of the tape out of training camp says he also has freakish ability. THIS is our late-round gem, folks.

I like this kid as well. Just feel it's going to take some time.

[JoeyFlex5]

threw me off for a second with TJ Maxx...not gonna lie tho I like it lol although I disagree with the post. I don't think there's any way to know if Pitta is going to play. he's healthy right now...and if he stays exactly the way he is right now until week 1 he will be our starting TE. Now, if he has a setback of any kind he goes on IR and this is a totally different discussion but until then it's pure speculation.

I also don't think there's any way DW is listed as a TE on the depth chart this year. I think by the time his rookie contract is up he may be one of the best TEs in the league, but at this point I think the mental and physical learning curves are too steep for a full-on position switch.

we've never even seen him play WR yet but hes gonna be the best TE in the league in a few years even though hes about 25 lbs lighter than your average TE? 

 

man this guy must be really good...

[beasy2487]

we've never even seen him play WR yet but hes gonna be the best TE in the league in a few years even though hes about 25 lbs lighter than your average TE? 

 

man this guy must be really good...

 

Haha taking this post way out of context. Back when I wrote that we were speculating as to how they'd use Waller. I think at this point he's proving that WR is the position he should stay at. Regarding the weight, Gillmore put on 15 lbs of muscle in one offseason. 25 over the course of 3-4 seasons with Waller's frame wouldn't be a stretch at all.

[lgcs27288]

4th string on the depth chart... ugh.

It's only the pr one but still... ugh.

[rmw10]

4th string on the depth chart... ugh.

It's only the pr one but still... ugh.

 

Did you really expect him to be higher?

[lgcs27288]

Did you really expect him to be higher?

I didn't expect him any higher than 3rd string, but we hear this praise for him and the dude is behind Daniel Brown and Carter on the depth chart.

I guess I should temper my expectations when I hear praise. Everybody is getting a certificate of participation in this training camp.