Post draft Expectations

[Cillmatic]

Now that the draft is over and most of the value UFA have been signed what do you expect for the Ravens this year?

[JoeyFlex5]

our offense just took a massive step forward in the past 3 days. i think this offense is the perfect place for perriman to step in and shine, maxx williams makes for a great security blanket and is a very safe prospect, i see big things in his future, and darren waller, while not my favorite choice in the 6th, is still 6'6" and is leaps and bounds better than tommy streeter and actually could find himself a nice niche in our offense, buck allen looks rock solid, good scheme fit, does everything, great moves, solid power, just steady as they come.

 

joe has never had this kind of firepower, this could be the most exciting offensive season we have seen since the ravens came into existence. 

 

i think one of our guys has a real shot at contending for OROY, perriman is possibly in the best situation of all the first round wr's besides maybe agholor, but i think him and joe really complement eachother, they will both make the other look better, and there is no better mentor for a raw product like perriman than an aging steve smith who knows his role and is pursuing a ring over anything. 

 

needless to say, i am excited, i dont think i have ever been so excited about a draft class. 

 

EDIT: just wanna point out, i posted a seperate thread and they were posted nearly at the same time and this was merged into this thread. i didnt just post 2 walls of text back to back

Edited May 2, 2015 by JoeyFlex5

[NebraskaRavensFan44]

SUPER BOWL CHAMPS BABY!!!

[JoeyFlex5]

i think the biggest thing we need to realize, is that our secondary is returning healthy(hopefully) and look how far we made it last season with a demolished secondary, a TE and WR who have a combined age equal to my grandfather, and a injury riddled OL, we were one missed tackle, one dropped td pass, one terrible play on the ball by torrey smith away from the AFCCG where we likely would have destroyed the colts. 

 

if we can keep the injuries to the average amount that a team normally deals with, i dont see anybody stopping us. i think we automatically upgrade from torrey with perriman, i think we upgrade from OD(although tight ends do come on slow sometimes) and i think buck allen by midseason is performing better than forsett and can carry a heavier load. another year of continuity with jernigan and williams will be nice, mosley in year 2 is another thing to be excited about, and hopefully elam can finally put it together but i wont get my hopes up. im worried about doom and sizzle falling off, that could hurt us, but overall the outlook is very bright. 

[CalvinSmoke]

We have just become a team without a glaring weakness. Injuries will always play a part but on paper this team looks a heck of a lot more athletic than it was last year. Our rooks will have to mature fast with the start of our season though, the schedule should be rough. 

[BirdWatcher]

 

EDIT: just wanna point out, i posted a seperate thread and they were posted nearly at the same time and this was merged into this thread. i didnt just post 2 walls of text back to back

Just wanna point out that when we merge threads, the software automatically uses the earliest one as the survivor. We don't pick and choose which threads stay and which ones go.

[JoeyFlex5]

Just wanna point out that when we merge threads, the software automatically uses the earliest one as the survivor. We don't pick and choose which threads stay and which ones go.

ok? that wasnt why i was posting that, i posted that because it looked like i was putting up 2 big posts back to back and i wanted to explain why that happened.

[Mad Puppy]

Lets temper expectations a little shall we?

While I'm very happy to have Perriman and Williams in the fold, I think we need Williams to step up more than Perriaman.

All I expect, or even think the Ravens need, from Perriman is to take the top off the defense, 30 catches is reasonable, 50 would be awesome. And of course Pass interference penalties that Torrey would get.

 

I expect there to be a group effort from the receiving corp this year with only SSS being the standout. Then pretty even from there.

 

The Run game will lead the way, And defense will set the tone. 

I actually think the defense will be better this year than last! Hoping beyond hope that the Secondary doesn't have the injury issues. But realistically I know we cannot count on Webb. The DEfensive front is going to be dominant.

Expect a similar record this year as last 9-7 and a wildcard playoff berth.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Mad Puppy

[Gtown Purple]

After a solid draft I expect us to be in playoff contention again this year. We have some space for camp cuts as well so we aren't completely done here.

[IceDevilHH81]

Well, I think we should make the Playoffs! And every step from there is a bonus for me! Maybe we need a season to get the players on one page! But I am confident!

Edited May 3, 2015 by IceDevilHH81

[Ravenslifer]

I expect to be in the playoffs.  Concerning how far we can go in the playoffs, it depends on how well our rookies and injured players come back.  I would assume the expectation is for Breshad to start the season opposite of SSS.  Can he do it - Torrey pulled it off and I think Breshad is further along now than Torrey was in 2011, but you never know.  How will Marlon, Kamar, Camp, Butler, etc. progress in another years' time is another question.  We had 2 known starters last year in Torrey and SSS - now we have one.  The tight ends - Maxx will undoubtedly be expected to start right away - can he do it?  Will Dennis suit up again?  What about Crockett's progression - will he pick up where he left off at the end of last season, become more of a factor in the passing game?  The o-line is pretty much intact from last season, but will they be healthy this year.  Will Forsett replicate what he did last year, and will the backs behind him step up into larger roles?  Can Joe be 2014 Joe and not 2013 Joe?  Piggybacking off of this - Kubiak is an acknowledged offensive guru - everywhere he goes his offense is expected to be great.  Trestman has an NFL pedigree and by all accounts is a smart man, but will he run the 2015 Ravens offense as well as Kubiak ran it in 2014?

 

Same thing on defense - how do we replace McPhee's production?  Will Suggs and Doom be playing at a high level or will age begin to catch up to them?  How will Webby look now 2 full years post injury?  When will Jimmy come back and what will he be like?  Will we sign Will Hill?  Will Elam finally live up to draft expectations, or will someone come along and take his spot from him?  We just shipped out one of the greatest Ravens in history in Ngata - are our young guys ready to completely take over his role?  Will CJ continue his ascent, and will Arthur Brown finally take his place next to CJ as a starting ILB?

 

Bottom line - no question that if all of our players live up to expectations we have one of the best rosters ever under Harbs, maybe rivaling 2011 as the best ever (2012 I actually felt we were very depleted down the stretch, which goes to show you that it's about execution, not overall talent).  Will they play up to expectations - the only way to know is to watch the season unfold.  But right now I feel like we easily have the talent to compete with any team in the league.

Edited May 3, 2015 by Ravenslifer

[ravensdan]

I expect three AFC teams to contend for the title baltimore, New England and pittsburgh. I don't expect manning to Finnish the year and Denver is trying to change their identity. Indianapolis is still soft on both lines. No one else is really a serious contender so it will really come down to who is the healthiest of these three in the playoffs.

[BSHU_Miami]

The fact that Perriman actually ATTEMPTED to adjust those poorly thrown balls by his QB makes it a whole lot easier for me. I couldn't stand torrey not finishing routes and not attempting to catch those passes.

EDIT: Spelling Errors

Edited May 3, 2015 by BSHU_Miami

[JoeyFlex5]

The fact that Perriman, actuallly ATTEMPTED adjusted to those poorly thrown balls by his QB makes it a whole lot easier for me. I couldn't stand torrey not finishing routes and not attemption to catch those passes.

that has always been my knock on torrey and it cost us dearly vs the patriots. it is simply a knock that nobody can have on perriman, that boy is AGGRESSIVE getting to that ball

[BSHU_Miami]

that has always been my knock on torrey and it cost us dearly vs the patriots. it is simply a knock that nobody can have on perriman, that boy is AGGRESSIVE getting to that ball

I was trying to erase that from my memory, but yup thats our last vision of Torrey in a Ravens Uniform. Not Finishing his route and letting the defender catch a pass thrown his way like he was receving a fair catch. That was the final straw, I didn't care if he came back after that.

Edited May 3, 2015 by BSHU_Miami

[JoeyFlex5]

I was trying to erase that from my memory, but yup thats our last vision of Torrey in a Ravens Uniform. Not Finishing his route and letting the defender catch a pass thrown his way like he was receving a fair catch. That was the final straw, I didn't care if he came back after that.

exactly how i felt, ive always liked torrey as a person but he messed up on that play, and it isnt the first time hes done it either. i think i can recall 2 times in his whole career where he was actually aggressive in going for the ball, the pre-halftime leap over champ bailey, and the 3rd td catch of his career when he climbed the ladder against the rams, aside from those 2 he has played every ball passively and allowed for turnovers and stalled drives that should have been touchdowns

[xxhighriser]

I think these next couple seasons will be new to us as fans.  We finally had our offensive draft we've been yearning for in who knows how long.  This was probably the best year for Oz to do it as well.  Young guys that can grow with Flacco as he enters his prime in Perriman and Williams then hopefully Allen and Waller.  Then you add the potential Camp, Aiken and Marlon Brown still have.  I think the days are over where we have to bring in aging wideouts to compete for our number 1 spot and we'll have some solid franchise pieces for years to come.

[ellicottraven]

What I don't understand is why Darren Waller might not be better than DGB? He is taller, faster and bigger than DGB. He played in a GT offense that didn't use him much while DGB was fired and didn't play football for an entire year. So, I am glad we got Darren Waller with far fewer character concerns than DGB in the 6th round. I think this kid when properly coached up will shine for us!

[Cville-Raven]

I think Flacco has a career year with Trestmans offense. I see Perriman starting oopposite SSS on day 1 and leading the receiving core in TDs and yards as Smith will probably have a smaller role this year.

[BmoreBird22]

Lets temper expectations a little shall we?

While I'm very happy to have Perriman and Williams in the fold, I think we need Williams to step up more than Perriaman.

All I expect, or even think the Ravens need, from Perriman is to take the top off the defense, 30 catches is reasonable, 50 would be awesome. And of course Pass interference penalties that Torrey would get.

Bobby Engram has talked about Perriman being the "X", which would mean he's the number one and 30 catches would be a massive disappointment

[BmoreBird22]

I think Flacco has a career year with Trestmans offense. I see Perriman starting oopposite SSS on day 1 and leading the receiving core in TDs and yards as Smith will probably have a smaller role this year.

Harbaugh has said as much

[beasy2487]

I expect to be in the playoffs.  Concerning how far we can go in the playoffs, it depends on how well our rookies and injured players come back.  I would assume the expectation is for Breshad to start the season opposite of SSS.  Can he do it - Torrey pulled it off and I think Breshad is further along now than Torrey was in 2011, but you never know.  How will Marlon, Kamar, Camp, Butler, etc. progress in another years' time is another question.  We had 2 known starters last year in Torrey and SSS - now we have one.  The tight ends - Maxx will undoubtedly be expected to start right away - can he do it?  Will Dennis suit up again?  What about Crockett's progression - will he pick up where he left off at the end of last season, become more of a factor in the passing game?  The o-line is pretty much intact from last season, but will they be healthy this year.  Will Forsett replicate what he did last year, and will the backs behind him step up into larger roles?  Can Joe be 2014 Joe and not 2013 Joe?  Piggybacking off of this - Kubiak is an acknowledged offensive guru - everywhere he goes his offense is expected to be great.  Trestman has an NFL pedigree and by all accounts is a smart man, but will he run the 2015 Ravens offense as well as Kubiak ran it in 2014?

 

Same thing on defense - how do we replace McPhee's production?  Will Suggs and Doom be playing at a high level or will age begin to catch up to them?  How will Webby look now 2 full years post injury?  When will Jimmy come back and what will he be like?  Will we sign Will Hill?  Will Elam finally live up to draft expectations, or will someone come along and take his spot from him?  We just shipped out one of the greatest Ravens in history in Ngata - are our young guys ready to completely take over his role?  Will CJ continue his ascent, and will Arthur Brown finally take his place next to CJ as a starting ILB?

 

Bottom line - no question that if all of our players live up to expectations we have one of the best rosters ever under Harbs, maybe rivaling 2011 as the best ever (2012 I actually felt we were very depleted down the stretch, which goes to show you that it's about execution, not overall talent).  Will they play up to expectations - the only way to know is to watch the season unfold.  But right now I feel like we easily have the talent to compete with any team in the league.

 

Will Scoob and the gang find out who's haunting the old cotton candy factory? Find out next week.

[BmoreBird22]

Will Scoob and the gang find out who's haunting the old cotton candy factory? Find out next week.

Best comment I've ever seen on here. Well done. Well done.

[Adreme]

I think the Ravens have put together a good enough team to make the playoffs and provided they dont have any glaring injury problems like last year can be very dangerous and in the NFL that is all you can really ask for.

 

Honestly the draft picks do not even have to be CJ Mosley levels of great for this team to be good they just need there early picks to not be a burden and there later picks to be works in progress for this team to be dangerous which is the standard for even average drafting teams which over the years the Ravens have established themselves to be quite above that.

[Mad Puppy]

Lets temper expectations a little shall we?

While I'm very happy to have Perriman and Williams in the fold, I think we need Williams to step up more than Perriaman.

All I expect, or even think the Ravens need, from Perriman is to take the top off the defense, 30 catches is reasonable, 50 would be awesome. And of course Pass interference penalties that Torrey would get.

 

I expect there to be a group effort from the receiving corp this year with only SSS being the standout. Then pretty even from there.

 

The Run game will lead the way, And defense will set the tone. 

I actually think the defense will be better this year than last! Hoping beyond hope that the Secondary doesn't have the injury issues. But realistically I know we cannot count on Webb. The DEfensive front is going to be dominant.

Expect a similar record this year as last 9-7 and a wildcard playoff berth.

 

 

Bobby Engram has talked about Perriman being the "X", which would mean he's the number one and 30 catches would be a massive disappointment

If Perriman is the #1 then yes 30 catches is a massive dissappointment.

But being the "X" receiver simply means the guy to go for the deep balls more as I understand it. While the "Z" i smore like Anquan Boldin was for us. Steve Smith or Marlon Brown can fill that role this year I suspect (as could Aiken but I expect a rotation of Aiken/Perriman to start the year).

Torry caught 50 his rookie year, thus since I feel Perriman is better as a rookie than Torrey, I should also expect more.

I'm trying to not expect too much is all. And would like to see use of all the WR's.

So as I might have to increase my expectations...

[BmoreBird22]

If Perriman is the #1 then yes 30 catches is a massive dissappointment.

But being the "X" receiver simply means the guy to go for the deep balls more as I understand it. While the "Z" i smore like Anquan Boldin was for us. Steve Smith or Marlon Brown can fill that role this year I suspect (as could Aiken but I expect a rotation of Aiken/Perriman to start the year).

Torry caught 50 his rookie year, thus since I feel Perriman is better as a rookie than Torrey, I should also expect more.

I'm trying to not expect too much is all. And would like to see use of all the WR's.

So as I might have to increase my expectations...

I don't think it's really an indication of the routes he'd run, and I'd actually expect the Z to run more deep routes. The designations just determine how they line up. The X splits out wide on the opposite side of the tight end and has to line up on the LOS, no motions. That means he's going to see a lot of press coverage and he will see the best cornerback because of the lack of free releases. Basically, he's your number one.

[GrimCoconut]

What are my expectations after the draft? Super Bowl, baby!

[Static]

I expect Perriman to perform better than Torrey did last year.

 

Torrey only had 700 yards and about 10 interceptions.

[Bmore#410]

Im going to say plus but I wished we moved up and snagged Quentin Rollins in the 3rd because we could of got a DT in later rounds. Other then that maybe instead of TE Nick Boyle maybe a DB just for depth. But I was looking at our roster and we have big physical fast corners Asa, Melvin, Greenwood, Walker. All of these corners are 6ft and above accept Asa but he is a good nickel DB. Our offense should be humming as long as we can get on the same page early. WE have had 4 OCs in 4 years. That shows that our offense can adapt quickly. If we can dominate running the football with our 3 good RBs. Let the defense do its thing play fast physical and create more TOs. I am interested in the Mcphee 2.0 OLB he is bigger and faster and did a lot of the dirty work so Dupree can get to the qb. I cant wait for the season to start in denver and show the AFC what WE are about. Ohh I predict Breshard has a huge game and Maxx williams scored at least 1 td

Edited May 5, 2015 by Bmore#410

[3-4ravdef509]

It's really to soon to tell. As we found out last year, injuries play a huge role into determining the season's outcome. One can argue we were one good corner away from making the AFC Championship game, and from there you can make all the speculations you want. 

 

On paper, I still think the early season is going to be rough, so many road and primetime games, and with a lot of new pieces. If we can run the ball as effectively as last year, we should make it through the first 8 weeks hovering around .500. From there, it's even more speculation, because we don't know how tough some of the opponents we're facing are really going to be. We could run the final 8 games and finish somewhere around 10-6, or finish the whole season at 8-8 and I wouldn't bat an eye. It's a tough schedule. I honestly don't see this as a breakout year. 2016, with another good draft and with some time for the offense to gel (new pieces, new coordinator, etc), we should be in position for another 3-5 year run with consistent shots at being a dominant force.

 

Last year the team got a little lucky and hot towards the end. We were really playing with house money the whole season, not just the playoffs. 2008-2012 was a stretch where we were arguable one of the NFL's top 5 teams year in and year out (09 being a somewhat down year.) 2013 was truly a rebuilding year, and 8-8 for a rebuilding year is impressive. Last year and this year I would call intermediate years where we aren't fully rebuilding but we're not truly in prime position. I believe 2016-2020 will be years that will be reminiscent on 2008-2012, where the team has been built and contracts structured where you have a great core of guys all in their primes hungry for a championship who can work together for multiple years towards a Superbowl (or multiple). 2008-2012 we had Flacco, Rice, Boldin, Torrey (only for 2011-2012 but played key role), Webb, Lewis, Reed, Suggs, Ngata, Heap/Pitta, and Yanda - all either young and rising talent or veteran leadership in all key areas of the team.

 

That's not saying that we couldn't have won/can't win the Superbowl 2013, last year and this year. We just aren't quite there IMO where I would be confident in our chances. To me, right now most of the pieces are there except at Safety, and while on paper it looks good, at receiver and tight end we're still unproven. We could stand to have a little more depth in the secondary overall. 

 

Don't get me wrong, I'm fired up to watch this team next year, they'll be competitive as heck, but as for the final result, not betting on it YET.

Edited May 5, 2015 by 3-4ravdef509