Ravens OTAs and minicamp discussion

[DomMcRaven]

I found it comical that it's news that Harbs is practicing for illegal formations now. LOL!

[jazz1988]

 When the season starts , Canty might be disappointed at where he is on the depth chart.

 

It's possible that he may not be a starter but when you look at his salary it seems like he's going to be a starter for sure. Canty still a sold run defender  and I think The Ravens like to have a veteran with experience starting along the young guys.

 

I expect Canty to be the starter during the season opener and maybe as time goes by and the young guys continue to impress then  he may lose his starting spot.

Edited June 22, 2015 by jazz1988

[BmoreBird22]

It's possible that he may not be a starter but when you look at his salary it seems like he's going to be a start for sure. Canty still a sold run defender  and I think The Ravens like to have veteran with experience starting along the young guys.

He's also not a terrible pass rusher. He's got a really solid overall skillset and who'd really push him?

[ravensnick]

He's also not a terrible pass rusher. He's got a really solid overall skillset and who'd really push him?

I could see Urban pushing for snaps, but I think Canty has the starter's job locked down. 

[BmoreBird22]

I could see Urban pushing for snaps, but I think Canty has the starter's job locked down.

Without a doubt I see Urban as the primary rotational piece at DE, but stealing the starting job is a stretch

[ravensnick]

Without a doubt I see Urban as the primary rotational piece at DE, but stealing the starting job is a stretch

I agree. But I think DE could be primarily rotational, but with Canty as the top guy and the "starter" of the bunch.

Edited June 22, 2015 by ravensnick

[berad]

The Patriots released Fred Davis. He's worth considering, given the limited experience we've currently got at TE. Maxx Williams appears to be a great step toward improving our TEs but he is untested at this point, as is Boyle.We've strengthened the most glaring weakness from last year already (secondary) with the additions of Arrington and Lewis. It would be great to see the FO hook up Flacco with some experienced targets.

 

Eh, he's had some serious issues - legal and otherwise.

[robbie29]

Eh, he's had some serious issues - legal and otherwise.

Yeah- I didn't realize that when I posted. He's got a domestic violence charge and a DWI, so forget it.

[January J]

I think the last thing we need right now is another wide receiver or tight end. I know there's a few that disagree, I just don't get it. I know we are very young at these positions, but that's a very good thing when they are that talented- and it's better to get them that experience early on. That means that next year they will be that much more developed and we will be set. And that's not saying they won't be highly productive THIS year. Joes gonna make these guys famous.

[Ravensfan23]

Without a doubt I see Urban as the primary rotational piece at DE, but stealing the starting job is a stretch

 

Don't forget Lewis Moore and Lawrence Guy. I can't say for sure what Ozzie and company were thinking with the move, but it appears to me that Canty was initially cut because the Ravens had enough faith and confidence in the young DL to fill his void. However, once Ngata was traded Ozzie and Harbs wanted some veteran leadership in that DL room, especially for training camp. I think Canty still adds value, but i'm not sure if a couple of these young guys really step up, Canty will be able to do enough to stick around come final cuts. 

 

 

He's also not a terrible pass rusher. He's got a really solid overall skillset and who'd really push him?

 

Lawrence Guy came on really strong at the end of the season for this defense. He actually started in the place of Canty vs the Browns the last game of the season and had 6 tackles. Not saying he's in line to start over Canty, but I think he and a couple of other young guys could definitely replace Canty's production, but that veteran experience is what separates Canty. Knowing that Canty is basically in his final year of his career, I wonder if Harbs and Ozzie would allow a Canty to block a young promising talent, just for what appears to be one year. 

[izvoodoo]

Lawrence Guy came on really strong at the end of the season for this defense. He actually started in the place of Canty vs the Browns the last game of the season and had 6 tackles. Not saying he's in line to start over Canty, but I think he and a couple of other young guys could definitely replace Canty's production, but that veteran experience is what separates Canty. Knowing that Canty is basically in his final year of his career, I wonder if Harbs and Ozzie would allow a Canty to block a young promising talent, just for what appears to be one year. 

People forget about Lawrence Guy. He was actually a solid little piece for us.  

[Ravensfan23]

People forget about Lawrence Guy. He was actually a solid little piece for us.  

 

Yea he was a pleasant surprise last year. Seems like I just looked up one day and he was in the game making plays. 

[Static]

Couldn't NOT notice Lawerence Guy towards the end of last year

[beasy2487]

Couldn't NOT notice Lawerence Guy towards the end of last year

 

i couldn't disagree less

[ellicottraven]

I still remember when the fans wanted to decapitate Castillo.

Sure because it wasn't very long ago at all.

[BmoreBird22]

Don't forget Lewis Moore and Lawrence Guy. I can't say for sure what Ozzie and company were thinking with the move, but it appears to me that Canty was initially cut because the Ravens had enough faith and confidence in the young DL to fill his void. However, once Ngata was traded Ozzie and Harbs wanted some veteran leadership in that DL room, especially for training camp. I think Canty still adds value, but i'm not sure if a couple of these young guys really step up, Canty will be able to do enough to stick around come final cuts. 

You know, I totally forgot about Lawrence Guy until way after I posted what I did. I actually really like Guy and was really excited to get him back on the Ravens because he's a very strong run defender. I don't think he's a great pass rusher, but certainly an early down defender.

 

I think Canty will stick around simply because he's not costing that much and the Ravens would save practically nothing by cutting him. Plus, honestly, he's probably still better than the defensive ends not named Jernigan if he can simply stay healthy. I don't see KLM as doing much just because he wasn't all that explosive to begin with and then he tore his achilles again and there goes even more explosiveness. He strikes me as more of a run defender, anyway. Canty brings the pass rushing dimension, even if he isn't a major sack guy.

[rmw10]

I don't see Canty going anywhere for the simple fact that he's the only veteran presence on the DL.  There's some serious value to be had in that, especially as a guy that we know can start or come in as a rotational guy if a young guy or two steps up.  If Canty is cut, we're looking at DeAngelo Tyson being our most tenured Raven at 3 years of experience.  Lawrence Guy would become the most tenured DL overall with 5 years of experience.

[jazz1988]

He's also not a terrible pass rusher. He's got a really solid overall skillset and who'd really push him?

 

Well there is Urban, Davis, KLM, and guy. Canty still a solid defensive end but he also has trouble staying healthy and if the young guys continue to impress throughout the regular season it's indeed possible that Canty could lose his starting spot especially if he miss some games again.

[ellicottraven]

Well there is Urban, Davis, KLM, and guy. Canty still a solid defensive end but he also has trouble staying healthy and if the young guys continue to impress throughout the regular season it's indeed possible that Canty could lose his starting spot especially if he miss some games again.

Don't forget Bilukidi and Tyson. That makes for 9 D tackles. Wonder how many of these actually make the 53 man roster?

 

Let's see: Williams, Jernigan, Canty, KLM, Urban, Davis, Tyson, Bilukidi and Lawrence Guy. That is soem depth! Where does Means fit into all this? Is he branded an OLB?

Edited June 24, 2015 by ellicottraven

[757RavensFan]

Don't forget Bilukidi and Tyson. That makes for 9 D tackles. Wonder how many of these actually make the 53 man roster?

 

Let's see: Williams, Jernigan, Canty, KLM, Urban, Davis, Tyson, Bilukidi and Lawrence Guy. That is soem depth! Where does Means fit into all this? Is he branded an OLB?

 

Yes, he's an OLB.

[Ravensfan23]

I don't see Canty going anywhere for the simple fact that he's the only veteran presence on the DL.  There's some serious value to be had in that, especially as a guy that we know can start or come in as a rotational guy if a young guy or two steps up.  If Canty is cut, we're looking at DeAngelo Tyson being our most tenured Raven at 3 years of experience.  Lawrence Guy would become the most tenured DL overall with 5 years of experience.

 

I definitely think that's the reason he was brought back once Ngata got traded. Although I don't think he'll be cut, I would not be at all surprised. The Ravens have some serious young talent on the dline and if these unknowns play as well as expected, I can easily see the Ravens going with a young guy over Canty. 

 

I can see Davis, Urban and Guy making the team as long as they have good camps. That would seemingly leave KLM as the young guy who'd have to push Canty off the roster. So then the question becomes, if all those guys play well, who are you cutting? The good thing is, while talented, these young guys aren't proven, so hopefully you'd be able to stash them on PS, even though that's exactly how Guy made it to the Ravens so it'd definitely be risky.

 

Looking at DL as a whole there will be a ton of tough decisions to make. What do you think about Casey Walker as the backup NT? 

[rmw10]

I definitely think that's the reason he was brought back once Ngata got traded. Although I don't think he'll be cut, I would not be at all surprised. The Ravens have some serious young talent on the dline and if these unknowns play as well as expected, I can easily see the Ravens going with a young guy over Canty. 

 

I can see Davis, Urban and Guy making the team as long as they have good camps. That would seemingly leave KLM as the young guy who'd have to push Canty off the roster. So then the question becomes, if all those guys play well, who are you cutting? The good thing is, while talented, these young guys aren't proven, so hopefully you'd be able to stash them on PS, even though that's exactly how Guy made it to the Ravens so it'd definitely be risky.

 

Looking at DL as a whole there will be a ton of tough decisions to make. What do you think about Casey Walker as the backup NT? 

 

Oh yeah for sure.  I don't think Canty is necessarily a lock, but I choose to think he's going nowhere because of that experience and locker room presence.  There's a lot of value to be had there with such a young group.

 

As for Walker, I can honestly say I don't really know.  He only played 1 game with us, but seemingly does have the NT body type.  The next closest thing to a backup NT in terms of pure size on this team is Carl Davis, and I like him better at DT.  That might bode well for Walker, but I think he's probably out if I had to take a guess.

[Ravensfan23]

Oh yeah for sure.  I don't think Canty is necessarily a lock, but I choose to think he's going nowhere because of that experience and locker room presence.  There's a lot of value to be had there with such a young group.

 

As for Walker, I can honestly say I don't really know.  He only played 1 game with us, but seemingly does have the NT body type.  The next closest thing to a backup NT in terms of pure size on this team is Carl Davis, and I like him better at DT.  That might bode well for Walker, but I think he's probably out if I had to take a guess.

 

He didn't do much for the Ravens last season but he opened plenty of eyes in Boston, even getting praise from Rex Ryan leading up to a Jets vs Pats game. From what I read, the Pats really liked him and the only reason he was sent back to their PS was because their starters came back from injury. As soon as they placed him on PS, Ozzie jumped at him and kept him on the active roster throughout the playoff to keep him from other teams. I definitely think there is a place for him on this team. 

[rmw10]

He didn't do much for the Ravens last season but he opened plenty of eyes in Boston, even getting praise from Rex Ryan leading up to a Jets vs Pats game. From what I read, the Pats really liked him and the only reason he was sent back to their PS was because their starters came back from injury. As soon as they placed him on PS, Ozzie jumped at him and kept him on the active roster throughout the playoff to keep him from other teams. I definitely think there is a place for him on this team.

DL might be the toughest and deepest position in regards to roster battles. I think every single player from top to bottom on the depth chart has a legit shot to make the team.

[Ravensfan23]

DL might be the toughest and deepest position in regards to roster battles. I think every single player from top to bottom on the depth chart has a legit shot to make the team.

 

yea definitely. I don't know how many the Ravens will look to keep. But going into TC, I see things this way. 

 

DT

Timmy

Tyson

Davis

Bilukidi

 

NT

Williams

Walker

 

DE

Canty

Urban

Guy

KLM

 

I think we can look at several areas of this team and it'll be tough to narrow down who stays and who goes. 

[Cillmatic]

yea definitely. I don't know how many the Ravens will look to keep. But going into TC, I see things this way. 

 

DT

Timmy

Tyson

Davis

Bilukidi

 

NT

Williams

Walker

 

DE

Canty

Urban

Guy

KLM

 

I think we can look at several areas of this team and it'll be tough to narrow down who stays and who goes. 

Just realized some of our Our Backups' BACKUPS could start on most teams. That goes for the tight end position too.

Edited June 25, 2015 by Cillmatic

[jdynamite]

I hope when training camp starts they put out more articles focusing on the D-Lineman.

I really want to know how they look versus the oline. Updates on KLM, Urban, D.Tyson, C.Davis, Jernigan, even B.Williams. Toss in updates for rookie pass rusher Z.Smith. No shortage of stories there.

[Ravensfan23]

Just realized some of our Our Backups' BACKUPS could start on most teams. That goes for the tight end position too.

 

they could but i don't know how good they'd be. I don't think people fully appreciate or understand, just how good of a coach John Harbuagh is. Does he have his flaws, yes what coach doesn't. But the 3 areas I don't think Harbs gets nearly enough credit for are

 

1. His leadership and the way he includes his players into decisions.

2. The way he delegates responsibility to coaches and almost runs a Head Coach training program.

3. The way he develops his players. 

 

The way Harbs develops young players is just special imo. We credit Ozzie and his crew for finding the players all the time, but not many credit Harbs and his coaches for the development of those players. The reason why young guys can come off the PS of the Ravens or any other team and quickly contribute is the way that Harbs runs his practices. The Ravens have 3 practice fields at the Castle and Harbs makes sure all of them are being used at the same time. This gets young players maximum reps at practice. The more reps they get the more chances they get to eliminate mistakes and get to the level where they can contribute.

 

Also Harbs isn't afraid to allow young guys to take first team reps, so he encourages his OC and DC to give those young guys the opportunity. With most teams, a guy like Zach Orr would have never seen first team reps, even with both Buck and CJ being out of practice at times this offseason. Most teams probably would have had McCellean and Brown running with the ones for the sake of familiarity. However giving that young kid the opportunity to run with the first unit builds his confidence and allow him to really play fast and free in most cases. 

 

I think it shows up a little more clearer with the WRs. If Jeremy Butler and Kamar Aiken only caught passes from tyrod and Weining last year, chances are the coaches would have never really seen what those guys could do. But because they got a lot of chances to run with the first team and catch passes from Flacco, they got to showcase their talent against the best the team had to offer. 

[Ravensfan23]

I hope when training camp starts they put out more articles focusing on the D-Lineman.

I really want to know how they look versus the oline. Updates on KLM, Urban, D.Tyson, C.Davis, Jernigan, even B.Williams. Toss in updates for rookie pass rusher Z.Smith. No shortage of stories there.

 

I'm always interesting in hearing about the guys who we don't expect to hear much about. Guys who flash and open eyes. A guy like Zach Thompson who is a physical edge setter who also brings some pass rush abilities. At 6'5 265lbs he'll be a OLB for the Ravens and I wonder with a guy like Upshaw entering his final year, if this kid could show potential to possibly help replace Upshaw if necessary. 

 

Beyer Brennen is also a guy who won't get much attention during TC and preseason but he's another interesting young guy at DE/OLB. He's not as athletic as Means and Smith, but he's an athletic, high motor, try hard guy. Again he may be a young guy who could surprise and make the team out of camp or at the very less the PS. 

 

I already spoke about Casey Walker on the DL. I think there is definitely a place for him on team as a NT/DT. The Ravens never really got what they wanted from Cody, but I think Walker could form a really nice duo with BWill rotating on that dline. But just like with the other young bubble players, he could be pushed off the roster because of the numbers game.