[News] Late For Work 5/25: WR Competition Will Be Tight As OTAs Begin

[Maryland]

I'm wondering if Pitta being healthy would limit us to 5 WRs. I'm fully expecting a surprise cut in training camp, maybe Aiken or Brown.

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

People seem to forget that receiver position struggled with injuries. It was over shadowed by the fact that the oline was injured  and the running game sucked.

 

Thompson went down in the preseason and never really became part of the offense.  Jones got injured against Denver and missed like 6 weeks.( This could have been a big year for him, if not for the injury) Stokely was brought in to help out and he only played 4 games.  Mallette got injured, went on IR,  and never recovered.  And even Brown would struggle with injuries from week to week.  Add in the fact that Pitta missed all the season and Rice was much of a receiving threat it could have been worse. Smith and Doss were the only ones that were able to remain healthy.

I can give you part of that point. My point was NO ONE not one of the WR took advantage of the situation and earned his spot as a starter. They all talked big but not one delivered no one even seperated themselves from the others that season. We both know that in the NFL when you get your chance you take it and run. Not one of those WR are on this team now except maybe Brown. Was Brown part of the team that year?. This year I want to see the hunger from such a young group of guys they look tallented enough but we will see. As far as injuries that happens did you see the DB's last season? did we have the best guys? No but they all played with heart and now this year a lot of them are returning and have big game time experience so I am willing to bet they are better players than they were last year. I think it will be fun to watch the WR's we have on the team fight for position this off-season.

Edited May 26, 2015 by ALSKAN RAVEN FAN

[harfordravenfan]

Great, must read article on Jets SB Nation website about the Ravens. http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/5/24/8618643/anatomy-of-a-winner-baltimore-ravens

Thanks you, was a good read

[CQ1]

No Thanks to the 'new look' uniform.

[MKM3917]

@hen826957 - In Ngata's case, trading him did free cap space because he was in the final year of his contract. Trading Monroe would not free up any cap room, it would actually eat up additional cap in 2015. Monroe's cap hit for 2015 is $7.7M ($5.5M salary and $2.2M bonus). If he is traded his new team is only required to pay his salary, which would save the Ravens $5.5M. But his bonus, plus the remainder of his prorated bonus, are the Ravens responsibility in the current season, so they would have an additional $6.6M (3 years at $2.2M remaining after 2015). So they would be picking up an extra $1.1M this year.

[J.O.14]

Nice to see fans of another team admit that we don't suck.

Fans from other teams know we don't suck. Jealousy at it finest. People are tired of watching our organization be successful while their team sucks. Other successful organizations usually admit that we are successful amd hate playing us.

[hen826957]

@MKM3917 Ok thanks for the info however I wander if we can wait next year to trade not now but I believe we will have cap room to sign K.O. and Yanda with a little help from Joe but Ozzie is not going to overpay. Trading Monroe would hurt the Ravens with 6.6M in dead money though. I wish we use that money for Monroe to give to those two guards and have and good younger James Hurst as Lt. If they can pay both Yanda and K.O. then Monroe can stay as well he's a good Lt but not important then K.O. and Yanda you get what I'm saying.

[hen826957]

@CQ1 I like that uniform a lot it's different.

[ellicottraven]

Great, must read article on Jets SB Nation website about the Ravens. http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/5/24/8618643/anatomy-of-a-winner-baltimore-ravens

Awesome article and makes you swell with pride at our organization's awesomeness!!

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

Great, must read article on Jets SB Nation website about the Ravens. http://www.ganggreennation.com/2015/5/24/8618643/anatomy-of-a-winner-baltimore-ravens

Thank you for sharing.... Great article for sure and very truthful. If you have not read this read it you will like it.

[Postapocalypse Raven]

#Bills Tyrod Taylor on playing in Baltimore: "Was frustrating sitting and watching, but I learned so much from Flacco. So much experience."

 

If Tyrod thought it was frustrating here in Baltimore just wait until he has to sit and watch EJ Manuel and the rest of the Bills lose every week.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Postapocalypse Raven

[Fastynart]

#Bills Tyrod Taylor on playing in Baltimore: "Was frustrating sitting and watching, but I learned so much from Flacco. So much experience."

 

If Tyrod thought it was frustrating here in Baltimore just wait until he has to sit and watch EJ Manuel and the rest of the Bills lose every week.

While not all of his lack of development was his fault (Harbaugh wouldn't play him in games that were decided), he showed nothing all the years the Ravens carried him. Actually, he got worse instead of better. They should have cut him two years ago.

[Fastynart]

As much as I love Pitta, he should retire. Turning this into another never ending Brian Roberts injury watch is distracting and gets tiresome. He needs to get his priorities straight. Being able to walk is much more important than football. No one touched him when he went down last year. How can the team think that he will be ok now?

[hen826957]

@Fastynart because we believe that Pitta can still play.

[mkam1904]

I think Campanaro might be the odd man out due to injuries. Marlon Steve and Breshad will get the bulk of the snaps. Kamar was pretty good last year and could push Marlon for snaps. The problem is we are using Marlon wrong. He should be used in the redzone more because of his size. We should use Steve in the slot on 3 wide sets and let him terrorize the middle of the field with his run after the catch ability. Keep Breshad on the outside as the deep threat until he develops as a complete route runner.

[stixfix69]

Marlon is more than a redzone threat, with his size he is a chain mover especially in those 3rd and 5 situations where he can really use his size...

[757RavensFan]

I'm wondering if Pitta being healthy would limit us to 5 WRs. I'm fully expecting a surprise cut in training camp, maybe Aiken or Brown.

 

I don't see that happening at all.  Even if we keep 4 TEs, we're going to keep 6 WRs; S3, Perriman, Aiken, Brown, Camp and Waller.

[BmoreB]

What makes you say that?

Pitta went down, had surgery, went down again with no contact and had another surgery. A third injury and surgery may cause enough damage that the once great athlete wouldnt even be able to run around with his kids. He has enough guaranteed money in his contract this year that cutting him wouldn't make sence except for a roster spot. I believe he is only at OTA's to keep his contract valid.

Like most fans I love watching Pitta play so I am for it if he does but what reasoning makes you think he will?

He has no legal obligation to be at OTA's. He's there because he wants to play this year. This is what he does and I believe he has a strong desire to play and play soon. His injury is a freak injury and yes it happened twice but the likelihood of this same injury occurring again is quite slim.

[cec327]

Great, must read article on Jets SB Nation website about the Ravens. http://www.ganggreen...altimore-ravens

Really enjoyed the article. Thanks.

[757RavensFan]

What makes you say that?

Pitta went down, had surgery, went down again with no contact and had another surgery. A third injury and surgery may cause enough damage that the once great athlete wouldnt even be able to run around with his kids. He has enough guaranteed money in his contract this year that cutting him wouldn't make sence except for a roster spot. I believe he is only at OTA's to keep his contract valid.

Like most fans I love watching Pitta play so I am for it if he does but what reasoning makes you think he will?

 

NO!  OTA's are not mandatory.  Many vets choose to skip them.  Knowing that he needs to get in the mix I understand and respect why Pitta is participating at OTAs.

 

OAN:  If I'm not mistaken, Pitta gets paid whether he; plays, gets cut, or retires.

[cec327]

I have not read very much about Pitta's condition. It seems unlikely , to me, that he will return. He is one of my favorite players but to re-injure his hip and the possible future health consequences which would occur as a result is a great concern.

[cec327]

I would think that a freak injury would happen once not twice. Sometimes we need to admit that what we want to do is predicated on the concept of what we can do.

[757RavensFan]

I have not read very much about Pitta's condition. It seems unlikely , to me, that he will return. He is one of my favorite players but to re-injure his hip and the possible future health consequences which would occur as a result is a great concern.

 

It was reported awhile ago that Pitta made a full recovery and cleared to practice.  He will be an active participant during this week's OTAs.  Here's an update from 2 weeks ago.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Dennis-Pitta-Optimistic-About-Playing-This-Year/55b7f6b6-0db0-4e14-8181-79ad4099c19b

 

[RavenManiac#7]

I see the wr competition for roster spots as one of the more interesting things to watch leading up to the final cuts getting us to our 53 man roster. A spot or two on the PS will be helpful, but not in every case. Some guys will either not be eligible, like a Kamar Aiken, and some, I think, would not make it because they wouldn't clear waivers, like a Campanaro or a Waller. If it is, indeed, 6 spots we're talking about I agree with this writer's guess as to who would claim them. This, of course, is barring any injuries to those particular 6 guys. That could be a significant issue with Campanaro. I think he has to avoid an injury and prove that he is tough enough to play at this level. His skill level as a potential slot receiver, I think, is not in question. I really believe he can be a very good one. His ability to stay healthy, in my opinion, is the only thing he has to prove. I do believe that we will utilize the IR on someone, maybe even two, if necessary. There always seems to be a "freak" injury that occurs in the process of finalizing that final 53. Hey, you do what you have to do. Our red zone offense was not good last year, but I think it has the potential to be much more effective with 6' 5" Marlon, 6' 6" Waller, Maxx Williams, and Pitta, if he can play. I'm still not sold on his ability to return and because he's always been one of my favorite Ravens, I will be holding my breath any time he would be on the field. I'd hate to see him jeopardize his future with yet another injury to that hip. Now, as far as Yanda is concerned, I kind of have my doubts that we will be able to extend him. I have a feeling we might be seeing a replay of Ben Grubbs. I sure hope not, but the longer we go without him signing an extension the more I think that's what we're going to see happen.

[cec327]

Thank you for the link. Appreciate it.

[RavenManiac#7]

I think Campanaro might be the odd man out due to injuries. Marlon Steve and Breshad will get the bulk of the snaps. Kamar was pretty good last year and could push Marlon for snaps. The problem is we are using Marlon wrong. He should be used in the redzone more because of his size. We should use Steve in the slot on 3 wide sets and let him terrorize the middle of the field with his run after the catch ability. Keep Breshad on the outside as the deep threat until he develops as a complete route runner.

You could be right about Camp, but I sure hope not. There's no question that he has to prove that he is not going to be injury prone, but at this point, after only one season I think he should, and will, definitely get the opportunity to prove himself. I don't think there's any question about his ability. He has a lot of it and a lot of things going for him. His toughness really Is the only question with him. I'm really rooting for him because he showed me a lot when he Was able to be on the field. If, and right now I realize it's a big if, he can stay healthy I truly believe he will be a Great slot receiver in this league. I'm really hoping that he just had the bad luck of having an injury in his very first year. I would really hate to see us give up on him too soon and wind up in a similar situation as the Dolphins when they cut Wes Welker only to see him go on to have a Great career elsewhere. Give him a chance and lets hope he pans out right here as a Raven. That's my hope.

[mkam1904]

I just can't see Dennis Pitta out there during voluntary workouts and OTA's if he had any doubts he would be able to come back besides the fact that he probably had to be medically cleared by the medical staff. I think he will play this year and work well with Maxx. This offense could be unstoppable.

[runcontrol]

I can give you part of that point. My point was NO ONE not one of the WR took advantage of the situation and earned his spot as a starter. They all talked big but not one delivered no one even seperated themselves from the others that season. We both know that in the NFL when you get your chance you take it and run. Not one of those WR are on this team now except maybe Brown. Was Brown part of the team that year?. This year I want to see the hunger from such a young group of guys they look tallented enough but we will see. As far as injuries that happens did you see the DB's last season? did we have the best guys? No but they all played with heart and now this year a lot of them are returning and have big game time experience so I am willing to bet they are better players than they were last year. I think it will be fun to watch the WR's we have on the team fight for position this off-season.

 

Yeah, after Boldin was traded away Thompson, Williams, Streeter and Doss were supposed to help fill the gap.  Williams, Streeter and Doss didn't even make the 53 man roster, but Doss was brought back to help out on special teams when Jones went down.   And like I said earlier, Thompson got hurt, but I doubt he would have been any help considering he never played another snap in the NFL after 2012. 

 

Even with those guys underachieving Smith, Pitta, Jones, Rice, and Brown, in that order, should have been Flacco's top 5 targets.  Anybody else would have played limited snaps.  

[purpledown]

the dreaded "highest bidder" for Yanda, so the Ravens will be looking for a guard next season.

[RavenManiac#7]

That's the thing Campanaro will always be out due to injury he has always been that way throughout college and now the pros, he is injury prone. He is not effective if he is always injured I want the guy who will be on the field week in week out. Based off what I have seen from Carter in college I do believe he is just as good as Campanaro but without the history of injuries.

You could be spot on about Campanaro. I readily admit that I did not follow him at all during his college playing days. If he was, in fact, injured as many times as you're saying that's definitely not in his favor. I have to wonder, though, if he was injured as often as you're claiming why in the heck would Ozzie have thought that he was worth trading a draft pick away in order to get back into the draft to take him? We all know how much Ozzie values his draft picks. All I Do know is that what little we were able to see from him when he Was able to be on the field was quite impressive. I have been hoping, Big time hoping, that his hamstring problem last year was not a harbinger of things to come. Hamstring injuries are one of the kind that can take a lot of time to fully recover from and during the recovering process seems to put the player in a vulnerable position as far as reinjuring it is concerned. With an entire off-season now behind him, I think his injury from last season is now a non-factor. I, just like you, want players who are Not injury prone and I really hope that Camp can prove himself to be someone who just had the misfortune of suffering that"hammy" in his very first season. Again, I'm hoping that it was just a freak example of bad luck rather than an indicator that he is, in fact, an injury prone player. Of course, his size could be a mixed blessing. There are a number of very good receivers in the NFL of similar size that have thrived, been very successful, and have been able to avoid the "injury bug." But, of course, the opposite can be said of some other smaller statured receivers. Only time will tell what the future has in store for Camp. His ability, I think, is impressive enough to give him every opportunity to prove that he can, indeed, put together a highly effective career as a slot receiver. As far as ability is concerned, I think he really has a Lot going for him. My hope remains that he will turn out to be our slot receiver for years to come. Only time will tell but ,as of now, I am solidly in his corner and am wishing him both great luck in the injury situation and great luck in regards to success on the playing field. I mean, who wouldn't want a "Wes Welker type" receiver on their team? Good luck, Camp. Be tough, young man.