Areas of weakness with current roster.

[rmcjacket23]

Why be a fan if not optimistic?

Preferably, you could be both. The problem isn't the lacking in optimism part obviously. The problem is the lacking in the realism department.

[cobrajet]

I don't want to carry three QB's on the roster, 53 is not enough for all the guys I want to keep as it is. If Schaub has lost it and he can't get it together at camp, we may have to look at other options at backup. If one of the young guys are playing better, Harbs may have to make a tough choice. I hope Schaub can get it together though, because he at least has a lot of game experience and that is one thing you can't give a rookie backup QB.

[rmcjacket23]

I don't want to carry three QB's on the roster, 53 is not enough for all the guys I want to keep as it is. If Schaub has lost it and he can't get it together at camp, we may have to look at other options at backup. If one of the young guys are playing better, Harbs may have to make a tough choice. I hope Schaub can get it together though, because he at least has a lot of game experience and that is one thing you can't give a rookie backup QB.

Doubt we do. Rookie who wins the battle for #3 almost certainly goes to the PS. I think there's no chance we carry 3 with Joe having never missed a game and Schaub as a respectable backup.

[cobrajet]

Because we have no idea if Kendrick Lewis will be good or not, the last we saw of Elam he was horrendous, and Brooks likely starts the year on PUP and may never even play a snap this season.

When we picked up Kendrick Lewis, the first thing that popped into my head is "Darian Stewart 2.0" I don't know why, Kendrick is an inch taller, 20 lbs. lighter, and over his career he has been more durable. Stewart never really impressed me all that much and I was surprised how excited the Broncos fan base was when they signed him. Hopefully, Lewis is an upgrade.

[Static]

Ya'll are underrating Kendrick Lewis a lot.

[757RavensFan]

Ya'll are underrating Kendrick Lewis a lot.

 

I'm definitely not.  Personally, I think he's the missing link to our secondary.  If he plays like he's capable, he'll bring consistency to the secodnary by staying at FS and allowing Hill to prowl around the line of scrimmage.

[berad]

Ya'll are underrating Kendrick Lewis a lot.

 

He looks like he's had a ton of starting experience and been very solid - I'm excited to see him play.

[rmcjacket23]

Ya'll are underrating Kendrick Lewis a lot.

We've heard this statement before also in regards to other players.

 

Like I said, I'm reserving judgment until its actual time to play.

[January J]

we all have to find validation somewhere.

re: Gilmore

I'm excited for what he's going to show us. I think Gilmore has an edge to him and is much less of an oaf than Gronk is. To me, Gronk lacks leadership qualities and benefits greatly from the rigor around him. I think Gilmore is much more focused and though he isn't as physically gifted, he has the mental tools to cause serious problems for opponents with his size and strength.

He was wearing linebackers out last year as a rookie. 20 more pounds of muscle? Are you serious? I expect some pancakes and hurt feelings in the future lol.

couldnt have said it better myself.

[Tank 92]

 Heaven forbid a fan be optimistic about his team's chances! Well said, but I wouldn't bother.

You usually find the "realists" are only protecting themselves from being disappointed. For me, true fans are the ones that hold out hope, even against the odds. That type of fan is the one that is truly rewarded when their team finds success.

[redrum52]

make no mistake..next year our first pick will be an OLB. Unless Darius smith shows something beyond what we would expect of him i have no doubt.

Wouldn't have surprised me if we went OLB this year. Would love to see ozzie trade up for a player he really covets.

[Tank 92]

Not necessarily "truly dissappointed" when the team doesn't find success. Optimism generally breeds a positive outlook even when things go awry. Optimistic people are usually better equipped to handle curve balls,anomalies and disappointment.

But I digress.........lol

[gabefergy]

every pick is a pick of need in some sort be it to upgrade a starting position or to add valuable depth. People try to paint the "position of need" thing as black or white but it's not. The Ravens draft board is compiled of prospects that fit certain areas of need on this team. Which is why the Ravens draft board rarely adds up to the fans opinion of who should be drafted.

So yes, while you're right in that our 1st round picks have all come at positions of need. You also have to understand what is meant by a "need pick". A need pick is described by a team disregarding a opportunity to upgrade their team in other areas just to address that "need position". When the Ravens say "best player available" it comes from a list of players that fit their "team needs" and identity. So basically, lets say both Perriman and Peters were available at #26 and the Ravens had both on their board. Picking for need would be the Ravens having a lower grade on Perriman then Peters, but deciding to pick Perriman just because they want to replace the speed of Torrey.

It's really funny that we even talk about it because none of us know what Ozzie's thoughts are in terms of building this team. It's just fun to play GM i guess.

CJ Mosley is probably the one pick that argues the Ravens will just go BPA, but I completely agree with your premise. Team needs are strongly factored into creating the board.

[Ravensfan23]

CJ Mosley is probably the one pick that argues the Ravens will just go BPA, but I completely agree with your premise. Team needs are strongly factored into creating the board.

 

Yea but even with CJ Mosley, i'm sure that Ozzie saw a great opportunity to upgrade a key position on the team long term. ILB would have been a need at some point so Ozzie pounced on the opportunity to address it before it becomes an actual need. Remember Buck was 32 years old at the time of the draft and I'm not sure how long you can bank on him playing well. 

 

Again, this is the type of things I'd love to see how Ozzie thinks on the matter. I doubt the Ravens ever select anyone, especially in the first round, that isn't on their board and the only guys they place on their board are prospects who fit some sort of need for the team. For example, many thought Clinton Dix would be on Ozzie's radar. What made CJ a better fit for the team then Dix in that draft room? How much higher did they have CJ rated? 

[Moderator 3]

Enough squabbling. Let's get back to talking football rather than semantics and other subjects, please.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Right now, it's has to be at WR.

I have a feeling that Perriman is going to be great here, but he hasn't played yet and as with all rookies, there will be some bumps in the first season.

Steve Smith I believe will play well, but nobody can defy father time forever, let's just hope that forever isn't until after this season. .

The rest of the WR group is capable, we've seen Marlon Brown make some great catches, Aiken last year was a huge suprise, and if Campanaro can stay healthy, I feel like he can be a big contributer as well.

The TE group would have to be my second most worrisome position. Will Pitta return this season? My money is that he starts on the PUP, and rests until the playoff push.

That leaves us with two rookie TE's who have a ton of upside..but we won't know until they play.

The defense is set IMO.

[Tank 92]

Enough squabbling. Let's get back to talking football rather than semantics and other subjects, please.

 

 

semantics?  Is that new anti virus software?

[757RavensFan]

After reading that Jah Reid is starting at RT in Wagner's absence, we DEFINITELY need more tackle depth. 

[January J]

the mods had quite a bit of cleaning to do in this one. I apologize for the " squabbling" , was obviously wasting my time anyway.

Edited June 17, 2015 by January J

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Gillmore's upside is Heath Miller, not Gronk, for though they may be similar in size, they're not in athleticism.

Area of greatest concern is still CB given how fragile our 2 starters (plus Asa) are, though Arrington's acquisition mitigates this a bit. And Walker and Melvin have the length to at least not be a liability on the outside. After CB, it's TE and Safety because after our vet starters--Gillmore's the starter now at TE, not Pitta--we've got a lot of ??? as depth. I would love to see us re-sign Jeromy Miles and I hope a solid vet corner gets cut before the season who we then sign as insurance.

[BSHU_Miami]

Gillmore's upside is Heath Miller, not Gronk, for though they may be similar in size, they're not in athleticism.

Area of greatest concern is still CB given how fragile our 2 starters (plus Asa) are, though Arrington's acquisition mitigates this a bit. And Walker and Melvin have the length to at least not be a liability on the outside. After CB, it's TE and Safety because after our vet starters--Gillmore's the starter now at TE, not Pitta--we've got a lot of ??? as depth. I would love to see us re-sign Jeromy Miles and I hope a solid vet corner gets cut before the season who we then sign as insurance.

 

Gillmore's upside is Heath Miller, not Gronk, for though they may be similar in size, they're not in athleticism.

Area of greatest concern is still CB given how fragile our 2 starters (plus Asa) are, though Arrington's acquisition mitigates this a bit. And Walker and Melvin have the length to at least not be a liability on the outside. After CB, it's TE and Safety because after our vet starters--Gillmore's the starter now at TE, not Pitta--we've got a lot of ??? as depth. I would love to see us re-sign Jeromy Miles and I hope a solid vet corner gets cut before the season who we then sign as insurance.

I wouldn't be surprised if Jimmy, Melvin and Arrington are our Corner Group, Maybe Terrance Brooks can play a pinch of nickel to give Arrington a breather. I don't want Webby on the outside anymore.

[Tenacious Faulker]

think you meant Houston. But I agree with you. He's gonna really help our defense make some splash plays which we were desperately lacking last year. Not worried about him or will hill at all. If one of them gets injured and we have to rely on Matt Elam, that's a diffrent story. Although I'm hoping he makes significant strides as well.

Yep, I stand corrected.  I keep attributing him to the Saints because of Keenan Lewis.  Brian farts.  Thanks for correcting.  

 

We've always turned a "bronze" Houston player into gold.  No reason to think that he'll be differrent given his play in the league so far.

[gabefergy]

Yep, I stand corrected. I keep attributing him to the Saints because of Keenan Lewis. Brian farts. Thanks for correcting.

We've always turned a "bronze" Houston player into gold. No reason to think that he'll be differrent given his play in the league so far.

Tell Brian to cut it out.

[K-Dog]

I dont know if this has been said but our return game concerns me.

Every one I know will be good is not worth the risk, or may have physical reliability issues. Everyone else I am unsure of.

[The Mom Gene]

the mods had quite a bit of cleaning to do in this one. I apologize for the " squabbling" , was obviously wasting my time anyway. Anyway- I'm even a little more concerned about the state of our linebackers now seeing the shape that Suggs is in. Not a huge concern at all - just a thought.

We get used to the squabbling... Sometimes posters are relentless, but isn't that what the Ravens are about???  Being Relentless????   But truth be told, you guys know better, but do it anyway... it's all in a day's work.  Suggs will be fine.  He's gone through some stuff in the offseason, and he is older, but also His Buds are gone....  Lewis, Reed, Ngata, not to mention all the other guys on defense that have exited the building, like Kruger, JJ, Ellerbe, and Grubbs... etc.  I know I keep saying he'll be fine, but he'll get into Minicamp, and Training Camp, get around the other guys again, and the old Suggs will re-emerge.  He'll lead our defense with Canty, Doom, Daryl Smith and some of the newer veterans.... I think we're gonna be much better than last year, especially on Defense. 

[January J]

We get used to the squabbling... Sometimes posters are relentless, but isn't that what the Ravens are about???  Being Relentless????   But truth be told, you guys know better, but do it anyway... it's all in a day's work.  Suggs will be fine.  He's gone through some stuff in the offseason, and he is older, but also His Buds are gone....  Lewis, Reed, Ngata, not to mention all the other guys on defense that have exited the building, like Kruger, JJ, Ellerbe and Grubbs... etc.  I know I keep saying he'll be fine, but he'll get into Minicamp, and Training Camp, get around the other guys again, and the old Suggs will re-emerge.  He'll lead our defense with Canty, Doom, Daryl Smith and some of the newer veterans.... I think we're gonna be much better than last year, especially on Defense. 

alot of it is just being passionate about our team you know? atleast on my end....

 

but anyway- im sure your exactly right about suggs, i think it kind of caught him off guard and upset him bc when he re-structured i think he thought that the purpose of that was to retain ngata. atleast that was HIS intentions. but yes, overall we will be much better, and hopefully for heavens sake avoid the injury bug.

[The Mom Gene]

alot of it is just being passionate about our team you know? atleast on my end....

 

but anyway- im sure your exactly right about suggs, i think it kind of caught him off guard and upset him bc when he re-structured i think he thought that the purpose of that was to retain ngata. atleast that was HIS intentions. but yes, overall we will be much better, and hopefully for heavens sake avoid the injury bug.

Oh, I know...  Some of us just get a little tired of all the negativity when we haven't really even had all the guys together yet. It's OTA's and minicamp for pete's sake... Some are wanting to trade players, release players, and bring in others already...   this whole entire game is going to change significantly once they get into camp and the coaches let the games begin....

[January J]

Oh, I know...  Some of us just get a little tired of all the negativity when we haven't really even had all the guys together yet. It's OTA's and minicamp for pete's sake... Some are wanting to trade players, release players, and bring in others already...   this whole entire game is going to change significantly once they get into camp and the coaches let the games begin....

thats understandable- everything is obviously a little premature, ppl are just ready for some football. i usually try to stay positive and optimistic for the most part, i just dont like it when ppl attempt to belittle others. im really not concerned with much of anything at this point in regards to our roster, anything i posted was just for the sake of answering the topic of the thread, and was really just knit picking at this point in the offseason.

[FastEddie]

I dont know if this has been said but our return game concerns me.

Every one I know will be good is not worth the risk, or may have physical reliability issues. Everyone else I am unsure of.

 

I agree with you. In general, haven't heard much about this squad, but typically just second stringers and a returner...Jacoby fell off the wagon so it will be interesting to see who can step up.

 

Our coaching is good enough to at the very least band aid through the season and recover next season need be.

[The Mom Gene]

thats understandable- everything is obviously a little premature, ppl are just ready for some football. i usually try to stay positive and optimistic for the most part, i just dont like it when ppl attempt to belittle others. im really not concerned with much of anything at this point in regards to our roster, anything i posted was just for the sake of answering the topic of the thread, and was really just knit picking at this point in the offseason.

Yup, That!