Training camp position battles.

[FlackAttack]

no way we keep 7 wrs. wont happen.

[jazz1988]

no way we keep 7 wrs. wont happen.

 

The Ravens did it last year.

[1/28/01]

I have a feeling that with the competition at WR, Harbs will be looking to keep 7 at the beginning of the season. I also think Pitta will start the season on that IR designated to return list and when he comes back, they'll keep the 4 TE's and drop one WR who perhaps isn't performing up to expectations. If the WR competition is tight, this will give the coaches some extra time to evaluate them.

I hope they don't use the IR designated to return on Pitta. Can only use this on one player and I'd rather keep it for a Ray Lewis type instance. God forbid Flacco gets a ding that knocks him out for half the season. Keep that designation for him (or Jimmy Smith, CJ, Doom etc). PUP for Pitta and see what's what come week 7. If he can suit up then, great. If not, it's retirement time.

Edit - Although, I'm not sure exactly, but I think a Pitta retirement would hurt us financially.

Edited July 16, 2015 by 1/28/01

[January J]

I have a feeling that with the competition at WR, Harbs will be looking to keep 7 at the beginning of the season. I also think Pitta will start the season on that IR designated to return list and when he comes back, they'll keep the 4 TE's and drop one WR who perhaps isn't performing up to expectations. If the WR competition is tight, this will give the coaches some extra time to evaluate them.

I think this may be a possible scenario. I think they may do 7 and then put some other guys on the P.S that they think will clear waivers. Then halfway they may drop one that's not performing or due to injury. They may just shuffle guys around like that as the season goes on. Well I guess that's pretty much what teams are already doing anyway huh

[BmoreBird22]

The Ravens did it last year.

No, it was six. SSS, Torrey, Jacoby, Marlon, Kamaar, and Camp

[ludy51]

No, it was six. SSS, Torrey, Jacoby, Marlon, Kamaar, and Camp

I think you might be forgetting about deonte Thompson

[BmoreBird22]

I think you might be forgetting about deonte Thompson

When did he get cut? He was practice squad for a bit, if not the entire season

Edited July 16, 2015 by BmoreBird22

[izvoodoo]

When did he get cut? He was practice squad for a bit, if not the entire season

He got cut early in the season and ended up on the bills.  

[BmoreBird22]

He got cut early in the season and ended up on the bills.

In December he was swiped up, but they pretty much had six for as soon as he got cut

[jazz1988]

No, it was six. SSS, Torrey, Jacoby, Marlon, Kamaar, and Camp

 

You must had forgot how The Ravens started the regular season off in 2015 with SSS, Torrey, Jacoby, Marlon, Aiken, Camp and Thompson.. Thompson eventually was added to the practice squad after being cut but I think that was like four or five games later(not sure).

Edited July 16, 2015 by jazz1988

[rmw10]

It's just tough to find a spot for 7 receivers with how deep the roster is in other places this year.  I'd love to do it, and I know we have in the past, but gun to my head right now, I think we'll opt for some depth at some other positions.

 

We're looking at 2 QB, 4 RB, 1 FB, 8 WR, 4 TE, 10 OL, 10 DL, 5 OLB, 5 ILB, 8 CB, 5 S, and 3 ST that all could conceivably make this roster.  That's 65 guys right there that all have a shot, if I had to make a guess off the top of my head.  That's 12 tough cuts already.  What position do you pare down to keep an extra WR that is likely a weekly inactive anyways?  That doesn't even count those surprise guys (a la Zach Orr last year) who kind of come out of nowhere (at least to us) and make the team.

[BmoreBird22]

You must had forgot how The Ravens started the regular season off in 2015 with SSS, Torrey, Jacoby, Marlon, Aiken, Camp and Thompson.. Thompson eventually was added to the practice squad after being cut but I think that was like four or five games later(not sure).

Two games in

[FlackAttack]

The Ravens did it last year.

 

2014 ravens WR:

 

• 11 Kamar Aiken
• 14 Marlon Brown
• 15 Michael Campanaro
• 12 Jacoby Jones RS
• 89 Steve Smith, Sr.
• 82 Torrey Smith

looks like 6 to me

[berad]

Thompson made the 53-man roster, and at the time the Ravens carried 7 WRs into the season, not sure why that fact is being debated...

[FlackAttack]

Thompson made the 53-man roster, and at the time the Ravens carried 7 WRs into the season, not sure why that fact is being debated...

 lol at using thompson, who got cut after what? 1, 2 weeks? as an argument that the ravens will start 7 WR's this year "because they did last year"

[berad]

 lol at using thompson, who got cut after what? 1, 2 weeks? as an argument that the ravens will start 7 WR's this year "because they did last year"

 

Start 7 WRs? They could carry them on the 53 man roster because, as was pointed out, they did last year.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

It's just tough to find a spot for 7 receivers with how deep the roster is in other places this year. I'd love to do it, and I know we have in the past, but gun to my head right now, I think we'll opt for some depth at some other positions.

We're looking at 2 QB, 4 RB, 1 FB, 8 WR, 4 TE, 10 OL, 10 DL, 5 OLB, 5 ILB, 8 CB, 5 S, and 3 ST that all could conceivably make this roster. That's 65 guys right there that all have a shot, if I had to make a guess off the top of my head. That's 12 tough cuts already. What position do you pare down to keep an extra WR that is likely a weekly inactive anyways? That doesn't even count those surprise guys (a la Zach Orr last year) who kind of come out of nowhere (at least to us) and make the team.

A guy like Levine helps because he gives you depth at both corner and safety. But you're absolutely right in that we have so much young talent across the board it's going to be really tough this year.

Even with the expanded PS numbers those decisions are going to be hard too.

It'll come down to ST contributions and injuries, not that that's some earth shattering revelation or anything.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

lol at using thompson, who got cut after what? 1, 2 weeks? as an argument that the ravens will start 7 WR's this year "because they did last year"

It's a very valid argument because the question is whether 7 receivers could make the initial 53 man roster going into the season.

It doesn't matter when Deonte was cut, because as was pointed out he made the initial 53. It wasn't until injuries, poor play, and ST's needs took shape that Deonte was cut.

The whole conversation is surrounding who do you cut from the top 7 receivers at this point. And there is precedence that we could take all 7 initially until 1 gets injured, shows he isn't ready to perform in actual games, or a need to add depth at another position pops up.

Please answer these: did Deonte Thompson make the initial 53 man roster in 2014?

With him doesn't that mean the coaching staff made the decision to start the season with 7 receivers on the roster?

Is this years pool of wide receivers, 1-7, overall more talented than last years? Do you like Perriman's, Waller's and Butler's potential/skill set more than Thompson's?

If you answered yes to these questions then it's actually a great argument for why the ravens might keep 7 receivers this year.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

2014 ravens WR:

• 11 Kamar Aiken
• 14 Marlon Brown
• 15 Michael Campanaro
• 12 Jacoby Jones RS
• 89 Steve Smith, Sr.
• 82 Torrey Smith

looks like 6 to me

That's the final roster. Not the initial roster.

No ones discussing if we end the season with 7 receivers... As we all know cuts, injuries, trades and signings happen every year. The end of season roster rarely is identical to the one coming out of preseason.

We're talking TC battles and if they could take 7 receivers into the season. It's possible while not likely. If they could take Deonte as a 7th it's definitely possible they could take Butler, Brown, Camp or Waller as a 7th. Deonte would have no shot at making the team this year.

[rmw10]

A guy like Levine helps because he gives you depth at both corner and safety. But you're absolutely right in that we have so much young talent across the board it's going to be really tough this year.

Even with the expanded PS numbers those decisions are going to be hard too.

It'll come down to ST contributions and injuries, not that that's some earth shattering revelation or anything.

 

Assuming Brooks will not need a trip to the PUP list, it's possible Levine could be that 5th S/6th CB hybrid that could really push someone off.  He's our ST ace, and his ability to step in when necessary, gives him a lot of value.  I think we'd definitely opt to keep someone like Levine over a 7th WR, but I could be completely wrong about that.

[lgcs27288]

I'm calling:

SSS

Perriman

Aiken

Camp

Brown

Waller

I'd like to see Butler make it. I think in order for him to, Camp needs to be injured or Waller gets IR treatment. I don't see Waller going to PS.

I think Carter also lands on PS for if/when Camp is injured.

I'm interested in seeing what Means is all about. The last "sleeper" Oz talked up was Chykie last year.

I think TE, DL, and S are going to be good position battles imo. There's just so many new names and young guys getting opportunities this year at those positions.

Another good position to watch is Guard to give you an idea what we may do next year with that situation.

Edited July 17, 2015 by lgcs27288

[1/28/01]

How is it being argued that the Ravens started the season with 7 receivers on the very first official 53 man roster last year?

Some people just won't give up when they're wrong and some seem wrong so very often!

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I see it this way, locks to make the team are:

OFFENSE

QB (2) Flacco, Schaub

RB (3) Forsett, Taliaferro, Allen

TE (3) Pitta if healthy/Boyle if not, Gillmore, Maxx

WR (6) SSS, Perriman, Aiken, Waller and 2 out of Brown/Camp/Butler

OL (7) Monroe, KO, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Urschel, Hurst

WOLFPACK

K (1) Tucker

P (1) Koch

LS (1) Cox

DEFENSE

S (4/5*) Hill, Lewis, Brooks, Elam, Levine*

CB (5/6*) Smith, Webb, Arrington, Melvin, Jackson, Levine*

OLB (4) Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, Smith

ILB (3) Smith, Mosley, Brown/Orr

DL (8) Williams, Jernigan, Canty, Davis, Urban, KLM, and 2 out of Guy/Bilukidi/Tyson/etc...

Not necessarily naming all the players are locks (though most are) but more importantly the number at each position that I think are a lock to make it.

By my count that's 49 spots locked up. That's 4 spots up for grabs with possibly Nick Boyle, one of Brown/Camp/Butler, DeAndre Carter, Jah Reid, Ryan Jensen, Myers (who prob makes it as a draft pick), one of Orr/Brown and McClellan, Trawick, Touissant, Tramain Jacobs, and Steven Means all fighting to grab them.

Each guy on that last I think has a legitimate argument for making the team depending on how things shake out. That's 12 guys fighting for 4 spots.

And that's not including any undrafted guys (other than Carter) that looked good in camp (like Perry, Easton, Vaughan to name a few) and there always seems to be one surprise.

So if you agree for the most part with my analysis... My question to you is - how do you rank those potential 12 players on the bubble heading into training camp? Who can lock a spot up with a strong camp?

Keep in mind ST's should carry weight here, and the # of players currently "locked" at each position (I.e. Are you comfortable with only 3 ILB?)

Edited July 17, 2015 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[FlackAttack]

I see it this way, locks to make the team are:

OFFENSE

QB (2) Flacco, Schaub

RB (3) Forsett, Taliaferro, Allen

TE (3) Pitta if healthy/Boyle if not, Gillmore, Maxx

WR (6) SSS, Perriman, Aiken, Waller and 2 out of Brown/Camp/Butler

OL (7) Monroe, KO, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner, Urschel, Hurst

WOLFPACK

K (1) Tucker

P (1) Koch

LS (1) Cox

DEFENSE

S (4/5*) Hill, Lewis, Brooks, Elam, Levine*

CB (5/6*) Smith, Webb, Arrington, Melvin, Jackson, Levine*

OLB (4) Suggs, Dumervil, Upshaw, Smith

ILB (3) Smith, Mosley, Brown/Orr

DL (8) Williams, Jernigan, Canty, Davis, Urban, KLM, and 2 out of Guy/Bilukidi/Tyson/etc...

Not necessarily naming all the players are locks (though most are) but more importantly the number at each position that I think are a lock to make it.

By my count that's 49 spots locked up. That's 4 spots up for grabs with possibly Nick Boyle, one of Brown/Camp/Butler, DeAndre Carter, Jah Reid, Ryan Jensen, Myers (who prob makes it as a draft pick), one of Orr/Brown and McClellan, Trawick, Touissant, Tramain Jacobs, and Steven Means all fighting to grab them.

Each guy on that last I think has a legitimate argument for making the team depending on how things shake out. That's 12 guys fighting for 4 spots.

And that's not including any undrafted guys (other than Carter) that looked good in camp (like Perry, Easton, Vaughan to name a few) and there always seems to be one surprise.

So if you agree for the most part with my analysis... My question to you is - how do you rank those potential 12 players on the bubble heading into training camp? Who can lock a spot up with a strong camp?

Keep in mind ST's should carry weight here, and the # of players currently "locked" at each position (I.e. Are you comfortable with only 3 ILB?)

 

I chiefly agree with your roster projections, although arthur brown will most likely be cut.

[52520Andrew]

Now I am imagining an offense starting 7 WRs, maybe the Colts will try it even if it is an illegal formation

[Sherly_Tebow]

What about juice? I think we keep 3 Running backs in Forsett, Allen, and Taliferro, but I also say juice is kept as a full back/ running back.

[Mad Puppy]

WR is looking very competitive going into camp.

Major good vibes on Butler and Aiken really hard not seeing them both on opening day roster.

Why everyone is all over Campanaro's jock is beyond me. Camp is a long shot to make the team. Add Waller to the long shot list there is going to be an injury or two that make the decision easier would be my guess.

I'm just happy to see the competition be tight.

Edited July 20, 2015 by Mad Puppy

[omar586]

With training camp scheduled to start in less than 3 weeks, what position battle(s) interest you the most?  For me, I'm excited to see what young guy(s) steps up on the D-Line.  With the return of Urban and KLM and the addition of Carl Davis and Zach Thomas, it's gonna get real interesting in the trenches.

DL & WRs r the deepest positions at this point, will c.

[Bruce_Almty]

Now I am imagining an offense starting 7 WRs, maybe the Colts will try it even if it is an illegal formation

idk about 7 WRs starting, but I have 7 WRs making the 53. When thinking of 2016 and to loss of SSS, to me, it makes sense to keep the receivers we have and give them a thorough eval during the season. I think we can afford it with: 2QB, 4RB, 9OL, 3TE, 7WR. Pitta on PUP.

I hope no one gets "stashed" on IR...that's a career ending move.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Bruce_Almty

[rmw10]

idk about 7 WRs starting, but I have 7 WRs making the 53. When thinking of 2016 and to loss of SSS, to me, it makes sense to keep the receivers we have and give them a thorough eval during the season. I think we can afford it with: 2QB, 4RB, 9OL, 3TE, 7WR. Pitta on PUP.

I hope no one gets "stashed" on IR...that's a career ending move.

 

Not necessarily.  Remember that in order to keep an extra WR, you have to lose someone at another position.  We're likely only going to keep 5 WRs active on game day, so you're putting yet another guy on the roster that is likely to be inactive every week.

 

I think the key to keeping 7 WRs is Rick Wagner, as weird as that might sound.  I think Jah Reid is here simply because he's the next option at RT if Wagner doesn't come back as strong off of the lisfranc injury.  He's insurance for the injury.  If Wagner is healthy, I think we can get away with 8 OL, with Jah being available on the open market during the season if we need him.

Edited July 21, 2015 by rmw10