Training camp position battles.

[Bruce_Almty]

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.

I'm confused by your reply. I identified 25 offensive positions including 7WR & 9OL. You are suggesting 5WRs & 8OL I believe.

Oh h***, it hardly matters. Harbs and Ozzie will do what Harbs and Ozzie do. lol

Edited July 21, 2015 by Bruce_Almty

[rmw10]

I'm confused by your reply. I identified 25 offensive positions including 7WR & 9OL. You are suggesting 5WRs & 8OL I believe.

Oh h***, it hardly matters. Harbs and Ozzie will do what Harbs and Ozzie do. lol

 

That's assuming we go with 25 on defense, which is no easy task this year.  We have 10 DL that could make this roster, and I'd expect 7 on the opening roster.  We've never gone with less than 9 linebackers since Harbaugh has been here.  The secondary is where it becomes a question mark.  We've gone with less than 10 in the past, but we saw how much our lack of depth burned us last year.

 

All of this serves to illustrate the point that there are going to very tough cuts at every position already.  Is it worth is to add another WR that is likely going to be inactive every week when there are other positions with capable players?

 

It's a tough year.  I won't rule 7 WRs out completely, but it's an especially tough year to do so with the depth at nearly every other position.

[Bruce_Almty]

That's assuming we go with 25 on defense, which is no easy task this year.  We have 10 DL that could make this roster, and I'd expect 7 on the opening roster.  We've never gone with less than 9 linebackers since Harbaugh has been here.  The secondary is where it becomes a question mark.  We've gone with less than 10 in the past, but we saw how much our lack of depth burned us last year.

 

All of this serves to illustrate the point that there are going to very tough cuts at every position already.  Is it worth is to add another WR that is likely going to be inactive every week when there are other positions with capable players?

 

It's a tough year.  I won't rule 7 WRs out completely, but it's an especially tough year to do so with the depth at nearly every other position.

Ten DL may be competing for a job but there are only 3DL positions. I'm thinking we keep 8 with Chris Canty as a bubble 9th guy, since we cut him once already; depends on how well the younger guys step-up in TC. Four LB positions, so 8~9 players. Last year I believe Art Brown dressed for only 3~4 games. At DB, 4 positions and 8~9, probably 9, versatile players. 

 

My thinking on 7WRs is for next year as much as anything. With SSS likely gone and IF (big if) 6 WRs excel in TC it may be worth the extra WR on the roster this year.

 

I agree that getting down to 53 is always a tough task with so many quality candidates. Harbs could go 24-O & 26-D though, but not 23-27.

Edited July 21, 2015 by Bruce_Almty

[beasy2487]

I really hope we don't keep 7 WR under any circumstances. This franchise has to get over the hump with young receiver talent and part of that is knowing when to cut bait. No more David Reeds, Deonte Thompsons, Etc etc '.

[TXRavensFan]

I really hope we don't keep 7 WR under any circumstances. This franchise has to get over the hump with young receiver talent and part of that is knowing when to cut bait. No more David Reeds, Deonte Thompsons, Etc etc '.

With Pitta expected to start the season one the PUP list, I can see them going with 7 receivers to start the season. Doing so, they can keep a guy like Waller from going on the Practice Squad, where I doubt he'd last more than a day. It will also give them six extra weeks to evaluate these guys before Pitta comes back and they need the roster spot. At that point they can decide who needs to go on the PS, or is even cut.

[Edgar]

Cam worthy likely to be pup listed according to bleacher report. Worthy is legit. This may be an IR candidate and a player who the Ravens want to keep around for next year.

[K-Dog]

I know PUP is six games. Is there a time frame for IR designated to return?

[Bruce_Almty]

I know PUP is six games. Is there a time frame for IR designated to return?

Will this do the trick? http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/09/nfl_short-term_injured_reserve_how_it_works_what_it_means_to_giants_ol_geoff_schwartz.html

 

Does your googler not work?

[K-Dog]

Will this do the trick? http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/09/nfl_short-term_injured_reserve_how_it_works_what_it_means_to_giants_ol_geoff_schwartz.html

Does your googler not work?

Oh it works. I just feel better when you tell me.

[Bruce_Almty]

Oh it works. I just feel better when you tell me.

Lazy boy.

[DomMcRaven]

Thoughts on undrafted WR Daniel Brown? Looks like he has good size/speed of 6' 4-1/2" and ran a mid 4.5 (according to the Baltimore Sun). He definitely has the right mentality for training camp especially with how tight the WR competition should be: http://www.baltimore...0723-story.html "There's a point where you have to take someone's job to make a roster. It's a business. Either I take someone's job, or I'm jobless."

[January J]

Thoughts on undrafted WR Daniel Brown? Looks like he has good size/speed of 6' 4-1/2" and ran a mid 4.5 (according to the Baltimore Sun). He definitely has the right mentality for training camp especially with how tight the WR competition should be: http://www.baltimore...0723-story.html "There's a point where you have to take someone's job to make a roster. It's a business. Either I take someone's job, or I'm jobless."

don't know much about him , I just know it's going to be nearly impossible to make the team based on what I do know about 6 or 7 of the other guys, however I think he would be a strong candidate for the practice squad and somebody we can start developing for next year. He very well could prove me wrong though bc like I said - I really don't know anything about the guy. Good size though.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

For the WR compeition we're going to have 2 guarentees.

Steve Smith Sr. Seems like he's returning.

Breshad Perriman. He needs to work on his route running, but his hands are already significantly better than Torrey's were coming out. Also better physically.

We will probably have 4 others.

You then have Marlon Brown, Micheal Campanaro, Darren Waller, Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler, and a few others.

My thoughts

Brown has a high chance to make the team as he was productive a few seasons ago. I think he makes it seeing as he's an ideal guy for Trestman's scheme.

Aiken played well as a situational #3 last year. So I think he makes it.

Campanaro at least on the few plays I saw of him seemed to have a legit rapport with Joe. They seemed to connect rather well. He's hurt a lot, but as a pure slot WR we might have a keeper here.

It'd be Waller vs Butler. I'd say Waller. Waller is too gifted physically for us to let go. He actually has good hands... So he would be picked up immediantly.

So there's that....

[Edgar]

have a feeling zuttah will lose his job to Urschel and be relegated to backup guard/center.

[January J]

For the WR compeition we're going to have 2 guarentees.

Steve Smith Sr. Seems like he's returning.

Breshad Perriman. He needs to work on his route running, but his hands are already significantly better than Torrey's were coming out. Also better physically.

We will probably have 4 others.

You then have Marlon Brown, Micheal Campanaro, Darren Waller, Kamar Aiken, Jeremy Butler, and a few others.

My thoughts

Brown has a high chance to make the team as he was productive a few seasons ago. I think he makes it seeing as he's an ideal guy for Trestman's scheme.

Aiken played well as a situational #3 last year. So I think he makes it.

Campanaro at least on the few plays I saw of him seemed to have a legit rapport with Joe. They seemed to connect rather well. He's hurt a lot, but as a pure slot WR we might have a keeper here.

It'd be Waller vs Butler. I'd say Waller. Waller is too gifted physically for us to let go. He actually has good hands... So he would be picked up immediantly.

So there's that....

I agree but if butler has another showing at training camp like he did in OTA's/ mini camp they will be almost forced to give him a roster spot. That doesn't necessarily mean that knocks off Waller either, just that we may find a way to keep 7. Can't see us putting Our 6th round pick on the p.s for some other team to swoop in and pick up.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

I agree but if butler has another showing at training camp like he did in OTA's/ mini camp they will be almost forced to give him a roster spot. That doesn't necessarily mean that knocks off Waller either, just that we may find a way to keep 7. Can't see us putting Our 6th round pick on the p.s for some other team to swoop in and pick up.

The IR due to "injury" that Waller will sustain

[January J]

Yeah that crossed my mind.. I think they keep him on the roster though as the last receiver- we need to get him some game experience and start developing him for next year.

[ravensdan]

I think it's quite possible for Waller to end up on the PS. He's still very raw. Unlikely to contribute this year. There always seems to be a lot of overvaluing our people that they will be immediately grabbed off the PS. It's not true as often as many seem to think.

[rmw10]

I think it's quite possible for Waller to end up on the PS. He's still very raw. Unlikely to contribute this year. There always seems to be a lot of overvaluing our people that they will be immediately grabbed off the PS. It's not true as often as many seem to think.

 

This could not be more true.  Matt Furstenburg, Fitz Toussaint, Josh Bynes, etc.  It happens every single year.  I get that Waller has some serious potential, but he's shown absolutely nothing for the NFL game yet that other teams can see.  It's far too early to be saying that he'd be picked up on waivers if we even gave it a shot.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Looking at WR, you have to think about building a team.

If we only take 6 WR's, you have to look at skill set and what one guy may bring to the table that others don't.

SSS is a lock. So is Perriman.

This isn't being on Camps jock, but he's the only pure slot receiver we have, has the ability to run crisp routes over the middle and sit down in zones to pick up 3rd downs. Plus he's a returner - 2 niche roles that no one else fills. So I like his chances.

I think Marlon, Aiken and Butler are very similar. Decent route running, good size, good hands and can play outside or inside. Aiken is a great special teamer and has shown the ability to make big catches in limited chances. I think he's a lock.

Marlon has the 2nd most experience and though it wasn't consistent, at times he made ridiculous catches while absorbing huge hits. That one game against I think cinci where he got the concussion he was playing unreal. He needs to show more but I think his experience will be valued. So unless Butler just completely blows him away I think Marlon makes it over him.

So if it comes down to only taking 6 receivers, imo it's between Waller and Butler. And to me, it's going to come down to if they offer something the group doesn't already have. Butler flashed amazing hands and a knack to get open, but he's very similar to Aiken and Brown and unlikely to steal snaps from them.

Waller, besides being a draft pick from this year is a great run blocker coming from the triple option in college. May already be our best run blocking receiver. Plus his size gives him the versatility to possibly be used as a TE. With pitta out that has value. Keeping him gives you a 6th WR and 4th TE.

So if it's 6, I think Waller takes the last spot and unfortunately Butler finds himself on the PS again, ready to be called up if there's an injury or if one of the young WR's flames out.

[beasy2487]

The IR due to "injury" that Waller will sustain

To me, phantom injury IR candidates should be guys that have intangibles but lack NFL-ready measurables, generally weight. Waller doesn't fit that mold. His growth area is WR technique and there's nothing he or the Ravens gain by putting him on IR (unless we're serious about turning him into a TE, in which case IR + a year in the weight room makes total sense). Would've been better off not drafting him otherwise.

I think Tray Walker is more likely to end up on IR but don't think either of them ultimately will be. Time will tell.

[rmw10]

I despise the phantom IR. I can't think of one success story of a guy coming off of IR the next year and doing anything of note. To me, it impedes development. These young guys need the opportunity to practice with the team and learn at the NFL level.

[52520Andrew]

I despise the phantom IR. I can't think of one success story of a guy coming off of IR the next year and doing anything of note. To me, it impedes development. These young guys need the opportunity to practice with the team and learn at the NFL level.

 

Was Butler on IR last year?

[rmw10]

Was Butler on IR last year?

 

He was, but word is that it was actually a legit injury that would have kept him out for a large part of the season.

[52520Andrew]

He was, but word is that it was actually a legit injury that would have kept him out for a large part of the season.

 

Ah makes sense

[Edgar]

have a feeling zuttah will lose his job to Urschel and be relegated to backup guard/center.

One way or another, through being "banged up" or simply winning the job. urschel starts at center.

[RaineV1]

Urschel as the center between Yanda and KO would be amazing. The Ravens would utterly dominate the line of scrimmage.

[Bruce_Almty]

I'm interested in the D-line battles. Locks include Brandon Williams, Tim Jernigan & Carl Davis.

 

Is Chris Canty on the bubble?

 

Returning from last year injury are KLM & Brent Urban; can they make the team?

 

Returning are Lawrence Guy, DeAngelo Tyson & Christo Bilukidi who were serviceable but can they make the grade with the additional comp?

 

Others competing include Zach Thompson and Casey Walker.

 

Eleven guys fighting for x-number of spots.

 

Linebacker also has Art Brown, Zach Orr, Albert McClellan, & Steve Means looking for spots.

 

Those are the positions I'm interested in.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I'm not getting a good feeling with us adding a converted safety and college QB to the receiver competition.

Maybe the boys aren't doing as well as we all thought.

[rmw10]

I'm not getting a good feeling with us adding a converted safety and college QB to the receiver competition.

Maybe the boys aren't doing as well as we all thought.

 

I doubt Nelson and Steelman are any indication of what the other WRs are doing.  Nelson was likely brought in because he had a good tryout and can compete for the returner spot.  Steelman is a guy we wanted last year, but he had necessary service for the Army, and is fully eligible for NFL play this year.  Neither of these guys are expected to make the roster, and I don't think it says anything at all about the guys really competing for the roster.