2017 - on your radars

[443hurricane]

On 12/11/2016 at 7:27 AM, JoeyFlex5 said:

Seriously. The ravens KNOW that they could have something really special in Dixon and West is just now realizing his potential. The FO isn't gonna be ready to write either of them off after 1 year of actually decent production. unless fournette falls to the 20s it's not gonna happen. 

Joey I don't want fournette. He is stiff and he literally did nothing in 3 years vs Alabama. I also think his hands are suspect.

[DomMcRaven]

13 minutes ago, 443hurricane said:

Joey I don't want fournette. He is stiff and he literally did nothing in 3 years vs Alabama. I also think his hands are suspect.

To be fair, it IS Bama. And LSU's QB situation is.....well....yeah (for quite some time since Mettenberger was there). 

However, I agree, I don't want him either considering CB, pass-rusher and WR are far bigger needs than RB. 

[RaineV1]

3 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Ehh. Unless they are both playing to near their max potential and consistently, then I'd have a hard time putting that duo anywhere higher than bottom 10. 

But you and I both acknowledged the OC so obviously that's a factor. But whatever OC we have he should use the TE heavily, clearly Joe does well with a great TE. If maxx is the security blanket he's supposed to be then I think engram would be an incredible fit, especially since maxx looks like he is gonna be a very good blocker. I don't have much faith in waller to be anything other than the occasional jump ball guy who fails on most attempts.

Just playing devils advocate here because I like the players. I'd agree that we shouldn't invest more in TE right now due to other needs... But if the FO sees our current TEs as expendable which is certainly understandable... Then some could be surprised.

I wouldn't want one in the first three rounds (well, maybe in the late 3rd round), but I'm not opposed to grabbing one with high potential after that. Cole Hikutini from Louisville is one that could be interesting. He only got nineteen catches his senior year, however he averaged nearly twenty yards a catch. He seems to do a good job of catching with his hands rather than body, and has good straight line speed (as you might imagine for someone with nearly twenty yards a catch). I know highlight videos aren't the best indicator of how good someone is, but it's hard not to be really impressed.

Bit of trivia, against Clemson, one of the best defenses in college football, he caught 7 for 84 yards.

Edited December 16, 2016 by RaineV1

[BmoreBird22]

16 hours ago, Robbyrobbass said:

You named one real slot wr  

No, most of those are slot receivers...

[BmoreBird22]

10 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

What are the odds that TE is a sneaky need for us? Is maxx gonna step up when healthy? Is pitta on the chopping block for obvious reasons? Is waller anything more than a filler for the red zone? Is Boyle good enough of a receiving threat and can we trust him to not get suspended? We don't have a TE heavy coordinator but we have always expressed a desire to run a 2 TE offense for the sake of balance(that desire just disappeared this year). 

With a great TE class and expendables on the roster we could possibly see a reason to take one and get back to that. Jake butt or Evan engram in the 2nd would both be great additions. One is a dependable catcher and competent blocker which are things we need, the other is a dependable and very dynamic receiving threat who can move all over the field and make big plays and tough catches.

 

Still riding that Bucky Hodges train, if he even makes it to the second.

[JoeyFlex5]

1 hour ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Still riding that Bucky Hodges train, if he even makes it to the second.

I watched a little bit of him, wasn't too impressed. Reminds me a bit of OJ Howard who I'm real iffy on. It may be my personal preference though, I like my TEs to be a security blanket first and a big play threat second, bucky Hodges seems to be more boom or bust rather than  solid and steady. 

Could also be the offense, I saw him on a fair bit of TE screens and super short outs, and lined up at WR to block iirc. It was about 2 weeks ago when I watched the film so I hope I'm remembering correctly lol. 

[BmoreBird22]

1 minute ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I watched a little bit of him, wasn't too impressed. Reminds me a bit of OJ Howard who I'm real iffy on. It may be my personal preference though, I like my TEs to be a security blanket first and a big play threat second, bucky Hodges seems to be more boom or bust rather than  solid and steady. 

Could also be the offense, I saw him on a fair bit of TE screens and super short outs, and lined up at WR to block iirc. It was about 2 weeks ago when I watched the film so I hope I'm remembering correctly lol. 

He does a bit of everything for them. I would think of a Jimmy Graham type TE in the sense that he's huge (he's 6'7") and excels in contested catch situations and the red zone. Very much going to be useful for explosive plays and as a vertical threat. 

But, he's got such strong hands that you can utilize him anywhere. Tech's offense this year is pretty much a lot of short outs, screens, and vertical throws. The boundary receivers (Hodges and Ford) are going to be mostly running outside routes and not much over the middle. They didn't utilize the middle of the field as much as I think a pro style offense will, so it really never game Ford or Hodges a chance to shine over the middle. 

[mc_red23]

On 12/12/2016 at 3:58 AM, ravensnation5220 said:

He was referring to cooper kupp not travis Rudolph. But yes rudolph is devin hesters cousin

Is Rudolph the guy who ate lunch with the young autistic kid at his school? I vaguely remember the name.

[JoeyFlex5]

2 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

He does a bit of everything for them. I would think of a Jimmy Graham type TE in the sense that he's huge (he's 6'7") and excels in contested catch situations and the red zone. Very much going to be useful for explosive plays and as a vertical threat. 

But, he's got such strong hands that you can utilize him anywhere. Tech's offense this year is pretty much a lot of short outs, screens, and vertical throws. The boundary receivers (Hodges and Ford) are going to be mostly running outside routes and not much over the middle. They didn't utilize the middle of the field as much as I think a pro style offense will, so it really never game Ford or Hodges a chance to shine over the middle. 

Yeah I got the feeling that it could be the offense making him look limited but at the same time I'm not too big on 6'7" guys at skill positions lol. For every Jimmy Graham there's a million Darren wallers or worse. 6'7" is a rare number for TEs though But I think you get what I'm saying lol

[ravensnj]

17 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Well the FA center class is pitiful. So theres that. 

And you know that you don't need a flashy playmaker to find a quality player? Jalen Ramsey was the flashiest player in the draft but after seeing their OL and bortles this year I bet they sure as hell wouldn't mind having Stanley.

Lol, no doubt!

[BmoreBird22]

1 hour ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Yeah I got the feeling that it could be the offense making him look limited but at the same time I'm not too big on 6'7" guys at skill positions lol. For every Jimmy Graham there's a million Darren wallers or worse. 6'7" is a rare number for TEs though But I think you get what I'm saying lol

Fuente's offense is very much about working the boundaries and being a horizontal offense that works with those routes breaking to the outside. Not a ton going on over the middle.

Hodges has had some very porous quarterback play prior to Jerrod Evans coming in, but he's got the requisite athleticism, hands, and basketball type skill set to be extremely functional in the red zone, at the very least, like a Bennett, Graham, or Gates. 

[ravensnation5220]

5 hours ago, mc_red23 said:

Is Rudolph the guy who ate lunch with the young autistic kid at his school? I vaguely remember the name.

Yes that was him

[JoeyFlex5]

3 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Fuente's offense is very much about working the boundaries and being a horizontal offense that works with those routes breaking to the outside. Not a ton going on over the middle.

Hodges has had some very porous quarterback play prior to Jerrod Evans coming in, but he's got the requisite athleticism, hands, and basketball type skill set to be extremely functional in the red zone, at the very least, like a Bennett, Graham, or Gates. 

How do you think he would work between the 20s though? Does he have the movement skills of a Jimmy Graham or is size and hands all he has to offer? I'm asking because I know ur a big vt fan and you would know better than me.

[Jacquouille]

Can anyone explain why Sam Hubbard isn't a top50 prospect? I really want to know, why nobody talks about him is just disturbing, I don't understand.

[RaineV1]

7 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

Can anyone explain why Sam Hubbard isn't a top50 prospect? I really want to know, why nobody talks about him is just disturbing, I don't understand.

I don't think he's eligible for this draft. Apparently he's still in his sophomore year.

[BmoreBird22]

34 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

Can anyone explain why Sam Hubbard isn't a top50 prospect? I really want to know, why nobody talks about him is just disturbing, I don't understand.

Stacked edge rusher class with an unusually good number of tight ends and safeties. 

Unfortunate circumstances when it comes to numbers, in my opinion. 

[BmoreBird22]

27 minutes ago, RaineV1 said:

I don't think he's eligible for this draft. Apparently he's still in his sophomore year.

He's a redshirt sophomore.

[BmoreBird22]

1 hour ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

How do you think he would work between the 20s though? Does he have the movement skills of a Jimmy Graham or is size and hands all he has to offer? I'm asking because I know ur a big vt fan and you would know better than me.

He made the move from TE to WR this season. He can move really well for someone that tall.

[RaineV1]

Just now, BmoreBird22 said:

He's a redshirt sophomore.

Oh. Well, if he does decide to go into the draft then he could be a great pick after the first round. Could be a hidden gem in this class.

[BmoreBird22]

1 hour ago, RaineV1 said:

Oh. Well, if he does decide to go into the draft then he could be a great pick after the first round. Could be a hidden gem in this class.

100% agree. I've been calling for him frequently throughout the season.

[RaineV1]

One potentially good tactic to take with this offseason would be to get a veteran corner (not saying to break the bank, but just get someone average to back up Smith) and then spend the first two picks on a pass rusher. Like, grab McKinley in the first and Sam Hubbard in the second.

[Robbyrobbass]

On 12/15/2016 at 6:47 PM, hn68wb4 said:

lol, whatever you say dude

The only good team we beat was the Steelers  so I know  I'm correct  this team needs a serious  overhaul and we won't  be  contenders  until you can take that check to the bank and cash it but you will see  explain to  me how a 5-11 team last seseason that is basically showing  the same issues are contenders? ?? 

[Robbyrobbass]

On 12/16/2016 at 7:50 AM, BmoreBird22 said:

No, most of those are slot receivers...

No most didn't  start out in the slot  and all don't  exclusively  line up in the slot  Larry Fitzgerald  still lines up outside  so dose the rest that we're  named

[BmoreBird22]

2 hours ago, Robbyrobbass said:

No most didn't  start out in the slot  and all don't  exclusively  line up in the slot  Larry Fitzgerald  still lines up outside  so dose the rest that we're  named

Doesn't matter if they started out in the slot or not, but they now each spend at least 60% of their snaps in the slot.

[Jacquouille]

If I had to put my money on one guy for our first round, it's gotta be Dereck Barnett. There's a good chance he's there, and it just makes so much sense. 

[JoeyFlex5]

37 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

If I had to put my money on one guy for our first round, it's gotta be Dereck Barnett. There's a good chance he's there, and it just makes so much sense. 

Seems like a ravens pick but I'm just not a big fan. He has bad awareness in tight spaces and makes poor decisions in pursuit. I also think he's gonna go top 10. 

Watching his tape against a&m though Josh Reynolds really jumped off the film. Where his hype?

[Jacquouille]

21 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Seems like a ravens pick but I'm just not a big fan. He has bad awareness in tight spaces and makes poor decisions in pursuit. I also think he's gonna go top 10. 

Watching his tape against a&m though Josh Reynolds really jumped off the film. Where his hype?

He's not going to be top10 because of what you mentionned, and a slightly lower ceiling than his peers. 

 

Reynolds is one of my recent crushes. He is absolutely terrific, and I was about to say he's probably the 3rd best WR behind Williams and Davis, and not far behind Davis.

[JoeyFlex5]

44 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

He's not going to be top10 because of what you mentionned, and a slightly lower ceiling than his peers. 

 

Reynolds is one of my recent crushes. He is absolutely terrific, and I was about to say he's probably the 3rd best WR behind Williams and Davis, and not far behind Davis.

He's still an obvious edge rusher though and doesn't need much adjustment, NFL ready body, NFL ready skill set. Tim williams MIGHT go higher than him but that's all preference really. 

if we mis the playoffs I think we finally take a cb. We'll be in range. I think Barnett and williams are both off the board by the late teens where we would see Sidney Jones or Desmond king as our guy. 

[Jacquouille]

6 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

He's still an obvious edge rusher though and doesn't need much adjustment, NFL ready body, NFL ready skill set. Tim williams MIGHT go higher than him but that's all preference really. 

if we mis the playoffs I think we finally take a cb. We'll be in range. I think Barnett and williams are both off the board by the late teens where we would see Sidney Jones or Desmond king as our guy. 

Well, McKinley and Williams are going to leave him biting the dust at the combine, and Carl Lawson can go anywhere from top10 to 2nd round. Teams may also prefer Solomon Thomas or Demarcus Walker,  you never know... I stand firm that Barnett will go top20, maybe 25.

I don't know about that urge for a CB. Coverage was very good yesterday, gave all day to the pass rush to get to Carson... Plus, this class is so good it's boring. I mean, have you seen Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore's tape? And media have a 2nd round grade on them? I'm jumping on it if they're available in the 2nd. Same for Cutrer, Lawrence, Douglas who are slotted more in the 4th...

To me pass rush and OL are the biggest priorities, followed by CB and WR. 

[JoeyFlex5]

1 minute ago, Jacquouille said:

Well, McKinley and Williams are going to leave him biting the dust at the combine, and Carl Lawson can go anywhere from top10 to 2nd round. Teams may also prefer Solomon Thomas or Demarcus Walker,  you never know... I stand firm that Barnett will go top20, maybe 25.

I don't know about that urge for a CB. Coverage was very good yesterday, gave all day to the pass rush to get to Carson... Plus, this class is so good it's boring. I mean, have you seen Gareon Conley and Marshon Lattimore's tape? And media have a 2nd round grade on them? I'm jumping on it if they're available in the 2nd. Same for Cutrer, Lawrence, Douglas who are slotted more in the 4th...

To me pass rush and OL are the biggest priorities, followed by CB and WR. 

I just think it's time to come to grips with reality regarding Jimmy smith. We played a rookie qb and maybe the worst group of receivers in the league yesterday but against quality opponents our defense is totally handicapped once Jimmy goes down, and the odds are that he will go down at some point every year. We just can't have the fate of out defense lean so heavily on a guy who has played one out of 5 seasons healthy.