My Current Guess At The Ravens 53-Man Roster (Merged)

[rmw10]

4 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

I think Juice makes the roster. A fullback that can catch 40 balls and lead the way for our running backs is a lock in my eyes. 

Reynolds is making plays so far this offseason. I'm hoping they go with him over Campanaro with his injury history. To me we can keep Campanaro but he is battling West who is looking solid and Pitta who is also looking solid.

Ochi will have to make plays to make the roster. I know everyone here was excited to get him but with how many OLB's we have he would have to make a lot of plays to make the team. And if he does I see Z. Smith playing more of a DE role which is his natural position and I wouldn't be against it.

Will Davis is a huge question mark. And it is a huge loss he is not on the field. It sounds like Canaday is making plays this offseason as a late round draft pick. And one would think you do not cut Tavon Young when he as been a back up slot cornerback behind Powers. It is a numbers game at cornerback if those two continue to play well.

Weddle, Webb, Lewis, and Levine are most likely the four safeties we go into the season with. I do not see us carrying more than that. Levine will be on the roster primarily for special teams. Cutting Lewis saves like 1 million but after the way Harbaugh was talking about him always being in the right place I think he is a solid player for us in a situation where Weddle or Webb go down. Plus he is a safety that can play more in the box. 

In regards to Juice, it's all about the lead blocking for me.  There's no question in my mind that one of the RBs or TEs could replicate and even beat his receiving numbers.  It all depends on if they want a guy knocking heads through the hole.  I believe they do, and for that reason, I think he's likely to make the team, just not a lock.

In regards to safety, I don't see Levine seeing safety #4.  I don't think they even view him as much of a true defensive player unless it's a true emergency situation, like when he played CB a couple of years back.  With Webb's questionable injury history, I think they'll definitely opt to keep one of Elam or Brooks around.  The question is which one.  I'm confident that they don't want to see Levine out there as the primary backup if Lewis had to move into the starting lineup.

[Guest]

On ‎6‎/‎17‎/‎2016 at 10:09 AM, EdTheMythicalOne said:

I think the ability for Waller to play TE makes him a bit more versatile. He can still line up at WR and he's a very good special teams player. I had a hard time trying to find a roster spot for him as well and it mainly depended upon Dennis Pitta not being able to play. He's defying the odds right now and I am really pulling for him to make it back. If he does, then the only way Waller makes it is at the expense of another WR. That group already has a lot of competition so it will really come down to health and performance.

If I'm the Ravens do I keep Waller at the expense of Daniel Brown, Chris Matthews, Michael Campanaro, or even Jeremy Butler? The first two I would say yes, Camp if he's healthy might be a tough call, and the team seems to love Butler.

One thing is for sure, it will be an interesting pre season and I bet a lot of other teams will be watching to see which players the Ravens cut. Somebody is going to be able to scoop up some good depth.

 I still believe Waller is going to blossom in a big way and I would not be the least bit surprised if our Front Office allows another team to be the beneficiary. With the way things have been going for the "Odd Couple", that team will be New England.

[BmoreBird22]

6 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

In regards to safety, I don't see Levine seeing safety #4.  I don't think they even view him as much of a true defensive player unless it's a true emergency situation, like when he played CB a couple of years back.  With Webb's questionable injury history, I think they'll definitely opt to keep one of Elam or Brooks around.  The question is which one.  I'm confident that they don't want to see Levine out there as the primary backup if Lewis had to move into the starting lineup.

Haven't they been keeping five usually? 

I never got why Brooks wasn't allowed to back up at corner and safety, which would give him the nod, even though I wanna see if Elam can succeed.

[rmw10]

1 minute ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Haven't they been keeping five usually? 

I never got why Brooks wasn't allowed to back up at corner and safety, which would give him the nod, even though I wanna see if Elam can succeed.

5+.  I think it has mostly been 6 in recent years, although a lot were primarily STers - Levine, Trawick, Miles.

[trevorsteadman]

10 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

5+.  I think it has mostly been 6 in recent years, although a lot were primarily STers - Levine, Trawick, Miles.

This is another reason why I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens went with 5 tight ends with how deep they are. If Waller is the better at special teams than other safeties you may go with him. It would be weird to see a team with so many tight ends but it could happen. In my mind Elam makes it because he can play safety and nickel... Even though he will only be here one last season if he doesn't get cut before then.

 

[Cawtious]

16 hours ago, rmw10 said:

You don't have to do anything with Jensen or Zuttah.  Jensen will be an interior backup.  Lewis will be a combination of a tackle and guard.  They're likely your 2 primary backups.  Hurst could factor in, but still, no need to cut or trade anyone.

Someone will be cut.  My point is seeing the post showing Alex on the PS.  How does he get there?  He would have to be cut down during the reduction to the 53 man roster.  That means we'd have to risk losing him on waivers.  I don't see that happening.  It's also based on the original post's assumption that we keep 7 lineman.  I don't see that as realistic and played out what I would think would happen if we decide to keep only 7.  Someone wants to neg me for that.......alrighty then..

[trevorsteadman]

1 minute ago, Cawtious said:

Someone will be cut.  My point is seeing the post showing Alex on the PS.  How does he get there?  He would have to be cut down during the reduction to the 53 man roster.  That means we'd have to risk losing him on waivers.  I don't see that happening.  It's also based on the original post's assumption that we keep 7 lineman.  I don't see that as realistic and played out what I would think would happen if we decide to keep only 7.  Someone wants to neg me for that.......alrighty then..

Most teams do not cut draft picks especially as high as 4th round draft picks right away. The most sensible offensive linemen to cut would be Zuttah because it would net in some cap savings. Problem is then you are starting 3 new starting offensive linemen from last season and that will drastically affect how a team plays in year two. I think Alex Lewis after the rave reviews so far is going to be the back up guard/tackle. Just my opinion. 

[rmw10]

2 minutes ago, Cawtious said:

Someone will be cut.  My point is seeing the post showing Alex on the PS.  How does he get there?  He would have to be cut down during the reduction to the 53 man roster.  That means we'd have to risk losing him on waivers.  I don't see that happening.  It's also based on the original post's assumption that we keep 7 lineman.  I don't see that as realistic and played out what I would think would happen if we decide to keep only 7.  Someone wants to neg me for that.......alrighty then..

Well, we're likely going to keep more than 7.  Stanley, Urschel, Zuttah, Yanda, Wagner as your starting 5.  Jensen and Lewis as backups.  #8 could be up in the air.  It could be a LT if they don't view Lewis as an emergency option there.  It could be something else.  Regardless, no one has to be cut.  Zuttah, Urschel, Jensen, and Lewis will all be on the 53, assuming health.

[rmw10]

6 minutes ago, trevorsteadman said:

This is another reason why I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens went with 5 tight ends with how deep they are. If Waller is the better at special teams than other safeties you may go with him. It would be weird to see a team with so many tight ends but it could happen. In my mind Elam makes it because he can play safety and nickel... Even though he will only be here one last season if he doesn't get cut before then.

 

Difference being that Miles and Trawick were actually viewed as backups at their position.  Levine has really been the only guy in recent years that is pretty much purely ST and only an option at their position in case of injury.  ST definitely factors in of course, but it's still hard to justify keeping 5 TEs.  That also means keeping 5 TEs active weekly, most likely.

[trevorsteadman]

My question is how well does Joe sleep at night thinking that there is a possibility of 60% of his starting offensive line is different from last season....

That to me is the biggest question mark of the next season. If only Yanda can play all 5 positions on the O-line at once.

[trevorsteadman]

1 minute ago, rmw10 said:

Difference being that Miles and Trawick were actually viewed as backups at their position.  Levine has really been the only guy in recent years that is pretty much purely ST and only an option at their position in case of injury.  ST definitely factors in of course, but it's still hard to justify keeping 5 TEs.  That also means keeping 5 TEs active weekly, most likely.

I'm not one to follow special teams as much as I should. But did Williams or Boyle play special teams last season? I know Levine, McClellan, Campanaro, Waller, and Orr are some of our special team players. I am just curious how easily replaceable a gunner like Waller would be. 

[rmw10]

1 minute ago, trevorsteadman said:

I'm not one to follow special teams as much as I should. But did Williams or Boyle play special teams last season? I know Levine, McClellan, Campanaro, Waller, and Orr are some of our special team players. I am just curious how easily replaceable a gunner like Waller would be. 

Yep.  Both of them did.

The thing you have to look at now though is that Waller might not be a gunner anymore.  That's typically a position for DBs and WRs.  Waller was already an oddity at gunner last year at his size, and it worked.  Will it work at 260 lbs though?

[trevorsteadman]

1 minute ago, rmw10 said:

Yep.  Both of them did.

The thing you have to look at now though is that Waller might not be a gunner anymore.  That's typically a position for DBs and WRs.  Waller was already an oddity at gunner last year at his size, and it worked.  Will it work at 260 lbs though?

That is a huge question if he didn't lose speed at all. It would be funny watching Waller play against 190 pound guys when he is 260 if he can still run his 4.4 he ran at his pro day. 

[trevorsteadman]

Im going to try this again because my last attempt was horrid...

Quarterbacks - Joe Flacco, Ryan Mallett

Would be strange if there was another quarterback here with all the other depth on the team.

Running Backs - Justin Forsett, Kenneth Dickson, Javorius Allen, Terrance West

Hard to let go of a guy like West who is impressing so far. Especially as Forsett is aging.

Full Back - Kyle Juscyczk 

Hard to let go of a lead blocker who also has 40 catches last season in Trestman's first season. He opens up a lot in the I-formation.

Wide Receiver - Steve Smith Sr., Mike Wallace, Kamar Aiken, Breshad Perriman, Chris Moore, Keenan Reynolds, Michael Campanaro

Butler makes it on the practice squad. Nice to have depth at posession receiver, speed receiver, and slot receiver.

Tight End - Ben Watson, Crockett Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Dennis Pitta

Waller may be here due to special teams play but it is hard to warrant a need for 5 tight ends. Hopefully he clears waivers and goes on the practice squad.

Offensive Line - Ronnie Stanley, Ryan Jensen, John Urschel, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda, Rick Wagner, Alex Lewis

Very young offensive line and will be the question mark of the team going into week 1.

Defensive Line - Bronson Kaufusi, Brent Urban, Lawerence Guy, Timmy Jernigan, Carl Davis, Brandon Williams, Will Henry

Not much to say here. A lot of middle round draft picks give the Ravens solid depth here. I'm hoping I am not forgetting anybody.

Inside Linebacker - CJ Mosley, Kamalei Correa, Zachary Orr, Albert McClellan

Arthur Brown doesn't make the cut due to the numbers game. Correa and McClellan are a lot more versatile.

Outside Linebacker - Terrell Suggs, Za'Darius Smith, Elvis Dumervil, Matt Judon

Correa and McClellan can both also play here so only 4 outside linebackers is deceiving. Ochi probably will make practice squad.

Cornerback - Jimmy Smith, Shareece Wright, Jerraud Powers, Tavon Young, Maurice Canaday, Sheldon Price

Bold prediction with Canaday making the roster but people said he had a strong offseason so far. Price was taking first team reps with Jimmy Smith down. Price and Davis (when healthy) will be competing for a spot on the roster.

Safety - Eric Weddle, Lardarius Webb, Kendrick Lewis, Anthony Levine

May add Elam in for versatility but as of now I don't want to delete someone off of my list.

Special Teams - Justin Tucker, Sam Koch, Morgan Cox

 

I think that is 53...

[GrimCoconut]

If you don't think we're willing to subject a recent draft pick to waivers,  I point you to Jensen and Robert Myers. Jensen cleared waivers and found himself on our practice squad,  while Myers was claimed off waivers.  

I wouldn't bank on any guy drafted after the 4th being on this team, and I was really excited when we drafted Judon and I like the Reynolds pick and even the Canady one is good. That also goes for players drafted last year.  We seemed to love Jensen,  and apparently rightfully so,  but we cut him the next year and got him back on the PS, so...

[ellicottraven]

9 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

If you don't think we're willing to subject a recent draft pick to waivers,  I point you to Jensen and Robert Myers. Jensen cleared waivers and found himself on our practice squad,  while Myers was claimed off waivers.  

I wouldn't bank on any guy drafted after the 4th being on this team, and I was really excited when we drafted Judon and I like the Reynolds pick and even the Canady one is good. That also goes for players drafted last year.  We seemed to love Jensen,  and apparently rightfully so,  but we cut him the next year and got him back on the PS, so...

While I agree that we shouldn't bank on them making the 53 man roster, I really believe this year's going to be different. I think  one of Canady or Tavon Young and Alex Lewis, Chris Moore, Willie Henry, Kenneth Dixon all have an excellent chance at making the roster. I have some doubts about Keenan if Campanaro is healthy and plays well. Or it is even possible that a couple of these will make it to the PS as long as they clear waivers, but I doubt Reynolds will clear waivers so he may have to be either placed on phantom IR or retained if we believe he's special and only needs more time to develop.

[GrimCoconut]

1 minute ago, ellicottraven said:

While I agree that we shouldn't bank on them making the 53 man roster, I really believe this year's going to be different. I think  one of Canady or Tavon Young and Alex Lewis, Chris Moore, Willie Henry, Kenneth Dixon all have an excellent chance at making the roster. I have some doubts about Keenan if Campanaro is healthy and plays well. Or it is even possible that a couple of these will make it to the PS as long as they clear waivers, but I doubt Reynolds will clear waivers so he may have to be either placed on phantom IR or retained if we believe he's special and only needs more time to develop.

I think the 4th round picks are all safe. I only really wonder on Judon and Canady. I also think Reynolds makes the team. His versatility as an emergency QB and skill set as a return specialist help him,  and his ability to play WR.

[ellicottraven]

2 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

I think the 4th round picks are all safe. I only really wonder on Judon and Canady. I also think Reynolds makes the team. His versatility as an emergency QB and skill set as a return specialist help him,  and his ability to play WR.

I missed Judon. You may be right about Canady as well as Reynolds. However, when I heard a defensive coach rave about Canady, I thought Canady may be better than where we picked him up. Judon in my opinion sticks around just because of the need for pass rushers and guys that can take snaps off of Suggs and Doom. Zadarius is there, but I think Judon may be a good substitute as well, especially if Correa starts alongside Mosley at ILB. 

[Cawtious]

3 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

If you don't think we're willing to subject a recent draft pick to waivers,  I point you to Jensen and Robert Myers. Jensen cleared waivers and found himself on our practice squad,  while Myers was claimed off waivers.  

I wouldn't bank on any guy drafted after the 4th being on this team, and I was really excited when we drafted Judon and I like the Reynolds pick and even the Canady one is good. That also goes for players drafted last year.  We seemed to love Jensen,  and apparently rightfully so,  but we cut him the next year and got him back on the PS, so...

Don't disagree as the facts are there about Myers and Jensen.  The only reason, that I can think of, that Jensen cleared waivers is because it became known that he had sleep apnea that was untreated and wasn't performing very well because of it. Alex is impressing so far.  What will be the important thing is how he performs in the pre-season.  How all of them respond and play in the pre-season is important, to be sure.

Jensen did a good job when called upon last year.  I don't get why they aren't giving him his chance at LG to become the starter. Yet.   Lots of evaluation time coming, though.  The competition is going to be fierce.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

3 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

I think the 4th round picks are all safe. I only really wonder on Judon and Canady. I also think Reynolds makes the team. His versatility as an emergency QB and skill set as a return specialist help him,  and his ability to play WR.

I think canady, waller, and reynolds (dependent on Camp) get sent to PS. We always seem to overvalue our own players, and with the depth we have at WR (especially if Camp is healthy and makes it) I just cant see us keeping Reynolds too. I dont put too much into the QB thing, bc chances are if Camp makes it Reynolds wont be active game days anyways, so the value isnt much.

 

[rmw10]

16 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

I think canady, waller, and reynolds (dependent on Camp) get sent to PS. We always seem to overvalue our own players, and with the depth we have at WR (especially if Camp is healthy and makes it) I just cant see us keeping Reynolds too. I dont put too much into the QB thing, bc chances are if Camp makes it Reynolds wont be active game days anyways, so the value isnt much.

 

I'm still of the opinion that Reynolds is as close as he can be to a lock without actually being one.  I think it's been made clear how much the team loves him and what he could become.  He's one of the few late round rookies that I do not believe they'd risk to waivers if they truly believe in him as much as been lead on.

[GrimCoconut]

2 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I missed Judon. You may be right about Canady as well as Reynolds. However, when I heard a defensive coach rave about Canady, I thought Canady may be better than where we picked him up. Judon in my opinion sticks around just because of the need for pass rushers and guys that can take snaps off of Suggs and Doom. Zadarius is there, but I think Judon may be a good substitute as well, especially if Correa starts alongside Mosley at ILB. 

Yeah. I really like Judon, don't get me wrong--I just think he could very easily find himself on the PS or something. I think he has a higher chance of landing on that list than Reynolds, that's for sure. I think it really depends on how we plan on using Correa, and how effective he can show himself to be on defense and especially ST. Canady I just don't know. Yeah, coaches can rave all they want but I don't believe it until I see it. I think Canady is a guy who could find himself on the PS as well. I think he's got a shot, but he isn't the same investment as others, so we will see. 

1 hour ago, Cawtious said:

Don't disagree as the facts are there about Myers and Jensen.  The only reason, that I can think of, that Jensen cleared waivers is because it became known that he had sleep apnea that was untreated and wasn't performing very well because of it. Alex is impressing so far.  What will be the important thing is how he performs in the pre-season.  How all of them respond and play in the pre-season is important, to be sure.

Jensen did a good job when called upon last year.  I don't get why they aren't giving him his chance at LG to become the starter. Yet.   Lots of evaluation time coming, though.  The competition is going to be fierce.

It's true about sleep apnea; however, the fact remains that he cleared waivers, and so did John Simon. We could've prevented the Texans from signing Simon from us if we wanted to keep him, but the fact is he cleared waivers, which is significant since he was only a 4th round pick, so..... But anyway, Alex is impressing but he hasn't done anything yet, either. He's still a rookie like a lot of other rookies. We'll see what happens with him. I think he'll make the team myself, but you can never tell. 

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

I think canady, waller, and reynolds (dependent on Camp) get sent to PS. We always seem to overvalue our own players, and with the depth we have at WR (especially if Camp is healthy and makes it) I just cant see us keeping Reynolds too. I dont put too much into the QB thing, bc chances are if Camp makes it Reynolds wont be active game days anyways, so the value isnt much.

 

I think they could, too; however, I think it's very unlikely Reynolds does. I think the fact is that we see him in our plans too much and he has himself a little niche, and I do believe being able to play QB in a pinch is a quality the team will use in their evaluation, so I would put stock in that since it could be a decision maker between the team keeping Campanaro or Reynolds. 

1 hour ago, rmw10 said:

I'm still of the opinion that Reynolds is as close as he can be to a lock without actually being one.  I think it's been made clear how much the team loves him and what he could become.  He's one of the few late round rookies that I do not believe they'd risk to waivers if they truly believe in him as much as been lead on.

I agree. I think it's a slim chance Reynolds doesn't make the team--very slim, like Slenderman would be jealous type. 

[Guest]

5 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

I think canady, waller, and reynolds (dependent on Camp) get sent to PS. We always seem to overvalue our own players, and with the depth we have at WR (especially if Camp is healthy and makes it) I just cant see us keeping Reynolds too. I dont put too much into the QB thing, bc chances are if Camp makes it Reynolds wont be active game days anyways, so the value isnt much.

 

Not sure "depth" is the way to describe our contending WR's.  Maybe a more accurate label would be "evenly matched due to the unknown".  Inseparable perhaps.

Steve Smith, 36 years old and coming off a serious injury

Leading receiver Kamar Aiken, who likely wouldn't make the team on fully 1/2 of the NFL teams out there.

Rookie Chris Moore

Chris Matthews who couldn't make Seattle's squad on talent

Mike Wallace who was the receiver of choice the Steelers let go and can't find a niche anywhere else and who has lost some speed.

Michael "Ouch" Campanaro......are we really still debating his viability to hold a valuable roster spot?

Keenan Reynolds, rookie but gets my vote for a hold and perhaps an IR stash.

Breshard Perriman who had a rookie year no one noticed

Daniel too tall Brown.........

Really?  This is undoubtedly the least accomplished core of WR's in the 2016 NFL. These men cannot be separated with a crowbar.

...I forgot "Practice" Jeremy Butler.

 

 

Edited July 1, 2016 by Danny D

[EdTheMythicalOne]

On 6/30/2016 at 8:37 AM, Cawtious said:

Someone will be cut.  My point is seeing the post showing Alex on the PS.  How does he get there?  He would have to be cut down during the reduction to the 53 man roster.  That means we'd have to risk losing him on waivers.  I don't see that happening.  It's also based on the original post's assumption that we keep 7 lineman.  I don't see that as realistic and played out what I would think would happen if we decide to keep only 7.  Someone wants to neg me for that.......alrighty then..

There are a few things I'd like to point out.

First, look at the date of my original roster predictions and then my reformatting was done not too long after. OTA's hadn't even really been started yet so nobody knew that Alex Lewis would be turning heads as he's done so far.

Secondly, if you also look at the entire post (it is a long read I know, but I think the condensed version I offered is a bit easier to follow) I specifically leave about 3 roster spots of the 53 man open and note that they can be filled with any number of players. Whether the Ravens decide to add an addition OL, WR, or defensive/ST guy. Also at the time of those writings Eugene Monroe had not been cut, so now the likelihood of Alex Lewis making the roster now has increased provided he can show up in pre season games as well.

I also didn't negative bump your post. I invite people to comment on things I write because it is all just opinion anyway and I sometimes get educated by things I didn't consider.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

On 6/30/2016 at 8:24 PM, Danny D said:

Not sure "depth" is the way to describe our contending WR's.  Maybe a more accurate label would be "evenly matched due to the unknown".  Inseparable perhaps.

Steve Smith, 36 years old and coming off a serious injury

Leading receiver Kamar Aiken, who likely wouldn't make the team on fully 1/2 of the NFL teams out there.

Rookie Chris Moore

Chris Matthews who couldn't make Seattle's squad on talent

Mike Wallace who was the receiver of choice the Steelers let go and can't find a niche anywhere else and who has lost some speed.

Michael "Ouch" Campanaro......are we really still debating his viability to hold a valuable roster spot?

Keenan Reynolds, rookie but gets my vote for a hold and perhaps an IR stash.

Breshard Perriman who had a rookie year no one noticed

Daniel too tall Brown.........

Really?  This is undoubtedly the least accomplished core of WR's in the 2016 NFL. These men cannot be separated with a crowbar.

...I forgot "Practice" Jeremy Butler.

 

 

I like how you take something I said, dont refute it, and just use it as an opportunity to post your negative drivel.

Depth isnt a qualitative statement, its quantitative. A 25 ft pool is "deep," but its all the same water from surface to bottom (other than temp variations and pressure). 

Are there question marks about the depth? Sure. Doesnt mean its not a deep group. The fact that there are potentially 8-9 guys with an argument for making the team and actually contributing speaks to that.

A way to describe would be, not top heavy but deep. And thats not necessarily a bad thing. You know what Dez, Julio, Hopkins, Alshon, Beckham, Megatron, and AJ Green all have in common? No super bowls. Most teams with a great receiver can only really afford the one. We have a bunch of pretty equal guys that are quality #2 options.With 3-4 of those on the field and 1-2 are going to have an advantage in a 1on1 match up.

And thats not even mentioning our TEs. Plus, Perriman, Camp, Reynolds, and Moore are all wild cards. We dont know what they are so you can write them off, but thats no different than assuming theyll be great. Its an assumption based on nothing really.

[Guest]

3 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

 

Depth isnt a qualitative statement, its quantitative. A 25 ft pool is "deep," but its all the same water from surface to bottom (other than temp variations and pressure). 

 

Lets put it another way.  One pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from an Alaskan glacier.  Another pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from the streets of New York City.

That should put an end to the depth discussion. At least it does for me.

 

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

1 hour ago, Danny D said:

Lets put it another way.  One pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from an Alaskan glacier.  Another pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from the streets of New York City.

That should put an end to the depth discussion. At least it does for me.

 

So one set of water may be pretty but freaking freezing and the other one is less cold but polluted? Sounds like both options suck, which is stupid since depth is very important. This is pretty solid depth at WR actually. Problem is we don't have a clear cut star. Perriman has that ceiling but I doubt his ability to be totally healthy. But you don't need a superstar WR to be a #1.

[EdTheMythicalOne]

On 7/14/2016 at 8:42 PM, Danny D said:

Lets put it another way.  One pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from an Alaskan glacier.  Another pool is 25 feet deep with runoff water from the streets of New York City.

That should put an end to the depth discussion. At least it does for me.

 

There are a lot of "ifs" with this WR squad, but if all of those "ifs" fall into place then the potential is there for some good production. We were really lacking that speed threat when Torrey Smith left us. Now we have a couple of options. If Perriman can ever get on the field, we have Mike Wallace who may not be as fast as he was in his prime, but is still a fast dude, and then the rookie Chris Moore.

If Steve Smith Sr. is health I think he is money for production. He was well on his way to yet another 1,000 yard season before his injury last year. It is true that Aiken was mired in PS purgatory before coming to the Ravens. He finally got his chance and he made the most of it. You can't fault him for that and now we know that if something happens to a front line guy we at least have somebody who can catch out there. Say what you want about Butler but the Ravens really like him and he put up over 300 yards in limited playing time last year. I don't think Chris Matthews or Daniel Brown (now moving to TE) will make the team. Reynolds will make it if he wins the starting return man job, thus meaning Clay gets cut because he offers nothing as a WR. This also means Camp probably will be gone but that issue may solve itself with another trip to the IR.

While the Ravens may not have that one mega catch guy, they make up for it in the aggregate. We have a very good group of Tight Ends that just got better with the addition of Ben Watson and the chance that Dennis Pitta may be back. We have a fullback that is essentially a TE in a body too small to be a TE. In fact he was a great college TE. Then there are our running backs who will usually add another 500 yards or so in the air attack. The other thing this means is that you can't key in on one guy. Try to game plan to take Steve Smith out of the game and then you leave open Watson, Pitta, Gillmore, Maxx Williams, Juice, Forsett, Allen, or the opposite side WR.

You might recall a game in 2013 against the Lions that the Ravens won. The Ravens did everything on defense to negate Megatron and not allow him to beat the defense deep. Matt Elam was his shadow over the top and had probably the best game of his career as he just hammered Calvin Johnson each time he came close to the ball. He was targeted 14 times, caught only 6 balls for 98 yards and no TDs. Their other target was the oh so devastating Nate Burelson who caught 4 passes for about 50 yards. This is what happens when you become too one dimensional.

Edited July 25, 2016 by EdTheMythicalOne

[rmw10]

This is really tough.  Another quick guess as of right now, but man I had to cut some guys I didn't want to cut:

QB (2): Flacco, Mallett
RB (4): Forsett, Allen, West, Dixon
WR (6): Smith Sr., Aiken, Wallace, Perriman, Moore, Campanaro
TE (4): Pitta, Gillmore, Watson, Williams
OT (3): Stanley, Wagner, Hurst (for now)
G (3): Yanda, Urschel, Lewis
C (2): Zuttah, Jensen

DL (7): Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Davis, Urban, Kaufusi, Henry
ILB (4): Mosley, Orr, Correa, Levine
OLB (5): Suggs, Dumervil, Smith, McClellan, Judon
CB (6): Smith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis, Price
S (4): Weddle, Webb, Lewis, Elam

ST (3): Tucker, Koch, Cox

[trevorsteadman]

13 minutes ago, rmw10 said:

This is really tough.  Another quick guess as of right now, but man I had to cut some guys I didn't want to cut:

QB (2): Flacco, Mallett
RB (4): Forsett, Allen, West, Dixon
WR (6): Smith Sr., Aiken, Wallace, Perriman, Moore, Campanaro
TE (4): Pitta, Gillmore, Watson, Williams
OT (3): Stanley, Wagner, Hurst (for now)
G (3): Yanda, Urschel, Lewis
C (2): Zuttah, Jensen

DL (7): Williams, Jernigan, Guy, Davis, Urban, Kaufusi, Henry
ILB (4): Mosley, Orr, Correa, Levine
OLB (5): Suggs, Dumervil, Smith, McClellan, Judon
CB (6): Smith, Wright, Powers, Young, Davis, Price
S (4): Weddle, Webb, Lewis, Elam

ST (3): Tucker, Koch, Cox

I know traditionally the Ravens have kept several safeties for special teams but I wonder if they only keep 3. Levine's versatility does put Elam's spot in jeopardy. But it seems weak only having 3 safeties and a safety turned linebacker... Guess we will have to wait and see.