Which offseason story or development has you excited?

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

There's obviously a lot to talk about with the Ravens offseason in full swing. There are also a lot of questions to be answered, and developments to monitor.

From the Left tackle situation and what will happen with Eugene Monroe to position battles (who will win the LG position, what will the TE and RB depth charts look like) to which rookies will earn themselves a big role - there's a lot to be excited and nervous about at the same time.

What are you most excited about and why? Which do you think will have the biggest impact on the success of the season? What are you nervous about?

 

Personally, I'm excited to see how they rotate and utilize the various pass rushers on the roster. We now have so many, especially young ones, I dont know how theyre going to get them all on the field. We have edge rushers, interior rushers, and ones that can do a little bit of both. Theres the two incumbent vets in Suggs and Doom, but itll be interesting to see how Correa, Big Z, Kaufusi, Judon, maybe Ochi, Urban, Jernigan, and Henry all get involved.

It could be a huge success, or it could take a while for the young ones to develop and Suggs could be a shell of himself to where we're still in trouble. Im extremely excited to see what this crew can do, but also a little nervous at the same time. And ultimately i think our ability to get after the QB from multiple positions will be the success or failure of our Defense.

If its good, i think we have a top 10 D that returns to prominence and among the leagues elite. If its bad, i dont know that we have the coverage ability on the back end to make up for a lack luster pass rush. 

[Jaybirds]

Well, there's a lot of overlap with your own post.  But I'm excited to see which of the late draft picks catch on.  I know anyone drafted after the 3rd round isn't really expected to start, or even make the roster.  But guys like Moore, Young, Judon, Ochi, Reynolds, Henry, and Dixon make me think we break that mold.  This was either an incredible draft, or we're about to see a lot of heartbreak.  

[Jacquouille]

Very nice topic

Right now I'd say ZDS. Honestly all I've read about him was positive. He has worked more than anyone this offseason and apparently his body shows it (per the Sun). I think he will step up big time this year.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

6 minutes ago, Jacquouille said:

Very nice topic

Right now I'd say ZDS. Honestly all I've read about him was positive. He has worked more than anyone this offseason and apparently his body shows it (per the Sun). I think he will step up big time this year.

hes an often forgotten guy... but i like it.

If all he does is replace what Upshaw did for us thats a win. If he can be more dynamic and offer something in the pass rush department - its a home run. Definitely excited to see if he'll take a big step forward.

[Jaybirds]

2 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

hes an often forgotten guy... but i like it.

If all he does is replace what Upshaw did for us thats a win. If he can be more dynamic and offer something in the pass rush department - its a home run. Definitely excited to see if he'll take a big step forward.

I think it might be the other way around.  He won't be quite the run defender Upshaw was, but his pass rush could soon be comparable to McPhee.  

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

20 minutes ago, Jaybirds said:

Well, there's a lot of overlap with your own post.  But I'm excited to see which of the late draft picks catch on.  I know anyone drafted after the 3rd round isn't really expected to start, or even make the roster.  But guys like Moore, Young, Judon, Ochi, Reynolds, Henry, and Dixon make me think we break that mold.  This was either an incredible draft, or we're about to see a lot of heartbreak.  

Where'd you get that idea? 

2015: Z Smith, Buck Allen, Tray Walker (all 4th round); Nick Boyle (5th); Darren Waller (6th) all made the team. Only 1 pick after the 3rd DIDNT make the team.

2014: Brent Urban, Lorenzo Taliaferro (4th); John Urschel (5th); Keith Wenning (6th); Campanaro (7th) - all made the team in some capacity (I think Wenning went to PS) but even if you dont count that, all but 1 made the team and are STILL on it. 

2013: John Simon, Kyle Juszczyk (4th); Rick Wagner (5th); KLM, Ryan Jensen (6th); Aaron Mellette, Marc Anthony (7th) - All made the team, went on IR or PS and were brought back the following offseason. Most are still on the roster and battling for a starting spot or play a prominant role for another team.

 

If our draft picks, even after the 3rd round, dont make the team THAT would be the anomaly. They're definitely expected to make the team, some make an impact right away, and definitely be making an impact by next year. There's only like 3-4 picks after the 3rd round from the last 3 years that aren't still on the team.

 

Edited June 9, 2016 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[harfordravenfan]

Great topic but so many things...

LT and LG battle 

MLB spot

How injured guys return

How much our secondary improves

[Jaybirds]

7 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Where'd you get that idea? 

2015: Z Smith, Buck Allen, Tray Walker (all 4th round); Nick Boyle (5th); Darren Waller (6th) all made the team. Only 1 pick after the 3rd DIDNT make the team.

2014: Brent Urban, Lorenzo Taliaferro (4th); John Urschel (5th); Keith Wenning (6th); Campanaro (7th) - all made the team in some capacity (I think Wenning went to PS) but even if you dont count that, all but 1 made the team and are STILL on it. 

2013: John Simon, Kyle Juszczyk (4th); Rick Wagner (5th); KLM, Ryan Jensen (6th); Aaron Mellette, Marc Anthony (7th) - All made the team, went on IR or PS and were brought back the following offseason. Most are still on the roster and battling for a starting spot or play a prominant role for another team.

 

If our draft picks, even after the 3rd round, dont make the team THAT would be the anomaly. They're definitely expected to make the team, some make an impact right away, and definitely be making an impact by next year. There's only like 3-4 picks after the 3rd round from the last 3 years that aren't still on the team.

 

I know we have a very good record after the third round, that's one thing I really like about our front office.  (It also makes me wonder why we get so uptight about the first three, but anyway).    But I know it's not supposed to go that way.  The later the round, the less likely the prospect in general.   6 or 7 post-3rd guys in one year would be high, even for us.  But that's partly because nobody has had that many 4th round picks before.  So that's intriguing to me.  Even if we've come to expect it, it's different than the rest of the world, and downright unique this year.  

[berad]

Lots of good ones and I love the ones already mentioned.

I'll say Weddle, he's come in with a strong team mentality and has seemed to become an effortless leaders, he's fit right in. Seems like just the type of conduit our secondary needs.

[Kinda_Dante]

5 minutes ago, berad said:

Lots of good ones and I love the ones already mentioned.

I'll say Weddle, he's come in with a strong team mentality and has seemed to become an effortless leaders, he's fit right in. Seems like just the type of conduit our secondary needs.

Yeah count me in with you as well, super hyped to see what Weddle will bring to our team.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

20 minutes ago, berad said:

Lots of good ones and I love the ones already mentioned.

I'll say Weddle, he's come in with a strong team mentality and has seemed to become an effortless leaders, he's fit right in. Seems like just the type of conduit our secondary needs.

This is another one that im super pumped about but doesnt get talked about much. From the sounds of reports - hes already got the Defense down to the point that hes the coach on the field... wanting the headset so he can call in the plays. Thats pretty incredible for a guy thats only been here a couple months.

And its something we just havent had since Ed Reed and its been SORELY missed. I dont expect the play making of Reed, but if we just get the organization, anticipation, and that ability to play chess with the QB that Reed could do.... man is that a huge boost for the D. And so far indications are thats exactly what weddles doing.

It could turn out to be the single biggest and most impactful difference in the team this year.

[berad]

20 minutes ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

This is another one that im super pumped about but doesnt get talked about much. From the sounds of reports - hes already got the Defense down to the point that hes the coach on the field... wanting the headset so he can call in the plays. Thats pretty incredible for a guy thats only been here a couple months.

And its something we just havent had since Ed Reed and its been SORELY missed. I dont expect the play making of Reed, but if we just get the organization, anticipation, and that ability to play chess with the QB that Reed could do.... man is that a huge boost for the D. And so far indications are thats exactly what weddles doing.

It could turn out to be the single biggest and most impactful difference in the team this year.

 

35 minutes ago, Kinda_Dante said:

Yeah count me in with you as well, super hyped to see what Weddle will bring to our team.

Don't want to get too pumped up or raise expectations too high but it's got that same feeling as when Steve Smith came here. Who knows? I'm just excited.

[Kinda_Dante]

1 minute ago, berad said:

 

Don't want to get too pumped up or raise expectations too high but it's got that same feeling as when Steve Smith came here. Who knows? I'm just excited.

Yea I definitely feel like it's the exact same signing but for our defense. Even if he doesn't get a lot of picks himself I feel like he'll have everyone in the right place to create turnovers.

[Davesta]

2 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

 

2014: Brent Urban, Lorenzo Taliaferro (4th); John Urschel (5th); Keith Wenning (6th); Campanaro (7th) - all made the team in some capacity (I think Wenning went to PS) but even if you dont count that, all but 1 made the team and are STILL on it. 

2013: John Simon, Kyle Juszczyk (4th); Rick Wagner (5th); KLM, Ryan Jensen (6th); Aaron Mellette, Marc Anthony (7th) - All made the team, went on IR or PS and were brought back the following offseason. Most are still on the roster and battling for a starting spot or play a prominant role for another team.

 

If our draft picks, even after the 3rd round, dont make the team THAT would be the anomaly. They're definitely expected to make the team, some make an impact right away, and definitely be making an impact by next year. There's only like 3-4 picks after the 3rd round from the last 3 years that aren't still on the team.

 

Man, urschel in the 5th. Wagner 5th. Jensen 6th. And they all could be starters. Now Alex Lewis in the 4th. Ozzie with these late round gems, and critical position at that! 

[redrum52]

Secondary, OL, pass rush and...  PERRIMAN.  If I had to pick one, it would be the pass rush.  A lot is invested in the front seven and if it doesn't pay off, especially with pieces that were available, there will be a lot of complaints.  Next would be Perriman.

[edthehead]

many great position look

we have many former players (past and present) here

but none have been rated so high and done so little  

none have never came in with

" this is my last chance mentality"

a position that can truly make our offense elite

with the right person,

now I love the draft pick of k dixon

but I feel like Trent Richardson, if he works out, wow,

we come off like john Gotti

my position I am watching is RB's 

 

[Winchester]

3 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

There's obviously a lot to talk about with the Ravens offseason in full swing. There are also a lot of questions to be answered, and developments to monitor.

From the Left tackle situation and what will happen with Eugene Monroe to position battles (who will win the LG position, what will the TE and RB depth charts look like) to which rookies will earn themselves a big role - there's a lot to be excited and nervous about at the same time.

What are you most excited about and why? Which do you think will have the biggest impact on the success of the season? What are you nervous about?

 

Personally, I'm excited to see how they rotate and utilize the various pass rushers on the roster. We now have so many, especially young ones, I dont know how theyre going to get them all on the field. We have edge rushers, interior rushers, and ones that can do a little bit of both. Theres the two incumbent vets in Suggs and Doom, but itll be interesting to see how Correa, Big Z, Kaufusi, Judon, maybe Ochi, Urban, Jernigan, and Henry all get involved.

It could be a huge success, or it could take a while for the young ones to develop and Suggs could be a shell of himself to where we're still in trouble. Im extremely excited to see what this crew can do, but also a little nervous at the same time. And ultimately i think our ability to get after the QB from multiple positions will be the success or failure of our Defense.

If its good, i think we have a top 10 D that returns to prominence and among the leagues elite. If its bad, i dont know that we have the coverage ability on the back end to make up for a lack luster pass rush. 

 

Lots of things have me curious. Will Dixon wrestle touches away from forsett. Will Chris Moore's route running and lower body/ankle suddenness show up as a rookie. Kufusi reshape his body for edge rusher role. Is Henry tacking on muscle and attitude like he guaranteed. Perriman and campanaro keeping injury free once training camp begins. And forming a potent trio with Chris moore. Maxx in better shape showing routes and speed of a big WR. Will ravens go with the most potent and dominant interior oline trio of Jensen at left guard and Urschel at center which has a legit chance of being the best in the league. Correa adapting to lb in a hurry and being an x factor blitzer. T young winning a starting role from solid vets would be huge. But most of all the news and rumors about The Will Henry. Team coaches and trainers see how strong he is in the weight room and heard about his 2gap skills. But his power in otas has downright shocked everybody. His explosion and flexibility impressed everybody but the power he has displayed for being an athletic fast penetrator has shocked some. There are whispers among trainers and coaches that can not wait to see him in pads. Jernigan is impressive this season. He is in better shape,stronger explosive and could be a double digit sack producer. However the whispers are that Henry is already more impressive and skilled than Jernigan.  I was curious to see him cut 12-16 -lbs of fat and tack in 10-13 lbs of functional muscle while coaching up his technique and join the elite interior rusher stable of Atkins Donald and Short. But it sounds like he could of already arrived. I'm curious to see how true the rumors are. Even then i would like to see him cut 12-16 lbs of excess and tack on 10-13 lbs of functional muscle ( he could add that without slowing him any) and compete for the title of best defensive tackle in the league.

[757RavensFan]

Quote

What are you most excited about and why? Which do you think will have the biggest impact on the success of the season? What are you nervous about?

Excited:  

- to see what all of these new pieces on offense can do.  I really think we have the talent to have a top 10 offense.  There's a lot of depth at every skilled position, even the O-Line (if Monroe stays) has depth.

- Seeing our new secondary. I said this often, but I think the addition of Leslie Frazier along w/ the leadership of Weddle is going to really help our secondary. 

Biggest impact on success:

As stated above, I think our secondary is going to take quite a few steps forward.  Honestly, they were a major reason why we couldn't finish games last year. That and the pass rush.  But if I had to say one area will help the team succeed this season, I'll put my $$ on the secondary. 

Nervous about: 

I'm REALLY nervous about Flacco coming back to full strength.  Even though he's on target to be back for TC, it's going to take him some time to get acclimated to the new guys.  Luckily he's not learning a new offense and he finally has the same OC for consecutive years.  

Edited June 9, 2016 by 757RavensFan

[JoeyFlex5]

I think the hype about a possible transition to a 43 is very exciting, considering we have guys like jernigan who is an ideal 1 gap DT, henry who could be a dominant 1 gapper with proper fitness, kaufusi who could be a dominant 43DE with fitness, Mosley who likely would be a better fit at mlb because he plays with more freedom and flows more easily and doesn't have to force himself into the mix because of the nature of the scheme, and correa who can be a pro bowl caliber 43OLB on either side. 

 

So id say the new speed and explosion and versatility we are building on defense has been the most exciting storyline.

 

And of course, perriman, wallace, moore, maxx, Crockett, watson, gillmore, along with finally having a LT. Looks like the most promising ravens offense ever.

[jdynamite]

I'm excited about a few things: first would be Flacco having multiple Deep Threats to chunk it to. The second I'm excited and nervous about the Defensive Line/ rookie pass rushers because of so many young and experienced players. There's such an unknown there..  We basically know what B.Williams will give us, Jernigan needs to improve, C.davis, Urban, KLM can any of them step up?    As far as the rookies Kaufusi has been out with injury, haven't heard a thing about W.Henry.  

Also curious about M.Pierce DT Samford... He looks like a real powerhouse  

 

I'm still hoping to see some articles about the performances of Ochi, Judoh. 

Edited June 9, 2016 by jdynamite

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

So, whats the one most important factor that this season is going to hinge on?? Like, if "X" happens i think we'll be a playoff team, if it doesnt we're in trouble.

Flacco recovering is the obvious one so i'll state that and get it out of the way. Too easy. Assuming hes back to his old self... 

Suggs might be the X factor. We were beating the eventual super bowl champions with him in the game. He goes down, we lose that game and never look the same again. I know we've added a lot of pass rush, but it might take a year or 2 before we see serious dividends from that. Z i expect to take a step forward, but other than maybe Z we dont really have a 3 down outside LB that can play the run well, set the edge, drop into coverage, and get after the passer. Now if we move to a 4-3 that changes a little, but as currently constructed - Suggs being Suggs might be the single most important development of the offseason IMO.

What are some other possible nominees?

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

WEDDLE #32 !!!!!!!!!

[Jacquouille]

Yeah Weddle. As much as I like to see the young guys growing up, Weddle is the difference. If you go back to the start of "scouting season" I wanted Darian Thompson to add a true FS that could lead our defense. Weddle probably won't be the FS, but it doesn't matter. Jimmy's back, Shareece is up and coming, Webb I'm not sure but still better than Kendrick "flag" Lewis. With Weddle (+Frazier) you get a guy to put it all together. 

I'm positive our secondary is going to surprise people. 

[Winchester]

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

So, whats the one most important factor that this season is going to hinge on?? Like, if "X" happens i think we'll be a playoff team, if it doesnt we're in trouble.

Flacco recovering is the obvious one so i'll state that and get it out of the way. Too easy. Assuming hes back to his old self... 

Suggs might be the X factor. We were beating the eventual super bowl champions with him in the game. He goes down, we lose that game and never look the same again. I know we've added a lot of pass rush, but it might take a year or 2 before we see serious dividends from that. Z i expect to take a step forward, but other than maybe Z we dont really have a 3 down outside LB that can play the run well, set the edge, drop into coverage, and get after the passer. Now if we move to a 4-3 that changes a little, but as currently constructed - Suggs being Suggs might be the single most important development of the offseason IMO.

What are some other possible nominees?

Looks increasingly likely ravens run a 4-3. Only void would be Weak side lb that can cover. A signing or trade maybe.

[Raven'evermore]

 Wouldn't the easier question be what are you least excited about this season?  So many topics to choose from.  For me it's between Perriman and Waller.  With Perriman, it's reliving all the excitement from last season waiting to see what he could do on the field.  A big reason we lost so many games last year was we didn't have anyone to stretch the field, unless you count Givens (JMO).  Now we might have at least three speedsters with Perriman, Wallace and Moore.   Now concerning the TE situation, what happens if we cut Waller and then either Gilmore reinjures his shoulder, Boyle is put on the sidelines for ten games but fails another drug test or Pitta goes down again.  The problem as I understood it with Waller is that he had a difficult time getting open as a wr, but he's still very young and has loads of potential.  So do you take a chance on the seasoned though sometimes injured vets or maybe hope that Boyle's learned his lesson (remember he already has 2 strikes against him), or do you try and develop Waller who has shown good character and also considerable talent?

[Winchester]

2 hours ago, jdynamite said:

I'm excited about a few things: first would be Flacco having multiple Deep Threats to chunk it to. The second I'm excited and nervous about the Defensive Line/ rookie pass rushers because of so many young and experienced players. There's such an unknown there..  We basically know what B.Williams will give us, Jernigan needs to improve, C.davis, Urban, KLM can any of them step up?    As far as the rookies Kaufusi has been out with injury, haven't heard a thing about W.Henry.  

Also curious about M.Pierce DT Samford... He looks like a real powerhouse  

 

I'm still hoping to see some articles about the performances of Ochi, Judoh. 

Wouldn't be surprised if Henry is kept behind the curtains pretty much til the real show opens. Do not want to tip off teams to much about what the defense has. So when the act opens, opponents will not have schemes and plays to adjust its oline scheme and play calling for such a skilled rookie penetrator. I know it's only ota. But rumors are he is more impressive than Jernigan. 

[Raven'evermore]

 

 

 

2 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

So, whats the one most important factor that this season is going to hinge on?? Like, if "X" happens i think we'll be a playoff team, if it doesnt we're in trouble.

Flacco recovering is the obvious one so i'll state that and get it out of the way. Too easy. Assuming hes back to his old self... 

Suggs might be the X factor. We were beating the eventual super bowl champions with him in the game. He goes down, we lose that game and never look the same again. I know we've added a lot of pass rush, but it might take a year or 2 before we see serious dividends from that. Z i expect to take a step forward, but other than maybe Z we dont really have a 3 down outside LB that can play the run well, set the edge, drop into coverage, and get after the passer. Now if we move to a 4-3 that changes a little, but as currently constructed - Suggs being Suggs might be the single most important development of the offseason IMO.

What are some other possible nominees?

Injuries were the biggest factor why we didn't have a winning season last year, so I don't see why that would change.  However, I don't think it will be a problem this season so I'll say good officiating (don't hold your breath), the running game or Tucker having a really good year (give that man a contract).

[usmccharles]

Offense

- Trent Richardson- I am just intrigued on the story and to see how determined he is.  From videos ive seen the guy looks in great shape and seems to know this is it, he sounds very mature.  I am not expecting him to come in and dominant, I am just interested in the story.  I think Dixon prevails as a late round gem. 

- BP- Obviously we all want to see what he can do.  The size, speed, and strength could give Joe something he has never had before. 

Defense

- Secondary- Over the second half of the season last year we improved drastically and we have added other key parts, I think Weddle makes a big difference. 

Special Teams

-Who will be our return guy?  Reynolds?

[Jaybirds]

11 hours ago, Winchester said:

Looks increasingly likely ravens run a 4-3. Only void would be Weak side lb that can cover. A signing or trade maybe.

It's not a HUGE need considering how often we ran our nickel package last year.  This is the guy who would probably come out for the extra CB.  

I haven't seen talk of a 4-3 anywhere but here (though it sure seems like we drafted for it!).  So I'm not sure if we're a 3-4 team converting to 4-3, or if we're a nickel team that runs 3-4 against the rush.  Or maybe there isn't really a difference.  

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

2 hours ago, Jaybirds said:

It's not a HUGE need considering how often we ran our nickel package last year.  This is the guy who would probably come out for the extra CB.  

I haven't seen talk of a 4-3 anywhere but here (though it sure seems like we drafted for it!).  So I'm not sure if we're a 3-4 team converting to 4-3, or if we're a nickel team that runs 3-4 against the rush.  Or maybe there isn't really a difference.  

You're right - for how much I've been seeing this transition to 4-3 discussed... i havent see any indications of it other than on here. Some of our moves seem to indicate a possible switch, but i dont know. Theyre working Correa out at ILB, which means theyre looking for a second guy next to Mosley. That doesnt sound like a team looking to transition.

And if we were switching to a base 4-3, dont you think we'd be installing it and practicing it now since most of the team has never played it as the base defense?? Why would we be moving a guy who's a natural 4-3 OLB to 3-4 ILB if the plan was just to play a 4-3 anyways? That doesnt seem to support this talking point.

The fact of the matter is, it really isnt all that important what our base defense is. Obviously it matters some, but we're going to be in our sub packages most of the time anyways. In the nickel, with a 6 man front our personnel is diverse and flexible enough that we can easily transition between a 3-3, 4-2, 2-4 and back again. And trying to find this safety/LB hybrid only makes it all the more flexible as we'll be able to go from our base defense, to nickel and back again.