Which offseason story or development has you excited?

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

On 6/18/2016 at 9:31 PM, ellicottraven said:

In this order:

1. The extraordinary rookie class ( I genuinely expect this class to be the best class in a long time).

2. Joe Flacco's return from injury and potential stats explosion in the regular season laying to rest any myth he isn't elite.

3. SSR and Sizzle's return from injury and playing like new.

4. Breshad Perriman suiting up for game 1 and emerging as one of the best new talents at receiver league wide.

5. Secondary proving to be awesome with Weddle, Webb, Jimmy Smith, Wright and Powers.

 

I know the Webb transition to safety is a question mark for the season, but I have a feeling its going to pay off big time.

When he transitioned to playing more safety last year, our secondary began playing more soundly as a unit. It was his elite quickness and athleticism that made him effective as a CB, but since his injuries sapped some of that he hasnt been the same. Too small to stick with big guys on the outside, and often not quick/sharp enough to dominate in the slot.

But, hes got plus athleticism for a safety, and might have the best ball skills of anyone in our secondary. Plus, he knows our schemes and assignments probably better than anyone. I think its the perfect fit for him, and is going to help the defense as a whole big time. Alongside Weddle, we now have 2 very intelligent, athletic safeties capable of man or zone coverage, and that corners can feel comfortable knowing they have help over the top. We can take more chances and be more aggressive. Neither minds sticking their nose in and tackling.

We've been rotating in young or new players that have never really led an NFL defense and especially no this one. We now have an absolute master of football in Weddle, and a master of ravens D in Webb. Finally some experience and confidence back there.

Could be the single most improved position on the entire team - going from a big weakness to possibly one of our strengths. Im excited to see those 2 in action together.

[Edgar]

Brent Urban- pretty physical, good off the ball, good against the run. Eager to see if he has improved as a pass rusher.

Buck Allen-  very quick in space. Want to see him take the next step.

Maxx Williams- all this guy needs us reps. Hoping he gets them.

[Sherly_Tebow]

Just had a mini heart attack scrolling through my Facebook. I saw a page post a story with the words "Joe Flacco died", but it was fake. Apparently, Some Twitter account was hacked and said that. It was a nice way to scare me at 3AM, lol

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

6 hours ago, Sherly_Tebow said:

Just had a mini heart attack scrolling through my Facebook. I saw a page post a story with the words "Joe Flacco died", but it was fake. Apparently, Some Twitter account was hacked and said that. It was a nice way to scare me at 3AM, lol

Yea apparently Juice's twitter account was hacked last night (dont know if this was tied to the Flacco thing). Saw that this morning too... but by the time i saw it the ravens had already posted it was a hoax.

There was also a fake Ian Rapaport twitter account (same picture, same name, but an obviously fake/different handle) that i believe tweeting the flacco thing and much more.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

11 hours ago, Edgar said:

Brent Urban- pretty physical, good off the ball, good against the run. Eager to see if he has improved as a pass rusher.

Buck Allen-  very quick in space. Want to see him take the next step.

Maxx Williams- all this guy needs us reps. Hoping he gets them.

Brent Urban.... man he hasnt been talked about at all.

He was one of the guys i was most excited to see the past 2 offseasons, and then he get derailed by injury. Surprised hes not getting more buzz. The guy has immense potential; great size/athleticism combo and at times has looked like an absolute monster. Him, Guy and Kaufusi could make a lethal combo at DE with their versatility to line up and shift all over the front 7.

We've really got so many moving pieces in our front - its going to be awesome how much we can do pre-snap to confuse offenses. Williams and Davis can both line up as 3-4 NT, DT and 4-3 DT.... Jernigan and Henry could line up 3-4 NT, DT, DE or 4-3 DT.... Guy and Kaufusi could prob play 3-4 DT, DE or 4-3 DT, DE.. Urban can play 3-4 DT, DE, OLB or 4-3 DT, DE.... Suggs, Doom and Judon can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 OLB, DE and Correa, McLellan can play 3-4 OLB, ILB or 4-3 OLB, DE... and Mosley, Orr, Brown can play 3-4 ILB, OLB or 4-3 MLB, OLB.

Obviously they all arent at their best in each of those positions or the optimal fit, but they've got the size,strength, athleticism, or skill set to shift around to and play a couple downs if needed at any of those positions especially to exploit and create favorable match ups for a particular guy.

Edited June 23, 2016 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[Edgar]

1 hour ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Brent Urban.... man he hasnt been talked about at all.

He was one of the guys i was most excited to see the past 2 offseasons, and then he get derailed by injury. Surprised hes not getting more buzz. The guy has immense potential; great size/athleticism combo and at times has looked like an absolute monster. Him, Guy and Kaufusi could make a lethal combo at DE with their versatility to line up and shift all over the front 7.

We've really got so many moving pieces in our front - its going to be awesome how much we can do pre-snap to confuse offenses. Williams and Davis can both line up as 3-4 NT, DT and 4-3 DT.... Jernigan and Henry could line up 3-4 NT, DT, DE or 4-3 DT.... Guy and Kaufusi could prob play 3-4 DT, DE or 4-3 DT, DE.. Urban can play 3-4 DT, DE, OLB or 4-3 DT, DE.... Suggs, Doom and Judon can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 OLB, DE and Correa, McLellan can play 3-4 OLB, ILB or 4-3 OLB, DE... and Mosley, Orr, Brown can play 3-4 ILB, OLB or 4-3 MLB, OLB.

Obviously they all arent at their best in each of those positions or the optimal fit, but they've got the size,strength, athleticism, or skill set to shift around to and play a couple downs if needed at any of those positions especially to exploit and create favorable match ups for a particular guy.

Thought about this guy having his own thread. Really haven't seen his name and its surprising.

I re-watched his college film recently and came away impressed. Really good ball get off and disruptive as a result. Tons of upside as an interior rusher and a very good run defender.

As long as he is healthy I would be surprised if he isn't our starting DE.

It is very exciting to contemplate how Kaufusi might be used off the edge and in tandem with Urban and Guy at DE.

 

[DomMcRaven]

13 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

Brent Urban.... man he hasnt been talked about at all.

He was one of the guys i was most excited to see the past 2 offseasons, and then he get derailed by injury. Surprised hes not getting more buzz. The guy has immense potential; great size/athleticism combo and at times has looked like an absolute monster. Him, Guy and Kaufusi could make a lethal combo at DE with their versatility to line up and shift all over the front 7.

We've really got so many moving pieces in our front - its going to be awesome how much we can do pre-snap to confuse offenses. Williams and Davis can both line up as 3-4 NT, DT and 4-3 DT.... Jernigan and Henry could line up 3-4 NT, DT, DE or 4-3 DT.... Guy and Kaufusi could prob play 3-4 DT, DE or 4-3 DT, DE.. Urban can play 3-4 DT, DE, OLB or 4-3 DT, DE.... Suggs, Doom and Judon can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 OLB, DE and Correa, McLellan can play 3-4 OLB, ILB or 4-3 OLB, DE... and Mosley, Orr, Brown can play 3-4 ILB, OLB or 4-3 MLB, OLB.

Obviously they all arent at their best in each of those positions or the optimal fit, but they've got the size,strength, athleticism, or skill set to shift around to and play a couple downs if needed at any of those positions especially to exploit and create favorable match ups for a particular guy.

Still loved that field goal block that won us the game @ CLE. That was dope. As I read through these threads, I'm with you. I'm honestly shocked that his name isn't brought up often................or maybe I'm not looking at all the threads. Pees gets a lot of heat (sometimes deservedly so), but I'm eager to see, as you pointed out, how he'll utliize these guys. We actually finished in the top 10 for overall defense, so I expect big things from this unit (barring significant injury of course). 

[Jacquouille]

Yeah, I love Urban, he's got insane upside, but at the same time, I also love Guy, and Kaufusi (if he does play de, which I'm not convinced) and even ZDS might take some reps there, so it's hard to talk about only one guy out of the group. Although it was said that Urban had a really good minicamp pass-rushing wise.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

4 hours ago, Jacquouille said:

Yeah, I love Urban, he's got insane upside, but at the same time, I also love Guy, and Kaufusi (if he does play de, which I'm not convinced) and even ZDS might take some reps there, so it's hard to talk about only one guy out of the group. Although it was said that Urban had a really good minicamp pass-rushing wise.

And thats why i point him out. Guy i think is the most consistent - the one you know what to expect from him. Very good against the run and holds the point of attack well, but he doesnt offer a whole lot in terms of penetration and getting into the back field. Hes somewhat limited in terms of athleticism.

Urban is a monster and has the athleticism to play OLB in our 3-4. Hes got the length to clog up passing lanes, the ability to play the run, and the technique and athleticism to get into the backfield. And there was so much talk last offseason about how he and Jernigan were constantly in the back field (before he got hurt obviously). 

Theres been a lot of talk about Kaufusi, and understandably so. He's got the potential to be a monster as either a 4-3 or 3-4 DE. But, the way its been talked about is almost as if theres no one in his way. I think Guy will start especially on early downs against the run.... but Kaufusi's gonna have a tough time getting ahead of Urban. 

I see a serious break out year from him... If he can get through this offseason healthy - watch out. He's already made some splash plays for us and with some consistency I really do think he can become an absolute monster.

[Winchester]

18 hours ago, BOLDnPurPnBlacK said:

And thats why i point him out. Guy i think is the most consistent - the one you know what to expect from him. Very good against the run and holds the point of attack well, but he doesnt offer a whole lot in terms of penetration and getting into the back field. Hes somewhat limited in terms of athleticism.

Urban is a monster and has the athleticism to play OLB in our 3-4. Hes got the length to clog up passing lanes, the ability to play the run, and the technique and athleticism to get into the backfield. And there was so much talk last offseason about how he and Jernigan were constantly in the back field (before he got hurt obviously). 

Theres been a lot of talk about Kaufusi, and understandably so. He's got the potential to be a monster as either a 4-3 or 3-4 DE. But, the way its been talked about is almost as if theres no one in his way. I think Guy will start especially on early downs against the run.... but Kaufusi's gonna have a tough time getting ahead of Urban. 

I see a serious break out year from him... If he can get through this offseason healthy - watch out. He's already made some splash plays for us and with some consistency I really do think he can become an absolute monster.

I agree. However urban is a 3-4 defensive end (interior player) Kufusi is an edge rusher with very good power and techniques and good speed and  athleticism. Since he is playing a different position he has to tweak his bod a little. Lose 16-20lbs of bad weight. And he could add 10-12 lbs of muscle or so without losing any speed or athleticism. Losing the excess around his core will help with his back injuries. He will arrive at a leaner more athletic yet stronger body composition for the edge rusher positions. While he continues to train for flexibility and athleticism while maturing his already forward techniques.278-280 is likely his ideal play weight for peak and dominant performance for  edge rusher positions.If players work hard and play it correctly ravens could be first team ever to have a tandem of rookies to hit double digit sacks!! And ravens motivate and provide support better than any team in the league for players to get stronger, cut excess weight and play at optimum peak performance and production. From Harbs' challenging players to the food and nutrition provided around ravens facility. It's about players reaching their maximum performance through hard work and sophisticated intelligent training, nutrition and practices. Kufusi may not have the natural raw strength, athleticism of Mario Williams, julius peppers and Jared Allen  But through hard work and intelligent sophisticated nutrition and training techniques he could be very close to mario Williams and Jared allen. Which means he is an impact player for the ravens!! Similar to how jj watt plays so dominant. He takes his training and nutrition and practices that  extra mile.  Not saying Kufusi is jj watt or peppers. However by taking that extra mile he could be nearly as good and productive as Mario Williams If ravens drafted for character, intelligence and work ethic it then that is the idea behind the strategy. That players will work overtime to be as good or better than the players with gifted pro bowl talent with an average dedication.

[Ravensfan23]

I'm intrigued by Carl Davis. He's not being mentioned at all thus far. Timmy is getting buzz, BW is BW and there is a small group of people who are really excited about Henry as well, but I'm very interested in seeing how Davis has developed in his 2nd year. He started really strong but faded quickly. I think his impact could maybe help lessen the blow of potentially losing Brandon inside to FA next year. 

I think Davis could be really good for this defense inside especially in a rotation. I don't think he's nearly as athletic as young Ngata was, but I think he could bring a lot of what Ngata did in terms of versatility up front. Not saying he's as good as Ngata but on a rotational basis I think he could make some jaw dropping plays inside  per game with his strength and quickness . 

I also wanna see how ZDS can improve upon a really solid rookie year. I think the overall performance of the team lessened his shine but he did finish the year pretty strong and could really add the young pass rush this team is looking for. 

Lastly I'm really intrigued by Jeremy Butler and Kamar Aiken. I choose not to jump on the hype train for those two guys this time last year and saw both as nothing more JAGs. However all they do is continue to work hard and make plays when given the opportunities. I want to see Kamar take that next step and force Trestman to keep him atop the depth chart and not just replace him with the speed of Wallace, Periman or Moore. I think Kamar could be a really good #2 WR in the NFL and this is a contract year for him. With Butler I really like what i saw from him once he finally got on the field last year and I like how Trestman used him. I think he could force the coaches to make a tough decision in terms of keeping 7 WRs with so many numbers at other positions as well. 

 

[Jacquouille]

2 hours ago, Ravensfan23 said:

I'm intrigued by Carl Davis. He's not being mentioned at all thus far. Timmy is getting buzz, BW is BW and there is a small group of people who are really excited about Henry as well, but I'm very interested in seeing how Davis has developed in his 2nd year. He started really strong but faded quickly. I think his impact could maybe help lessen the blow of potentially losing Brandon inside to FA next year. 

I think Davis could be really good for this defense inside especially in a rotation. I don't think he's nearly as athletic as young Ngata was, but I think he could bring a lot of what Ngata did in terms of versatility up front. Not saying he's as good as Ngata but on a rotational basis I think he could make some jaw dropping plays inside  per game with his strength and quickness . 

I also wanna see how ZDS can improve upon a really solid rookie year. I think the overall performance of the team lessened his shine but he did finish the year pretty strong and could really add the young pass rush this team is looking for. 

Lastly I'm really intrigued by Jeremy Butler and Kamar Aiken. I choose not to jump on the hype train for those two guys this time last year and saw both as nothing more JAGs. However all they do is continue to work hard and make plays when given the opportunities. I want to see Kamar take that next step and force Trestman to keep him atop the depth chart and not just replace him with the speed of Wallace, Periman or Moore. I think Kamar could be a really good #2 WR in the NFL and this is a contract year for him. With Butler I really like what i saw from him once he finally got on the field last year and I like how Trestman used him. I think he could force the coaches to make a tough decision in terms of keeping 7 WRs with so many numbers at other positions as well. 

 

Great post, those are definitely guys that I'm looking at this season. Davis and Z are in great shape, it would be great if those two showed those progress on the field. I loved the 2015 draft and still do, it's been a while since we've had drafted players exceed expectations (Williams aside), and with those two +Maxx and Buck I see future starters if not Pro bowlers.