Free Agency 2017 (Players from Other Teams We Should Consider)

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

9 hours ago, sflegend89 said:

That hole left by Orr has to be addressed. The hole left by Wagner has to be addressed. The hole left by SSS has to be addressed. The hole left by Zuttah has to be addressed (Not buying Urschel). Whole lot of needs still, I'll be patient but we sure did spend a lot of money on luxury signings when we still had so many big holes to fill... I don't like the idea of putting so much pressure on this rookie class to deliver right out of the gate.. 

Spending cap space though to fill a "hole" with a mediocre player probably wont have the same impact in improving the team as adding a premier player at a position that maybe isnt viewed as being a need.

A roster with no real "holes" but that is lacking true difference makers anywhere, isnt going to win much in this league.

There just werent any real viable options, at a price commensurate to their value, that filled our needs. Maybe a couple players that you look at, like maybe Brandon Marshall -- helps fill the need at WR, is a proven talent, and signed for a reasonable deal - fits the profile of what we wanted. But the reality is we probably did reach out, and it was just more important to him to stay close to NY so he could continue his TV career.

Same maybe with a guy like JC Tretter -- couldve filled a need at Center. But, the Browns wouldve outbid us for him... 

 

Just using two specific examples to paint a picture. We decided to spend our money on cornerstone type players that will be here and likely produce at a high level for years. If that player lines up with a need; im sure they prefer that. But the quality/profile of the player is going to matter more than whether or not they fill an immediate, perceived hole.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

Orr's impact here was overrated anyway. I'm not worried about ILB. We seem to find a good sidekick every year to our lead guy. 

[rossihunter2]

6 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Orr's impact here was overrated anyway. I'm not worried about ILB. We seem to find a good sidekick every year to our lead guy. 

He was voted 2nd team all-pro - that's pretty difficult to have happen...

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

Just now, rossihunter2 said:

He was voted 2nd team all-pro - that's pretty difficult to have happen...

Go back and actually watch the tape. There were several instances where he would take poor angles on tackles, blow a pass coverage, among other things. That was the most undeserving all pro nod ever. He wasn't bad.. But CJ was clearly the better guy despite what the numbers say. 

[rmw10]

5 minutes ago, rossihunter2 said:

He was voted 2nd team all-pro - that's pretty difficult to have happen...

To be fair, tons of LBs were voted 2nd team all pro. 2nd place was like a 7 way tie, all with 1 vote each. 

[RayRayRaven]

17 hours ago, sflegend89 said:

That hole left by Orr has to be addressed. The hole left by Wagner has to be addressed. The hole left by SSS has to be addressed. The hole left by Zuttah has to be addressed (Not buying Urschel). Whole lot of needs still, I'll be patient but we sure did spend a lot of money on luxury signings when we still had so many big holes to fill... I don't like the idea of putting so much pressure on this rookie class to deliver right out of the gate.. 

yah theres 2 ways to go draff the best althelete or draff what u need. you are a need picker and me to.  when u have gapin holes u fil em. when u doan u have the luxsury of pic'n an althelete insted

[RayRayRaven]

On ‎3‎/‎19‎/‎2017 at 2:49 AM, sflegend89 said:

 

 

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Ozzie & Eric have a plan for the offense and it just hasn't come to fruition yet. I sure hope that's the case.

they do it called more defence hold em to fewer then you get

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

Just now, RayRayRaven said:

they do it called more defence hold em to fewer then you get

.....

 

That's just sports in general. 

 

Just wow smh

[RayRayRaven]

21 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Go back and actually watch the tape. There were several instances where he would take poor angles on tackles, blow a pass coverage, among other things. That was the most undeserving all pro nod ever. He wasn't bad.. But CJ was clearly the better guy despite what the numbers say. 

well he had a betta yr than cj and will be missd.  shame but thats the way we roll lately face plam

Edited March 27 by RayRayRaven

[BmoreBird22]

31 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Go back and actually watch the tape. There were several instances where he would take poor angles on tackles, blow a pass coverage, among other things. That was the most undeserving all pro nod ever. He wasn't bad.. But CJ was clearly the better guy despite what the numbers say. 

Many, many of his tackles were well beyond the LoS because Mosley ate blockers and allowed him to clean up.

[The Raven]

3 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Orr's impact here was overrated anyway. I'm not worried about ILB. We seem to find a good sidekick every year to our lead guy. 

Also: while it's nice to have an "impact" linebacker, it's relatively easy to find a solid starter at LB. Linebacker is one of few positions where it's pretty easy to find a guy that isn't a total liability. How many UDFAs have we had come in and look like aces? Hell, Orr was one of those guys. You always like to have impact players in the middle of a defense but let's not pretend that Orr was irreplaceable. He replaced a UDFA and he may even be replaced by a UDFA.

[SepticeyePoe]

1 minute ago, The Raven said:

Also: while it's nice to have an "impact" linebacker, it's relatively easy to find a solid starter at LB. Linebacker is one of few positions where it's pretty easy to find a guy that isn't a total liability. How many UDFAs have we had come in and look like aces? Hell, Orr was one of those guys. You always like to have impact players in the middle of a defense but let's not pretend that Orr was irreplaceable. He replaced a UDFA and he may even be replaced by a UDFA.

Who was the UDFA that he replaced? My mind is blanking at the moment.

[The Raven]

3 minutes ago, SepticeyePoe said:

Who was the UDFA that he replaced? My mind is blanking at the moment.

Bynes I think, and before that we had Jameel McClain, another UDFA, in the mix. Albert McClellan too.

Edited March 28 by The Raven

[SepticeyePoe]

5 minutes ago, The Raven said:

Bynes I think, and before that we had Jameel McClain, another UDFA, in the mix. Albert McClellan too.

I thought that Orr had replaced Daryl Smith.

[allblackraven]

14 minutes ago, The Raven said:

Bynes I think, and before that we had Jameel McClain, another UDFA, in the mix. Albert McClellan too.

And Dannell Ellerbe before them.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

36 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

And Dannell Ellerbe before them.

Then Bart Scott etc etc. Ozzie is money when finding UDFA ILB #2s 

[rossihunter2]

4 hours ago, The Raven said:

Also: while it's nice to have an "impact" linebacker, it's relatively easy to find a solid starter at LB. Linebacker is one of few positions where it's pretty easy to find a guy that isn't a total liability. How many UDFAs have we had come in and look like aces? Hell, Orr was one of those guys. You always like to have impact players in the middle of a defense but let's not pretend that Orr was irreplaceable. He replaced a UDFA and he may even be replaced by a UDFA.

Your point is fair enough but he actually replaced Daryl smith 

[Tank 92]

1 hour ago, rossihunter2 said:

Your point is fair enough but he actually replaced Daryl smith 

Yeah, and even though his skills diminished a bit his last year, he was still solid. In 2013 and 2014 he was perhaps the most consistent talent on the D and he really helped usher CJ into the NFL. 

Edited March 28 by Tank 92

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

8 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Many, many of his tackles were well beyond the LoS because Mosley ate blockers and allowed him to clean up.

Yeah people gave Orr way too much credit for my taste. One of the reasons that the defense improved significantly last season from the year before is because CJ made significant strides in coverage and his overall game. You could make an argument that he's a top 5 ILB right now. I hate the fact that a lot within the fanbase actually hate him(far more than I hate the Flacco criticisms because honestly he deserves it sometimes). The "Orr had a better year" crowd just doesn't know what they're talking about. He was a good player, but what happened when Orr took CJ's spot? He struggled big time. That alone shows who is better. CJ makes the defense work, and as much as I hated the pick at the time, I'm glad we have him. 

 

(To go off topic)Personally, I'm excited for the direction the defense is going in next year. I just want a damn offensive linemen. I'm not of the "Flacco will be elite if he has an elite line" crowd. I believe if we can give him a line that can actually run block than the offense as a whole will click. I'm not worried about the WR corps, I'm not worried about our RBs, or our TEs. We need 3 things and then I think we're contenders again. 

1. Offensive line. Our biggest need by far. Football is won in the trenches, and even in a passing league, if you can't establish the run, you're screwed. We have 3 talented RBs on the roster in Dixon, West, and Woodhead. Go get them some blockers and the offense begins to work. 

2. Pass rusher, more specifically edge rusher. Our biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. People will be quick to blame Dean Pees on the Steelers game. They're wrong. We were blitzing and got no pressure. Not having Jimmy didn't help that, but at the end of the day our pass rush was what kept a very good unit from being an elite unit. Simply put, our best pass rusher last season was probably Timmy Jernigan. As much as I like him(which I do a lot), he's not an #1 or even a #2 guy. He's best as a #3 pass rusher who is a great run defender. Go get a Barnett, and maybe also add a situational guy like Kruger who knows our scheme. 

3. CB Depth: I don't hate the Brandon Carr signing. In fact, I think he could potentially bounce back here. He was good last season and will no longer have to take on the #1 guy on a consistent basis. Hell, Tavon is a better player than him and he might even take on the outside guy. I think we should go acquire 2 CBs, one slot guy and one outside guy.  We can't depend on Jimmy to be healthy, We need at least two more guys(Sidney Jones maybe?)

 

People are panicking about ILB and WR. Well, for starters Perriman has the traits of a #1. Strong hands, fluid hips, willingness to go over the middle, makes tough catches. He needs to work on his route running more than anything.. We also have a good deep threat in Wallace. I do think acquiring an underneath guy would be ideal, but it's not the need most people think it is. 

As for ILB. Not worried. We will probably fill that gap with a UDFA. Or who knows, Correa will step up(doubt it though. A blemish on an otherwise perfect draft)

[Tank 92]

46 minutes ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Yeah people gave Orr way too much credit for my taste. One of the reasons that the defense improved significantly last season from the year before is because CJ made significant strides in coverage and his overall game. You could make an argument that he's a top 5 ILB right now. I hate the fact that a lot within the fanbase actually hate him(far more than I hate the Flacco criticisms because honestly he deserves it sometimes). The "Orr had a better year" crowd just doesn't know what they're talking about. He was a good player, but what happened when Orr took CJ's spot? He struggled big time. That alone shows who is better. CJ makes the defense work, and as much as I hated the pick at the time, I'm glad we have him. 

 

(To go off topic)Personally, I'm excited for the direction the defense is going in next year. I just want a damn offensive linemen. I'm not of the "Flacco will be elite if he has an elite line" crowd. I believe if we can give him a line that can actually run block than the offense as a whole will click. I'm not worried about the WR corps, I'm not worried about our RBs, or our TEs. We need 3 things and then I think we're contenders again. 

1. Offensive line. Our biggest need by far. Football is won in the trenches, and even in a passing league, if you can't establish the run, you're screwed. We have 3 talented RBs on the roster in Dixon, West, and Woodhead. Go get them some blockers and the offense begins to work. 

2. Pass rusher, more specifically edge rusher. Our biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. People will be quick to blame Dean Pees on the Steelers game. They're wrong. We were blitzing and got no pressure. Not having Jimmy didn't help that, but at the end of the day our pass rush was what kept a very good unit from being an elite unit. Simply put, our best pass rusher last season was probably Timmy Jernigan. As much as I like him(which I do a lot), he's not an #1 or even a #2 guy. He's best as a #3 pass rusher who is a great run defender. Go get a Barnett, and maybe also add a situational guy like Kruger who knows our scheme. 

3. CB Depth: I don't hate the Brandon Carr signing. In fact, I think he could potentially bounce back here. He was good last season and will no longer have to take on the #1 guy on a consistent basis. Hell, Tavon is a better player than him and he might even take on the outside guy. I think we should go acquire 2 CBs, one slot guy and one outside guy.  We can't depend on Jimmy to be healthy, We need at least two more guys(Sidney Jones maybe?)

 

People are panicking about ILB and WR. Well, for starters Perriman has the traits of a #1. Strong hands, fluid hips, willingness to go over the middle, makes tough catches. He needs to work on his route running more than anything.. We also have a good deep threat in Wallace. I do think acquiring an underneath guy would be ideal, but it's not the need most people think it is. 

As for ILB. Not worried. We will probably fill that gap with a UDFA. Or who knows, Correa will step up(doubt it though. A blemish on an otherwise perfect draft)

 

Good post and you hit the nail on the head with #1. That's the reason Kiper has as going with Ramczyk in the first round. 

[rossihunter2]

2 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Yeah people gave Orr way too much credit for my taste. One of the reasons that the defense improved significantly last season from the year before is because CJ made significant strides in coverage and his overall game. You could make an argument that he's a top 5 ILB right now. I hate the fact that a lot within the fanbase actually hate him(far more than I hate the Flacco criticisms because honestly he deserves it sometimes). The "Orr had a better year" crowd just doesn't know what they're talking about. He was a good player, but what happened when Orr took CJ's spot? He struggled big time. That alone shows who is better. CJ makes the defense work, and as much as I hated the pick at the time, I'm glad we have him. 

 

(To go off topic)Personally, I'm excited for the direction the defense is going in next year. I just want a damn offensive linemen. I'm not of the "Flacco will be elite if he has an elite line" crowd. I believe if we can give him a line that can actually run block than the offense as a whole will click. I'm not worried about the WR corps, I'm not worried about our RBs, or our TEs. We need 3 things and then I think we're contenders again. 

1. Offensive line. Our biggest need by far. Football is won in the trenches, and even in a passing league, if you can't establish the run, you're screwed. We have 3 talented RBs on the roster in Dixon, West, and Woodhead. Go get them some blockers and the offense begins to work. 

2. Pass rusher, more specifically edge rusher. Our biggest need on the defensive side of the ball. People will be quick to blame Dean Pees on the Steelers game. They're wrong. We were blitzing and got no pressure. Not having Jimmy didn't help that, but at the end of the day our pass rush was what kept a very good unit from being an elite unit. Simply put, our best pass rusher last season was probably Timmy Jernigan. As much as I like him(which I do a lot), he's not an #1 or even a #2 guy. He's best as a #3 pass rusher who is a great run defender. Go get a Barnett, and maybe also add a situational guy like Kruger who knows our scheme. 

3. CB Depth: I don't hate the Brandon Carr signing. In fact, I think he could potentially bounce back here. He was good last season and will no longer have to take on the #1 guy on a consistent basis. Hell, Tavon is a better player than him and he might even take on the outside guy. I think we should go acquire 2 CBs, one slot guy and one outside guy.  We can't depend on Jimmy to be healthy, We need at least two more guys(Sidney Jones maybe?)

 

People are panicking about ILB and WR. Well, for starters Perriman has the traits of a #1. Strong hands, fluid hips, willingness to go over the middle, makes tough catches. He needs to work on his route running more than anything.. We also have a good deep threat in Wallace. I do think acquiring an underneath guy would be ideal, but it's not the need most people think it is. 

As for ILB. Not worried. We will probably fill that gap with a UDFA. Or who knows, Correa will step up(doubt it though. A blemish on an otherwise perfect draft)

Absolutely agree on those 3 positions - 1 impact player at any of those positions could change the entire narrative around this team within the league - I'm still not sold on an offensive lineman in round 1 but if we can land an edge rusher, maybe a couple of day 2 corners and an offensive lineman somewhere in the first 4 rounds

i really think that if our first 4 rounds have an edge rusher, a couple of corners, a wide receiver and a lineman then we will have nailed the needs on this team - other than lineman I think there could well be great value at all those positions for all of our first 5 picks

im quietly optimistic about this draft before it's even happened lol

[RayRayRaven]

8 hours ago, The Raven said:

Also: while it's nice to have an "impact" linebacker, it's relatively easy to find a solid starter at LB. Linebacker is one of few positions where it's pretty easy to find a guy that isn't a total liability. How many UDFAs have we had come in and look like aces? Hell, Orr was one of those guys. You always like to have impact players in the middle of a defense but let's not pretend that Orr was irreplaceable. He replaced a UDFA and he may even be replaced by a UDFA.

 

7 hours ago, LosT_in_TranSlatioN said:

Then Bart Scott etc etc. Ozzie is money when finding UDFA ILB #2s 

these 2 posts link up on there own and pretty m uch spotlite all r probs.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

1 hour ago, RayRayRaven said:

 

these 2 posts link up on there own and pretty m uch spotlite all r probs.

So our problem is that we're really good at finding starter to star level ILB's through UDFA?

Struggling to see the problem....

[The Raven]

11 hours ago, SepticeyePoe said:

I thought that Orr had replaced Daryl Smith.

 

7 hours ago, rossihunter2 said:

Your point is fair enough but he actually replaced Daryl smith 

Ah, you're right. I forgot about him somehow

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

7 minutes ago, The Raven said:

 

Ah, you're right. I forgot about him somehow

The point still remains... we've had an awful long stretch of high quality MLB play with at least one major contributor being an UDFA. Orr, McLellan, Ellerbe, McClain, Bynes. 

Even during Daryl's time here we had UDFA LB's that were key parts of the rotation.

2013 - Jameel and Josh Bynes

2014/'15 - Orr and McLellan

We had Jameel and Ellerbe playing roles on defense back to 2009, and 2008 was Bart Scott's last year here who you can trace all the way back to 2002. Didnt make a huge impact that year, but i believe ended up starting in 2003.

So that's a 13-14 year stretch of having UDFA LB's starting, or providing us a starter level backup on defense.

And now we have Levine and Onwuasor both UDFA's that could be in the mix to play a large role at ILB.

[Purple_City39]

Yeah, I said this on another post, in regards to the ILB #2.  Since the switch to the 3-4 base defense, the Ravens have had one 1st round LB and one undrafted free agent as the two starters from 2005 to 2012 after Ray retired.  2014 again added that 1st round round ILB #1.  I've hated the possibility that we'd draft an ILB in round one (many were hopeful at one point) when this front office has beyond proven they can spot talent at the second ILB position and this team has bigger needs that should rank higher on the BPA board at 16

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

8 minutes ago, Purple_City39 said:

Yeah, I said this on another post, in regards to the ILB #2.  Since the switch to the 3-4 base defense, the Ravens have had one 1st round LB and one undrafted free agent as the two starters from 2005 to 2012 after Ray retired.  2014 again added that 1st round round ILB #1.  I've hated the possibility that we'd draft an ILB in round one (many were hopeful at one point) when this front office has beyond proven they can spot talent at the second ILB position and this team has bigger needs that should rank higher on the BPA board at 16

 

I would not hate it if we drafted Rueban Foster. I think he's a potential all pro and unless it's a guy at kicker or punter an all pro is always worth it at 16. 

 

But I have full faith in Ozzie's ability to go get ILBs in UDFA. 

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

4 hours ago, The Raven said:

 

Ah, you're right. I forgot about him somehow

 

That sadly is just his career in general. Very good for almost all of his seasons, but never memorable for whatever reason.

[Deflated Football]

Man I hope Josh Gordon is reinstated and then released. Homeboy is looking JACKED. 

[Purple_City39]

50 minutes ago, Deflated Football said:

Man I hope Josh Gordon is reinstated and then released. Homeboy is looking JACKED. 

I actually hope the Ravens offer Cleveland a 7th, or even 6th, and they take it.

Gordon is an interesting prospect right now.  He's one mistake from a permanent ban so he can't cost all that much, even if he balls out this year and needs a contract next season (I don't know his current contract length).  At the same time, I think he might have matured since he was actually reinstated last year and withdrew himself to go to rehab. That takes some growing up imo.  And yeah, he's ripped right now. 

He has the potential to be so dominant if he can keep his head on straight