[News] Late For Work 1/20: Ranking Ravens' Biggest Offseason Needs

[BR News]

What is today’s mysterious press conference? Ravens free agents repeatedly targeted by other teams. Baltimore could be done making coaching changes. Will a top-tier corner fall to Baltimore at No. 16?

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[Space11jams]

Zach is retiring so it may be something to do with that. He played with a broken bone in his shoulder and apparently, the crew couldn't talk him out of it. it's unfortunate but I hope for the best.

[fusuymada]

With Orr now retiring, we will need a inside linebacker AGAIN. Just when we thought we had gone through some real stinkers and found a diamond in the rough, an injury takes him away. Ravens luck.

[The Greek]

correia has the ball in his court now. sad to hear about zach. health comes 1st

[hen826957]

Worst of the worst news... Zack Orr is retiring at age 24 due to a neck injury this sucks. He was upcoming to All Pro LB too. The bad news is that now we got another hole to fill in the offseason. Wish you well Zach and thank you everything you have done for the Ravens. This is a sad day for Ravens fans.

Edited January 20 by hen826957

[bioLarzen]

I think it's a strong possibility that with today's breaking news of Orr retiring, Ozzie will go for an ILB with his first pick. If there's something we've learned about Ozzie's team philosophy, it's that first of all you need a good D - and it starts with a rock solid center core - two great ILB's. Now there's a vacancy, and no clear replacement. Going for an ILB with the top pick would be a trademark Ozzie move - and looking back, they'll probably nail it - Ozzie was always good at identifying LB talent, and then the coaching staff has always been great at talent development at LB (the exact opposite of WR where the scouting dept seems to do a lousy job identifying good talent, and then the coaching studd seems unable to develop the young guns).

So, my guess is: an ILB with the first pick in April.

[bioLarzen]

I don't think we should spend too much energy on analyzing Brandon Williams' chances of staying a Raven. He's gone, guys. He's simply too good to be affordable. He'll probably be gone within 2-3 hours of free agency opening.
That's how the NFL and the cap system works.
The good news is that he's probably not going to a rival - about the only "rival" team that could afford him is the Browns.

[JacktheRaven]

Glad to hear CSN & Ravens are no longer partners.

[hen826957]

14 minutes ago, bioLarzen said:

I don't think we should spend too much energy on analyzing Brandon Williams' chances of staying a Raven. He's gone, guys. He's simply too good to be affordable. He'll probably be gone within 2-3 hours of free agency opening.
That's how the NFL and the cap system works.
The good news is that he's probably not going to a rival - about the only "rival" team that could afford him is the Browns.

I still hope that the Ravens should offer him something. Don't just let him leave while not offering a decent contract. I hope Ozzie willing to do that and see what happens. That tells Brandon that the Ravens organization wants him to stay. If they don't offer anything, then that shows a slap in the face to Brandon.

Edited January 20 by hen826957

[hen826957]

I bet Rick Dennison is going to be a good offensive coordinator for the Bills and the Ravens miss another opportunity to sign someone who knows west coast system.

[jravens1313]

If I'm Ozzie I sign Eric Berry and Brandon Marshall. Fill the rest of the holes through the draft. If a solid vet G/C becomes available we could add one as well.

[Johnny-U]

Am I the only one who saw Williams seemingly not giving 100% in the New England and Pittsburgh games? (I'll ignore everything from the Cincy game for obvious reasons). Basically I think Williams may be a little over rated, after all, when it mattered most, our defense couldn't stop the run, which is the primary goal of a big interior lineman.

Also, while the article mentions ex-Ravens who got big money paydays after leaving the Ravens, how many EARNED they money at their next team? Certainly not Kruger, Ellerbie, or Smith. I'd say KO has, so that's one in five. Or, from the opposite perspective, the Ravens made the RIGHT call in 4 of 5 cases when we allowed them to walk.

[jravens1313]

46 minutes ago, bioLarzen said:

I think it's a strong possibility that with today's breaking news of Orr retiring, Ozzie will go for an ILB with his first pick. If there's something we've learned about Ozzie's team philosophy, it's that first of all you need a good D - and it starts with a rock solid center core - two great ILB's. Now there's a vacancy, and no clear replacement. Going for an ILB with the top pick would be a trademark Ozzie move - and looking back, they'll probably nail it - Ozzie was always good at identifying LB talent, and then the coaching staff has always been great at talent development at LB (the exact opposite of WR where the scouting dept seems to do a lousy job identifying good talent, and then the coaching studd seems unable to develop the young guns).

So, my guess is: an ILB with the first pick in April.

Ruben Foster becomes a possibility. We also need another CB bad. Same with game breaking RB. And beasts on the O-Line.

Edited January 20 by jravens1313

[TheRavengers]

Sooooo.....Zach Orr is retiring.....guess we gotta add MLB to the list of needs. Shame, I thought he was Pro-Bowl-caliber material.

[CodeSpyder]

The Ravens do a great job of developing players who reach their full potential just as they become free agents. I do hope that we can draft more players who can make an immediate impact. We have some, but we need more.

[ravens4life86]

Wow Orr retired. Thats means theres now a giants hole at lbr beside Mosley.
Ravens are going to have to seriously look at lbrs in the draft like Ruben Foster 1st rnd Bama, Raekwon McMillon Osu 2-3rd round or something. Defense is piling uo so many holes

[sami]

guess the lead article needs to be revamped now that Orr is gone. #1 priority is find a starting ILB.

[TheConquerorWorm]

Wow Orr retired. Thats means theres now a giants hole at lbr beside Mosley.
Ravens are going to have to seriously look at lbrs in the draft like Ruben Foster 1st rnd Bama, Raekwon McMillon Osu 2-3rd round or something. Defense is piling uo so many holes

Peanut is more than capable of filling that spot and I think has a higher ceiling than Orr. And he hits HARD. Plus, he's a "bad boy, alpha dawg" with off-field character issues in college - that makes him a HOF player according to some.

[BiggMack91]

ozzie will pick Jabrill Peppers

[bigcatfrank1]

correia has the ball in his court now. sad to hear about zach. health comes 1st

Yes very sad, he was really developing as a great player and team member. For CC that plays right in his wheel house, it is his natural position. The Ravens have the personnel and LB are fruitful right now. I still say they should focus on a shut down CB. Pay for one if they cannot get the right #1 guy in the draft. Then look at the Rush/LB/S positions on the Defensive side. you?

[bigcatfrank1]

I have Stated this a few times, even with Orr retiring which is very sad, The Ravens need a shut down CB. They should put a red hot magnifier on that position and stuff Bisiotti's pillow full of cash to get ready for it. It is that important. Then add Rush/LB and S strength on the defensive side with what is left for that side of the ball.

on offense - the Ravens must get 1000 yard RB! I dont see it on the team right now. They could make me eat my words but If it were me, and its just me, I would consider a trade to find a #1, keep Dixon and one of -West, Allen or Draft.
Pick up a #2 qual WR and Draft a WR - Draft C/G/DB/T/QB/LB in BPA order.
FA-
I would try to keep Wagner, Guy, Wallace, Web, Pitta, Suggs
let go of- Doom, Aiken, Arrington, K Lewis,B Watson, S Wright, J Zutta, M Elam,

the rest of the team can compete for a spot. Do this and I say we make the playoffs. So the chances of the doing exactly this are probably nil, so you cant blame me, lol.

[JD08]

Hoping Kiper is right about Jabrill Peppers falling to us, I feel he would be great to learn next to Eric Weddle. I can see us converting him to safety and drafting a cb possibly in the 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion draft needs should go:
1. CB
2. OLB
3. FS
4. WR
5. ILB (knowing the staff, they will either try to have Correa convert inside or draft one here)

[omar586]

passrushers
CBs
OL
FS
WR

[Utah_Raven]

It sounds like the Ravens have already given up on Correa/. We need new scouts. This is just embarrassing.

[bigcatfrank1]

It sounds like the Ravens have already given up on Correa/. We need new scouts. This is just embarrassing.

why is that? the Ravens were loaded with good young LBs last year that had earned a chance, Correa was hurt and he deservedly was shunned in the locker room because of more than one episode, so he needed to learn his spot. I believe He will be given a chance to compete in camp, he has the physical talent, he needs to become an NFL pro and earn his respect.

[bigcatfrank1]

Really If the Ravens get another shut down corner, Tavon Young matures to Smith level. The Ravens will not need the LB cover help that they relied on for the last 4 games of the season. That really hurt. It totally screwed up the pressure defense. practically eliminated any possible Safety or corner blitz and opened up the run. Basically we watched as our #1 defense slid to 15th. All practically because of one position. How the heck did Harbs not see that coming? That one, I think he needs to make sure he changes!!

[bigcatfrank1]

Hoping Kiper is right about Jabrill Peppers falling to us, I feel he would be great to learn next to Eric Weddle. I can see us converting him to safety and drafting a cb possibly in the 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion draft needs should go:
1. CB
2. OLB
3. FS
4. WR
5. ILB (knowing the staff, they will either try to have Correa convert inside or draft one here)

so if we get another safety/LB how does that make us look any different than the last 4 games if Smith is hurt again. And a #2 rookie CB is not going to stop a # 1, 2 or maybe even 3 nfl WR. Most cases it takes a couple of years to develop as a CB. Unless you are agreeing that no matter what , we must pick up an experienced CB, then I like your plan. But only one LB, we need young T, C and G, even a QB if there is a decent one available to invest in.

[TheConquerorWorm]

  6 hours ago, JD08 said:

Hoping Kiper is right about Jabrill Peppers falling to us, I feel he would be great to learn next to Eric Weddle. I can see us converting him to safety and drafting a cb possibly in the 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion draft needs should go:
1. CB
2. OLB
3. FS
4. WR
5. ILB (knowing the staff, they will either try to have Correa convert inside or draft one here)

so if we get another safety/LB how does that make us look any different than the last 4 games if Smith is hurt again. And a #2 rookie CB is not going to stop a # 1, 2 or maybe even 3 nfl WR. Most cases it takes a couple of years to develop as a CB. Unless you are agreeing that no matter what , we must pick up an experienced CB, then I like your plan. But only one LB, we need young T, C and G, even a QB if there is a decent one available to invest in.

A 2nd Round CB in this year's draft would be a 1st Rounder in any other draft. Getting a Lewis, Tankersley or Adoree would boost our CB corps tremendously. Add in Peppers playing in the Big Nickel package to cover the Gronk/Eiferts of the NFL and it makes us a whole lot better than last year, even if Smith is hurt. Assuming Canady is improved in his 2nd year and the Secondary looks really good:

Smith
Young
Tankersley (2nd Round)
Canady

Weddle
Webb
Peppers (1st Round)

Take C Tyler Orlosky in the 3rd and WR Malachi Dupre or Zay Jones with the 3rd Rd Comp pick.
4th Round - take a T like Erik Magnuson or a small school pass rusher like Via Munuma
Finally take QB Brady Gustafson in the 5th....

[bigcatfrank1]

  5 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  8 hours ago, JD08 said:

Hoping Kiper is right about Jabrill Peppers falling to us, I feel he would be great to learn next to Eric Weddle. I can see us converting him to safety and drafting a cb possibly in the 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion draft needs should go:
1. CB
2. OLB
3. FS
4. WR
5. ILB (knowing the staff, they will either try to have Correa convert inside or draft one here)

so if we get another safety/LB how does that make us look any different than the last 4 games if Smith is hurt again. And a #2 rookie CB is not going to stop a # 1, 2 or maybe even 3 nfl WR. Most cases it takes a couple of years to develop as a CB. Unless you are agreeing that no matter what , we must pick up an experienced CB, then I like your plan. But only one LB, we need young T, C and G, even a QB if there is a decent one available to invest in.

A 2nd Round CB in this year's draft would be a 1st Rounder in any other draft. Getting a Lewis, Tankersley or Adoree would boost our CB corps tremendously. Add in Peppers playing in the Big Nickel package to cover the Gronk/Eiferts of the NFL and it makes us a whole lot better than last year, even if Smith is hurt. Assuming Canady is improved in his 2nd year and the Secondary looks really good:

Smith
Young
Tankersley (2nd Round)
Canady

Weddle
Webb
Peppers (1st Round)

Take C Tyler Orlosky in the 3rd and WR Malachi Dupre or Zay Jones with the 3rd Rd Comp pick.
4th Round - take a T like Erik Magnuson or a small school pass rusher like Via Munuma
Finally take QB Brady Gustafson in the 5th....

I like it, agreed. I would still say the FO make a play for an experienced decent NFL CB, Add Another WR and I myself would not stay with the 3 RB we have now. I would take a chance and create competition for a RB, great that Dixon ends up being the #1. The Ravens must have a 1000 yd #1 with a solid 4-500 yd #2. That is what will keep Flacco from having to throw 30+ a game. The Ravens are not the Falcons.

[sizzlingdoom]

  7 hours ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

  10 hours ago, JD08 said:

Hoping Kiper is right about Jabrill Peppers falling to us, I feel he would be great to learn next to Eric Weddle. I can see us converting him to safety and drafting a cb possibly in the 2nd or 3rd. In my opinion draft needs should go:
1. CB
2. OLB
3. FS
4. WR
5. ILB (knowing the staff, they will either try to have Correa convert inside or draft one here)

so if we get another safety/LB how does that make us look any different than the last 4 games if Smith is hurt again. And a #2 rookie CB is not going to stop a # 1, 2 or maybe even 3 nfl WR. Most cases it takes a couple of years to develop as a CB. Unless you are agreeing that no matter what , we must pick up an experienced CB, then I like your plan. But only one LB, we need young T, C and G, even a QB if there is a decent one available to invest in.

A 2nd Round CB in this year's draft would be a 1st Rounder in any other draft. Getting a Lewis, Tankersley or Adoree would boost our CB corps tremendously. Add in Peppers playing in the Big Nickel package to cover the Gronk/Eiferts of the NFL and it makes us a whole lot better than last year, even if Smith is hurt. Assuming Canady is improved in his 2nd year and the Secondary looks really good:

Smith
Young
Tankersley (2nd Round)
Canady

Weddle
Webb
Peppers (1st Round)

Take C Tyler Orlosky in the 3rd and WR Malachi Dupre or Zay Jones with the 3rd Rd Comp pick.
4th Round - take a T like Erik Magnuson or a small school pass rusher like Via Munuma
Finally take QB Brady Gustafson in the 5th....

Good thing you're not gm. Tankersley has no shot of lasting til our 2nd pick. And yeah, let's use pick 16 on an overated S/LB hybrid. And rely on Canady...lol nice try