[News] Ravens Reach Long-Term Deal With Defensive Tackle Brandon Williams

[Tru11]

7 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

10M/yr? Good for Williams. Now he needs to become a total D Tackle for that kind of coin! He needs to learn to penetrate and disrupt the passing game. Stopping the run alone like he was good at was worth probably 7-8M/ yr. The ball's in your court Brandon. Earn your keep.

he plays NT in a 3-4 though.

not DT in a 4-3.

his job is to give other guys 1 on 1 match ups and keep the ILBers as clean as possible so they can make plays.

 

[Halshayeji]

7 hours ago, MadStorkSociety said:

So it looks like everyone was wrong!

I for one wasn't lol. Iv been saying all year that Williams is the kind of player that you make sacrifices for. 

I have to admit tho. I didn't expect anything over 10 mil per year. 

Man other great signing for the Ravens! No one can run against us. Now we need 1 pass rusher and a #2 CB in case Jimmy gets hurt. Tavon sliding to Nickle is just icing on the cake. 

[billiejean]

Tony Jefferson, Safety checked off. Brandon Williams, NT/DT Checked off.

Still need- Game Changing Pass Rusher, no.1 CB along side Jimmy Smith, another WR or 2, RT&C

Options
Nick Mangold C
Terrell Pryor WR
I dont know if they have the money but OT Manelik Watson

Of course draft too

I wouldn't check off safety just yet. I think it would be wise to look for a true FS. At this point in his career Weddle is better suited as a SS and SS is TJs natural position. Although those guys are better in coverage than most SS in the league it would still be a good idea to bring in (preferably through the draft) a young guy better suited for that center fielder roll. He would be able to learn from the vets with the hope that he could take over Weddles spot somewhere down the line. Menelik would be an interesting pick up. Does anyone no what Vollmers situation is? Is he recovering from an injury?

[sizzlingdoom]

  4 hours ago, ravens4life86 said:

Tony Jefferson, Safety checked off. Brandon Williams, NT/DT Checked off.

Still need- Game Changing Pass Rusher, no.1 CB along side Jimmy Smith, another WR or 2, RT&C

Options
Nick Mangold C
Terrell Pryor WR
I dont know if they have the money but OT Manelik Watson

Of course draft too

I wouldn't check off safety just yet. I think it would be wise to look for a true FS. At this point in his career Weddle is better suited as a SS and SS is TJs natural position. Although those guys are better in coverage than most SS in the league it would still be a good idea to bring in (preferably through the draft) a young guy better suited for that center fielder roll. He would be able to learn from the vets with the hope that he could take over Weddles spot somewhere down the line. Menelik would be an interesting pick up. Does anyone no what Vollmers situation is? Is he recovering from an injury?

Really? Sorry but I disagree. While it would always be nice to draft a player to groom at any position, while you have a stud vet already there to learn from, I don't see it.
We would have to spend at least a 4th rounder if we're trying to get a guy for the future. And I just don't see us spending a 4th rounder on a safety when we're set for years imo.
Understandably so, but people get carried away with age at times. SSS is my favorite athlete of all time, and I'll never forget the things the fans were saying about him when we brought him in, cuz of his age.
I'm not saying Weddle is SSS, but he is a special player and one of the most underated ones ever imo. He has at least 2 years left of HIGH quality play. And Jefferson is just getting going. Wasn't Weddle ranked as the 2nd best Safety overall? The guy has not slowed down at all, and our Defense is only making him better. Not to mention I sincerely think he will make a better FS than SS. He's not the most physical tackler at all, and it should help preserve him a little there. And he's super instinctive, a ball hawk, and can lead the back end. Tony is crazy in the box. I was rooting so much for us to bring in a SS so Weddle would move to FS. I think it's gonna be good stuff to say the least
The Safety position is set for years, and once we add a legit corner (hopefully at #16 this year), our secondary will be set for years. And one of the top couple in the league. Menelik is kinda interesting. And yeah Vollmer failed a physical and missed last year cuz of injuries. Rumors he might retire

[bioLarzen]

This is the point where I officially give up trying to be wise about Ozzie's free agency moves in advance... If there was one thing I was utterly, completely sure about, it was that Brandon Williams would walk. To quote the classic Mink-quip: "ZERO percent chance!" retaining him - that's what I was absolutely sure about.

The only thing I hope now that the FO didn't push the "Win Now" button, trying to assemble a team that has alegit shot the next 1-2 seasons, but will clog the cap situation up helplessly in 3-4 years. The past 24 hours we made many more acquisitions I though would be realistically (a.k.a. cap-wise) possible. Jefferson, Woodhead, Mallett and now Brandon Williams... And I also hope we can still get Guy back... He's the epithome of the under-the-radar guy (no pun intended), but one we would surely/sorely miss...

But, for sure, this free agency is starting out really well for us. Congrats to the FO - and congrats to myself looking like an idiot in retrospect :)

[cobrajet]

If we can pick up a top edge rusher or a top CB with our first round pick, our defense (if we stay healthy) is going to be really special this year. Our offense may not be where we want it but if we can win the close games because of our defense, I will be happy. I have not been this excited about our defense in a while. If we can get after the quarterback this coming season, teams are going to fear playing us. I can't wait!

[bioLarzen]

The first hours of free agency have made it rather clear that we have holes at
- RT
- CB
- pass rush
- a possession WR

Also, C could do with some upgrade. Luckily, the draft seems to offer a VERY rich talent pool at CB, good options at puss rusher in rounds #1-2 - and our draft squad is always capable of picking up a good RT in the mid-rounds. As for WR - sadly, the Ravens always seemed to be pretty pathetic at identifying and evaluating WR talent, and usully likes to pick WR's on day 3. That would seem to clear up our draft strategy for this year preatty nealy:

Round 1: pass rusher
Round 2: CB
Round 3 (2 picks): RT / C / WR(?)

We can also expect an ILB, a RB and a DT picked up in the mid/later rounds.

... so, this is how it is NOT gonna shake out, naturally :)

[TheRavengers]

Color me surprised when I heard the news and I was certain it would happen, but then I was never that worried about our DT position, and I'm a lot less worried about our defensive backfield now, too. Still need a pass rusher, CB and wideout though.

[billiejean]

1 hour ago, sizzlingdoom said:

Really? Sorry but I disagree. While it would always be nice to draft a player to groom at any position, while you have a stud vet already there to learn from, I don't see it.
We would have to spend at least a 4th rounder if we're trying to get a guy for the future. And I just don't see us spending a 4th rounder on a safety when we're set for years imo.
Understandably so, but people get carried away with age at times. SSS is my favorite athlete of all time, and I'll never forget the things the fans were saying about him when we brought him in, cuz of his age.
I'm not saying Weddle is SSS, but he is a special player and one of the most underated ones ever imo. He has at least 2 years left of HIGH quality play. And Jefferson is just getting going. Wasn't Weddle ranked as the 2nd best Safety overall? The guy has not slowed down at all, and our Defense is only making him better. Not to mention I sincerely think he will make a better FS than SS. He's not the most physical tackler at all, and it should help preserve him a little there. And he's super instinctive, a ball hawk, and can lead the back end. Tony is crazy in the box. I was rooting so much for us to bring in a SS so Weddle would move to FS. I think it's gonna be good stuff to say the least
The Safety position is set for years, and once we add a legit corner (hopefully at #16 this year), our secondary will be set for years. And one of the top couple in the league. Menelik is kinda interesting. And yeah Vollmer failed a physical and missed last year cuz of injuries. Rumors he might retire

This is the issue with assigning positions to draft picks before the draft starts.  It is just not realistic.  If you think that Ozzy is going into the draft with a list of positions that he won't take in the first 4 rounds you are fooling yourself.  You say we are set for years to come and than you say that you can only guarantee that he has 2 years of high quality play left, followed by saying we are set for years to come once again.  And I didn't specify what round we would take a guy in.  I am not sure if you realize this but both the safety and cornerback (sometimes converted to safety in nfl... Sean Davis) are the deepest positions in the draft.  There are going to be good safeties available in each round.  But again, if there is a safety that the Ravens covet, that falls in the draft, and represents a good value the FO will not hesitate to take him.  And that applies to ALL of the rounds.  Yes even the first.  It would certainly be more of a need if we let Webb go which is a possibility.  But regardless we are going to need to pick up a safety somewhere.  Even if we do keep Webb.  The only other safety we have on the team is Huff. Its funny because you're a guy that constantly criticized the depth during last season season (with good reason), yet you are ready to go into the season with only two safeties, one of which is 32 years old.  Are you comfortable with a Brandon Trywick or Anthony Levine type guy starting if either one of those guys gets hurt.  And the best part is that you point to SSS to support your premise that age is just a number.  Did you forget that Steve missed 11 games in the last two years.  Injuries happen.  Some young guys would be extremely lucky to learn from TJ or Weddle even if they don't turn out to be Weddles replacement.  

Edited March 10 by billiejean

[KidNme]

Awesome! Congrats Brandon! He's not the end all get all for our team IMHO but we can't get there easily without him. Frees up another draft slot too. Can't wait to see how this all pans out. Defense in FA and Offense from the draft?

[sizzlingdoom]

The first hours of free agency have made it rather clear that we have holes at
- RT
- CB
- pass rush
- a possession WR

Also, C could do with some upgrade. Luckily, the draft seems to offer a VERY rich talent pool at CB, good options at puss rusher in rounds #1-2 - and our draft squad is always capable of picking up a good RT in the mid-rounds. As for WR - sadly, the Ravens always seemed to be pretty pathetic at identifying and evaluating WR talent, and usully likes to pick WR's on day 3. That would seem to clear up our draft strategy for this year preatty nealy:

Round 1: pass rusher
Round 2: CB
Round 3 (2 picks): RT / C / WR(?)

We can also expect an ILB, a RB and a DT picked up in the mid/later rounds.

... so, this is how it is NOT gonna shake out, naturally :)

LOL. I know exactly what you mean with that last line.

I'm pretty much right with you, but here is my DREAM scenario to finish the offseason. And I believe it's very feasible. Close to what you're saying, with a couple twists.

Cut Webb, Pitta, and Watson

-Sign Zach Brown to play inside with CJ

-Give up future picks in order to pick twice in the first round this year

- Select a corner and pass rusher in the first
---- Hopefully Jones/Lattimore or Wilson. And Barnett

- Second round take Ju Ju Smith- big, tough, possession, red zone target at the wr position we really really need. For now and the future

- Third round. Take a Center and a Guard or Tackle depending on where they're planning on playing Lewis.

In all honestly I think this would make immediate SB contenders. It would leave us with very little holes anywhere, even moving into the future. And we have money coming off the books next year from some left overs. I also think this would give us the number one D in the NFL. By a long shot. It really would be a thing of beauty

[BigUgly]

Really happy we were able to retain BWilliams - a great player and a great guy. I do wonder about the opportunity cost of doing so, however (what pieces were we NOT able to add because of this signing). He's getting an average of $10.8M per year. That would have likely been enough to sign two starting-caliber players at other positions of need (C, RT, ILB, OLB, CB).

In Ozzie I trust though. Didn't see this coming or the TJeff signing; I didn't think it was possible. Now I'm sure Ozzie can settle the Arrington, Zuttah, Pitta, Webb, and Watson cap hits and free up additional resources to continue to improve the team.

[budman]

1 hour ago, sizzlingdoom said:

Really? Sorry but I disagree. While it would always be nice to draft a player to groom at any position, while you have a stud vet already there to learn from, I don't see it.
We would have to spend at least a 4th rounder if we're trying to get a guy for the future. And I just don't see us spending a 4th rounder on a safety when we're set for years imo.
Understandably so, but people get carried away with age at times. SSS is my favorite athlete of all time, and I'll never forget the things the fans were saying about him when we brought him in, cuz of his age.
I'm not saying Weddle is SSS, but he is a special player and one of the most underated ones ever imo. He has at least 2 years left of HIGH quality play. And Jefferson is just getting going. Wasn't Weddle ranked as the 2nd best Safety overall? The guy has not slowed down at all, and our Defense is only making him better. Not to mention I sincerely think he will make a better FS than SS. He's not the most physical tackler at all, and it should help preserve him a little there. And he's super instinctive, a ball hawk, and can lead the back end. Tony is crazy in the box. I was rooting so much for us to bring in a SS so Weddle would move to FS. I think it's gonna be good stuff to say the least
The Safety position is set for years, and once we add a legit corner (hopefully at #16 this year), our secondary will be set for years. And one of the top couple in the league. Menelik is kinda interesting. And yeah Vollmer failed a physical and missed last year cuz of injuries. Rumors he might retire

Agree. CB should be our pick at 16. We still have to do some work to get our O-Line fixed. This draft is going to have to be spot on. But it seems to me that no matter what happens now, there will be some who will never be happy about any of this. We will hear that Ozzie paid too much to keep Williams, paid too much for Jefferson, should have brought in T. Smith and let Wallace go, Should have, could have, would have. IMO the front office just did a great job on Day 1 of FA. Now it will be interesting to see what else goes down. Go for it!

[BigUgly]

Post June 1 cuts of Pitta, Watson, Zuttah, Arrington and Webb would free up $19.6M.  I don't think all of those guys will be cut, and some may need to go before June 1st if there are a couple of key players out there now that Ozzie has his eye on (Akamura, Claiborne, Mangold, etc.).  Still work to do to transform our 8-8 roster.

[20306cab]

Who's going to replace their best player last year?

[Crusader]

Its Great Brandon's here to stay. Ravens still need a "Leader" "General" on defense and they need to develop that core group. This core group will help keep those 4th quarter collapses from happening. Orr could have been that guy.

[BigUgly]

5 minutes ago, Crusader said:

Its Great Brandon's here to stay. Ravens still need a "Leader" "General" on defense and they need to develop that core group. This core group will help keep those 4th quarter collapses from happening. Orr could have been that guy.

I'd settle for some competent, healthy CBs and a pass rush.  Still have work to do on those fronts, but at least now its less likely Antonio Brown will extend the football across the end zone as time expires to win a game, because TJeff will rip it off and throw it back 20 yards.

[sizzlingdoom]

Post June 1 cuts of Pitta, Watson, Zuttah, Arrington and Webb would free up $19.6M.  I don't think all of those guys will be cut, and some may need to go before June 1st if there are a couple of key players out there now that Ozzie has his eye on (Akamura, Claiborne, Mangold, etc.).  Still work to do to transform our 8-8 roster.

Its past 8-8 right now if we draft well
I personally hope all of those guys are cut though
I think Claiborne is a terrible idea
Mangold should be explored
And I think Zach Brown should be a big target
I know a lot of people around here don't like old folks coming in. But different and dominant players are lasting longer than usual these days. I would love to add Peppers or Ware to rush on thirds downs opposite Suggs. And give Sizzle breathers. They can both stop the run and would be great additions in every other way too. We have a chance to really get an A++ this offseason. I give the FO a solid A right now. Have to draft well though. Better than well!

[creigle]

25 minutes ago, 20306cab said:

Who's going to replace their best player last year?

Tucker is still here !!

[rmcjacket23]

Post June 1 cuts of Pitta, Watson, Zuttah, Arrington and Webb would free up $19.6M.  I don't think all of those guys will be cut, and some may need to go before June 1st if there are a couple of key players out there now that Ozzie has his eye on (Akamura, Claiborne, Mangold, etc.).  Still work to do to transform our 8-8 roster.

1. Only two players per team can be designated as Post June-1 cuts.

2. Watson, Arrington and Webb are all in the last year of their contracts with us, so the Post-June 1 cut has the exact same cap effect as a Pre-June 1 cut, meaning cutting those guys that late doesn't do us much good.

Zuttah and Pitta would be the only two under consideration for that where a benefit would be made in the current year, and I'd consider Pitta unlikely, given that he has already been asked to take a paycut, meaning they are already addressing the situation.

Zuttah as a Post-June 1 cut is the only one that makes sense to me. Historically, the Ravens shy away from this all together.

[rmcjacket23]

  2 hours ago, sizzlingdoom said:

Really? Sorry but I disagree. While it would always be nice to draft a player to groom at any position, while you have a stud vet already there to learn from, I don't see it.
We would have to spend at least a 4th rounder if we're trying to get a guy for the future. And I just don't see us spending a 4th rounder on a safety when we're set for years imo.
Understandably so, but people get carried away with age at times. SSS is my favorite athlete of all time, and I'll never forget the things the fans were saying about him when we brought him in, cuz of his age.
I'm not saying Weddle is SSS, but he is a special player and one of the most underated ones ever imo. He has at least 2 years left of HIGH quality play. And Jefferson is just getting going. Wasn't Weddle ranked as the 2nd best Safety overall? The guy has not slowed down at all, and our Defense is only making him better. Not to mention I sincerely think he will make a better FS than SS. He's not the most physical tackler at all, and it should help preserve him a little there. And he's super instinctive, a ball hawk, and can lead the back end. Tony is crazy in the box. I was rooting so much for us to bring in a SS so Weddle would move to FS. I think it's gonna be good stuff to say the least
The Safety position is set for years, and once we add a legit corner (hopefully at #16 this year), our secondary will be set for years. And one of the top couple in the league. Menelik is kinda interesting. And yeah Vollmer failed a physical and missed last year cuz of injuries. Rumors he might retire

This is the issue with assigning positions to draft picks before the draft starts.  It is just not realistic.  If you think that Ozzy is going into the draft with a list of positions that he won't take in the first 4 rounds you are fooling yourself.  You say we are set for years to come and than you say that you can only guarantee that he has 2 years of high quality play left, followed by saying we are set for years to come once again.  And I didn't specify what round we would take a guy in.  I am not sure if you realize this but both the safety and cornerback (sometimes converted to safety in nfl... Sean Davis) are the deepest positions in the draft.  There are going to be good safeties available in each round.  But again, if there is a safety that the Ravens covet, that falls in the draft, and represents a good value the FO will not hesitate to take him.  And that applies to ALL of the rounds.  Yes even the first.  It would certainly be more of a need if we let Webb go which is a possibility.  But regardless we are going to need to pick up a safety somewhere.  Even if we do keep Webb.  The only other safety we have on the team is Huff. Its funny because you're a guy that constantly criticized the depth during last season season (with good reason), yet you are ready to go into the season with only two safeties, one of which is 32 years old.  Are you comfortable with a Brandon Trywick or Anthony Levine type guy starting if either one of those guys gets hurt.  And the best part is that you point to SSS to support your premise that age is just a number.  Did you forget that Steve missed 11 games in the last two years.  Injuries happen.  Some young guys would be extremely lucky to learn from TJ or Weddle even if they don't turn out to be Weddles replacement.  

Well, realistically, the "BPA strategy" is a modified strategy based on how we assemble our draft board.

So in some years, yes, there are positions that we almost certainly wouldn't target in the first 2-3 rounds or so, because we have quality players and quality depth at the position (though I'll say the depth part is hard to have most of the time).

This year however, outside of maybe QB (and kicker, and punter, and Long snapper), I don't see a position on our roster where we couldn't easily justify using a 1st round, 2nd round, or any round pick on.

WR, RB, TE, Tackle, Guard, Center, Dline, OLB, ILB, Corner, Safety. Could use help at literally every single one of those positions without question.

Most years, I could probably narrow down our 1st round pick to one of about 2-3 positions usually. This year, its as wide open as I can remember in a long time.

Nobody should be surprised if we take a player from literally any position outside of QB. We need playmakers at every single level.

[rmcjacket23]

  7 hours ago, ravens4life86 said:

Tony Jefferson, Safety checked off. Brandon Williams, NT/DT Checked off.

Still need- Game Changing Pass Rusher, no.1 CB along side Jimmy Smith, another WR or 2, RT&C

Options
Nick Mangold C
Terrell Pryor WR
I dont know if they have the money but OT Manelik Watson

Of course draft too

I wouldn't check off safety just yet. I think it would be wise to look for a true FS. At this point in his career Weddle is better suited as a SS and SS is TJs natural position. Although those guys are better in coverage than most SS in the league it would still be a good idea to bring in (preferably through the draft) a young guy better suited for that center fielder roll. He would be able to learn from the vets with the hope that he could take over Weddles spot somewhere down the line. Menelik would be an interesting pick up. Does anyone no what Vollmers situation is? Is he recovering from an injury?

We're not going to be done with Safety per se at this point, but I think it just drops down the priority list.

Weddle is 32... he's no spring chicken. Drafting a safety makes total sense, but it could be more in the 3rd-6th round range and try to develop somebody.

Its a need, but its probably more of a 2018-2019 need from what I see.

We're still looking to get younger at that position for sure.

[rmcjacket23]

The first hours of free agency have made it rather clear that we have holes at
- RT
- CB
- pass rush
- a possession WR

Also, C could do with some upgrade. Luckily, the draft seems to offer a VERY rich talent pool at CB, good options at puss rusher in rounds #1-2 - and our draft squad is always capable of picking up a good RT in the mid-rounds. As for WR - sadly, the Ravens always seemed to be pretty pathetic at identifying and evaluating WR talent, and usully likes to pick WR's on day 3. That would seem to clear up our draft strategy for this year preatty nealy:

Round 1: pass rusher
Round 2: CB
Round 3 (2 picks): RT / C / WR(?)

We can also expect an ILB, a RB and a DT picked up in the mid/later rounds.

... so, this is how it is NOT gonna shake out, naturally :)

Based on what I've heard from the FO and from some of the beat writers, I don't think the FO views RT as a big issue, at least compared to fans.

I think they like some of the younger guys we have, and I also think the FO feels confident that they could use a mid-round pick on a Tackle and plug him in to compete/win the job right away.

I think too often fans take stock after FA or the draft and say "we don't have a starter at this position defined right now... we need to add somebody". In most years I can remember, there's always at least 1-2 positions where heading into training camp we have no clue who the starter is going to be.

Last year, we really weren't sure who was going to start at ILB with Mosley. Unfortunately, we're in the same predicament this year, but last years replacement was an internal player and was a lot better than most fans could have hoped for.

RT, to me, is the position this year where we will see numerous bodies competing for a starting job in training camp, and the best man wins it.

And while I think they will add an edge rusher in the draft, I also think the FO likes our young guys (ZaDarius and Judon) more than fans do, and are fine with our top 3 rushers being those two and Suggs for the time being. Its not ideal, and I think they know that, but I don't think they view OLB as a critical area right now either.

I think they know they need a complement at WR, and that we need to add at least 1-2 corners.

If I were a betting man, the focus in the draft will be WR, Corner/Safety, and Oline. I think they'll plug ILB internally.

[billiejean]

18 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Well, realistically, the "BPA strategy" is a modified strategy based on how we assemble our draft board.

So in some years, yes, there are positions that we almost certainly wouldn't target in the first 2-3 rounds or so, because we have quality players and quality depth at the position (though I'll say the depth part is hard to have most of the time).

This year however, outside of maybe QB (and kicker, and punter, and Long snapper), I don't see a position on our roster where we couldn't easily justify using a 1st round, 2nd round, or any round pick on.

WR, RB, TE, Tackle, Guard, Center, Dline, OLB, ILB, Corner, Safety. Could use help at literally every single one of those positions without question.

Most years, I could probably narrow down our 1st round pick to one of about 2-3 positions usually. This year, its as wide open as I can remember in a long time.

Nobody should be surprised if we take a player from literally any position outside of QB. We need playmakers at every single level.

Taking a TE in the first two seems improbable as well.  But there is certainly a much greater chance of us taking a TE early than a QB.  Especially if a guy takes an unexpected fall down the board.  

[billiejean]

21 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Based on what I've heard from the FO and from some of the beat writers, I don't think the FO views RT as a big issue, at least compared to fans.

I think they like some of the younger guys we have, and I also think the FO feels confident that they could use a mid-round pick on a Tackle and plug him in to compete/win the job right away.

I think too often fans take stock after FA or the draft and say "we don't have a starter at this position defined right now... we need to add somebody". In most years I can remember, there's always at least 1-2 positions where heading into training camp we have no clue who the starter is going to be.

Last year, we really weren't sure who was going to start at ILB with Mosley. Unfortunately, we're in the same predicament this year, but last years replacement was an internal player and was a lot better than most fans could have hoped for.

RT, to me, is the position this year where we will see numerous bodies competing for a starting job in training camp, and the best man wins it.

And while I think they will add an edge rusher in the draft, I also think the FO likes our young guys (ZaDarius and Judon) more than fans do, and are fine with our top 3 rushers being those two and Suggs for the time being. Its not ideal, and I think they know that, but I don't think they view OLB as a critical area right now either.

I think they know they need a complement at WR, and that we need to add at least 1-2 corners.

If I were a betting man, the focus in the draft will be WR, Corner/Safety, and Oline. I think they'll plug ILB internally.

I would be worried about going into the season with those 3 OLBs and an addition of a UFA or late round pick.  But I was also worried about going into the 2014 season with Wagner starting at RT, and into the 2016 season with Orr starting at ILB.  Z is the most concerning for me. He needs to work on some different pass rushing. I have only seen him use the bull rush which hasn't been really effective for him.  A few of his sacks he got his rookie season were due to good coverage.  And two of them were manufactured using a stunt that had him twist inside.  I think the stunt sacks were actually almost back to back in one of the Steelers game.  He did get better at setting the edge last year but that is also a skill that is still a work in progress. Where does the FO think that Correa is going to be spending most of his time this year ?  I haven't heard much about him.  

[rmcjacket23]

  1 hour ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Well, realistically, the "BPA strategy" is a modified strategy based on how we assemble our draft board.

So in some years, yes, there are positions that we almost certainly wouldn't target in the first 2-3 rounds or so, because we have quality players and quality depth at the position (though I'll say the depth part is hard to have most of the time).

This year however, outside of maybe QB (and kicker, and punter, and Long snapper), I don't see a position on our roster where we couldn't easily justify using a 1st round, 2nd round, or any round pick on.

WR, RB, TE, Tackle, Guard, Center, Dline, OLB, ILB, Corner, Safety. Could use help at literally every single one of those positions without question.

Most years, I could probably narrow down our 1st round pick to one of about 2-3 positions usually. This year, its as wide open as I can remember in a long time.

Nobody should be surprised if we take a player from literally any position outside of QB. We need playmakers at every single level.

Taking a TE in the first two seems improbable as well.  But there is certainly a much greater chance of us taking a TE early than a QB.  Especially if a guy takes an unexpected fall down the board.  

Maybe so, and I don't anticipate we go that route.

But if we cut Pitta and/or Watson, you've got a bunch of young guys who have been here a few years and haven't really developed into anything reliable.

You could argue we'd be throwing in the towel on a guy like Maxx, but at the same time, you can't compound a bad draft pick by forcing him to play and not taking an upgrade when it becomes available.

I grouped in TE because we're looking for offensive playmakers, and TEs can be just as big a playmakers as a RB or a WR. We need a reliable pass catcher and a playmaker on offense, and a TE could fit one or both of those areas.

I don't expect it, but I wouldn't discount it.

[rmcjacket23]

  48 minutes ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Based on what I've heard from the FO and from some of the beat writers, I don't think the FO views RT as a big issue, at least compared to fans.

I think they like some of the younger guys we have, and I also think the FO feels confident that they could use a mid-round pick on a Tackle and plug him in to compete/win the job right away.

I think too often fans take stock after FA or the draft and say "we don't have a starter at this position defined right now... we need to add somebody". In most years I can remember, there's always at least 1-2 positions where heading into training camp we have no clue who the starter is going to be.

Last year, we really weren't sure who was going to start at ILB with Mosley. Unfortunately, we're in the same predicament this year, but last years replacement was an internal player and was a lot better than most fans could have hoped for.

RT, to me, is the position this year where we will see numerous bodies competing for a starting job in training camp, and the best man wins it.

And while I think they will add an edge rusher in the draft, I also think the FO likes our young guys (ZaDarius and Judon) more than fans do, and are fine with our top 3 rushers being those two and Suggs for the time being. Its not ideal, and I think they know that, but I don't think they view OLB as a critical area right now either.

I think they know they need a complement at WR, and that we need to add at least 1-2 corners.

If I were a betting man, the focus in the draft will be WR, Corner/Safety, and Oline. I think they'll plug ILB internally.

I would be worried about going into the season with those 3 OLBs and an addition of a UFA or late round pick.  But I was also worried about going into the 2014 season with Wagner starting at RT, and into the 2016 season with Orr starting at ILB.  Z is the most concerning for me. He needs to work on some different pass rushing. I have only seen him use the bull rush which hasn't been really effective for him.  A few of his sacks he got his rookie season were due to good coverage.  And two of them were manufactured using a stunt that had him twist inside.  I think the stunt sacks were actually almost back to back in one of the Steelers game.  He did get better at setting the edge last year but that is also a skill that is still a work in progress. Where does the FO think that Correa is going to be spending most of his time this year ?  I haven't heard much about him.  

I'm not content with our outside rushers either, and I don't think the FO will add nobody. I just don't think they believe its something where we must use a high draft pick on one.

I will also say that a lot of fans (myself included sometimes) visualize us as exclusively a 3-4 defense and that the OLBs are the only one's who can get to the QB in our defense.

We play a lot more base nickel packages than anything, and that means that in pass rush situations your defensive lineman are expected to get to the QB also. So guys like Jernigan, Urban, Kaufusi, etc. are still expected to get pressure on the QB and get sacks. Those aren't necessarily edge rushers per se, but you can generate sacks from people other than edge rushers.

And I think you're going to start to see the FO expect more in terms of pass rush out of our Dlineman as well.

I'm also not of the mindset that you need like a dangerous Von Miller type rusher in order to be successful. Us rotating in 3-4 guys as edge rushers throughout a game and having a bunch of guys getting 6-7 sacks a year is just as effective in my eyes as one guy getting 15. With the way a lot more offenses are going up tempo, being able to rotate fresh rushers throughout the game is important, and in some ways, that means quantity can be as important as quality.

[budman]

1 hour ago, sizzlingdoom said:

Its past 8-8 right now if we draft well
I personally hope all of those guys are cut though
I think Claiborne is a terrible idea
Mangold should be explored
And I think Zach Brown should be a big target
I know a lot of people around here don't like old folks coming in. But different and dominant players are lasting longer than usual these days. I would love to add Peppers or Ware to rush on thirds downs opposite Suggs. And give Sizzle breathers. They can both stop the run and would be great additions in every other way too. We have a chance to really get an A++ this offseason. I give the FO a solid A right now. Have to draft well though. Better than well!

I agree. Claibourne is not a wise choice regardless of how cheap he is. Seems he just can't stay healthy enough to take the field. Mangold IMO is definitely on Ozzie's radar. I think they will be quite aggressive on going after him. I don't think they want to start the season with Urshel there. They can, but imo would rather not.

[budman]

2 hours ago, Crusader said:

Its Great Brandon's here to stay. Ravens still need a "Leader" "General" on defense and they need to develop that core group. This core group will help keep those 4th quarter collapses from happening. Orr could have been that guy.

From what I have read, Mosely has filled the "Leader" role quite nicely. The players respect him.

[bigcatfrank1]

Tony Jefferson, Safety checked off. Brandon Williams, NT/DT Checked off.

Still need- Game Changing Pass Rusher, no.1 CB along side Jimmy Smith, another WR or 2, RT&C

Options
Nick Mangold C
Terrell Pryor WR
I dont know if they have the money but OT Manelik Watson

Of course draft too

CB yes, probably 1st round pick

C - I think they should go young and pick the top C in the draft at #2. This will allow the Front line to start fresh and get the reps needed in camp. Elflein or Potic
Having Yanda teamed up with a rookie Center, asap, is probably the biggest asset, waiting only cuts that time down. It is also cost effective.

Edge- absolutely as best player presents himself, however WR,S, OL,
LB all need to be looked at for each draft position.

OL or WR- probably gonna find a decent player at #99.

As far as free agency, Get a #1 Running Back rather than a high paid receiver. The Ravens have receiving weapons with Wallace, Perriman, Moore, Woodhead, Waller, (Pitta if he takes the cut) Boyle, Gilmore, Dixon and West.

Mangold only if he makes himself affordable.
Prior is un-affordable go with a #2/3 receiver if at all

Signings- Williams, Wallace, Mallet, Jefferson and Woodhead are good moves! So far I like what I see.
Cutting -Doom, Webb, Wright and Lewis all good
Not re-signing- Wagner and Juice best move for the money.

Dixon is a Dufus