Draft / FA / Offseason Roster Moves (Merged)

[wickedsolo]

+1.

Only 25 and will be cheap.

I'd take a flyer on Murphy


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That guy can fly too. He did alright in Oakland with crap QB play.

I'm not saying he'd be the next coming of Jerry Rice on the Ravens squad, but if the Ravens do part ways with Jacoby Jones, Murphy would be a good candidate to replace what Jacoby brought to the table (as a receiver, not as a return specialist).

[bmorecareful]

While we're talking about wide receivers... a guy who could potentially fall a little if he doesn't test well at the Combine is DeAndre Hopkins.

He's in the 1st round in a lot of mocks... but some workout warrior types could easily leapfrog him as I think he'll be unimpressive at the Combine (6'0, 190, probably only a 4.5 type guy) and he's only a junior so he's not getting any press from all-star games right now. That could send him down into the 2nd.

I'm not SUPER interested in the 1st unless all the better targets are gone, but Hopkins is a GREAT player. Check out some of his tape http://draftbreakdown.com/players/deandre-hopkins

[wickedsolo]

While we're talking about wide receivers... a guy who could potentially fall a little if he doesn't test well at the Combine is DeAndre Hopkins.

He's in the 1st round in a lot of mocks... but some workout warrior types could easily leapfrog him as I think he'll be unimpressive at the Combine (6'0, 190, probably only a 4.5 type guy) and he's only a junior so he's not getting any press from all-star games right now. That could send him down into the 2nd.

I'm not SUPER interested in the 1st unless all the better targets are gone, but Hopkins is a GREAT player. Check out some of his tape http://draftbreakdown.com/players/deandre-hopkins

I think he will test well enough.

He is a solid receiver though. His game is very similar to Reggie Wayne.

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[NC Raven]

I'd say Hopkins is a pretty complete WR, with some speed, elusiveness and athleticism to go with it. I don't know what he'll time in the 40, but if he times slow, I can say for sure that he plays fast. On TV he looks like a legit 4.4 guy even if that's not his actual 40. Definitely IMO a guy who can contribute from the get-go. With some upside.

Reggie Wayne is a good comparison. Hard for folks to remember now, but he was very similar to Hopkins back when he was in college at Miami -- a very dynamic, game breaking type WR. He really got shunted into a "solid #2 receiver" role opposite Harrison in Indy once he got to the pros. Basically used the threat of his athletic ability to get open underneath and move the chains reliably, when in fact, in a different sysem he could have been a #1 with a 17+ ypc and regular double digit TDs. He was the John Taylor to Harrison's Rice, if you will.

Like Hopkins, Wayne was extremely dangerous in college (I thought he was more a threat than the much more touted, at the time, Santana Moss).

Wayne's career path is a very good comparison for Hopkins, I would say. Frankly there are teams who will take worse players in the first than him. That said, does he make sense for the Ravens there? Not likely, based on other positional needs and priorities (as I currently expect them to shake out). He is a safe pick though. He will have a good career. If the Ravens do, or have to, go WR early, he would be a fine pick.

[BigPlayReceiver]

The more i see and here about Wheaton the more i like, i think he could be a bonafide #2 nex to Torrey once Boldin calls it quits. What round do you guys think he goes in?

Great value with Wheaton in the bottom half of the 3rd. Based on my limited feel of the other 31 teams, he's my 12th WR.
Based upon the kind of WR that I think we could use, Wheaton is my 4th WR behind Patton, Bailey and Austin. He's ahead of Bumphis.

[alien bird]

I have been high on Wheaton pretty much all season. Really nice precise route runner, solid hands, deceptively quick, nice moves in space.

He needs to put on some weight...he's about 6' to 6'1" and about 185lbs, so I'd like to see him bump up into the 190's. I think that would help him beat press coverage a bit better. Still though, the upside is there.

I'd rather have Patton, but Wheaton would be pretty sweet too.

Senior Bowl weigh-in:

Markus Wheaton 5' 11", 183 lbs.
Quinton Patton 6' 0", 202 lbs.

I think both go in the 2nd round.

[Boulderraven]

Senior Bowl weigh-in:

Markus Wheaton 5' 11", 183 lbs.
Quinton Patton 6' 0", 202 lbs.

I think both go in the 2nd round.

thats about right. I still think Ertz and Eifert makes the most sense in the first round.

[leachisabeast]

Anyone thought of the possibility of signing Rolando McClain? He is likely to be cut before FA, and Ozzie may take a look see because of the Bama connection. He hasn't really lived up to his pre draft hype, but he's still a solid player, especially in run defense. He make up for a decent tandem next to Ellerbe (assuming Ellerbe is re-signed), or if we move to a 4-3, he can play MLB there too.

[wickedsolo]

Anyone thought of the possibility of signing Rolando McClain? He is likely to be cut before FA, and Ozzie may take a look see because of the Bama connection. He hasn't really lived up to his pre draft hype, but he's still a solid player, especially in run defense. He make up for a decent tandem next to Ellerbe (assuming Ellerbe is re-signed), or if we move to a 4-3, he can play MLB there too.

If he is interested in playing football and knocking the shenanigans off, then absolutely.

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[NC Raven]

Anyone thought of the possibility of signing Rolando McClain? He is likely to be cut before FA, and Ozzie may take a look see because of the Bama connection. He hasn't really lived up to his pre draft hype, but he's still a solid player, especially in run defense. He make up for a decent tandem next to Ellerbe (assuming Ellerbe is re-signed), or if we move to a 4-3, he can play MLB there too.

Lots of due diligence would be involved, but certainly he's got to be on the radar. Curious whether he goes though. During the season there was some kind of flare up with him and there was lots of conjecture he would be cut right then and there. Never happened.

If he gets cut, great, but I think they'll bend over backwards not to let that pick go to waste.

[bmorecareful]

I'd say Hopkins is a pretty complete WR, with some speed, elusiveness and athleticism to go with it. I don't know what he'll time in the 40, but if he times slow, I can say for sure that he plays fast. On TV he looks like a legit 4.4 guy even if that's not his actual 40. Definitely IMO a guy who can contribute from the get-go. With some upside.

Reggie Wayne is a good comparison. Hard for folks to remember now, but he was very similar to Hopkins back when he was in college at Miami -- a very dynamic, game breaking type WR. He really got shunted into a "solid #2 receiver" role opposite Harrison in Indy once he got to the pros. Basically used the threat of his athletic ability to get open underneath and move the chains reliably, when in fact, in a different sysem he could have been a #1 with a 17+ ypc and regular double digit TDs. He was the John Taylor to Harrison's Rice, if you will.

Like Hopkins, Wayne was extremely dangerous in college (I thought he was more a threat than the much more touted, at the time, Santana Moss).

Wayne's career path is a very good comparison for Hopkins, I would say. Frankly there are teams who will take worse players in the first than him. That said, does he make sense for the Ravens there? Not likely, based on other positional needs and priorities (as I currently expect them to shake out). He is a safe pick though. He will have a good career. If the Ravens do, or have to, go WR early, he would be a fine pick.

Good post. I agree with everything you said, including the Reggie Wayne comparison. The thing that's most impressive to me about Hopkins is his route running. At this point he is perhaps the best pure route runner in the class. Quinton Patton is a smoother athlete, Stedman Bailey is more physical, Tavon Austin is quicker, etc. etc... but NOBODY sells a route quite like Hopkins.

He destroyed Xavier Rhodes (a potential 1st round CB) on a double move in one of the videos I linked above. 2 deep, man under, I believe it was an "out and up," and Hopkins beat the double coverage to make a beautiful over the shoulder grab. You RARELY see spread offenses run the kind of complex routes like Hopkins ran in Clemson's system. I also think his body control and hands are among the top in the class.

I really don't think he'll test all that well in the Combine. The playing speed is definitely in the 4.4 range and his quickness is phenomenal, but he just doesn't seem like a workout warrior kind of guy. In terms of a recent prospect I'd compare him to Kendall Wright in that respect, although Wright still went 22nd overall despite a bad Combine. I don't see Hopkins going that high.

Hopkins and Torrey out wide with Boldin (and/or Doss) in the slot is a phenomenal 3 wide package. Hopkins also has some experience as a returner IIRC to be a good long-term replacement and upgrade over Jacoby for a lot cheaper.

Anyone thought of the possibility of signing Rolando McClain? He is likely to be cut before FA, and Ozzie may take a look see because of the Bama connection. He hasn't really lived up to his pre draft hype, but he's still a solid player, especially in run defense. He make up for a decent tandem next to Ellerbe (assuming Ellerbe is re-signed), or if we move to a 4-3, he can play MLB there too.

I think Rolando McClain would look a lot better in a 3-4, I don't think he was comfortable covering that much ground as a 4-3 MIKE, so he's a scheme fit. But the kid is just a total malcontent and a very bad person. Not sure if I want a scumbag like that on our team.

[BigPlayReceiver]

I think both go in the 2nd round.

I think the bigger bodied WRs will all stack up ahead of Wheaton. Also, a team signing Wallace, Bowe and maybe even Welker and Jennings probably won't take a WR in the 1st or 2nd. NE will be an exception even if they actually resign Welker...they could use some youth at WR.

Wheaton will rise a bit if he goes sub 4.4 (very possible) next month but I still see him in the 3rd.

[JAB1985]

I wouldnt mind McClain or Aaron Curry getting a shot here. Two former players that just havent seemed to live up to their hype but very well could be put in positions to see that again. Probably sooner see Curry even though hes not proven as much simply because of McClains character issues. When losing a big vocal leader such as Ray im not sure adding players like that will be a good thing to fill that void with right away.

[Ravenalytics]

I'm a lot less enthusiastic about signing potential headcases if both Ed and Ray aren't here next year. I trust Suggs and Ngata to be good leaders on defense, but I don't know if they'll have the raw force and influence to get a guy like Rolando McClain in line.

[wickedsolo]

I wouldnt mind McClain or Aaron Curry getting a shot here. Two former players that just havent seemed to live up to their hype but very well could be put in positions to see that again. Probably sooner see Curry even though hes not proven as much simply because of McClains character issues. When losing a big vocal leader such as Ray im not sure adding players like that will be a good thing to fill that void with right away.

Well, the fact that Curry hasn't been signed yet is pretty telling IMO. It's not like there aren't teams out there who don't need linebackers.

[JAB1985]

Well, the fact that Curry hasn't been signed yet is pretty telling IMO. It's not like there aren't teams out there who don't need linebackers.

some truth in that, but i dont think his career is over by any stretch. At this point last year people were saying Randy Moss was done and wouldnt garner any interest, some teams just dont address things this early in the process.

[bmorecareful]

I think the bigger bodied WRs will all stack up ahead of Wheaton. Also, a team signing Wallace, Bowe and maybe even Welker and Jennings probably won't take a WR in the 1st or 2nd. NE will be an exception even if they actually resign Welker...they could use some youth at WR.

Wheaton will rise a bit if he goes sub 4.4 (very possible) next month but I still see him in the 3rd.

All the teams are looking for the next 6'4, 6'5 sort of WR. AJ Green, Julio Jones, Calvin, Andre, etc... I believe the only sub-6'0 WRs to go in the first round over the last few years were Percy Harvin (who is one of the best WRs in the NFL) and Kendall Wright (who was a bit of a reach at #22 but had staggering college production). I agree with you that smaller WRs are going to get devalued. I could easily see Justin Hunter, Cordarelle Patterson, Keenan Allen, and Terrance Williams all going in the 1st while the 6'0 and under guys fall way down.

And you know what? That suits me just fine. Jim Caldwell's Colts NEVER had a WR over 6'0. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne were both 6'0 and fairly slim guys. The offense wasn't built around them outmuscling or outjumping guys, it was built around precision route running and sharp breaks. As long as a 6'0 and under guy can get off a bigger CB's jam at the line and plays bigger than his size he doesn't need to hit a certain benchmark for size or weight.

When I scout WRs the top two characteristics I look for are route running and quickness out of their breaks. In those respects, my top guys in this class are DeAndre Hopkins, Stedman Bailey, Markus Wheaton, and Quinton Patton. I think all of them would fit our offense well especially if we continue to trend more towards the Tom Moore style offense.

[leachisabeast]

There are no AJ Greens in this draft. Infact this draft is really lacking in talent in almost every position.

QBs- Attorcious.
RBs- Poor.
OL- Pretty stacked for guards, but good centers and tackles are lacking.
WR- Average pool at best.
TE- Probably the best offensive position in this class.

DTs- Pretty decent. More so for the smaller quick twitch DTs, ala Sheriff Floyd, Sheldon Richardson, Kawann Shorts (Geno Atkin type DTs). Would be happy with one of them.
DEs- Nobody really stands out to me here, even Damontre Moore has become overrated IMO.
LBs- I'd say solid, would have said very good if Manti Teo didn't get shown up on national TV, and Jarvis Jones has had some issues leading up to the draft.
CBs- Average
Safeties- Pretty good, and certainly a lot better than last years crop of talent.

[BigPlayReceiver]

All the teams are looking for the next 6'4, 6'5 sort of WR. AJ Green, Julio Jones, Calvin, Andre, etc... I believe the only sub-6'0 WRs to go in the first round over the last few years were Percy Harvin (who is one of the best WRs in the NFL) and Kendall Wright (who was a bit of a reach at #22 but had staggering college production). I agree with you that smaller WRs are going to get devalued. I could easily see Justin Hunter, Cordarelle Patterson, Keenan Allen, and Terrance Williams all going in the 1st while the 6'0 and under guys fall way down.

And you know what? That suits me just fine. Jim Caldwell's Colts NEVER had a WR over 6'0. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne were both 6'0 and fairly slim guys. The offense wasn't built around them outmuscling or outjumping guys, it was built around precision route running and sharp breaks. As long as a 6'0 and under guy can get off a bigger CB's jam at the line and plays bigger than his size he doesn't need to hit a certain benchmark for size or weight.

When I scout WRs the top two characteristics I look for are route running and quickness out of their breaks. In those respects, my top guys in this class are DeAndre Hopkins, Stedman Bailey, Markus Wheaton, and Quinton Patton. I think all of them would fit our offense well especially if we continue to trend more towards the Tom Moore style offense.

I completely agree.

As far as outjumping is concerned, Boldin combined with a 34" vertical and still gets up pretty well as we've seen. Torrey combined with a 41" vertical, and we have Streeter on the shelf with a 33" vertical at 6'5", and one good OS of training could get him north of 36-37".

I think going in the direction of acquiring a quick, route runner with good hands (if this is indeed what we are doing) is the perfect move for us right now...especially if Boldin remains on the roster for 2013. But even he moves on or is moved on, I think any of the guys that you and I have listed can operate very well in the slot.

[GOTA]

There are no AJ Greens in this draft. Infact this draft is really lacking in talent in almost every position.

QBs- Attorcious.
RBs- Poor.
OL- Pretty stacked for guards, but good centers and tackles are lacking.
WR- Average pool at best.
TE- Probably the best offensive position in this class.

DTs- Pretty decent. More so for the smaller quick twitch DTs, ala Sheriff Floyd, Sheldon Richardson, Kawann Shorts (Geno Atkin type DTs). Would be happy with one of them.
DEs- Nobody really stands out to me here, even Damontre Moore has become overrated IMO.
LBs- I'd say solid, would have said very good if Manti Teo didn't get shown up on national TV, and Jarvis Jones has had some issues leading up to the draft.
CBs- Average
Safeties- Pretty good, and certainly a lot better than last years crop of talent.

It's a good year to be picking at the bottom of the draft.