Draft / FA / Offseason Roster Moves (Merged)

[wickedsolo]

I guess I just don't get the infatuation with margins hunt and ansah. I understand their intangibles and potential but in the first I think the ravens really need to get a more polished player. This is the most important draft for the ravens in a long time, they need to pick players with better production and consistency than those two. I understand that they could become guys like Pierre Paul or JJ watt but I'd rather have a "safer pick" that being said I know that not everyone makes the transition to the nfl. This is almost like a new beginning for this organization, ray is retiring and we are in cap hell, a solid draft with 2 or 3 productive players with high ceilings goes a long way for this team. I also do not get the love for the center out of Wisconsin, are you all ready to give up on Gino? The only center I see them taking high is Barrett jones other than that it need to be defense defense defense with a receiver in there. Sign Ellerbe, let Kruger walk as he is not worth the money he is asking and pick some guys with more than intangibles to how for their college career

Margus Hunt is the definition of a boom or bust player. If he goes to the right system and reaches his potential, we are probably talking about a guy who could be the next Jared Allen/Julius Peppers type of DE. The guy is 6'8" 280lbs without a lick of fat on him. He supposedly has run the 40 in under 4.6, which would likely be a ridiculous 10-yard split, and he is strong as hell. The best part about him is that he has only played football for 2 years IIRC. The sky is the limit for him. Or, he could turn into a bust of epic proportions.

Truthfully, I am hoping they go for a pass rusher in round 1. Ideally, I'd like to see them target Dion Jordan.

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[wickedsolo]

Both the guys are a little limited athletically but make up for in with work ethic and effort, Vellano even more so. You're not going to get slackers there.

After seeing every game Vellano has played I'm convinced he's going to be a factor in the NFL wherever he plays. He plays with incredible technique and motor.

And those are things you cant coach. Ill take lesser talented guys who haul ass any day of the week over talented guys with poor work ethic.

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[leachisabeast]

Margus Hunt is the definition of a boom or bust player. If he goes to the right system and reaches his potential, we are probably talking about a guy who could be the next Jared Allen/Julius Peppers type of DE. The guy is 6'8" 280lbs without a lick of fat on him. He supposedly has run the 40 in under 4.6, which would likely be a ridiculous 10-yard split, and he is strong as hell. The best part about him is that he has only played football for 2 years IIRC. The sky is the limit for him. Or, he could turn into a bust of epic proportions.

Truthfully, I am hoping they go for a pass rusher in round 1. Ideally, I'd like to see them target Dion Jordan.

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I think we need a pass rusher at 5 tech, hoping we can re-sign Kruger, hopefully he'd be the staple at the 3-4 OLB Sam position opposite Suggs for years.

[wickedsolo]

I think we need a pass rusher at 5 tech, hoping we can re-sign Kruger, hopefully he'd be the staple at the 3-4 OLB Sam position opposite Suggs for years.

I would love to see them keep Kruger as well, but I'm also a realist. He may just be too expensive.

[Ravenous1]

I would love to see them keep Kruger as well, but I'm also a realist. He may just be too expensive.

Sad to agree on this.
Far as the first round pick is concerned, I would like the Ravens to take the guy who is their highest rated OL, DL or LB unless someone ridiculous falls to them at another position.
Vellano is a guy I like. He has intangibles that make me think he will be a better player than his measurables would predict.
Margus Hunt is a boom or bust guy. He could be a monster or could be Vernon Ghoulston lol. What happens with a guy like Kruger does have an effect on how you view a prospect like him to some extent. If you know you lost Kruger and need a pass rusher your going to be more likely to assume some risk. If your retain Kruger you might be more inclined to pick another position or go with a guy who has a lower ceiling but higher floor so to speak.

[wickedsolo]

Speaking of Kruger...we could make sure that we keep the name on the team this year by drafting Paul Kruger's not-so-little (younger) brother, Joe Kruger. He is a DT out of Utah and is 6'7" and about 290lbs. Not a bad player.

[HoustonRaven]

Folks, the Te'o hoax story grew to be much larger than this thread. In order to save this draft / FA thread, please post your future Te'o posts in the Non Ravens Football area of the forum.

There's a Te'o thread there that's up and running. Thanks!

[wickedsolo]

Folks, the Te'o hoax story grew to be much larger than this thread. In order to save this draft / FA thread, please post your future Te'o posts in the Non Ravens Football area of the forum.

There's a Te'o thread there that's up and running. Thanks!

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Hunt was dominant in the Fresno State bowl game...and he had another game where he was extremely productive...but it's concerning that he didn't have any production in most of his other games.

I really like him, but I wouldn't take him before the end of the third.

I don't know how I feel about Dion Jordan in the first either.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Man, I just watched some more stuff on Gerald Hodges...I really, really like that guy. After the top 2 obviously, and Minter, he is by far my favorite LB. I really hope we get a chance to grab him at the end of the second round.

[BigPlayReceiver]

Lucas Reed, brother of Brooks, is a 6'6 255 TE out of New Mexico.
Look for him at the EWS game. Did well in practice on Wednesday.

There are some big @ss TEs in this Draft...off memory, I count Sudfeld, Ertz, Kasa, Kelce, Eifert, Toilolo, Fauria, Griffin, Otten, Escobar...so at least 11 that are 6'5/245 or greater. We are definitely going to get one of them.

-Fauria is soft. We'll pass on him.
-Eifert should be gone by our pick, but I only see ATL or GB taking him in his value range.
-Ertz is not the blocker we're looking for.
-Toilolo is a better blocker than Ertz, but I can't get comfortable with him for some reason. Will concede that the FO may like him though.
-Escobar doesn't block in SDSU system is my understanding. I'd propose using him like Hernandez: a third WR. He'd be a force as a pseudo-WR.
-Sudfeld's injury history is a concern (although it was really just 1 bad year)...otherwise, he's the best combo value of RZ/in-line blocking/3rd and long
-Kaice...I need to investigate his blocking
-Griffin...same thing; almost no film
-Otten...doesn't block in SJSt's system IIRC from film
-Kasa...converted OL or DL IIRC. Awful offense at Colorado. No film. Read that his hands are terrific and that he's mean. No idea of his speed.
-Reed...need more information

So based upon what I've seen, know and what I think we need, here are how I'd slot the TE's that I think we'd might want to suit up...

Eifert - 1st round (I love how he consistently high points the ball. His blocking has improved and he has the frame to add some muscle.)
Escobar - 3rd round (as proposed above; do not draft otherwise)
Toilolo - 3rd round (best/highest case scenario here; conceding the FO loves him to remove my own bias)
Sudfeld - 3rd round (I think he'd do wonders for this offense; more YAC than Eifert, not sure if the vertical is there)
Griffin and Kasa - 4th round or below (Need more information)

[wickedsolo]

Lucas Reed, brother of Brooks, is a 6'6 255 TE out of New Mexico.
Look for him at the EWS game. Did well in practice on Wednesday.

There are some big @ss TEs in this Draft...off memory, I count Sudfeld, Ertz, Kasa, Kelce, Eifert, Toilolo, Fauria, Griffin, Otten, Escobar...so at least 11 that are 6'5/245 or greater. We are definitely going to get one of them.

-Fauria is soft. We'll pass on him.
-Eifert should be gone by our pick, but I only see ATL or GB taking him in his value range.
-Ertz is not the blocker we're looking for.
-Toilolo is a better blocker than Ertz, but I can't get comfortable with him for some reason. Will concede that the FO may like him though.
-Escobar doesn't block in SDSU system is my understanding. I'd propose using him like Hernandez: a third WR. He'd be a force as a pseudo-WR.
-Sudfeld's injury history is a concern (although it was really just 1 bad year)...otherwise, he's the best combo value of RZ/in-line blocking/3rd and long
-Kaice...I need to investigate his blocking
-Griffin...same thing; almost no film
-Otten...doesn't block in SJSt's system IIRC from film
-Kasa...converted OL or DL IIRC. Awful offense at Colorado. No film. Read that his hands are terrific and that he's mean. No idea of his speed.
-Reed...need more information

So based upon what I've seen, know and what I think we need, here are how I'd slot the TE's that I think we'd might want to suit up...

Eifert - 1st round (I love how he consistently high points the ball. His blocking has improved and he has the frame to add some muscle.)
Escobar - 3rd round (as proposed above; do not draft otherwise)
Toilolo - 3rd round (best/highest case scenario here; conceding the FO loves him to remove my own bias)
Sudfeld - 3rd round (I think he'd do wonders for this offense; more YAC than Eifert, not sure if the vertical is there)
Griffin and Kasa - 4th round or below (Need more information)

I still think that a TE like Michael Williams out of Alabama or Dion Sims out of Michigan State are real possibilities. Both are more balanced TE's regarding blocking vs receiving. Both are better than Bajema and I'd argue Williams is a better receiver than Dickson. Williams as a blocking TE and Pitta split out into the slot would be a nice formation set next year.

I think Williams would be good value in the 4th round.

[BigPlayReceiver]

I still think that a TE like Michael Williams out of Alabama or Dion Sims out of Michigan State are real possibilities. Both are more balanced TE's regarding blocking vs receiving. Both are better than Bajema and I'd argue Williams is a better receiver than Dickson. Williams as a blocking TE and Pitta split out into the slot would be a nice formation set next year.

I think Williams would be good value in the 4th round.

I'll re-examine Williams this wknd. His lack of speed soured me first go-round.

[wickedsolo]

I'll re-examine Williams this wknd. His lack of speed soured me first go-round.

Well, he isn't a speedy guy...but neither are Marcedes Lewis and Anthony Fasano, yet they're not too bad.

Again, I'm not looking at a guy like Williams as someone who is going to come in and stretch the middle of the field like Pitta or Vernon Davis. I'm looking at a guy who can come in here and be somewhat of a poor-man's Pettigrew. Good blocker. Solid receiver. Red zone threat.

[bmorecareful]

Well, he isn't a speedy guy...but neither are Marcedes Lewis and Anthony Fasano, yet they're not too bad.

Again, I'm not looking at a guy like Williams as someone who is going to come in and stretch the middle of the field like Pitta or Vernon Davis. I'm looking at a guy who can come in here and be somewhat of a poor-man's Pettigrew. Good blocker. Solid receiver. Red zone threat.

I see the value in the kind of player you're referencing and I'm high on Williams as well in a certain respect, but I just wonder if that's the direction to go in? Sure, you get A+ level blocking from Williams or Sims, but C- athleticism/"mismatch factor." I would downgrade blocking a few notches to get a better mismatch.

The reason why teams like the Patriots have so much success in the 2TE look isn't just because they have one guy who's a good athlete/pass catcher who stretches the field and one guy who can catch okay and blocks well. It's that both guys are just total mismatches. Linebackers can match up with a guy like Sims or Williams, but not Gronkowski.

If the Ravens come out in a 2TE look and the defense responds with a base set then you've already lost the chess match. The key is coming out with 2TE and forcing the defense to go to nickel, which you can then run on. I just think a guy like Escobar, Sudfield, or Otten--who either already are good blockers or show signs of being able to get to that level--gives you maybe C+ or B level blocking but A athleticism, and forces the defense into uncomfortable territory.

[jonboy79]

Well, he isn't a speedy guy...but neither are Marcedes Lewis and Anthony Fasano, yet they're not too bad.

Again, I'm not looking at a guy like Williams as someone who is going to come in and stretch the middle of the field like Pitta or Vernon Davis. I'm looking at a guy who can come in here and be somewhat of a poor-man's Pettigrew. Good blocker. Solid receiver. Red zone threat.

I think that's EXACTLY what we need in terms of another TE. I wish we had drafted JImmy Graham and Michael Hoomanawanui instead of Dickson and Pitta, but oh well. Hoomanawanui is carving out a nice little niche exactly as you describe in NE right now, albeit only when Gronk or Hernandez is hurt, which has been one or the other most of the year.

[BigPlayReceiver]

Well, he isn't a speedy guy...but neither are Marcedes Lewis and Anthony Fasano, yet they're not too bad.

Again, I'm not looking at a guy like Williams as someone who is going to come in and stretch the middle of the field like Pitta or Vernon Davis. I'm looking at a guy who can come in here and be somewhat of a poor-man's Pettigrew. Good blocker. Solid receiver. Red zone threat.

You and I have just about the same requirements. I just added speed.

In this Draft there are guys that block due to scheme, catch and high-point well, and have tremendous height...AND it just so happens that they project as guys with 4.7 - 4.8 speed. Those are the guys, I called out. They are potentially every-situation TEs. That's definitely something to get excited about. Who the heck can defend a "Flacco-to-Boldin jump ball vs. IND" type of pass to a 6'5/6'6 TE that's not much slower than Boldin himself? And if that same guy can also pancake the OLB on a stretch run inside the RZ...that's even better. I just don't think we will pass up a guy like that.

[s.r.genovese]

And those are things you cant coach. Ill take lesser talented guys who haul ass any day of the week over talented guys with poor work ethic.

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Having a guy who can play the Corey Redding tertiary pass rusher role would be very nice. Vellano could fill that roll at some point down the road.

[LukeDaniel]

Ok, to take our mind off the game tomorrow (and to also remind us how blessed we are to be Raven fans....that the draft isn't the foremost concern on our mind....here is my mock draft).

1st round- Kevin Minter-LB-LSU
2nd round- Oday Aboushi- LT- Virginia( Baltimore trades it's 5th round pick to move up 3-4 spots to draft him)
3rd round- Baccari Rambo- S- Georgia
3rd round (supplemental)- Tyran Matthieus- CB-LSU
4th round- Larry Black Jr- DT- Indiana
5th round- traded to move up to get Aboushi
5th round (supplemental)- Ronald Leary- OT/G- Memphis
6th round- Michael Williams-TE-Alabama
6th round (supplemental)- Kenny Tate-OLB- Maryland
7th round- Joe Madsen-C- West Virginia
7th round (supplemental)- Javon Harris-S- Oklahoma

What are your thoughts?

Minter, Aboushi, and Rambo all become instant starters at the 3 spots most likely to be available heading into the draft.

Matthieu is the #5 CB behind Webb, Smith, Grham, and Chykie, but can play special teams with an eye on a bigger role in 2014.

Black fills the 7th Defensive Line position, with an eye on some serious snaps alongside Ngata in 2014, when Cody, and possibly Art Jones, won't be back.

Leary becomes our #7 O-lineman and 2nd reserve behind Jah Reid.

Madsen would be in a battle for a roster spot, but might make it due to only one true C being on the 13 roster (Gradkowski-the presumed starter)

Michael Williams would have the #3 TE spot locked up and would see the field quite often in 2013, given his value as a blocker in goal-line, short yardage situations.

Tate would be in an all-out numbers battle for a spot on the 53.

Harris is a very underrated prospect, and would be battling with Emanuel Cook/Omar Brown for 1 or 2 roster spots (depending on what the Ravens do with bringing back Ighedibo). You have to figure Christian Thompson is safe for a roster spot.

[jonboy79]

I would pretty much love that draft...