Ok, here it is....my official projected 2013 roster

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Shas

And again, not trying to nitpick because I like your thinking overall and I acknowledge you don't draft for need. That said, I think the number one need on this team is defensive line. Kemo was shaky at best and I agree he's not back. Cody is a possible bust -- so it really makes me queasy to pencil him in as a starter. McPhee is a question mark after an injury filled season. I actually think Haloti was serious when he said

Agreed, nose tackle is something I really want addressed, and I think Ozzie will, he started out saying DT needs to be upgraded, and it was pretty blatant the way he said it. "The younger guys have not quite stepped up yet".

Ozzie will address both ILB and NT IMO. I wouldn't be too happy with Elerbe and McClain in the middle. So I think Ozzie will draft a ILB in the draft pretty high, while addressing the Dline in free agency. I keep harping on about Terrence Knighton, I think he could solve our issue at NT. He is the perfect size and fit for the position.

**jonboy79** · 02-08-2013, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Agreed, nose tackle is something I really want addressed, and I think Ozzie will, he started out saying DT needs ti be upgraded, and it was pretty blatant the way he said it. "The younger guys have not quite stepped up yet".

Ozzie will address both ILB and NT IMO. I wouldn't be too happy with Elerbe and McClain in the middle. So I think Ozzie will draft a ILB in the draft pretty high, while addressing the Dline in free agency. I keep harping on about Terrence Knighton, I think he could solve our issue at NT. He is the perfect size and fit for the position.

I hope our big splash in Free agency is Knighton.

**Shas** · 02-08-2013, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

I wouldn't be too happy with Elerbe and McClain in the middle.

This won't go over well with many, but I think that 2013 Ellerbe is a big upgrade over 2012 Ray Lewis. McClain had a rough year with injuries, but I wouldn't write him off as being a possible Bart Scott type player. I'm always open to upgrading over a guy like that, but Ozzie seems to have a certain pride about finding inside linebackers for nothing -- Bart Scott, Ellerbe, McClain, Bynes, McClellan were all undrafted. Speaking of McClellan, I'm an unabashed fan and think he has been on the brink of big things for a year now and am anxious to see him in the mix on the inside. Although if they lose Kruger, then McClellan falls in behind Upshaw.

**Spider Webb** · 02-08-2013, 04:50 PM

Kruger on NFL Live said he wanted to stay in Baltimore. He sounded genuine to not the whole "I'd love to stay but its a business" bull they usually say. I don't know why, but I see him being in Baltimore next year unless obviously some team just gives him a ridiculous contract.

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 04:52 PM

Kruger staying is still obviously a possibility, and I'd love to see it, but not for 9 million a year, too many holes to address first, especially when we have Upshaw already.

**Spider Webb** · 02-08-2013, 04:53 PM

One more thing, I love the list, but it just think its wayyyyy too early. I don't think the Ravens have had so many ifs and buts going into an off season since back in 02' and maybe 07'.

**Boulderraven** · 02-08-2013, 04:54 PM

Nice fantasy thread, Btw NO WAY TATE lasts til the 7th round. He is the perfect coverage ILB and S combo and a great athelete. His position is where the NFL is headed. The new NFL is headed to the hybrid S/LB and the cover Safety instead of the hard hitting 220LB (lower the boom Safety) You will see many quality CB's that come in a notch slower than the ideal CB moved to S. That's the trend upcoming. Ray Lewis and many other have commented on this change in defensive philosophy. Defenses are headed to girth up the middle on the line, always quick twitch edge rushers and SPEED at LB and S and Speed and Length at CB.

**Spider Webb** · 02-08-2013, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Kruger staying is still obviously a possibility, and I'd love to see it, but not for 9 million a year, too many holes to address first, especially when we have Upshaw already.

I agree 100%. However, I don't see anybody giving him 9 million realistically. We know the teams that make stupid moves like that so its always a possibility. Kruger got kind of unlucky with this years free agents. Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Clady...those are all top tier players. I think Kruger might be one of those overlooked guys in this years free agency and that will benefit the Ravens.

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Spider Webb

I agree 100%. However, I don't see anybody giving him 9 million realistically. We know the teams that make stupid moves like that so its always a possibility. Kruger got kind of unlucky with this years free agents. Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Clady...those are all top tier players. I think Kruger might be one of those overlooked guys in this years free agency and that will benefit the Ravens.

Its exactly how you put it man, its all about IF's this offseason. A ton of variables.

**Paintballguy** · 02-08-2013, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Spider Webb

I agree 100%. However, I don't see anybody giving him 9 million realistically. We know the teams that make stupid moves like that so its always a possibility. Kruger got kind of unlucky with this years free agents. Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Clady...those are all top tier players. I think Kruger might be one of those overlooked guys in this years free agency and that will benefit the Ravens.

You really don't know though. Pass rushers are at such a premium. A team with a lot of cap space might just pay him a ton.

**Sirdowski** · 02-08-2013, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Spider Webb

I agree 100%. However, I don't see anybody giving him 9 million realistically. We know the teams that make stupid moves like that so its always a possibility. Kruger got kind of unlucky with this years free agents. Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, Clady...those are all top tier players. I think Kruger might be one of those overlooked guys in this years free agency and that will benefit the Ravens.

It's not those guys so much as it is Spencer, Barwin, and Avril. If I was a team with money to spend on an OLB Kruger would be third on my list. You could make an argument for fourth.

**Shas** · 02-08-2013, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by Sirdowski

It's not those guys so much as it is Spencer, Barwin, and Avril. If I was a team with money to spend on an OLB Kruger would be third on my list. You could make an argument for fourth.

Yeah, I think the idea that specialists are at a premium is probably not as true as we might think -- it just seems that way because we had a dry spell with pass rushers. What's at a premium are pass rushers who can play three downs (ie, Suggs) If I'm scouting Kruger I see a guy who is more versatile than most give him credit for. He played well against the run and in coverage too. Pees had him playing middle linebacker in red zone. If they can, I won't be surprised if they throw money at him and Ellerbe and call it a day.

**RavenScallywag** · 02-08-2013, 05:25 PM

My take on Paul Kruger is that he's going to be the hot name from the Ravens in FA (except potentially Ed Reed). First of all, pass rushers are premium guys in free agency. In a passing league, you need good guys in the secondary and someone to get to the QB. Run stuffers, like Ellerbe, are a bit cheaper, because they post less stats.

Cary Williams has outplayed the offer we made him, but I see him getting a Gary Baxter deal. Now, technically, Baxter got 5 mil per year when he left, but I'd imagine Cary will get a bit more guaranteed money and years on the deal. Is he going to be a top CB on anyone's team? Probably not. But I can see a team needing CB help to make a run trying to get him in.

Ellerbe has been great this year, and to me, he was priority #1 before Ray retired. But the buzz on him won't be as high because 1) he was injured for a few weeks, putting him out of the eye of most of the NFL, 2) he's only had 1 year of high play, and 3) he's at a position that is generally cheaper

Kruger stands to have a big payday. This is two years in a row he's been top form. He played all year. And, he showed up pretty big in the postseason. Shoot, on the SB broadcast, I heard Nantz or Simms say "The guy SF needs to key on for the Baltimore pass rush is Paul Kruger." That name drop probably bought him some extra attention from owners and GMs. I'd keep him if we could get a fair deal on him, but that won't happen, someone will overpay. Not to mention, we've got a number of good OLBs to fill in.

**leachisabeast** · 02-08-2013, 05:26 PM

Of course if Kruger signs, there's always the option of going to a 4-3 to solve our Dline issues.

Suggs-Ngata-Art Jones-Upshaw

Then Kruger at SAM (strong side), for arguments sake lets say Kevin Minter is drafted and plays mike, then have Ellerbe play weakside.

**Spider Webb** · 02-08-2013, 05:31 PM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

You really don't know though. Pass rushers are at such a premium. A team with a lot of cap space might just pay him a ton.

Yea agreed especially with the league moving towards a pass happy league you need solid rushers. But two things that are more valuable in a pass happy league are WRs and CBs. There are a lot of those in this years FA. Kruger is far from an established player and I just think that some teams will be reluctant to give him the type of money he's looking for. 10 years ago when defenders, specifically LBs left Baltimore, they didn't produce in their new town and most just chalked it up to coincidence. Its a trend now, defenders that leave Baltimore just aren't that good in other places. On NFL Live today Trey Wingo said something to the effect of "Adalius Thomas left they plugged in JJ, JJ left they plugged in you..."

Kruger's production without Suggs is abysmal, he had only 1.5 sacks without him. If I were a GM, at this point in his career I would only bring Kruger in as the second pass rusher not a a number one like Suggs.

**s.r.genovese** · 02-08-2013, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

Nice fantasy thread, Btw NO WAY TATE lasts til the 7th round. He is the perfect coverage ILB and S combo and a great athelete. His position is where the NFL is headed. The new NFL is headed to the hybrid S/LB and the cover Safety instead of the hard hitting 220LB (lower the boom Safety) You will see many quality CB's that come in a notch slower than the ideal CB moved to S. That's the trend upcoming. Ray Lewis and many other have commented on this change in defensive philosophy. Defenses are headed to girth up the middle on the line, always quick twitch edge rushers and SPEED at LB and S and Speed and Length at CB.

Two years ago toy would have been right about Tate. But as a guy who's followed him from high school to college, his knee injuries have been devastating. It was clear this year his athleticism has been sapped from his injuries last year and this year. He just couldn't play in space anymore he was disappointing.

**Boulderraven** · 02-08-2013, 06:37 PM

Originally Posted by s.r.genovese

Two years ago toy would have been right about Tate. But as a guy who's followed him from high school to college, his knee injuries have been devastating. It was clear this year his athleticism has been sapped from his injuries last year and this year. He just couldn't play in space anymore he was disappointing.

Yes, I am big fan, booster as well. Terrapin Club member. It is a shame what happened to Tate with his knee injuries. I still think with even his knees, now being a a year removed will still project out at as a midround pick 4-6th rounder because of his versatility S/LB combo and Special team player. All 4th rounders and beyond are major risks for whatever reason, but his upside if he can remain healthy makes him really attractive bargain. His proday and combine will be important as anybody's. Two years ago he was a 2nd round talent, now I bet he is a 4th or 5th rounder, and could go higher with his showings in the combine and proday.

**s.r.genovese** · 02-08-2013, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Boulderraven

Yes, I am big fan, booster as well. Terrapin Club member. It is a shame what happened to Tate with his knee injuries. I still think with even his knees, now being a a year removed will still project out at as a midround pick 4-6th rounder because of his versatility S/LB combo and Special team player. All 4th rounders and beyond are major risks for whatever reason, but his upside if he can remain healthy makes him really attractive bargain. His proday and combine will be important as anybody's. Two years ago he was a 2nd round talent, now I bet he is a 4th or 5th rounder, and could go higher with his showings in the combine and proday.

Yeah you might be right if he can still run a 4.4 like he could in HS he'll be ok draft wise. Hopefully some NFL team can figure out how to use him situationally.

**Boulderraven** · 02-08-2013, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by s.r.genovese

Yeah you might be right if he can still run a 4.4 like he could in HS he'll be ok draft wise. Hopefully some NFL team can figure out how to use him situationally.

At his weight and speed, if he can run in the 4.5's with a good(cone drill) actually the cone drill IMO, is more important he will shoot up the boards.