Your SIX Untouchable Ravens

**PurpleRulz** · 02-10-2007, 12:51 PM

This moring Bruce and Aaron talked about how there are probably six players on a given team that are untouchable in regards to cap consideration and desires to retain them each season. There others are considered interchageable depening on how much that player cost, etc. So, who are your six Ravens that you would currently keep at the expense of others on the team who could stay or go. In other words, these are six players you'd make a priority to keep over other players.

I won't include any player that has started his rookie deal in the past two seasons as they will be under our control for at least the next 3 or 4 seasons.

My current six untouchable Ravens are:

1. Bart Scott
2. Todd Heap
3. Ray Lewis
4. Ed Reed
5. Terrell Suggs
6. CMAC

Post 2008, those guys would be:

1. Bart Scott
2. Haloti Ngata
3. Mark Clayton
4. Demetrius Williams
5. Dawan Landry
6. Todd Heap

**UKRavenStockers** · 02-10-2007, 12:59 PM

My six untouchable Ravens:

1. Kelly Gregg
2. Mark Clayton
3. Ed Reed
4. Todd Heap
5. Bart Scott
6. Terrell Suggs

Gregg's the oldest guy on that list and would be replaced by Ngata in a few years if he develops as expected.

**RavensNTerps** · 02-10-2007, 01:11 PM

1. AD (not even close)
2. McAlister
3. Reed
4. Ogden (despite possible retirement and everything, still the most important piece on offense as of this date)
5. Heap
6. Pryce

**UKRavenStockers** · 02-10-2007, 01:21 PM

Ogden I didn't have on my list because of his impending retirement potentially, obviously if he's not retiring then he's untouchable even if it's just for one more year.

Pryce I left off simply because I just don't think you can be certain whether he's kicked that nasty injury habit for good, or whether it was just a one year thing.

**bassgtrst** · 02-10-2007, 01:41 PM

1. AD (not even close)

Funny you'd say that since AD is on his way out.

I would say:

(In no Order)

Ray Lewis
Steve McNair
Heap
CMAC
Suggs
Reed

**PurpleRulz** · 02-10-2007, 02:05 PM

You can't include AD as he is not under contract and won't be here next season. I should have said that in the beginning.

**Mista T** · 02-10-2007, 02:19 PM

Six untouchables?

in order:

1. Adalius Thomas
2. Todd Heap
3. Jon Ogden
4. Chris McAlister
5. Ray Lewis
6. Ed Reed

**RavensNTerps** · 02-10-2007, 02:22 PM

AD, if on the untouchable list, by definition will NOT be playing elsewhere next season...we shall see though.

**GreenWave52** · 02-10-2007, 02:37 PM

Ray
Reed
Suggs
Ngata
Heap
Clayton

**ExiledRaven** · 02-10-2007, 02:42 PM

Ngata
Pryce
Suggs
Cmac
Reed
Clayton

**festivus** · 02-10-2007, 04:15 PM

Ray Lewis - the quarterback of the defense
Mark Clayton - young, talented, 100% class
Haloti Ngata - the rising centerpiece of our defensive line, also a position where we lack depth
Chris McAlister - a matured, true shutdown corner

Those are my top 4. After that I'll throw in Suggs & McNair, though Heap, Reed & others are right in the mix. Among the older players, I included only the ones who would be *difficult to replace*. Pass rushing specialists like Pryce are good, but replaceable. AD is gone and will a loss, but not a crippling one. The system and personnel will adapt, it's not like he's Ray Lewis or anything.

**PurpleRulz** · 02-10-2007, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mista T

Six untouchables?

in order:

1. Adalius Thomas
2. Todd Heap
3. Jon Ogden
4. Chris McAlister
5. Ray Lewis
6. Ed Reed

Okay, let me say this again. DO NOT include AD as he is on the way out and won't be back next year. It is silly to put AD on the untouchable list unless he re-signs with us. Right now, he is not even a Raven. We just have exclusive rights to negotiate wth him until March 2.

**Mista T** · 02-10-2007, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by PurpleRulz

Okay, let me say this again. DO NOT include AD as he is on the way out and won't be back next year. It is silly to put AD on the untouchable list unless he re-signs with us. Right now, he is not even a Raven. We just have exclusive rights to negotiate wth him until March 2.

OK - let me say this again ... AD will be back next year. He's too valuable a member of the team to not work out a deal, or tag him.

You have your list, and I have mine. Get over it.

**Gabrosin** · 02-10-2007, 10:57 PM

I think that we're making different lists here. The untouchable Ravens based on salary concerns include guys like Ogden, Mason, Pryce... usually newer contracts that still have several years of signing bonus distributions.

If we're making the list of players who are most important for the Ravens to keep in the fold, to ensure having a competitive team for years into the future, then here's the list:

1. Ed Reed - The heir apparent as leader of our defense. Probably the best in the NFL at his position.

2. Chris McAlister - A shutdown corner in his prime who allows Rex Ryan to blitz confidently with man coverage.

3. Todd Heap - An athletic weapon that forces opposing defenses to adjust.

4. Bart Scott - A blossoming star that plays the run and pass well.

5. Terrell Suggs - A fantastic pass rusher in his prime.

6. Mark Clayton - Another emerging talent who moves the chains and can break tackles in the open field.

Honorable mentions:

Haloti Ngata - A rookie with tremendous potential at one of the most important, if undervalued, positions. But one good season makes it too soon to judge him as an elite player.

Kelly Gregg - Again, a great talent at an underrated position.

If I thought we had any chance at keeping him, I'd say Adalius Thomas would be about #4 on this list. But we really don't, and everyone else here is younger and can provide more good years of service.

Of course, our best chance at winning a championship now rides with McNair, Lewis, Ogden, Pryce, Mason, and the rest of our veterans. But to keep our team playoff bound in future years, the eight players on my list are the most valuable ones we have. And VERY few other teams in the league can boast of such an excellent core of superstars.

**WxKevin** · 02-10-2007, 11:19 PM

Ed Reed
Todd Heap
Mark Clayton
Terrell Suggs
Bart Scott
Ray Lewis

I would be very surprised if AD is back. He all but said on his show that he is going where the money is and I don't blame him. This is his last chance to cash in. Plus, Ozzie's comments about the mistakes made after the Superbowl really makes me think that the nail is almost in the coffin. Unless Ozzie is just saying that for strategy.

**FadeToBlack** · 02-11-2007, 05:39 PM

Without Ray Lewis, do guys like Thomas and Scott even garner any attention whatsoever around the NFL? Same with Jamie Sharper, Ed Hartwell, etc. Ray made the Ravens defense what it is, using just his leadership skills alone, regardless of his eroding skills. He may be the all time greatest inside linebacker to ever grace a football field when you look at the intangibles.

**purplepoe** · 02-11-2007, 06:16 PM

1. McAlister - How he's not in everyone's top 3 is amazing. He's taken for granted all the time.

2. Ogden - Sorry, I like Terry and all, but JO was at the top of his game last year and that's irreplaceable.

3. Reed - In his prime and one of the best.

4. Heap - Most dependable offensive weapon.

5. Ngata - Is enormous and has enormous potential.

6. Ray Lewis - Still a top notch player who leads the best D.

PP

**Tspot-D-Ravenator** · 02-11-2007, 06:55 PM

Originally Posted by FadeToBlack

Without Ray Lewis, do guys like Thomas and Scott even garner any attention whatsoever around the NFL? Same with Jamie Sharper, Ed Hartwell, etc. Ray made the Ravens defense what it is, using just his leadership skills alone, regardless of his eroding skills. He may be the all time greatest inside linebacker to ever grace a football field when you look at the intangibles.

I am soooo with you Dude! You must have read my post to TL's AD thread

**darb72** · 02-11-2007, 09:42 PM

Reed- Best Safety in the NFL, and one of the top defensive players.

Scott- Our best linebacker.

Heap- A top three TE. We can split him out wide and he creates mismatches all over the field.

Clayton- Young, sure-handed WR who gets YAC.

Suggs- Can get after the QB and pass-rushers are a premium in the NFL.

Gregg- What more needs to be said? It's Buddy Lee.

**RavensNTerps** · 02-11-2007, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by Tspot-D-Ravenator

I am soooo with you Dude! You must have read my post to TL's AD thread

Just because that's how it used to be, doesn't mean that is how it still is. Plus, you're totally off.

1. Hartwell made a name for himself playing in PLACE of Ray Lewis in 2002 when Ray got hurt.

2. Bart Scott did the same last year.

3. AD was by far the best player on our D last year, and the first guy that opponents keyed on in their game plan.