Cliff Avril Could Test Market

**esmd** · 01-11-2012, 07:49 AM

I'd rather let Kruger and McPhee continue to develop, and focus on upgrading at linebacker. Ray is in the twilight of his career, JJ is on the wrong side of 30, McClain is a nice complimentary player, but not a star, and even Suggs is now 29. Ellerbe is depth. Avril may be able to play OLB, but again, I'd rather work Kruger in there and find someone who can play the middle and be able to cover a little bit, as that's an obvious weakness for our defense.

**wickedsolo** · 01-11-2012, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by esmd

I'd rather let Kruger and McPhee continue to develop, and focus on upgrading at linebacker. Ray is in the twilight of his career, JJ is on the wrong side of 30, McClain is a nice complimentary player, but not a star, and even Suggs is now 29. Ellerbe is depth. Avril may be able to play OLB, but again, I'd rather work Kruger in there and find someone who can play the middle and be able to cover a little bit, as that's an obvious weakness for our defense.

The problem you run into is whether or not Kruger and McPhee can be an every down player and still be effective. I think Kruger could replace JJ as a pass rusher because Kruger is a better pass rusher, but I'm not so sure if he can replace JJ's ability to set the edge and stuff the run. Avril isn't a very great run defender either, but he does make a lot of tackles in the backfield and he goes for the ball as well.

I don't think they should fork over the kind of money for Avril. I mean, he could become one of the highest paid DE's/OLB's in the league next off-season.

**GOTA** · 01-11-2012, 08:00 AM

Unfortunately the NFL has made it so a team either has to be able to put a huge amount of points on the board or have a dominant pass rush. The Ravens aren't going to do the former but they aren't that far off from the latter.

**wickedsolo** · 01-11-2012, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by GOTA

Unfortunately the NFL has made it so a team either has to be able to put a huge amount of points on the board or have a dominant pass rush. The Ravens aren't going to do the former but they aren't that far off from the latter.

I agree, I just think for the money Avril would make they could get a guy like Trevor Scott and Williams Hayes/Dave Ball as well as picking up a center/guard player like Koppen or Zuttah. Hell, there would probably be money left over to go after a FA receiver like Eddie Royal.

**esmd** · 01-11-2012, 09:14 AM

GOTA, I don't necessarily disagree that you need a dominant pass rush, I just don't think getting Avril at the expense of upgrading other areas of the team is the best solution.

**GOTA** · 01-11-2012, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by esmd

GOTA, I don't necessarily disagree that you need a dominant pass rush, I just don't think getting Avril at the expense of upgrading other areas of the team is the best solution.

I understand but you can only go after guys who are available. I don't see any great MLB's out there, and no I don't see Tulloch signing anywhere else but back with the Lions. I also don't see any top Centers or Tackles. Pass rushers are very tough to find. If you see a double digit sack guy who creates turnovers you grab him. And yes, every other team will be thinking the same thing.

**The Excellector** · 01-11-2012, 09:29 AM

If he can't set the edge any better than Kruger, how does that solve the problem of potentially losing Johnson, when Kruger can continue to develop into that type of pass rusher. You don't get a Jason Pierre Paul, without putting him on the field first.

**demeyes1987** · 01-11-2012, 09:37 AM

Ravens have invested in a pass rusher the past three drafts (kruger, Mcphee, Kindle, McAdoo) I doubt they pay him all the money that another team would offer him when we are developing 4 pass rushers (probably 3 next year I think Kindle is gone)

**wickedsolo** · 01-11-2012, 10:02 AM

Kindle is such a rock in a hard place.

I'm really hoping that he can be the rush OLB the Ravens have been looking for.

**opbilly** · 01-11-2012, 10:35 AM

dont forget mcadoo that we stashed on i.r. if he put on some weight and muscle he could be good

**GOTA** · 01-11-2012, 10:42 AM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

If he can't set the edge any better than Kruger, how does that solve the problem of potentially losing Johnson, when Kruger can continue to develop into that type of pass rusher. You don't get a Jason Pierre Paul, without putting him on the field first.

Kruger will never be Jason Pierre Paul. I seriously doubt he will be a Raven past 2012 when his contract expires. He'll get some offer just like Dwan Edwards that the Ravens will laugh at, say thanks and wish him luck.

**The Excellector** · 01-11-2012, 10:44 AM

I am not saying that he will be a Jason Pierre Paul, but simply using him as an example. I think that Kruger could certainly develop into a Cliff Avril type of player.

Speaking of Paul, I have to give the Giants credit for that guy. When they drafted him, he was considered extremely raw, but a great fit for their system if he could develop. Well, I think he has developed now.