Rookie Camp Observations

**Ravenalytics** · 05-14-2012, 07:55 AM

If I'm not mistaken, didn't FilmStudy review the offensive line play this year and find that McKinnie did an adequate job in pass protection?

**Jeremiah W** · 05-14-2012, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Ravenalytics

If I'm not mistaken, didn't FilmStudy review the offensive line play this year and find that McKinnie did an adequate job in pass protection?

Yeah he graded out fine. THe problem is he is noticably half assing it on run plays the other way and generally conserving energy whenever possible. If he gets into good shape, he should be a very solid LT, and he has a lot of finacial incentive to play well this year.

**JAB1985** · 05-15-2012, 07:46 AM

osemele stands out at minicamp

He seems to have the physical tools but with his work ethic being a question and then quotes like the following im not sure how much to expect from him this year.

“You hear, ‘the speed or level of the game is different,’ but this is the first time in my life where it’s actually different,where I actually have to try,” he said.

He really looks the part though out there. im hoping he picks up the "mental" stuff pretty quick now that he seems to be at least be trying for the first time, and hopefully that attitude lasts as well. maybe a challenge is all hes been missing?

**srobert96** · 05-15-2012, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

osemele stands out at minicamp

He seems to have the physical tools but with his work ethic being a question and then quotes like the following im not sure how much to expect from him this year.

He really looks the part though out there. im hoping he picks up the "mental" stuff pretty quick now that he seems to be at least be trying for the first time, and hopefully that attitude lasts as well. maybe a challenge is all hes been missing?

Great article by Aaron. It contradicts some of the other reports regarding Gradkowski working at guard. It looks as though he is being groomed as Birk's replacement. If Osmele and Gradkowski pan out the middle of the Ravens line should be set. Not worried about RT between Reid and Oher. That would leave looking for a long term solution at LT.

**wickedsolo** · 05-15-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by srobert96

Great article by Aaron. It contradicts some of the other reports regarding Gradkowski working at guard. It looks as though he is being groomed as Birk's replacement. If Osmele and Gradkowski pan out the middle of the Ravens line should be set. Not worried about RT between Reid and Oher. That would leave looking for a long term solution at LT.

Yea, Gradkowski did take snaps at guard, but from everything I've been reading and hearing he has taken most of his snaps at center.

They want him to sit behind Birk, learn, and bump up his body weight to around 310-315.

**BcRaven** · 05-15-2012, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

osemele stands out at minicamp
He seems to have the physical tools but with his work ethic being a question and then quotes like the following im not sure how much to expect from him this year.
He really looks the part though out there. im hoping he picks up the "mental" stuff pretty quick now that he seems to be at least be trying for the first time, and hopefully that attitude lasts as well. maybe a challenge is all hes been missing?

I hope you like him because he will be the Ravens starting LT in 2013... Bc

**moose10101** · 05-15-2012, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

He seems to have the physical tools but with his work ethic being a question and then quotes like the following im not sure how much to expect from him this year.

I wasn't aware that his work ethic was an issue. And I think you're misinterpreting what he meant; I think he was saying it was the first time he was experiencing the NFL-level speed that everyone's always talking about, not that it was the first time he actually had to make an effort to play football.

**JAB1985** · 05-15-2012, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by BcRaven

I hope you like him because he will be the Ravens starting LG in 2012 and the next 4 years... Bc

fixed that for you.

Originally Posted by moose10101

I wasn't aware that his work ethic was an issue. And I think you're misinterpreting what he meant; I think he was saying it was the first time he was experiencing the NFL-level speed that everyone's always talking about, not that it was the first time he actually had to make an effort to play football.

Some scouts said he had work ethic issues, i for one have no idea if thats legitimate but where there is smoke... I think the way he worded it hes basically admitting he just got by on physical supremacy as opposed to hard work and knowledge of the game, which is why the speed of the game seemed so much greater. "first time ive had to try" cant really be misinterpreted, imo. The fact that he is trying, however, is a good thing, and maybe the challenge will bring something even greater out of him.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 05-15-2012, 10:57 AM

KO doesn't have the feet at all to be a good LT.

You can see it just by watching him play at ISU...he doesn't move his feet at all.

**goodandfast** · 05-15-2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

KO doesn't have the feet at all to be a good LT.

You can see it just by watching him play at ISU...he doesn't move his feet at all.

Quick feet are something that can be taught, though. Raw speed and athletic ability are natural, and some people/players have naturally quicker feet than others, but a full year working with pro coaches running ladders and doing dot drills and what not could get him to a place where he can bump outside.

Of course, that might be moot if he's another Cousins. I don't think that he will be, but there's no way to know until we see him play.

**leachisabeast** · 05-15-2012, 11:13 AM

From everything I have seen/heard of Osemele he looks to be the LG for us for years to come. He has had the most impressive rookie camp out of everyone so far, and Gradkowski is going to take over from Birk once he gets up to around 310-315 lbs. If he gets up to that weight, he should have no problem, but I do think the Ravens wont start a guy unless their 310 lbs + these days. Osmele, Gradkowski, and Yanda are going to be mauling defensive linemen for years to come.

We now need to find a long term solution at LT.

**leachisabeast** · 05-15-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

osemele stands out at minicamp

He seems to have the physical tools but with his work ethic being a question and then quotes like the following im not sure how much to expect from him this year.

He really looks the part though out there. im hoping he picks up the "mental" stuff pretty quick now that he seems to be at least be trying for the first time, and hopefully that attitude lasts as well. maybe a challenge is all hes been missing?

I wouldn't buy into any of that, he probably means it's the first time he has worked in a hard and complex system and doesn't have to just stand there and block such and such player like at Iowa. The only scouts I've seen make the poor work ethic evaluation of Osemele are pro football talk who can't scout players for shit.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 05-15-2012, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by goodandfast

Quick feet are something that can be taught, though. Raw speed and athletic ability are natural, and some people/players have naturally quicker feet than others, but a full year working with pro coaches running ladders and doing dot drills and what not could get him to a place where he can bump outside.

Of course, that might be moot if he's another Cousins. I don't think that he will be, but there's no way to know until we see him play.

I don't agree with that at all.

To me, that's like saying speed can be taught.

**BcRaven** · 05-15-2012, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by goodandfast

Quick feet are something that can be taught, though. Raw speed and athletic ability are natural, and some people/players have naturally quicker feet than others, but a full year working with pro coaches running ladders and doing dot drills and what not could get him to a place where he can bump outside...

I happen to agree with you (on KO @ LT). Also, keep in mind, that he will have two years of off-season workouts (2012/13) before McKinnie is (probably) let go... Bc

**TheJoeFlaccoShow** · 05-15-2012, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I don't agree with that at all.

To me, that's like saying speed can be taught.

I don't agree with that either.

Could he improve? Sure

To a NFL left tackle level? Doubtful.

**BleedPurple92** · 05-15-2012, 01:20 PM

I'm still trying to figure out how guys can look impressive in no pads, and with no contact, not actually playing any real football...

Am i missing something?? Rookie Camp has no meaning for evaluating guys, its for the rookies to get acclimated, to being an NFL athlete, why people try to evaluate guys in Rookie camp is beyond me.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 05-15-2012, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by BleedPurple92

I'm still trying to figure out how guys can look impressive in no pads, and with no contact, not actually playing any real football...

Am i missing something?? Rookie Camp has no meaning for evaluating guys, its for the rookies to get acclimated, to being an NFL athlete, why people try to evaluate guys in Rookie camp is beyond me.

I agree with that...you can't read too much into these camps.

**leachisabeast** · 05-15-2012, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by BleedPurple92

I'm still trying to figure out how guys can look impressive in no pads, and with no contact, not actually playing any real football...

Am i missing something?? Rookie Camp has no meaning for evaluating guys, its for the rookies to get acclimated, to being an NFL athlete, why people try to evaluate guys in Rookie camp is beyond me.

Yeah that is true, but it's good seeing what kind of shape they turn up in, and it's also good to see how the offensive linemen move about etc. But yeah I really don't buy much into mini camps.

**JustaslowZ06** · 05-15-2012, 02:59 PM

Still pulling for Reid to be the LT, but a very good point was brought up. People that get PAID for this say he's a RT and thats it. Same with KO at G. He's not going to be the LT.

So do you draft, or go spend the money on a vet LT next year? THAT is the question because it looks like the rest of the line is set for the next few years at least.
McKinnie KO Birk Yanda Oher
Unknown KO Gradkowski Yanda Oher(pnding performance ths year)Reid

But at least next years line should remain in place for a good 3-4 years. Thats a strong thing in todays NFL. Continuity. Don't need all pro bowlers but guys who have played together fo years and know exactly what the guy next to him is going to do.