Camp notes ~ daily updates

**NCRAVEN** · 07-26-2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

It will be easier for Upshaw to drop the weight during training camp, than try to maintain 270 during that same time. He is still getting used to the league. He currently has no idea of how much hard work it takes to maintain weight and conditioning in this league. Haloti Ngata spoke in detail about this a few years ago.

Actually, I think this confirms what I often said about Upshaw, before the draft. He is much larger than the other OLB prospects, but is athletic for his size. People kept trying to compare him to guys fifteen pounds lighter, declaring that he lacked athleticism.

**wickedsolo** · 07-26-2012, 08:40 AM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

It will be easier for Upshaw to drop the weight during training camp, than try to maintain 270 during that same time. He is still getting used to the league. He currently has no idea of how much hard work it takes to maintain weight and conditioning in this league. Haloti Ngata spoke in detail about this a few years ago.

Actually, I think this confirms what I often said about Upshaw, before the draft. He is much larger than the other OLB prospects, but is athletic for his size. People kept trying to compare him to guys fifteen pounds lighter, declaring that he lacked athleticism.

One thing that you have to be able to do as a pass rusher is get off the ball quickly in order to catch the OT's off-balance. That alone gives the DE/OLB an advantage because the OT's are going to over-pursue and do things to try and compensate. That's when good pass rushers can set up offensive lineman.

Upshaw is going to have a tough time doing this because he's not really a "quick twitch" athlete. He's strong as an ox and he's an intelligent football player, but if he's going to turn into a Suggs type of defensive player then he's going to have to work that much harder to stay in great shape to compensate for him being a naturally "thick" guy.

**The Excellector** · 07-26-2012, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

One thing that you have to be able to do as a pass rusher is get off the ball quickly in order to catch the OT's off-balance. That alone gives the DE/OLB an advantage because the OT's are going to over-pursue and do things to try and compensate. That's when good pass rushers can set up offensive lineman.

Upshaw is going to have a tough time doing this because he's not really a "quick twitch" athlete. He's strong as an ox and he's an intelligent football player, but if he's going to turn into a Suggs type of defensive player then he's going to have to work that much harder to stay in great shape to compensate for him being a naturally "thick" guy.

That is understood. I was just saying that the reality is, he couldn't possibly fully understand how to do that right now. Even Haloti Ngata had issues with that earlier in his career. He is going to have to make up for that lack of a 'quick twitch', in a similar way to the guy he is replacing (Johnson), with intelligent player, good technique and, in Upshaw's case, power to boot.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 07-26-2012, 09:37 AM

Asa Jackson has been impressive since he arrived. Team believes that he could be a productive nickel in the future. His progress could eventually supplant Cary Williams...

Kid is smart, skilled and has flare. I think he's going to be a very good CB.

Courtney Upshaw is carrying about 285 pounds. The Ravens would like to see him get down to 270. He's thick, and his build at the moment is a lot like Pernell McPhee's. He has impressed the team with his ability to drop into coverage.

Losing weight can be tough for the young cats, but I'd be surprised if he's not down to 275ish before September.

Gino Gradkowski is said to be tough and extremely bright yet a bit undersized. Matt Birk is noticeably bigger...Bobbie Williams is a bulldozer and a smart player with leadership skills.

I liked the pick when I read up on his intangibles, but I never thought Gino would be big enough for 2012 play.

David Reed may have played his last game as a Raven. There isn't much organizational confidence in him. The guess here is he'll stay on PUP and when healthy enough there will be some injury settlement.

Poor guy is just a smaller DWilliams (from a few years ago). Lots of promise, but can't stay healthy. WR corps is too deep--and we have at least two other feasible options at KR/PR (Jacoby and Asa Williams)--to keep DReed on the squad. Once upon a time, I expected quality WR production from him...

Good stuff! Keep it coming

**TL24x7** · 07-26-2012, 10:26 AM

Here's the most recent update: Asa is Acing it! What might be the real story behind the Steinbach workout? This and more HERE

**The Excellector** · 07-26-2012, 10:36 AM

The reality is that if Kansas City's second best CB could get the contract that he received, Cary Williams can do better than 4-5 million per year, if he hits the open market. I can understand why he did not sign the extension.

**wickedsolo** · 07-26-2012, 11:50 AM

Good stuff with Asa Jackson.

**GOTA** · 07-26-2012, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by The Excellector

The reality is that if Kansas City's second best CB could get the contract that he received, Cary Williams can do better than 4-5 million per year, if he hits the open market. I can understand why he did not sign the extension.

I agree. Williams plays a key position and is on a defense that is loaded with talent. He's in position to do well. Teams are going to notice and jump all over him next year.

**wickedsolo** · 07-26-2012, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by GOTA

I agree. Williams plays a key position and is on a defense that is loaded with talent. He's in position to do well. Teams are going to notice and jump all over him next year.

If Asa Jackson continues to impress then the Ravens won't think twice about letting him walk. Good player and glad he has played well here, but he is going to be 28 this winter and the Ravens could spend that money elsewhere...

What I am REALLY hoping happens is the Texans don't re-sign Duane Brown (LT) and the Ravens go after him.

**JAB1985** · 07-26-2012, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

If Asa Jackson continues to impress then the Ravens won't think twice about letting him walk. Good player and glad he has played well here, but he is going to be 28 this winter and the Ravens could spend that money elsewhere...

What I am REALLY hoping happens is the Texans don't re-sign Duane Brown (LT) and the Ravens go after him.

that would be worthy of spending some cash on a "splashy" signing. brown instantly upgrades as well as solidifies our line for the next 5 years.

**BcRaven** · 07-26-2012, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

McPhee also wasn't in line to play rush or sam OLB and was just a defensive end/pass rusher on select packages.

Upshaw is likely going to be out on the field most of the game.

I don't think he (Upshaw) will be a 3 down OLB @ 285. Perhaps Kindle can fill Kruger's 2011 3rd down pass rush role in 2012 (?) ... Bc

**wickedsolo** · 07-26-2012, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by BcRaven

I don't think he (Upshaw) will be a 3 down OLB @ 285. Perhaps Kindle can fill Kruger's 2011 3rd down pass rush role in 2012 (?) ... Bc

Here's hoping.

That would be excellent.

**leachisabeast** · 07-26-2012, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

What I am REALLY hoping happens is the Texans don't re-sign Duane Brown (LT) and the Ravens go after him.

That would be an incredible signing. Athletic, hard working, no injury history I know of, great age, and will come cheaper than your Ryan Clady, and Jake Longs of this world.

**wickedsolo** · 07-26-2012, 02:19 PM

Ryan Clady may become available too actually.

Broncos and Clady are FAR apart on a new deal.

**Benny8444** · 07-26-2012, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Here's hoping.

That would be excellent.

What would the ideal weight be of a 3 Down OLB?

**Benny8444** · 07-26-2012, 02:47 PM

I think 285 is fine, i cant imagine he would want to be heavier as he may have to drop into coverage. Possibly 275?

**Benny8444** · 07-26-2012, 02:50 PM

I believe Upshaw and Kindle are on the field on 3rd down. Cody comes out and possibly one of ILBs for another DB

**Terpsfan82** · 07-26-2012, 02:54 PM

No Ngata, McKinney at practice today.

http://wnst.net/wordpress/baltimore-...squad-workout/

**BcRaven** · 07-26-2012, 03:06 PM

Originally Posted by Benny8444

What would the ideal weight be of a 3 Down OLB?

I think 285 is fine, i cant imagine he would want to be heavier as he may have to drop into coverage. Possibly 275?

I believe Upshaw and Kindle are on the field on 3rd down. Cody comes out and possibly one of ILBs for another DB

I have to laugh at a 285 OLB in a pass rush/3rd down situation. Kruger (5.5 sacks) proved himself (@ 260 lbs) on 3rd down situations, along with McPhee ( 6 sacks) on the DLine. IMO Upshaw will have his tongue hanging out if he plays so many snaps at such a high weight... Bc

**GOTA** · 07-26-2012, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Benny8444

What would the ideal weight be of a 3 Down OLB?

How heavy does Suggs play at? He was the best defensive player in the NFL last season at that position. That's the model you want to follow.

Suggs played at 260, 25 pounds lighter than Upshaw