Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat has reported that the Ravens called the San Francisco 49ers inquiring about the availability of offensive guard Justin Smiley. Smiley was a second round pick of the Niners back in 2004. The former member of the Crimson Tide is known as an instinctive player with good athleticism who moves well in short areas, particularly when pulling or trapping. I spoke to a Ravens official about the reported interest and was told, “We get or make calls about lots of players before the draft.â€
The deal may have made sense prior to the selection of Ben Grubbs. Given the composition of the Ravens roster at this time, Smiley might be considered an unnecessary luxury player that would cost them a future pick.
Former Ravens WR and first round draft choice Travis Taylor is continuing his westward journey. Perhaps his January 1 arrest outside a downtown Minneapolis nightclub made him less desirable to the Vikings and more desirable to the Raiders. Taylor has started in 90 of the 100 games he has played in his seven year NFL career. Last season with Minnesota Taylor had 57 catches for 651 yards and 3 touchdowns. He will join a Raiders receiving corps that includes Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Alvis Whitted, Doug Gabriel, Johnnie Morant, Carlos Francis and Johnathan Holland.
Adalius Thomas is a player who will be missed by the Ravens and fans alike. Another who isn’t far behind is world class act Edwin Mulitalo who is now a Detroit Lion. Edwin was in town recently to take in The Preakness. He spoke with Scout Radio and expressed his gratitude for the good fortune the NFL has provided him.
“Every day I wake up and thank God that I’ve had the career that I’ve had. You look around at your friends who are working 9 to 5 jobs and you’re just thankful for the hand you’ve been dealt. I’m thankful for everything that’s transpired during my career."
I know that I speak for every Ravens fan walking the planet and for those who have left this world, “Edwin, you’ve earned it and you’ve given it all back to our community in spades! We wish you the best in Detroit.â€
Chris Chester is a candidate to start at center and he’s spent the better part of the offseason preparing his body to handle the physical demands of playing offensive line in the NFL. He acknowledges that competing effectively at the professional level is more than just physical.
“I’ve been able to put on a little weight and get my strength a little bit better," he said. "Also, it’s been good to have the time to get a better understanding of the mental aspects of the game."
Chester is part of a surprisingly deep line inside the tackles and the competition bodes well for the unit and the team. Chester will compete with veteran center Mike Flynn who has been a no-show during OTAs while rookie first round pick Ben Grubbs is set to duel incumbent RG Keydrick Vincent who is said to be healthy, looks fit and he’s playing for his next contract. The 29 year old Vincent becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 season.
Look for Brian Rimpf to compete well and for Marshal Yanda to kick, scratch, fight and battle to push Adam Terry. The team while happy with Terry’s play in his limited starting opportunities in ’06, would like to see Terry develop a little more of a mean streak. Terry also looks to have put on added muscle weight in his torso during the offseason.
Ravens offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel recently discussed the time needed to prepare his offense for the coming season. The long hours preparing will come further on down the road. The OTA’s in a way set the stage for things to come.
“This time of year is like a driving range, to use a golf analogy. We’re practicing our shots. I’ve talked to quarterbacks about taking and exploring down the field. We’d like to add some explosiveness to our offense – more and bigger plays. So we’re looking at things. Until you get comfortable down the field you are unwilling to take those chances. So that’s what we’re doing right now.
“When you get to the season, July 30th I think we report, then [long hours of preparation] is what you do. When you see your family that’s a vacation. But that’s what we do. That’s why in coaching there are only two kinds of wives, great ones and ex-ones. It’s a very selfish profession.â€
Drew Olson has enjoyed some success this season in NFL Europe. Neuheisel was asked about Olson and his future with the team.
“You don’t go 30 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions playing in the Pac-10 unless you’ve got something to you. Now it’s not all pretty with Drew. He’s like a throwback to Billy Kilmer. His ball doesn’t always spiral and it isn’t always going to be gorgeous in terms of the true aesthetics of the position. But he’s a winner which is why we encouraged him to go over to Europe to prove once again that that is what he is. I think I just saw his numbers from the latest game and he was like 26 of 36 and 300 something odd yards and 3 touchdowns and probably 4 spirals in the game. That’s how he is.â€
When asked about Rick Neuheisel’s new role and what he brings to the offense, Todd Heap said, “You know we’ve changed a few things up. We’re throwing a lot out there for the offense in these OTAs. We’ll see what sticks especially when we get to camp. But there’s some really good concepts going in that everybody’s excited about.â€
Heap later discussed the way the Ravens’ ’06 season ended abruptly with the loss to the Colts.
“After last year it leaves a bad taste in your mouth and it doesn’t go away – it’s still there. I’m looking forward to this season just to get that out and put it in our past and get that bad taste out of our mouths.â€
And that taste, that resolve is shared by all current Ravens who experienced 2006. This should shape the team’s collective focus in ’07.
Photo by Sabina Moran
