Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Derrick Mason, and Ray Rice… Those names are today’s Ravens that have made the team a contender in the division year after year. But, in years to come we will need players to step up in big ways to fill the roles of veterans like these.
There are many Ravens players who are flying under the radar but have experience in the league, had successful careers in college, or they’ve been in the team’s system for a couple years.
It’s time to meet these new kids on the block.
Brady Bond– An undrafted 6’6, 300 pound lineman helped Oklahoma State’s offensive rushing attack to be the best in the Big 12 from 06’-08’. He had a 29 inch Vertical Jump during the 2010 NFL Scouting Combines, one of the best showings for an offensive lineman. His big frame and successful college career are a plus but he remains a project considering this would only be his 2nd year in the NFL. What a great option for our offensive line but he’ll face some stiff competition in order to land a big role on our team.
Hunter Cantwell– The former Louisville Cardinal has a full season within our system under his belt having spent all of 2010 on the practice squad. Ideally the organization should go after a veteran to back up Flacco and let the 6’4” Cantwell and the 6’1” sixth round pick Tyrod Taylor battle it out for the 3rd spot. Cantwell started every game as a senior at Louisville.
James Hardy– The towering former Hoosier has been in the league since 2008 and was drafted in the 2nd round by the Buffalo Bills. He had 191 career receptions and 36 TD’s during his college career at Indiana U. With a resume like that, you would think he would have pretty good numbers in the NFL. Not true. He only has 10 receptions for 96 yards. Some of that was due to injuries in 2008 and 2009. If he can stay healthy the 6’6 receiver can be an option especially if rookies like Tandon Doss or Torrey Smith don’t work out.
Ramon Harewood– The 6’6” 340 pound native of Barbados played at little known Morehouse College and could play either guard or tackle. He moved to America in 2006 and is a former rugby player. This background could be very helpful with his mindset on the offensive line. The killer instinct you need to play rugby, which he has, could be a good thing if he performs in training camp and pre-season. The only concern with him is the surgeries he had on both of his knees last year. Pre-season we will be able to tell how this has affected him, if it did at all.
Albert McClellan– 6’1 today is considered small for a defensive end although at the college level he fared reasonably. In 48 games at Marshall, he had 230 tackles, 19.5 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles. In his senior year, he had a 2nd team All-Conference USA status. He spent 2010 on the Ravens practice squad. Despite his size and based on his productivity during his senior year, he could be a good fit for the Ravens in years to come who need a complement to Terrell Suggs.
I think McClellan has what it takes to “Protect This House!”
Curtis Steele– During the past couple of years, the Ravens have had an outstanding three-headed monster in Leron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice. With questions surrounding who will come back, Curtis Steele could be a guy in training camp to look for. In 23 games at Memphis U, he had 22 TD’s. He joined the Ravens as a free-agent in 2010. I could see Ray Rice and Curtis Steele 1 and 2 at the running back position and If McClain doesn’t come back, an interesting project at fullback could be Willis McGahee. Willis can’t be considered a featured back any more. He looks more like a power guy these days and he lacks top-end speed to get to the edges.
So out of these 6 little-known Ravens, who do you think will have the best future with the team?
