When the opening horn sounded on Thursday for free agents, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome wasted no time reaching out to those who he, along with his staff, thought could help his football team this coming season.
The Ravens, unusually aggressive this time of year, managed to ink safety Tony Jefferson and running back Danny Woodhead just hours into the free agent frenzy.
“Yes, it begins, as you guys know, down in Jupiter [at owner Steve Bisciotti’s house after the season], and we talk about the plan,” remarked Newsome on Friday afternoon. “But I think we have educated ourselves on how the comp pick [system] works.
“So, we know how we are able to acquire players and still be able to keep some of our comp picks, because we continue to lose high value players to other teams, and like I said, drafting is important.
“But yes, we felt like Day One of free agency that we were going to be active, and we were lucky enough to come away with two players.”
Head coach John Harbaugh echoed his general managers sentiments while also stating that both Woodhead and Jefferson were made to be Ravens. Harbaugh shared that he expects both players to be playmakers from jump street.
“One of the things we talked about was a playmaker – to add a playmaker into the mix,” quipped Harbaugh. “Playmakers come in all kind of different styles. There are different types of guys, athletes and things like that. Danny’s style is really unique. We have seen it in Baltimore.
“He and I talked a little about it today, and we just talked about how the Baltimore fans … Both of these guys, Baltimore fans are going to love these two guys. These two guys, they play like Ravens. They play the kind of football that our fans are going to really appreciate.
“In Danny’s case, you are talking about a guy who moves the chains, who can do it in any phase. He can run the ball, he can pass protect, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and he can line up as a receiver and catch the ball.
“Those are the kind of things … Those are the kinds of weapons that we need to move the chains and score points, and that is what we want to do.”
Woodhead, who has faced the Ravens several times throughout his nine-year career is excited to be a part of a franchise that is all about winning football games.
“I am so excited to be here,” said an obviously eager Woodhead. “I wanted to come here because I believe in what this organization believes in, and that is winning. That is what my aspirations are.
“I hated these guys when I was in New England and lost the AFC championship game. Usually those are the teams you want to play for. I am so excited about the opportunity. I have learned a lot of people’s names and forgot a lot of people’s names so far.
“I am so excited to be a part of the Raven culture and what it means to be a Raven. I see what it says on the wall – ‘Play Like a Raven.’ I want to ‘play like a Raven,’ and I think I’m going to. I am really excited about it.
“I am excited to play for this city, because it seems like my type of city – go out, work hard and blue collar. I am really excited to be here.”
Jefferson is also a welcomed addition to what he described as a team that has a long history of playing his successful style of defense.
“Defense. Defense,” said the newest Ravens safety who was highly coveted by fellow teammate Eric Weddle. “I do not know if you guys on the outside … But defense over here.
“This is my type of ball,” Jefferson added. “You look at the division and the guys and the teams you are going against – teams like Pittsburgh like to run the ball. This is old school, backyard football.
“That is my style.”
While there remains plenty of time to see just how things will turn out for the newest members of the Ravens, both players instantly boost a unit where questions marks have surfaced. The organization however, understands the need to improve and improve now!
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
