Ravens Gab

Priorities will change for the Ravens as they have all but sealed the wide receiver positions with the signing of Anquan Boldin and Dante Stallowrth, as well as the re-signing of Derrick Mason.

It would be a bonus to draft a young wide receiver. Yet, there are more pressing needs at the Cornerback, Tight End and Defensive line positions.

The team’s defensive line could you some depth. Justin Bannan signed with Denver and Dwan Edwards has yet to be re-signed to the team.  The Ravens did sign defensive tackle, Lamar Divens to a contract a few weeks ago. The status of Trevor Pryce has yet to be determined. Divens was on injured reserved for 09.  Unless the team signs a free agent, this position should be a high priority.

The two top tackles Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska and Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma will likely be drafted early in the first round. That leaves the Ravens out of the running.

There have been a few websites who think the Ravens may take Jared Odrick (pictured above). Ordick is versatile and a solid defensive lineman.

Here’s a look at the top defensive tackles in the draft:

Top 3-4 Defensive Tackles/Defensive Ends:

Jared Odrick, Penn State            H 6-5, W 304         Bench Press:26 reps/225Lbs.

Dan Williams, Tennessee                H 6-2, W 327                  Bench 27/225

Brian Price, UCLA            H 6-1, W 303                        Bench 34/225

Terrence Cody, Alabama                                H 6-4, W 349                        N/A

Lamarr Houston, Texas                         H 6-3, W305             Bench: 30/225

Corey Wootton, DE Northwestern            H 6-6, W 270                        Bench: 20/225

Alex Carrington, Arkansas State               H6-5, W285             Bench: 26/225

Top 4-3 Defensive Ends:

Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech                         H 6-5, 270                 N/A

Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida             H 6-3, W 266                        Bench:19/225

Carlos Dunlap, Florida                         H 6-6, W 277                        N/A

(Can play in 3-4 as well)

Everson Griffin, USC                         H 6-3, W 273                        Bench: 32/225

Brandon Grham, Michagan                    H 6-1, W 268                        Bench: 31/225

Ok folks, I know you’re excited. I’m excited too. The Ravens finally have a legitimate claim to a talented core of wide receivers. Turn on any sports talk show in town right now and you’ll be inundated with callers espousing their joy and their belief that this Ravens core of players is the greatest miracle since Moses parted the Red Sea.

“Unrestricted free agent wide receiver Derrick Mason and the Ravens reached a two-year agreement in principle Wednesday night, giving Baltimore what should be a formidable receiving corps heading into 2010.” -baltimoreravens.com

Good News Raven fans, Mason is back!

Excellent news for the team as now the receiving corps consists of Mason, Anquan Boldin, Dante Stallworth, and Mark Clayton. Mason has been the leading receiver for the past 5 years and he has been the “go to” guy for Joe Flacco. With Mason and Boldin on the field at the same time, both receivers should benefit.

Mason had talked about retirement and their was news reports that the Patriots or the Dolphins might be interested. Luckily nothing came of that news.

It is good to see Mason stay in Baltimore, he’s been a competitive and productive receiver.

The Ravens’ first free-agent visit likely won’t be their first free-agent signing.

Marlin Jackson, the cornerback from the Indianapolis Colts, left his meeting with the Ravens on Tuesday without a contract, saying his visit was more of an exploratory exercise for the team.

Jackson has suffered two serious knee injuries the past two seasons, which has led to him finishing on injured reserve in 2008 and 2009. He was given a physical exam and met with team officials at Ravens headquarters.

The Ravens will continue to look for ways to strengthen the corner position moving into next season. Jackson was a former first round selection but also has endured two serious knee injuries. He also plans to visit with the Eagles and Jets over the next few days.

The Ravens have been in a habit of moving quickly if they think a player can help the team. No deal here to me says that they will look elsewhere.

It seems like a simple request to a player.

Players want to play. If I can’t play where I am then trade me so I can get an opportunity elsewhere. But at times the business end of sports makes things harder to accomplish than they seem.

Just ask Troy Smith. He’d even crawl to Cleveland to get his chance.

Troy Smith, the former Heisman trophy winner from Ohio State was drafted in the 5th round in the 2007 Draft by Baltimore. At the time, he was drafted as a number three quarterback as both Steve McNair and Kyle Boller stood in front of him. But things can change quickly in one season and by the end of 2007 fans were calling for Smith’s audition as it was becoming clear that injuries had taken their toll on McNair’s performance and with the Ravens out of the playoff hunt it was a good time to showcase his skills. With his opportunity Smith was able to show that he could make plays with his legs and more importantly lead his teammates. He became a fan favorite in just a few games as the Baltimore faithful were still looking for a leader for the long term.

But as I said, things can change in a season. Brian Billick was fired and the franchise looked once again to the draft to find a quarterback of the future.

So at the start of 2008, you had Smith, Kyle Boller and rookie Joe Flacco competiting for the job. It looked like a two horse race between Boller and Smith as the Ravens did not want to make the same mistakes they made with the former first rounder Boller and throw him into the rigors of the NFL too quickly.

What happened next is well documented. Boller was injured for the rest of the season and Smith came down with an unusual viral infection that sapped his strength and in essence robbed him of his chance to earn the job. Flacco started by default and he cemented himself as the quarterback for years to come. I often wonder how the 2008 season and beyond would have been different if Smith would have been healthy.

When he regained his health he was inserted in some “Wildcat” packages and was used sparingly in 2008 and last season he was used even less as Flacco continued his development.

Troy Smith just wants to lead his team and you can hardly blame any player for wanting to do what he is paid to do. He’s hardly been a malcontent. He’s allowed his agent to be his advocate while publicly he says all the right things.

Smith has a strong connection to Ohio and it would only make sense that he would wish to return home and play for the Browns. It also could make sense since their quarterback situation is still unsettled, although some steps have been taken in the past few days to fix that as they just signed Seneca Wallace on Monday and released Derek Anderson. So it would appear that Smith was not in their plans.

So what’s next? What other teams are in need of a quarterback? Buffalo could be an option but they have Brian Brohm waiting in the wings with a large contract. Carolina could be an option since they just parted with Jake Delhomme. But that’s it.

I think the most likely scenario is that Smith is back in Baltimore as the number two and will stay in that capacity until Flacco is hurt or if he is traded.

I really don’t think there is anywhere left to crawl to besides home.

The Ravens held their official press conference to introduce Anquan Boldin to the media yesterday. Among the topics discussed were; his desire to come to Baltimore almost a year ago and his discussions with Ray Lewis about the prospects of joining the team, his opportunity to win a championship here, his return from injuries, and wanting to avenge the Super Bowl loss against Pittsburgh.

I was fairly impressed with how Mr. Boldin handled himself and you have to be excited about the upcoming season even though we have months to go before training camp.

Now, how long will it take for the local sporting goods stores to get a 81# jersey in stock? Maybe the bigger question is how long will they be able to keep them on the shelves?

Boldin: Impact of Ravens Draft Pick

This is what Ravens fans have been waiting for, a playmaker, Anquan Boldin!  An important move for the team and Joe Flacco. With the addition of Dante Stallworth and now Anquan Boldin a.k.a. “Q,” the Ravens have some breathing room in the Draft.  With Boldin, the priority may shift to a Tight End, Cornerback or the Defensive Line.  That’s not to say the Ravens wouldn’t select a receiver early as well, if the right player is there for the team.

With two 5th round picks, the Ravens could trade up for an earlier round pick to try to snag a receiver. Another option is to take a receiver in the 5th round.   The fact is there have not been many great receivers to make an impact in the NFL after the 4th round.  A later round receiver pick means the team will have some fine tuning to do. With the acquisitions of Boldin and Stallworth the timing might be right to pick a developmental receiver in the 5th round.

Below is a list of the top receivers as well as a list of some talented later round receivers.

 TOP RECEIVERS:

Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State  H 6-2, W 225  Projected 40 Time: 4.54

Is rated as the best receiver in the draft.  He injured his hamstring and didn’t compete in the Combine.  Suspended for the remaining 10 games of his final season for lying to the NCAA. Even with all the controversy, he most likely be a top 20 pick; the Ravens will likely be out of the running. Projected round: 1

Golden Tate, Notre Dame  H 5-11, W 195   Combine 40 Time: 4.36

Was a running back in High School. His 40 time was impressive at the Combine. However, he dropped 3 straight passes in the gauntlet run. Very productive receiver and is not easy to tackle. Projected Round: 1

 Arrelious Benn, Illinois H6-1, W219  Combine 40 Time: 4.48

Before the Ravens obtained Boldin, many analysts had Benn going to the Ravens. Has the talent but lacked production as Illinois did not have a potent offense. Has strength and size, as well as good hands. Projected round:1-2

Damian Williams, USC H6-1, W197  40 Combine Time: 4.4

Excellent route runner, good hands. Good character and work ethic. Productive college career: 147 receptions, 2,114 yards, 17 TD’s. Projected Round: 2

Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech H6-3, W224    Projected 40 Time: 4.6

Great size and physical receiver. Strong runner and willing to go over the middle. Georgia Tech is a run orientated offense and it was impressive that Thomas racked up over 1,000 yards receiving. Projected round: 3-4

Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati H6-0, W 187   Combine 40 Time: 4.56

Totaled 87 receptions and 1,191 yards with 11 TD’s. A good target with excellent abilities. Also, was impressive on punt returns. Projected Round: 2

Brandon LaFell, LSU  H 6-2, W 2-11  Combine 40 Time: 4.59

The time at the Combine may have hurt his chances in the first round. However, a solid receiver. Physical downfield blocker.  Projected round: 2

 Later Round Receivers:

Jordan Shipley, Texas  H6-0, W 190  Combine 40 Time: 4.57

Shipley, could be a higher round pick but didn’t have a good Combine. However, he can line up from any spot, but is primarily a slot receiver. Good hands and a reliable route runner.  Had an impressive senior year with 106 rec., 1362 yards, 11 TD’s.  Also has excellent return skills. Projected Round: 3-5

Blair White, Michigan State  H6-2, W 209      Combine 40 Time: 4.51

From the scouting reports you only read good things. Has size, speed and great route running ability. Stepped up in big games and has good character.  Willing to block and makes tough catches. Projected Round: 4-5

Marcus Easly, Connecticut H6-3, W 210       Combine Time: 4.45

Excellent speed and good hands. Shows ability to adjust to poorly thrown passes. Mostly positive feedback from analysts, the only knock on him is that he will have to improve his route running ability. It is a good sign to come from a small school and be projected in the mid rounds in the NFL. Projected Round: 4-5

David Reed, Utah       H6-0, W 191       Combine 40 Time: 4.54

One of the top playmakers on Utah. Good hands, quickness and balance.  Decent route runner, isn’t afraid to go over the middle. Decent blocker as well. Career: 106 receptions, 1,1615 yards and 11 TD’s. Decent blocker. Projected Round: 6

Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas   H6-2, W 207    Combine 40 Time: 4.61

It is hard to gauge this receiver. He has the size, playmaking ability, good concentration in traffic..   Put up huge numbers in college with  92 receptions, 1407 yards and 15 TD’s. However, the projections are mixed.  Some critics say the style of offense he played in helped inflate the numbers. Specifically, the 40 time at the Combine hurt him at 4.6. Projected Round 2 – 5?

Some additional WR talent projected in the 4th & 5th Rounds:

Jeremy Williams, Tulane 6-0, 206

Mike Williams, Syracuse 6-2, 221

Riley Cooper, Florida 6-4, 222

Emmanuel Sanders, SMU 5-11, 186

This just in as reported by the Baltimore Sun:

It is believed the Ravens sent third- and fourth-round picks to the Cardinals in exchange for Anquan Boldin and a fifth-round pick. According to ESPN, Boldin has agreed to a new four-year, $28 million contract.

It is believed the Ravens beat out the Kansas City Chiefs for the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Boldin, who is 6 feet 1, 217 pounds, has averaged 83 catches and six touchdowns in his seven-year career. He could become the top target this season for quarterback Joe Flacco.

“Anquan is a player who makes the tough catches and he is outstanding getting yards after catches,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. “He will also help the running game with his blocking skills. He’s a very tough competitor and, with the way he plays with passion, he’ll fit right in with the foundation we have for our team.”

Boldin is one of the most consistent wide receivers, he has produced at least 80 catches and over 1,000 yards receiving in four of the past five seasons.

This was certainly the splash that many fans were hoping for in the waning hours of the first day of free agency even though it was a trade.

It is important to note that some of the details appear a bit sketchy as to the logistics of the deal but that should be cleared up over the next few days. But on the surface it appears to be a solid deal for the Ravens and an improvement to a glaring need.

In order to obtain the former Cardinals receiver Baltimore sends mid-round draft picks, which they could get back later in another trade or in compensatory picks. Once Brandon Marshall was given the high tender that signaled the end of the Ravens interest. Ozzie has a tremendous track record with first rounders and I think giving up that slot would have been a bad idea.

The other sticking point in getting Boldin was signing him to an extension and it appears that that detail is taken care of as well. Now he should be able to focus on reporting healthy and starting to practice timing with Joe Flacco at the mini-camps.

I think the other really interesting point aspect of this deal is to speculate on where that leaves some of the other wide receivers. Marcus Smith is under contract and is set to return from injury. He would be an asset on Special Teams but it remains to be seen if that would be enough to keep him on the squad in 2010. Mark Clayton received the first round tender which all but assures that he’ll be back in Baltimore in some capacity. I was also surprised that Demetrius Williams was given a low tender. It looks to be nothing more than insurance and an invitation to land a spot.

Kelley Washington would seem to be long gone. He’s drawn interest from a few other teams and he’ll sign somewhere where he can get more playing time.

The most interesting player that remains unaccounted for is Derrick Mason. Word is that Mason has drawn some interest from Miami but most sources say that he still has a good relationship with Baltimore and that they are still interested in bringing him back, perhaps to the multi-year deal that he desires. However that was before the Ravens landed Boldin. Does this change the team’s plans?

I still think they would want Mason back but they may just let the Dolphins set his value if there are no other team’s interested. I am however more interested in Mason’s reaction over the next few days. Over the past few seasons, Mason has appeared to make emotional comments on some issues. If you remember Mason wanted a multi-year extension last year around this time even though he was still under contract. After the Ravens signed Donte Stallworth he quickly made it public again of his desire for at least a two year contract to come back to Baltimore. So I’ll be interested to see if Mason plays the Boldin trade in the press as a sign of disrespect to him or if he sees how it helps the team and him at his chance to get a ring before he retires.

Even though I do feel this was a good trade there are some things to be concerned about. First, Boldin’s health could be a concern. He hasn’t had an injury free season since 2003 and he battled knee and ankle injuries this past season. Second, Boldin isn’t the vertical play maker that the Ravens need though they could find a young speedster in the draft. Plus if Donte Stallworth is healthy he may take on the role of deep threat. Boldin’s a tough possession receiver with good hands and a burning passion to compete and he should fit in well even though he publicly has been critical of the Cardinals brass for the past two seasons.

So what do you think? Is this the move that could lead the Ravens to an AFC North championship and beyond or are there still other pieces to the puzzle that have yet to come together?

Most of the experts and mock drafts have the Ravens selecting a wide receiver or tight end in the draft.  If that’s the case, then the team will be taking a close look at the cornerback position in the second or third rounds.  Another scenario would be the team signing a big name receiver in free agency and that may open the option to select a cornerback in the first round.

Let’s take a look at some of top cornerback prospects in the draft:

Joe Haden, Florida  H 5’11”, W 193      40 Time: 4.57

Haden is probably rated as best cornerback in the draft and should be picked earlier in the first round. However, at the Combine a red flag was raised when he ran a 4.57 in the 40.

Ravens Gab Analysis: If Haden has a good Pro Day it won’t change the fact that he is an early pick and that should leave the Ravens out of the running.

 Kyle Wilson, Boise State H 5’10”  W 190       40 Time 4.42

Wilson is a physical player despite his size (5-10)   Had 33 punt returns for 470 yards and 3 TD’s.   Many analysts have him ranked second best CB.  He is a playmaker, in his senior season he had 5 INT’s, 10 pass break-ups and 15 passes defended. Was the top CB on bench press, 225lbs. with 25 reps.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Wilson has swagger, aggressive, plays with an edge and is good in Man-to-Man coverage. One negative, he is smaller and can be beaten by taller and more physical receivers.   Adds to Special Teams as a Punt/Kick returner. 

Devin McCourty, Rutgers  H 5’11’’ W 186     40 Time: 4.34

Rutgers MVP on defense and special teams. Was one of the top corners at the Senior Bowl. Excellent in special teams with 7 block kicks.  Supports the run well and excels in zone coverage. Has great hands and is effective against larger receivers.  Before the Senior Bowl, McCourty was projected to be a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but had a great Combine and is now projected as a solid 2nd round pick.

Ravens Gab Analysis: This would be a great pick-up, has the height, ability and good character. The team also had success with another Rutgers player in the second round named Ray Rice.

Patrick Robinson, Florida State H 5’11”, W 190    40 Time: 4.42

Good size, athleticism can run with fast receivers.  Consistent tackler and built to play press coverage.  Finished 5th in the ACC with 11 passes defended and tied for seventh with two forced fumbles. Has moved higher on the draft board because of his abilities and his play in the Senior Bowl. 24 starts in 44 games.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Some draft boards have him in the top 3 in CB’s.. Dealt with some minor injuries in college. Has ability, but it hasn’t been related to production. Some experts have projected Robinson to be a 1st or 2nd rounder.  Some players gain momentum as the draft gets closer.

Perrish Cox, Oaklahoma St.  H 5’11”, W189           40 Time: 4.44

Listed on the Oklahoma St. website at six foot. He plays the ball well and runs well with receivers. Recognizes routes well and is physical at the line of scrimmage. Willing to make stops in run support. Excellent in the kick return game with 6 return TD’s.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Has all the tools and if you watch the video he plays the ball well.  One thing that has come into question is his maturity level. He missed curfew before the Cotton Bowl. Arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license in Sept. 09. Would be a good pick, character main issue.

Jerome Murphy, South Florida  H 6’ W, 186                    40 Time: 4.48

Physical run stopper and is one of the best hitters in the cornerback class. Versatile with his frame as he could play CB or Saftey. Good in bump-and-run coverage. Consistent productions versus SEC receivers.  Had 4 INT’s, 2 forced fumbles and 70 total tackles in 2009.

Ravens Gab Analysis: You have to like the height of this prospect. Great technique and can play physical with the bigger NFL receivers. Most analysts are saying,”Pro potential.”

Kareem Jackson, Alabama   H5’10”, W 196          40 Time: 4.41

Good awareness in Man-to-man and Zone coverage. Good closing speed in coverage. Strong wrap-up tackler and physical at the line of scrimmage. Started all but1 out of 41 games. 34 pass break-ups, 5 Int.’s

Ravens Gab Analysis: Did a good job at the Combine, which helped his stock move up. Projected as 2nd. round pick. 

Syd’Quan Thompson, California   H 5’8”, W 191   40 Time: 4.49

Four year starter and two-time all Pac-10 selection.  Lacks some size, however plays physical and aggressive in run support. Good open field tackler.Most of the analysts are prediction Thompson as a second or third round pick.  Has return skills and was a running back in High School.  His stock didn’t rise at the Combine.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Good character and durable, as he started all 52 games possible over his 4 year career (2006-2009). Recovery speed and size would be an issue for the Ravens. Some suggest he would be best suited as a Nickel back.

Dominique Franks, Oklahoma  H 6’ ,W 192           40 Time: 4.48

Reads and reacts well to plays. Good Zone or “Off” Man coverage corner.  Willing to be aggressive off the line to bump receiver off the route. Excellent recovery speed, reliability.  Also plays at returner position.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Good size/height. May not be ready to start immediately, but has the athleticism and talent to be a pro.

Brandon Ghee, Wake Forest  H6’ ,W 190   40 Time: 4.37

Solid college player, good lateral agility, good hitter, aggressive making plays on ball.  Competes well against big receivers. Willing to take on running backs. Will need to improve on ‘wrapping up’ for tackling in the NFL. Some scouts he will be better suited as a Saftey.  1 interception out of 26 passes defended. Projected 2nd, 3rd round.

Ravens Gab Analysis: Lately, the pro evaluations have put this player in the 3rd round.

Posted by Pro Football Talk

George Kokinis was spotted with the Ravens’ contingent at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, prompting talk that Kokinis could be returning to the team. So we’re done a little poking around, and Kokinis indeed could be rejoining the Ravens in an undetermined capacity. If it happens, it most likely will occur after the 2010 draft.

Just another chapter in a very strange situation involving the former Browns GM. There are only rumors and speculation surrounding his departure from Cleveland after barely a season on the job.

But of course the question for Ravens fans is where he fits in front office heirarchy. What would his role entail and how would be able to best serve the team? From what I remember he left on good terms so there shouldn’t be any friction. But we’ll keep an eye on the situation over the next few months.