Early want list

[Art-Florida]

Round one: Joe Staley - OT/OG Central Michigan
Perfect guard candidate and good backup tackle, where he could probaly be a starter for most teams. A DeCosta favorite and rightfully so. Good character, very fast, and lots of athleticism. Clocked a 4.47 40

Round two: A tough one to call. The team could go anywhere here. I think one possibility would be a DE with size and speed. Names?

Round three: Lorenzo Booker RB - Fl. State - Fast, fast, fast. Elusive too. A perfect compliment to Mke Anderson and/or P.J. Daniels

Round four: Tim Shaw - LB - Penn State - Played at DE last season because the team needed him to, and excelled despite his 6'1" 237 lb size. Otherwise, he might be projected as a 1st/2nd round choice at his natural linebacker position.

[PurpleRulz]

A Lorenzo Booker/PJ Daniels duo could work.

Booker:

Strengths:
Great athlete with very good timed speed and excellent quickness...Is elusive and tough to tackle in the open field...Explosive big play threat with a burst...Agile and changes directions well...Patient runner with decent vision...Gives good effort as a blocker...Has outstanding hands, runs fine routes and is an exceptional receiver.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and doesn't have either the height or bulk that you look for...Not very physical and won't break many tackles...Underachiever who has not played up to his potential...Never carried the load...He may be limited to just a situational role.

Notes:
A top high school recruit who never really lived up to the hype...Split carries with both Leon Washington and Antone Smith and was never able to seize the job for himself...Will more than likely end up being more of a 3rd down back / role player but he can certainly contribute in that capacity and enjoy a nice, long pro career.

[PurpleRulz]

I won't go round for round, because it is too early to make round projections. I think our offseason will be the draft and June 1st FA. I don't see us active in March save to re-sign our own players. So my wish list for the offseason is:

March
1. Let AD and Jamal move on. Wish them the best.
2. Let Pashos and Ovie test the market and sign them only if it is reasonable.
3. Re-sign Jarrett Johnson.

Draft
1. 2 OT
2. 1 OG/center
3. Elusive RB
4. Pass rushing DE.
5. QB
6. CB that can return kicks/punts with Sams.
7. Kicker (Stover's getting old)
8. WR that can stretch field to pair with DW. Can also KR/PR if we don't get the CB.

Draft (My favorites for first round in order of preference. Hope we trade down).

1. Justin Blalock.
2. Ben Grubbs.
3. Jarvis Moss.
4. Quentin Moses.
5. LaRon Landry (if he's there, you have to take him. Could provide some future flexibility).
6. Marshawn Lynch. If he somehow falls.
7. McCauley.

Draft (Players I'd get in later rounds. Not sure where any would fall. Random names).

1. Josh Wilson.
2. Kenny Irons.
3. Michael Bush.
4. Aaron Sears.
5. Drew Stanton.
6. Colt Brennan. Aaron Wilson is saying that he's available in this draft.

[PurpleRulz]

Here are three WRs I'd like us to consider in later rounds:

9. Johnnie Lee Higgins U.T.E.P. 6-0 180 4.35
10. Chansi Stuckey Clemson 6-0 185 4.35
13. Paul Williams 6-2 210 4.35


Stuckey
Strengths:
Naturally athletic...Has very good speed and quickness with a burst...Elusive and is tough to tackle in the open field...Has pretty good hands...Runs well after the catch...Also a top return man...Can be a dangerous weapon on reverses and trick plays...Hard worker with good intangibles...Still developing and has some upside.

Weaknesses:
Does not have either the ideal height or bulk that you look for...Not very strong or physical...Raw and is still learning the position...Doesn't run great routes...May be limited to a backup/return specialist role at the next level...Durability is a concern.

Notes:
Began his college career as a quarterback before moving to wide receiver as a sophomore...Was having a great senior campaign but missed some time with a broken foot...Intriguing prospect who needs to show he can stay healthy...Jack-of-all-trades who may never be a star but could contribute in a number of ways.

Higgins:
Strengths:
Has outstanding speed...Very quick with a burst...Excellent athlete...Great leaper with good ball skills and body control...Big play threat...Elusive and runs well after the catch...Tough and plays bigger than he is...Has reliable hands and will snatch the ball out of the air...Very productive...He can also contribute as a return man.

Weaknesses:
Undersized and almost frail...Is not very strong or physical...Struggles to beat the jam...Does not run great routes...Probably won't ever be a true #1 target at the pro level...May be limited in terms of the roles he can play...Durability's a concern.

Notes:
Cousin of San Diego Charger cornerback Quentin Jammer...Should be a workout warrior...Has some physical limitations but a lot of his flaws are correctable and you simply can't teach speed...The NFL is really placing more of an emphasis on smaller, quicker receivers these days (i.e. Steve Smith) and this guy fits that mold.

Williams:
Strengths:
Terrific athlete...Timed speed is exceptional...Has ideal size with long arms and a solid frame...Great leaper with excellent ball skills and body control...Deep threat who can stretch the field vertically...Hands are adequate...A strong and physical guy who plays big...Elusive and runs well after the catch...Still has a lot of upside.

Weaknesses:
Underachiever who doesn't play up to his potential...Needs to become a better route runner...Raw and needs to work on his technique and master the nuances of the position...Will have lapses in concentration and drop some balls...Average as a blocker...He was never very productive and had a terrible senior campaign.

Notes:
Brothers, J.D. and David, both played for the Bulldogs and another brother, C.J., played at Washington...He really has everything you look for from a physical tools standpoint...The type who could end up being a better pro than college player if the light ever comes on...Intriguing prospect who will more than likely get chosen earlier than his play would warrant thanks to his vast potential and measurables.

[GreenWave52]

I didn't think Colt Brennan was available and he ended up going back to college. If he's in, that is the QB I want. This is a terrible draft for QBs (and not very good overall) so I wouldn' be surprised if we don't get one. Brennan played for a system team (Hawaii, usually a red flag), but unlike other Hawaii QBs he has NFL talent and he tore the system up with I think a 72% completion percentage.

In the first round I want Blalock the G from Texas. Then we will be a year or 2 away from a DOMINANT o-line. At that point it won't even matter who is pounding the rock.

Obviously we'll go BPA but we also need a RB, a DE and a OLB.

[UKRavenStockers]

Brennan's back in college, Josh Wilson if he works out as expected, will be a potentially late first early second round pick.

[PurpleRulz]

Brennan's back in college, Josh Wilson if he works out as expected, will be a potentially late first early second round pick.

That's what I thought, but Aaron Wilson is adamant that Colt is in this draft.

[UKRavenStockers]

Well Aaron's wrong:

LINK (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/wac/2007-01-17-hawaii-brennan_x.htm)

[52decleetzu]

That's what I thought, but Aaron Wilson is adamant that Colt is in this draft.

He isnt adament he just always forgets that he said he was staying,last week he was corrected by a caller but apparently forgot again earlier today.

He also said that even though Ozzie said otherwise,that "cap hell" is coming.I swear these reporter think they know everything sometimes.The GM said that windows WILL NOT be opening and closing(one reason is because of our drafting record) in front of everyone yet AW still flat out says "I dont care what the Ravens say,it is coming" Is he a salary cap expert?? If so the ravens should be paying him as such.

Like I said in another thread tell me who the Ravens are going to cut/sign/restructure for the next two years and break down their cap numbers and then talk to me about our cap situation 2 years from now.

He always mentions all the older players,but never the younger ones on the upswing that will keep the core of this team strong.Like Oz said,you have some older players but you have some young ones as well that will be here for a long time.

[PurpleRulz]

He isnt adament he just always forgets that he said he was staying,last week he was corrected by a caller but apparently forgot again earlier today.

He also said that even though Ozzie said otherwise,that "cap hell" is coming.I swear these reporter think they know everything sometimes.The GM said that windows WILL NOT be opening and closing(one reason is because of our drafting record) in front of everyone yet AW still flat out says "I dont care what the Ravens say,it is coming" Is he a salary cap expert?? If so the ravens should be paying him as such.

Like I said in another thread tell me who the Ravens are going to cut/sign/restructure for the next two years and break down their cap numbers and then talk to me about our cap situation 2 years from now.

He always mentions all the older players,but never the younger ones on the upswing that will keep the core of this team strong.Like Oz said,you have some older players but you have some young ones as well that will be here for a long time.


1. Thanks for clearing up the Colt Brennan issue. No Colt Brennan.

2. The reporter and Ozzie are correct in a sense. Cap hell is coming after (or before 2008) don't know which. That said, most of these high end cap numbers are coming from players in the (as Drew says) in the November of their careers. In other words, don't look for players such as Ray, McNair, Mason, Rolle, Ogden, Pryce, Gregg, Flynn, Stover, Mike Anderson, Mulitalo, maybe even CMAC to be Ravens after 2008.

Ozzie seems to want to build around Bart Scott, Reed, Suggs, Landry, Ngata, Clayton, DWilliams, Heap, Jason Brown, Chris Chester, Sam Koch, Adam Terry, Dan Cody, PJ Daniels, and whomever is taken in the 2007 and 2008 drafts. That is not a bad nucleus of young talent to build around. We just need to get that QB of the future.

The most crucial piece that will determine our post 2008 success is a true QB of the future and we'll need it from the 2007 or 2008 draft, or from another team. (I still say attempt to trade for Leftwich).

[Art-Florida]

I agree that Colt Brennan is a must for the 08' draft. At this time, he is the only QB I have any desire to have come in and compete with Boller. Quinn and Russel will be long gone this April, and so far there are no shining stars on the horizon as far as underclassmen.

[GreenWave52]

Cap hell is not a guarranteed thing. Look at the Eagles and the Pats, they don't have to worry about Cap Hell. Why?

Because they get rid of veterans and big dollar players and let the new guys go. This is the model you have to follow if you are going to be competitive year in and out in the NFL. Draft well and don't overpay vets/ hold on to vets too long.

We are going to see in a couple of years is the end of what has been our core since 2000- JO, Ray, Jamal, possibly C-mac; and the release/retirement of guys like McNair, Rolle, Mason, Anderson, and Price.

The key to success is to draft well and prepare for this so it is not a purge per say, more of a transition to a new generation. The way we have overhauled the o-line will happen with the whole team.

[GreenWave52]

As far as QB of the future goes I read somewhere that David Carr is on the outs in Houston. I still think he can be very good in this league, he just has been pummeled in Houston. And sitting for a littlebit behind McNair might appeal to him more than say a Matt Schaub, who has been dying to start.

This is a terrible draft for QB's, so I think if people want another homegrown guy they are better off waiting until 08.

[ExiledRaven]

I'd be all for getting our paws on Carr and having him and boller be Carr #3, Boller #2, then the next year it's open season to see who can win the job. That all depends on what happens in terms of Plummer going to Houston, if he does, Carr's worth trading that 5th or something.

As far as draft:

Round 1: Levi Brown, Patrick Willis, Aaron Ross, Dwayne Bowe, Daymeion Hughes

Round 2: Michael Bush, Kenny Irons, Ray McDonald, Earl Everett

Just an assortment of names, but hey, a lot can happen in FA between now and the season. Tag and Trade of AD, plummer going to houston and carr leaving, what's Jax doing at QB?, is NE going after AD?

could be pretty crazy for us depending on what shakes out.

If we wait on a QB, I say go Colt Brennan next year, but...we won't be in position to spend a top 15 pick unless something terrible happens.

[Mista T]

I'd be all for getting our paws on Carr and having him and boller be Carr #3, Boller #2, then the next year it's open season to see who can win the job.

That suggestion really brightened my day. Although, frankly, I'd rather see an open competition involving Boller and Carr this summer!

[52decleetzu]

Cap hell is not a guarranteed thing. Look at the Eagles and the Pats, they don't have to worry about Cap Hell. Why?

Because they get rid of veterans and big dollar players and let the new guys go. This is the model you have to follow if you are going to be competitive year in and out in the NFL. Draft well and don't overpay vets/ hold on to vets too long.

We are going to see in a couple of years is the end of what has been our core since 2000- JO, Ray, Jamal, possibly C-mac; and the release/retirement of guys like McNair, Rolle, Mason, Anderson, and Price.

The key to success is to draft well and prepare for this so it is not a purge per say, more of a transition to a new generation. The way we have overhauled the o-line will happen with the whole team.

Bingo.The Patriots and Eagles dont rebuild,they reload.I think the last 2 years of drafts have set this franchise up for the future.Brian Baldinger was on Out of Bounds at the end of the season,and he said if the Ravens have another draft class like they have the past two years we will be set up for the next 5 years.He is one of the people who's opinion I actually value because he is somewhat local and he actually watches film.

[TTRaven]

Draft (Players I'd get in later rounds. Not sure where any would fall. Random names).

1. Josh Wilson.
2. Kenny Irons.
3. Michael Bush.
4. Aaron Sears.
5. Drew Stanton.
6. Colt Brennan. Aaron Wilson is saying that he's available in this draft.

Most if not all those players are probably gone before round 3. I look for Drew Stanton to be selected early to mid second round. I certainly wouldn't mind picking a guy like Grubbs or Blalock in the first, and then taking Stanton in the 2nd if he's there. He could be a very good NFL QB IMO.

[Ravens0587]

Round one: Joe Staley - OT/OG Central Michigan
Perfect guard candidate and good backup tackle, where he could probaly be a starter for most teams. A DeCosta favorite and rightfully so. Good character, very fast, and lots of athleticism. Clocked a 4.47 40

I find it extremely hard to believe that an offensive lineman ran a 4.47, could you please clarify this for me?

[PurpleRulz]

Bingo.The Patriots and Eagles dont rebuild,they reload.I think the last 2 years of drafts have set this franchise up for the future.Brian Baldinger was on Out of Bounds at the end of the season,and he said if the Ravens have another draft class like they have the past two years we will be set up for the next 5 years. He is one of the people who's opinion I actually value because he is somewhat local and he actually watches film.

I agree with this post. Our last two draft classes have been so good, and if 2007 and 2008 draft classes are on par or better, I am not worried about losing the 30 over crew after 2008. Eric Decosta seems hell bent on improving our league leading 75% of draft picks playing in the NFL, and I believe he'll do it.

We seem to excel in the late rounds. We haven't missed on a draft pick in the late first round yet. (Maybe that is an omen that we are due to miss).:179421: Nah! Think positive.

[Art-Florida]

I find it extremely hard to believe that an offensive lineman ran a 4.47, could you please clarify this for me?

01/24/07 - Senior Bowl South Team Wednesday Practice Report: One of the players I was most excited to see line up in the Senior Bowl was Central Michigan's Joe Staley. Despite dramatically stepping up his level of competition, Staley has held up well, especially in pass protection, this week. Staley has good quickness out of his stance and keeps his feet moving. His balance and overall athleticism keep him in front of defenders. While he uses his hands well, Staley will have to continue to get stronger to reach his potential, but he solidified his position this week among the draft's better left tackle prospects.12/31/06 - PRO PROSPECTS: OT Joe Staley bolstered his pro status throughout the season, and goes into the offseason as a potential late first-round or early second-round pick in the NFL draft. 12/26/06 - PRO PROSPECTS: OT Joe Staley was among the MAC's most dominant linemen the past two seasons. At 6-5, 280 pounds, he runs a 4.7 40-yard dash, giving him first-day potential in the NFL draft.

* He rwas clocked at the lower time at least once, but the link? I visit too many sites to track it down easily.

[Ravens0587]

there is a huge difference between 4.7 which is greqat for a lineman and 4.47 which wouldd be good for a DB/LB/RB

[UKRavenStockers]

He wouldn't have been moved from TE if he ran a 4.47. He ran a 4.7.

[Art-Florida]

If the link I saw a week or so was wrong, then I'm wrong.

Nevertheless, even after adding that 3/10 of a second, you're talking about a lot of speed for an offensive lineman. I suspect not even Chester is that fast.

[Bilbo]

1) Franchise AD

2) Resign Pashos, Johnson, Mughelli

3) Draft: Round 1-Lynch, Ross, Kalil, Staley Round 2-Stanton, Hunt, Wilson

[Fanman]

I like the idea of drafing Kalil at Center or a RB w/ our 1st round pick. If we go w/ a defensive player again I might have a heart attack. Ngata was a good pick...but the offense still needs some work.

FM

[jonboy79]

I like the idea of drafing Kalil at Center or a RB w/ our 1st round pick. If we go w/ a defensive player again I might have a heart attack. Ngata was a good pick...but the offense still needs some work.

FM

Why do we need a 4th center that is likely to be on the roster during the season? I understand it's nice to have versatility and Brown and Flynn are both probably better at Guard, and we haven't seen enough of Chester at C yet, but what we need from our next interior lineman prospect is a BIG bruising RG.

So my early want list?
1. Cut ties with Jamal, Musa, Vincent
2. Tag and Trade AD to SF for a high second, despite a low first being offerred by other teams, NE who BTW has 2. I'd love to keep him, I jsut don't see it working out.
3. Either let JO retire or have him restructure to free up space.
4. Re-sign Suggs to 5 yr deal.
5. Re-sign Pashos, Mughelli,Stover and Jarret Johnson to 3 year deals.

Draft
From this list get a G, a LB and a RB in the first 2 rds.
Blaylock, Grubbs, Beekman, Willis or Polsuzny, Bush, Pittman, and throw Josh Wilson in there and then get Booker in the third.

[Gwaihir]

Offer AD 10 million signing bonus for 4 years, with a base of maybe 3-4 million. If he takes it great, if not SeeYa. I love AD as a player and person but I don't think we can really afford much more than that and improve our running game enough.

Draft :

Joe Staley - OT/OG Central Michigan

The more I read about this kid the more I like him. He seems like the prototypical lineman of the future.

[Mobtown]

That suggestion really brightened my day. Although, frankly, I'd rather see an open competition involving Boller and Carr this summer!

Couldn't agree more. Carr has a great toolset and could be very good with a decent line to protect him.

I have also heard that the Browns are working a deal for him, so we may get to see what he has next year one way or another.