What will you be looking for?

[baltimore_hokie]

Minicamps begin this Friday, May 7th.

OTA's begin May 24th.

Here are a few things I will be looking for at each:


- Cody's gut (and overall physical condition)
- Kindle's knee and explosiveness
- Rookie TE competition
- UDFA's that may stick around
- David Reed's hands and ability after the catch

- Kruger's size
- Emerging CB candidates
- Jason Phillips healthy again
- Young DL (McKinney, Talavou, Divens) improvement
- David Hale (C of the future?)
- Anquan Boldin!!
- Stallworth's ability to make a difference this year
- Justin Harper - this is his last chance
- Ellerbe's speed and ability in coverage
- Ayanbadejo's health



What will you be looking for?

[Dont Know]

- David Hale (C of the future?)

I don't believe he will be. It made no sense last pre season when he was playing guard instead of C if he really was being groomed to be the C of the future.


What will you be looking for?

Eron Riley! :D

[chicagoravensfan]

I'm also very curious about Oniel Cousins. Cam was talking him up earlier and it's very unlikely that Oher and Gaither stay healthy the whole season.

[jonboy79]

A. Cary Williams. He must be something.... we sure pinned a lot of hopes on him and the others coming back...
B. Washington and Webb and how healthy they are how early.

Cousins, and to a larger extent Ramon... Do we have a guy on the roster that can backup at tackle?

Kruger, Gooden... recent draft disappointments, can they overcome??

Who will be Katula's replacement?

[effo5231]

A. Cary Williams. He must be something.... we sure pinned a lot of hopes on him and the others coming back...
B. Washington and Webb and how healthy they are how early.

We get it... you're obsession with our Cornerbacks is bordering on JW's Peppers fascination.



Kruger, Gooden... recent draft disappointments, can they overcome??


You can maybe make the case that Gooden is a disappointment. He got pushed off the field by an undrafted rookie after all, but seriously... the plan for Kruger FROM THE DAY WE DRAFTED HIM was to let him sit and learn and gain weight. Calling Kruger a disappointment at this point is like calling Carson Palmer a disappointment for failing to get past Jon Kitna in his rookie season.



Who will be Katula's replacement?

This guy (http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cox_morgan00.html)

[jonboy79]

We get it... you're obsession with our Cornerbacks is bordering on JW's Peppers fascination.



You can maybe make the case that Gooden is a disappointment. He got pushed off the field by an undrafted rookie after all, but seriously... the plan for Kruger FROM THE DAY WE DRAFTED HIM was to let him sit and learn and gain weight. Calling Kruger a disappointment at this point is like calling Carson Palmer a disappointment for failing to get past Jon Kitna in his rookie season.



This guy (http://www.utsports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/cox_morgan00.html)

And everyone else's complacency in the matter is ridiculous.

Cary Williams has a chance to start the season. I'd like to see something from him in camp. Is that too much to ask? Really?
It's not nearly absurd until we see healthy cornerbacks on the field.

Disappointment. I didn't say bust, or couldn't be or wouldn't be... I said Dissapointment. Gooden medical redhsirted a year then got beat out by an undrafted guy. CAN HE OVERCOME? Hmm sounds to me I'm being optimistic.

Kruger, IMO, was only a dissapointment in that we desperately needed passrushers, and he couldn't sniff the field. I certainly still hold hopes he can become Anthony Weaver or the like, so I hope he "can overcome".

As long as it's not Katula.

[CR_Dingley]

Minicamps begin this Friday, May 7th.

OTA's begin May 24th.

Here are a few things I will be looking for at each:


- Cody's gut (and overall physical condition)
- Kindle's knee and explosiveness
- Rookie TE competition
- UDFA's that may stick around
- David Reed's hands and ability after the catch

- Kruger's size
- Emerging CB candidates
- Jason Phillips healthy again
- Young DL (McKinney, Talavou, Divens) improvement
- David Hale (C of the future?)
- Anquan Boldin!!
- Stallworth's ability to make a difference this year
- Justin Harper - this is his last chance
- Ellerbe's speed and ability in coverage
- Ayanbadejo's health



What will you be looking for?


I like your list alot, I would add a suitable kick returner ellerbe wasnt great(maybe kindle?)

[Rxdoxx]

Hokie's list for sure

Morgan Cox LS? did we sign him?, link above says 6'4" 222, think he is more like 6'2" 250.

Want to see if we get another kicker/punter for camp (and who)

Return game? Parmale there, who else Reed maybe? Chris Hannon?

Would like some better idea if Boston College has given us a viable FB.

And the OL depth, think it is S* or get off the pot for Reitz, Mattison, maybe Stefan Rogers, Lou Saucedo.

You are wondering about Jason Philips, I'd add VanDeSteeg, because with BA coming back from injury and Ellerbe's contribution, Barnes, McClain, Burgess, Gooden and now Kindle, gotta be eventual cuts there. Too early to think of that but not too early to start gathering impressions.

And Hale, C of the future, would want an early camp report on, I can't even remember his name Bugnajach?

[jonboy79]

Forgot all about Reitz...

[Dragz]

Return game? Parmale there, who else Reed maybe? Chris Hannon?

If Ed Reed returns another punt in his NFL career, I'll be shocked. He's a safety, thats where we get our greatest value out of him. If they put him on special teams, wouldn't that expose him to a vicious hit that could further injure him? Not smart to me.
BUT, to answer the OP, I'm looking for the chemistry between Flacco and all of his toys! I wanna see Boldin snagging balls and Stallworth flyin up the field. It'd be good to know that the new TEs can block too...

[Stealthbirds80]

I'm pretty sure he meant David Reed. You know our 5th round pick?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP6VxFbuDW0&feature=related

[Dragz]

I'm pretty sure he meant David Reed. You know our 5th round pick?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP6VxFbuDW0&feature=related

I stand corrected sir! :worthy:

[Stealthbirds80]

No biggie. It's easy to forget these new players coming in with all of the star power that we have on the squad.

On the camp note. I'm looking forward to all the non-starter battles going into camp especially the LB's, WR's, CB's,and interior D-line as young backups go at it. Maybe seeing the Redding/Kruger battle will be exciting as well for that other spot opposite Suggs.

[HoustonRaven]

And everyone else's complacency in the matter is ridiculous

You include Oz and Harbs in that list? Because they do not seem very concerned; no where near your concern.

[baltimore_hokie]

In case anyone isn't already excited for the season to start, here's a video to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeexDrlNx5E

If the hair on the back of your neck isn't standing up and if you don't run through a brick wall after watching this, you must not be a Ravens fan.

[jonboy79]

You include Oz and Harbs in that list? Because they do not seem very concerned; no where near your concern.

Publicly...
if not then yes.
THey put stuff out there to make everyone feel better. I hope they aren't sitting on their hands like the fans now "agree" they should...

Do people also not remember they said they'd be ok with Cousins to start the season before the draft... it's lip service. My guess is that they have been hard at work on the phones with trades since Saturday of the draft....

[Dave Lap]

Minicamps begin this Friday, May 7th.

OTA's begin May 24th.

Here are a few things I will be looking for at each:


- Cody's gut (and overall physical condition)
- Kindle's knee and explosiveness
- Rookie TE competition
- UDFA's that may stick around
- David Reed's hands and ability after the catch

- Kruger's size
- Emerging CB candidates
- Jason Phillips healthy again
- Young DL (McKinney, Talavou, Divens) improvement
- David Hale (C of the future?)
- Anquan Boldin!!
- Stallworth's ability to make a difference this year
- Justin Harper - this is his last chance
- Ellerbe's speed and ability in coverage
- Ayanbadejo's health



What will you be looking for?

Great list. Hard to add much to it. Like the Jason Phillips mention. I forgot about him.

I'm also interested in seeing Ramon Harewood and Art Jones. Harewood is an interesting prospect to say the least. He's not just a big guy, he's athletic too. Now, if he's also a "football player" we may have a steal on our hands.

Also, Eron Riley. He showed a flash or two last year and has very good speed. Like Harper, this will be his make or break year, unless he goes back to the practice squad.

[Rxdoxx]

Publicly...
if not then yes.
THey put stuff out there to make everyone feel better. I hope they aren't sitting on their hands like the fans now "agree" they should...

Do people also not remember they said they'd be ok with Cousins to start the season before the draft... it's lip service. My guess is that they have been hard at work on the phones with trades since Saturday of the draft....

:iagree:

It is like poker now. They won't compromise their negotiating/maneuvering advantages by letting information slip.
They have always been good at letting us know factors after things are done, but seldom before except in the most general way.
From past history, you and I would be shocked if we find out that nothing is actively going on behind the scenes despite a calm appearance. Current timing looks lousy but preparation is being done.

[Jeremiah W]

Publicly...
if not then yes.
THey put stuff out there to make everyone feel better. I hope they aren't sitting on their hands like the fans now "agree" they should...

Do people also not remember they said they'd be ok with Cousins to start the season before the draft... it's lip service. My guess is that they have been hard at work on the phones with trades since Saturday of the draft....

Who should they get then?

If Webb and Washington are going to be healthy, how many Cbs do they really need? Foxworth and Carr played well down the stretch. Not many teams have 5th Cbs better than Frank Walker. If we have to go to him or a rookie or a vet for a while until Webb is right they can do that and get by.

I have no problem with the plan to have Foxworth, Washington, Webb and Carr as the top 4 as long as they are healthy by the playoffs, or we have some guys who have been here all year.

The CB Cary Williams looked pretty good on special teams. He got in 13 games last year.
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/Cary_Williams.aspx

Marcus Pascal and KJ Gerard both played last year, and could factor in the mix. It is likley the Ravens felt they were better fits/ value than new draft picks or vet free agents. They are all 6' or 6'1, and looked fast and athletic on special teams. If they get coached up, maybe our Cb position is a lot better than the perception.
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/Marcus_Paschal.aspx
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/K,-d-,J,-d-,_Gerard.aspx


There is also the pass rush factor that was sub par last year. If that improves so does the coverage accross the board.

[Stealthbirds80]

:iagree:

It is like poker now. They won't compromise their negotiating/maneuvering advantages by letting information slip.
They have always been good at letting us know factors after things are done, but seldom before except in the most general way.
From past history, you and I would be shocked if we find out that nothing is actively going on behind the scenes despite a calm appearance. Current timing looks lousy but preparation is being done.

Eh, football for the most part has just as much to do with ability as smoke and mirrors to win games. Every team covers up something to get by and through an entire season. We have a team with a couple of small time names or no named players at all in the secondary, but this only wins you one thing. The paper champ bowl and nothing more. Every year new names step up to fill the void all across the NFL, so until we are getting shredded in the regular season, I will leave the worrying to the ones who are paid to do so. I however agree that the DB position will need to have someone step up until we have a fully healthy secondary, but that player may already on the team or will be another one of our unsigned gems.

[jonboy79]

Who should they get then?

If Webb and Washington are going to be healthy, how many Cbs do they really need? Foxworth and Carr played well down the stretch. Not many teams have 5th Cbs better than Frank Walker. If we have to go to him or a rookie or a vet for a while until Webb is right they can do that and get by.

I have no problem with the plan to have Foxworth, Washington, Webb and Carr as the top 4 as long as they are healthy by the playoffs, or we have some guys who have been here all year.

The CB Cary Williams looked pretty good on special teams. He got in 13 games last year.
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/Cary_Williams.aspx

Marcus Pascal and KJ Gerard both played last year, and could factor in the mix. It is likley the Ravens felt they were better fits/ value than new draft picks or vet free agents. They are all 6' or 6'1, and looked fast and athletic on special teams. If they get coached up, maybe our Cb position is a lot better than the perception.
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/Marcus_Paschal.aspx
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Players/Under_Contract-Own_Rights/K,-d-,J,-d-,_Gerard.aspx


There is also the pass rush factor that was sub par last year. If that improves so does the coverage accross the board.

They need to get soemoen that will start over Carr to begin the seasons. If Washington comes back and becomes the nickle that will be great. Chances are one person will be hurt by the time Webb comes back, so....

THey need a starter, maybe on the level of Carlos Rogers.. Someone that can be construed as a superfluous part, that will be and UFA at the end of the year... Maybe even offer the guy an extension.

[Carey]

Im intrigued by Cary Williams, i'd like to see how Paul Kruger holds up at the POA as a 3-4 DE, Just how explosive is Ed Dickson? How will him and Pitta block? How quick is David Reed?

[festivus]

Pass catching skills of the rookie TEs and Stallworth. Don't think there's much worth watching in the OL/DL this early in TC, at least not for me, ever.

[Rxdoxx]

Now we add Roy Upchurch to the mix.
About 6' 214
Can't see him as anything more than a look to see his blocking skills as a potential FB.

Has had injury issues, ankle surgury, shoulder, and saw a blurb about an arrest in 2007.

Alabama Oz connection?

He was buried on the depth chart behind some great talent, but it is only a tryout, so no real excitement, just wondering if he can be a whammer or is more "I get in your way" blocker like Cook was last year.

I'm still hoping for a Gash, Neal to keep McClain fresher.

[Jeremiah W]

Now we add Roy Upchurch to the mix.
About 6' 214
Can't see him as anything more than a look to see his blocking skills as a potential FB.

Has had injury issues, ankle surgury, shoulder, and saw a blurb about an arrest in 2007.

Alabama Oz connection?

He was buried on the depth chart behind some great talent, but it is only a tryout, so no real excitement, just wondering if he can be a whammer or is more "I get in your way" blocker like Cook was last year.

I'm still hoping for a Gash, Neal to keep McClain fresher.

I do not see how he can play FB in the NFL. He did get bumped from TB by some great players, but he is too small to be a FB. Could be a special teams stud though. They cut Ali who was a blocking FB in the Neal mold.

Edgar Jones is supposed to be playing some FB this year. That may actually be a more natural position for him than TE. As an OLB or DE he had to take on a lot FB blocks or get under a tackle. It is much more like playing defense than playing TE is, and at 260-270 with that kind of speed and agility, he could become a good lead blocker, and maybe use his athletic ablity more than he could from off the line with a DE or LB right in front of him.

[Rxdoxx]

I do not see how he can play FB in the NFL. He did get bumped from TB by some great players, but he is too small to be a FB. Could be a special teams stud though. They cut Ali who was a blocking FB in the Neal mold.

Edgar Jones is supposed to be playing some FB this year. That may actually be a more natural position for him than TE. As an OLB or DE he had to take on a lot FB blocks or get under a tackle. It is much more like playing defense than playing TE is, and at 260-270 with that kind of speed and agility, he could become a good lead blocker, and maybe use his athletic ablity more than he could from off the line with a DE or LB right in front of him.

Yep, I'll be watching and listening for reports on Edgar.

FB is just an area I'm really interested in.
Curtis Steele, too small also.
Ali being cut kinda tells me he was stop-gap, and hoping for something better.
The LB McClaughlin coming in with reports he will be tried at FB tells me that the FO hasn't given up looking, not a major or a high money priority, but still an area of interest to the FO also, and Edgar has competition for a roster spot that only may exist.
I'm just watching and seeing who may be able to compete for that slot.
The RBs we have Lawrence, Parmale, special teamers, guess they are getting the competition in Steele (5'10" 194) and Upchurch.

What would you say the bare minimum weight is for a FB, 230? or even higher than that like 250 min?


And from yahoo
One of the more coveted undrafted free agents that Baltimore added was Wyoming defensive end John Fletcher, a 6-foot-5-270-pounder who registered seven sacks last year.
Haven't heard anything more there either.

[Jeremiah W]

I would say you want your FB to be a little bigger and stronger than the LBs he has to run into without giving away too much of an edge in speed or agility. 240-260 range I think would be ideal, but I could see a 220 pound guy get the job done if they are short strong and fast like a FB version of MJD or Rice, could do it if he really wanted to, or pretty much any of the 220-230 lb backs used to getting tackled could adjust to running into LBs without the ball instead. Upchurch was effective at FB, and UVA had a RB like FB, Anderson was the FB in KC and for the Vikings playing at @235. They have to bring something else like great hands and pass pro, but I like H back types with a lot of versatility. They may not be able to kick LBs out on leads, but they can get to the edge, reach the second level and keep them honest in the flats in the play action game.

[Lee Van Cleef]

You can maybe make the case that Gooden is a disappointment. He got pushed off the field by an undrafted rookie after all, but seriously... the plan for Kruger FROM THE DAY WE DRAFTED HIM was to let him sit and learn and gain weight. Calling Kruger a disappointment at this point is like calling Carson Palmer a disappointment for failing to get past Jon Kitna in his rookie season.

That's strange, I could've sworn the point of drafting Kruger was an emergency plan in the event we couldn't get Suggs resigned long term.