Yamon Figurs - Don't give up!

[festivus]

A lot has been said about this young man and I thought I'd start a thread about just him.

On the one hand he dropped every ball thrown within 10 yards of him last night.

On the other hand he fell over his own blocker on a runback.

On the third hand, however, he *did* secure the ball well when fielding punts, as far as I can tell.

I am hopeful he had butterflies last night when in at WR, and was more confident when fielding punts. Hence the difference.

I hold out hope that he will one day be an effective receiver and I think last night will be marked, in retrospect, as an aberration.

:ihope:

[Civic812]

i agree, i hope it was first game jitters... even though he was not amazing on returns, he didnt make any mistakes doing it. I see nothing out of our other non-mason, clayton, williams recievers so i see his speed as a definite edge of our other prospects at receiver. his speed causes a deep threat that cant be ignored by a defenses.

[deuce]

Derek Abney. I hope I am wrong.

[Fanman]

I agree w/ Deuce here. Figurs is on the bubble as of now....he has 2 games to prove himself. Would you keep this guy and put Olson on the practice squad instead..knowing he will be gone in about 5 minutes? No way I would....I would keep 4 QBs and cut this cat.

FM

[pyite32]

I agree w/ Deuce here. Figurs is on the bubble as of now....he has 2 games to prove himself. Would you keep this guy and put Olson on the practice squad instead..knowing he will be gone in about 5 minutes? No way I would....I would keep 4 QBs and cut this cat.

FM

Sorry to pick at one part of your post but do you really think Olson would be claimed off our practice squad? You think that a team would take him with the knowledge that he would then have to be the starting quarterback?

I mean last year Anderson was taken by Cleveland but 1. it is Cleveland and when have they made a smart decision? 2. It was a desperation move when they didn't have anyone who could play QB.

Olson had a good game last night, but it was against the 4th stringers, let's not get ahead of ourselves, and there is no way this kid is a starting Quarterback in the NFL right now. He will be safe on the Practice squad.

[UKRavenStockers]

If Figurs can't make the cut we'll find an injury for him and 'hide' him on IR, as so many teams do. You don't cut a third round pick after one camp when you knew coming in that he needed a bit of time, though even I'll admit (as a big fan of Figurs') that he's not cutting it just yet.

[Fanman]

I think there are teams that would grab Olson and make him a 3rd string and bring him along. You are right it was only one game...but he seemed far better than Smith...and Boller did not impress at all...AGAIN.

Is it a stretch to think Boller could be gone and they keep Olson and Smith?

FM

[ClericBlackDave]

Is it a stretch to think Boller could be gone and they keep Olson and Smith?

FM


Yes. Boller is 7 of 11 with a 20 yard scramble, no picks? And thats with a dropped pass and 2 batted. Not sure what more you want from a backup.


if you think Olson would be a better backup than boller, thats laughable.


If you think Olson would be better than Smith right now, thats reasonable, but conversely he's been more seasoned than Smith but smith supposedly has the higher cieling.


BTW, yes, I could see someone snatching Olson on the practice squad.

[MrPoeJangles]

Another thing to remember about Figurs is that many "experts" said he was the best gunner in college football last year. That could be another way he makes a contribution. After what happened to our return game after Samms went down last year, I think they are going to find a way to keep Yamon on the 53 man roster.

[Mista T]

Unless Figurs picks up his game, he's finished as a WR. He has looked bad -- very bad last night. At best, he appears to be another Patrick Johnson. I'd rather see Darling or (kick me for saying this) Moore. Or a FA.

Sure, Figurs could make it as special teamer only. But where? Sams looks to be returned to health. Outside of the ill-timed muff afainst Cincy in 2004 that led to missing the playoffs, Sams could be counted on to catch the ball, make reasonably good returns, and occasionally break one. I don't think the coaching staff would want to lose that. Figurs as a gunner only, perhaps. But there will be so many other players at other positions on the bubble, e.g. OL and LB depth, that it doesn't look promising for Figurs.

[festivus]

Unless Figurs picks up his game,

Mista T, obviously he has to pick up his game. I said that in my post.

[B-more Ravor]

Nope...Abney was a 7th rounder I believe. Figurs is a 3rd...Big difference

Exactly. Being a 3rd round pick pretty much guarantees that Figurs makes the team. Hell, they've carried Darling - another 3rd round pick - who's done nothing for 4 years now, so why would anyone think they wouldn't keep Figurs? Let's also remember that they carried 4 RBs last year in order to "protect" PJ Daniels - a 4th round pick - instead of releasing him.

Yes, Figurs needs to pick his game up, but it's still way early. He can easily make the roster as the 5th WR and protection in case Sams gets hurt. Not to mention that Sams is a UFA next year. Figurs definitely has a place on this team (and beyond).

And, BTW, it's ONE preseason game, people need to relax a bit. They thought enough of him to use a 3rd round pick on him in April, why would they give up on him already? :grbac:

[B-more Ravor]

Is it a stretch to think Boller could be gone and they keep Olson and Smith?

Yes. :grbac:


Would you keep this guy and put Olson on the practice squad instead..knowing he will be gone in about 5 minutes? No way I would....I would keep 4 QBs and cut this cat.


Geez, is this Derek Anderson and Josh Harris (or Cullen Finnerty) all over again?

Olson was one of the worst QBs in NFL-E, he's shown little in camp (this year and last), and now, for some reason, someone is going to snatch him up in "5 minutes", just because he played well against guys who will be going back to their real lives in a couple of weeks? Hey, maybe he's turned the corner, but let's just wait and see before we make any great pronouncements about him, when nothing to date has warranted it.

BTW, so Olson has a good game - and he's now gold (all prior evidence to the contrary) - and yet, Figurs drops a pass and you think he should be cut?

[Gabrosin]

You guys all need to remember that every other NFL team has a guy like Drew Olson, a backup who's hot and cold and every fan wants him to become the next out-of-nowhere QB like Tom Brady or Marc Bulger. 95% of the time it doesn't happen. There's no way we keep four QBs, that would be a terrible waste of a roster spot. If someone claims Olson, I'm not going to shed a tear. If Boller leaves in the offseason then there will be another QB or two brought in and everyone will get all excited when one completes three passes in a row or throws the ball more than 30 yards.

Look at the track record folks. We've got much better odds on finding the next Priest Holmes (Cory Ross) or the next Bart Scott (Edgar Jones) or the next Will Demps (Ronnie Prude) than we are to find the next great QB-in-the-rough.

[jonboy79]

Have you all forgotten how Drew did in Europa? He was miserable. He'll last on our PS, if he even makes it there. Don't forget it's one quarter of one preseason game against 4th stringers.

[TheExtraPoint]

Wow -

Jumping to conclusions much??

Let's see. Figurs, an admittedly raw receiver who was brought in for his electric speed in the return game and who needed to be developed as a receiver, will be cut after one pre-season game against an excellent and deep football team because of a few drops?

Give me a break.

I'll refer to the prophetic CDip on this one - What does Figurs figure to be on this team, this year? At best the 4th receiver? When's the last time the teams fourth receiver saw the field for the Ravens? Figurs' development as a receiver is going to take time, and the Ravens have it. He's not passing Mason, Clayton, or Williams on the depth chart at any stage this season. And he's certainly not going to get too many looks ahead of Todd Heap in his rookie year. In fact, I'm not sure the Ravens expect Figurs to be anything more than a #3 receiver on this team so long as Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are on the roster.

On the flip-side, Figurs displayed some of that explosion I've seen from him in college, caught the ball without incident, and despite one moderate blemish (a negative return with literally ZERO blocking), he still turned out impressive return averages last night.

And yet half the board is ready to cut his ass.

He also possesses rare speed that will keep defenses honest, and once the Ravens hit on one go route with him, opposing teams will be FORCED to respect his long speed and explosion - in the future.

Randy Moss' greatness as a receiver was not just in his freakish athletic talents, but the attention he garnered. The game of football is bigger than any amount of numbers and statistics can illuminate. If in one game, in one key spot this season, Figurs is sent out there to run one fly pattern to clear an under-neath pattern for one of our other players, and it works, he'll have officially contributed more on that one hypothetical play than we've received from Clarence Moore or Devard Darling in recent memory. Not that Figurs will ever approach Randy Moss status, but you get my point.

Personally, I'd keep Figurs and Sams on the roster, allow Yamon to return kicks, and let the sure-handed, veteran Sams focus on punt-return duties. I fully expect that Figurs will show flashes a lot of what we saw from Jerome Mathis, the Texans' kick returner, in his rookie year (2005).

It might not shake out that way, but if nothing else, Figurs flat out WILL make this team ahead of either Devard Darling or Clarence Moore, plain and simple. What have either of those two players done to warrant a roster spot over Figurs?Drain the team's bank-account over the last 3+ seasons?

Those of you that think Yamon will get cut because of his struggles catching the ball last night, let me ask you this. What additional benefit to the team does BJ Sams provide beyond his exceptional return abilities, hands and ability to make the first man miss? DUIs? Injuries? Unreliability? Nothing on offense or defense certainly. Figurs has the POTENTIAL to not only be an exception returner in this league, but could eventually be a contributor on offense as well. And the Ravens can afford to wait out his development at the WR position, too. The Ravens have always been a team that values multiplicity - and the ability for players to do a variety of things for the team.

That quality got Sam Koch drafted, made Adalius Thomas a star, and is manifesting itself today in the effort to play Haloti Ngata at other positions. Figurs is valuable to this team, now and especially in the future. Perhaps in the long-term, more valuable than Sams has been.

One up-and-down pre-season debut does not a career make, my friends. And if you don't believe me, trust in Oz - he swears by the adage "players get better". They do, and Yamon will!

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I don't have much confidence in Figurs as a WR, but you guys that think he is in any danger to be cut are nuts.

As Ravor said...this team does not give up on first day picks...especially in year one. Look at all the 2nd and 3rd round busts that lasted for years...Pat Johnson, Deron Jenkins, Devard Darling, Jay Graham. Hell, they rarely give up on guys drafted in the 4th and 5th rounds.

Figurs is going to get his shot.

As for the cut Boller for Olson and Smith comments...you got to be kidding me...:insane:

[Brandon]

Yamon Figurs could play horribly the rest of the preseason and he isn't going anywhere. The RAVENS invested a 3rd round pick in him and he will make the final roster regardless of whether he sees the field the rest of the year or not.

[Fanman]

Nobody is saying Figurs should be cut after one game...of course not. I am just saying I would hate to see this guy make the team and Olson get put on the PS and then be gone.

If they keep both...great, but at this point I would hate to see a guy that looks like he has some potential, like Olson, get screwed and we keep a guy like Figurs who seems to have no talent other than he is fast. If he can't break a tackle or make people miss...neither of which I saw last night, his speed won't matter.

And I posed a question as to whether it was a stretch to cut Boller and keep Smith and Olson...never did I say I would cut Boller....read people!!!! I think it would be a stretch myself.

FM

[deuce]

I dont think he will be cut. My comparison to Abney is that when he came out of Kentucky he was "the best returner in college". And a huge diapointment at the next level. I just kept thinking about Abney on just about every play Figurs was involved in. He did hold onto the ball when fielding kicks, Ill give him that.

Regardless, he should not see the field for one play other than special teams this year.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I just want to point out that at this time last year, nobody gave a you know what about Olson making this team. Many thought he should have been cut.

Now a year later, he has all this potential and nobody wants to "lose" him.

[blitzin_ravin]

I agree with ExtraPoint. Figures is still a great unknown with a tremendous upside on both offense and special teams. Throw him in the slot on 3 - 4 WR sets and he could be a match up nightmare, even if it is to throw an incomplete bomb down the field. Eventually he will catch a few and then those few turn into a more reliable option once he gains his confidence. Think about it, if he can routinely burn a nickel back that will force safety help over the top and thus opening massive holes underneath.

I think Figures could be more valuable than Sams, who does nothing but return kicks... though that is an extremely important part of our team philosophy. Everyone is bashing a kid who's already admitted that he has confidence problems and that he is overthinking when he is on the field. Let him grow, by mid-season this will all be a worthless conversation once he pulls in a few long bombs from Air McNair.

As for Olson, if he can't play in Europe... he probably can't play here. Sorry, but he has been around for a few years and there is probably a reason the Ravens put him on the Practice Squad last year. He isn't the second coming of Johnny U., he reminds me more of Stoney Case. Besides its going to come down to Olson or Smith. Once it gets there two things are assured: 1) no team in the NFL is going to save four roster spots for QBs when usually only 2 play during the season and 2) if Smith goes on waivers, a team will most definitely claim him. With Olson, he has been on the squad before so I truly doubt a team will claim him.

[B-more Ravor]

Have you all forgotten how Drew did in Europa? He was miserable. He'll last on our PS, if he even makes it there. Don't forget it's one quarter of one preseason game against 4th stringers.

Exactly. Another internet "legend" is born. One quarter against nobodies trumps all the poor play that happened before that. :grbac:

Again, maybe the light has gone on for Olson, but let's just wait and see before we talk about cutting our 3rd round pick so we can hold onto a QB who has done little to otherwise say he belongs.

And besides it's really an issue of not carrying a 5th WR versus carrying 4 QBs. The reality is that the 5th WR, since he can play ST, is more valuable to the team than carrying a 4th QB.

[ravenwoman]

The Ravens value their draft picks, especially the newest ones. There is no way Figurs will be cut or place on the practice squad. Look for 3rd and 4th year players to be cut instead. You have to give your draft picks time to develop. As far as the quarterbacks are concerned it will be McNair, Boller and Smith, period.

[highwater]

I don't know why this turned into a Figurs vs. Olson battle, but as far as Figurs goes, I would be very surprised if he doesn't make the team. He didn't look good at all in the Eagles game, but it was only one game, and as others have pointed out, it would be rare for us to give up on a third round pick that quickly.

With respect to Olson, I don't know why some of us are bashing him after he finally had a solid showing. I'm not exactly predicting stardom for the guy but let's give him a chance.

[camdenyard]

I
would keep 4 QBs and cut this cat.

The Ravens have rarely (if ever?) kept even 3 QBs...and you are suggesting we keep 4?

:grbac:

[Fanman]

If I actually had to make a choice btn Figurs and Olson, TODAY, I would keep Olson over Figurs. I don't think it will come to that for the Ravens, nor do I think the Ravens would cut Figurs.

I am just saying, if I was forced to choose btn one guy or the other I cut Figurs....and her's why.

When have the Ravens EVER kept an offensive skilled position player and he developed over time into a legit starter...name one:

Travis Taylor...no
Devard Darling...no
Clarence Moore...no
Chris Redman...no
Kyle Boller....no (not to the degree you'd expect from a 1st round pick)

Why would Figurs be any different? I don't care what Olson did in NFL Europe. I care that Boller will be gone next year and our #2 could be Troy Smith. I have no issues w/ cutting Olson or putting him on the PS....but only if we get a legit backup other than Smith next year.

I see potential in Olson...more than I did in Boller a few years ago. I realize Olson is no second coming...I am just saying giving this guy time to develop would be more valuable than giving it to Figurs. In a perfect world the Ravens keep all these guys.

FM

[section553]

If Figurs can't make the cut we'll find an injury for him and 'hide' him on IR, as so many teams do. You don't cut a third round pick after one camp when you knew coming in that he needed a bit of time, though even I'll admit (as a big fan of Figurs') that he's not cutting it just yet.

I agree.

[Gwaihir]

Quote:
Originally Posted by UKRavenStockers
If Figurs can't make the cut we'll find an injury for him and 'hide' him on IR, as so many teams do. You don't cut a third round pick after one camp when you knew coming in that he needed a bit of time, though even I'll admit (as a big fan of Figurs') that he's not cutting it just yet.


I agree.

I Don't !!

He is our BJ Samms getting injured or drunk insurance policy! There is no way he doesn't make the final 53, unless he actually does get injured.

Despite what some of you are saying, I thought he looked pretty good fielding Punts & Kickoffs the other night. He averaged something like 28 yards on kickoffs and 11 and a half on punts. This with one of his punt returns going for -4 thanks to no blocking. I thought he played pretty solid on Special Teams and even got run into once on a Fair Catch.

[B-more Ravor]

When have the Ravens EVER kept an offensive skilled position player and he developed over time into a legit starter...name one:

Travis Taylor...no
Devard Darling...no
Clarence Moore...no
Chris Redman...no
Kyle Boller....no (not to the degree you'd expect from a 1st round pick)

Why would Figurs be any different?

Well, then by that logic, why would Olson be any different?

Again, this isn't an Olson versus Figurs issue. Figurs is making the team no matter what - he's a 3rd round pick. Now, maybe they'll only keep 4 WRs instead of 5 in order to keep another QB, but Figurs won't be the WR that doesn't make the team.


I don't care what Olson did in NFL Europe.

LOL - why?!?!?!? So, since he's done little in camp to show that he belongs and shown little in NFL-E to show that he belongs, you are just going to ignore that because he had one good quarter of PS football?

[Heap86]

I have a gut feeling that Yamon Figurs will make the team, and not on IR.

I think the FO saw how big of a loss B.J. Sams was last year, and how Cory Ross failed to do much of anything in the return game.

Unless he shows something more the rest of the Preseason, I think Figurs will be the #5 reciever and likely inactive most of the season, in a developmental role, much like David Pittman. I would imagine DVD or Moore would be kept as the #4.