UDFA signings

[raven5255]

As of now, we have made only 3 signings, thats 4th lowest in the league with only the Texans, Bills and Raiders with fewer signings. Whats going on? We have a huge need for a nickelback right now and all we have signed is some dude named Cash Mouton. Were going to have to pick up somebody after june 1st cuts because, just about every UDFA corner is gone by now. What does everyone else think?

[Vikefan79]

Hey Raven5255 I would kind of look at that as a good thing. UDFA rookies usually sign with teams where there are alot of holes which gives them a better chance of making the team. They dont sign with teams that are good. Thats why Arizona signed so many. Im sure if you look at the crappier teams in the league you will see they signed the most.

[mic79e]

Raven5255, Which UDFA corners are gone? Has Chris McKenzie signed with a team?

[Swedishraven]

I've hear that the Ravens usually don't have the UDFAs sign an actuall contract untill they come here for rookie camp on friday. So since they haven't actually signed they won't anounce it because there's still a chance that they change their minds. Here's a list i found on another msg board, they're not confirmed and some may be wrong, but i guarantee that we will have more than 3 UDFAs here for camp

Alex Haynes RB 5-10 223 Central Florida
Cash Mouton CB 6-0 193 Louisiana-Monroe
Gary Gibson DT 6-3 285 Rutgers
Jarvis Johnson S 5-11 195 Rutgers
Matt Katula LS 6-5 280 Wisconsin
Matt Sinclair LB 6-2 242 Illinois
Ray Custis S 5-9 188 Maryland
Rhys Lloyd K 5-11 231 Minnesota
Rob Abiamiri TE 6-2 241 Maryland
Taqiy Muhammad CB 5-11 182 South Carolina
Tyler Moore G 6-5 281 Purdue
Tyson Smith LB 6-2 240 Iowa State
Dariun Durant QB 5-11 215 North Carolina
Tommy Manus WR 6-4 222 Morgan State

As for signing the "big name" UDFAs there's usually a good reason why they fell, so getting an unknown kid whith great attitude might be a better bet. Most of these guys never make a team anyway so it takes real determination for them to have a chance. We could still sign a veteran nickel back, plus Deion and/or Dale Carter are still options.

[raven5255]

im pretty sure mckenzie is still availalbe

according to this: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.nflnotes28apr28,1,4468293.story?coll=bal-sports-football

we have signed 17 guys and the list will be released tomorow. theres a chance mckenzie is one of them but i wouldnt bet on it.

[mic79e]

We'll just have to wait and see.

[Swedishraven]

I looked around for some info on Muhammad and found this:
http://uscsports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042705aac.html
Sounds like he's a high character guy...

[raven5255]

nice find, hopefully he or someone else will prove to be a great player and make our team.

[mic79e]

Dedicated, coachable, if he has coverage skills then he might be a nice pick up.

[sp6488]

Coachable is the most important part IMO (other than at least SOME natural ability of course). We dont need a 1 or 2, Deion will probably be the nickel, and if he isnt we will pick up a vet probably, so an UDFA CB needs to be able to come in, practice hard, and learn very very well until he gets hios chance to step on the field

[mic79e]

Whoever are our 4th or 5th corners will get their "chance to step on the field" this year! If Deion's back he won't last the entire season without missing some time; Dale Carter has had injury problems; and both Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister have missed sufficient time over the years, so it is well within the realm of possibility that they could suffer some sort of injuries as well.

This is one of the reasons why no other position was more important than cornerback in terms of adding depth.

[frankmoore]

Here's one of the more complete lists that I've seen:

http://www.gbnreport.com/UFAsignings.html
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[sp6488]