Random Ravens Thoughts Thread

wackywabbit · Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 3852

Even though Cary Williams and Paul Kruger play more important positions, I think Ellerbe is our most important defensive free agent to retain. I know some of you guys weren't convinced with a few nice games he had early in a contract year, and I know the coaches like McClain for some reason, but it's not hard to see how much our defense struggled in the 3 games he missed, and how much better it looked with him there. Now, a lot of that has to do with how little depth we have at ILB, but that's more a reason to retain him.

I would rank the 3 key defensive (first-time) UFAs as:

1. Dannell Ellerbe
2. Paul Kruger
3. Cary Williams

diamondbull424 · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 10017 Location: Baltimore, MD

draftguru1234 · Joined: 09 Feb 2011 Posts: 546

I like Ellerbe as well, but when he is your best ILB, you have to address the position. He wont be expensive, so I really don't see him going anywhere. Even if we address ILB in the off-season, hes an excellent player to keep around for depth.

But I think Williams is by far the most critical player to bring back. That or, you have a sign another solid CB from FA. I know this guy gets a lot of hate from Raven fans, and deservedly so, but hes also shown plenty flashes of brilliance. Who knows if we see the same Webb again, and there is no telling if Smith develops in to the player we want.

RavensTillIDie · Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject:

Ah, thanks guys. If you were wondering, the reason I asked about him was for a GM Mock draft I'm a part of. Was just curious why he was so low on their depth chart given how well he had performed against us.
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GaTechRavens · Joined: 25 Nov 2006 Posts: 15565 Location: Knoxville, TN

DontTazeMeBro · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 20516 Location: 321

Lomas Brown giving us respect!

He'll probably get fired.
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DontTazeMeBro · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 20516 Location: 321

So Chip Kelly is in the division. That's interesting. At least for the time being with Cleveland's roster I'm not concerned.
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ravens_rool28 · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 9:05 pm Post subject:

SnA ExclusiVe · Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Posts: 10607 Location: Spokane, WA

coordinator0 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 5873

Meh, I think you're really overestimating the defenses in college. The athleticism on a defense in the NFL is a lot better than you would find just about anywhere in the NCAA. Given Cleveland's current personnel I wouldn't be too worried about Kelly running an effective version of his offense any time soon. I'm interested to see what happens and I think an offense running at hyper-speed can work but it's going to take some time to implement.

janky · Joined: 08 Oct 2011 Posts: 378 Location: Bird land

Not sure if its been discussed, but is there any chance we draft Manti Te'o. Maybe do a Falcons/Redskins type of deal and sell out to get a great player. IMO Te'o is easily worth a couple of draft picks. I think he's a once in a generation kind of player and has obvious superstar potential, much like RG3. I'm dreaming but, does Ozzie make a blockbuster like that? Or just too good to be true.
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FLACCO NATION -- XLVII ChampS
..where you at Matt Ryan?

DontTazeMeBro · Joined: 20 Jan 2008 Posts: 20516 Location: 321

I like Te'o. But I think he's a tad overrated and I wouldn't move for him.
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janky · Joined: 08 Oct 2011 Posts: 378 Location: Bird land

Chip Kelly is interesting, but I don't think anything special and it's still the Browns. I don't see him doing anything with that offense, or the franchise really. Maybe in the future with some players, but that's not anytime soon. Harbaugh still runs this division Cool

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FLACCO NATION -- XLVII ChampS
..where you at Matt Ryan?

diamondbull424 · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 10017 Location: Baltimore, MD

I can't say I'm not interested in what impact he'll have in Cleveland, but the history for college head coaches transitioning to the pro level just isn't there for me to be too concerned. That said, he doesn't seem to be one of those control freak types.. And like Seattle his roster is young and likely more willing to here his message.

I think the key will be can he do more than simply run his system, but can he be aggressive enough in his moves to quickly bring in talent and can he develop talent- like Pete Caroll to be effective at coaching at this level. Also important is can he face losing and adversity because there's going to be losses in Cleveland- Caroll was able to keep his teams spirits high after the downs and just keep digging.
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Blind arrogance sows the field of it's own destruction. - Commander Greil, Fire Emblem

ravens_rool28 · Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 11:51 pm Post subject:

Ayo DB, you don't mind if I use that sig, do you?
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