Lamar Jackson

[rossihunter2]

Except the problem is then who in the world is going to be playing DLine next year? If you are telling me the Ravens need to find 3-4 starters in the draft then that tells me it could be a long year.

I said a high pick... didn’t necessarily say it had to be a 1st rounder (although I’d have no problem if it is)

but we’ve got issues all over the defence - 1 draft probably isn’t going to restock that whole side of the ball unless we have a 2017 saints kind of draft

OT, DT, DB probably our 3 biggest needs

we’ve got at least 4 picks in the first 3 rounds and another 5 in the 4th round

I’d be very surprised if we don’t hit all 3 of those positions and probably multiple times

but idk what’s so surprising - we know that we’re gonna have some turnover on defence this offseason whatever happens - that’s completely independent of what we do at tackle

 

[RavensMania]

I said a high pick... didn’t necessarily say it had to be a 1st rounder (although I’d have no problem if it is)

but we’ve got issues all over the defence - 1 draft probably isn’t going to restock that whole side of the ball unless we have a 2017 saints kind of draft

OT, DT, DB probably our 3 biggest needs

we’ve got at least 4 picks in the first 3 rounds and another 5 in the 4th round

I’d be very surprised if we don’t hit all 3 of those positions and probably multiple times

but idk what’s so surprising - we know that we’re gonna have some turnover on defence this offseason whatever happens - that’s completely independent of what we do at tackle

and I'm wondering if we get lucky and Judon's comp pick turns into a 3rd rounder due to performance and playing time.

 

[OURavensFan]

Imagine if Lamar did what Murray just did, he’d be crucified. Ravens fans are so hard on their QBs

 

[rossihunter2]

and I'm wondering if we get lucky and Judon's comp pick turns into a 3rd rounder due to performance and playing time.

It’s certainly possible - I’m expecting a 4 though

 

[RavensMania]

It’s certainly possible - I’m expecting a 4 though

I am also, but will be pleasantly surprised if we get the 3.

 

[Truth]

I said a high pick... didn’t necessarily say it had to be a 1st rounder (although I’d have no problem if it is)

but we’ve got issues all over the defence - 1 draft probably isn’t going to restock that whole side of the ball unless we have a 2017 saints kind of draft

OT, DT, DB probably our 3 biggest needs

we’ve got at least 4 picks in the first 3 rounds and another 5 in the 4th round

I’d be very surprised if we don’t hit all 3 of those positions and probably multiple times

but idk what’s so surprising - we know that we’re gonna have some turnover on defence this offseason whatever happens - that’s completely independent of what we do at tackle

Tackle is very much a potential need. Hopefully we have substantial insight on Stanley's availability by draft time. But if James' health also prevents him from filling in the blanks on his future, we could legitimately be heading into our first selection with needs at both tackle spots. A lot could change before now and then. Perhaps Mekari returns and proves to be someone whom could contend for a starting RT spot next season. But I don't know that I've seen a position group where 5 of the starters and reserves are under contract in 2022 but the situation could end up on either end of the spectrum. It's wild. By the way, shout out to that Saints 2017 class. If Marcus Williams makes the Pro-Bowl, they'll officially have made 4 straight draft picks that were either Pro-Bowlers or All-Pros between Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, Marcus Williams and Alvin Kamara. Arguably one of the best 4Ks of all-time.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

Imagine if Lamar did what Murray just did, he’d be crucified. Ravens fans are so hard on their QBs

What did he do?

 

[QuothTheRaven]

I said a high pick... didn’t necessarily say it had to be a 1st rounder (although I’d have no problem if it is)

but we’ve got issues all over the defence - 1 draft probably isn’t going to restock that whole side of the ball unless we have a 2017 saints kind of draft

OT, DT, DB probably our 3 biggest needs

we’ve got at least 4 picks in the first 3 rounds and another 5 in the 4th round

I’d be very surprised if we don’t hit all 3 of those positions and probably multiple times

but idk what’s so surprising - we know that we’re gonna have some turnover on defence this offseason whatever happens - that’s completely independent of what we do at tackle

I'd be ok with an OT in the first round. In fact it makes a lot of sense to me. Having both Stanely and James come back fine is no guarantee, and even if they do, the new pick can slide in in year 2 when James leaves. If one (or god forbid both) can't go then the cupboard isn't totally bare.

However, I would then probably want 2 or maybe even all 3 of the next 3 picks on the DL. I think my ideal is a falling OT talent in round 2 and get a day one impact player on the DL in the first round.

I'm less convinced that DB is a top need as well - a safety would be nice, but at corner we would ideally still have Humphrey, Peters, Averett and Young, so I'm content to stock that position for depth from round 4 onwards. We also have Clark and Stephens at safety (and Elliott if he's healthy), so while it would be nice to upgrade, it doesn't feel like a pressing need just yet.

 

[rossihunter2]

I'd be ok with an OT in the first round. In fact it makes a lot of sense to me. Having both Stanely and James come back fine is no guarantee, and even if they do, the new pick can slide in in year 2 when James leaves. If one (or god forbid both) can't go then the cupboard isn't totally bare.

However, I would then probably want 2 or maybe even all 3 of the next 3 picks on the DL. I think my ideal is a falling OT talent in round 2 and get a day one impact player on the DL in the first round.

I'm less convinced that DB is a top need as well - a safety would be nice, but at corner we would ideally still have Humphrey, Peters, Averett and Young, so I'm content to stock that position for depth from round 4 onwards. We also have Clark and Stephens at safety (and Elliott if he's healthy), so while it would be nice to upgrade, it doesn't feel like a pressing need just yet.

no way we’re gonna have all 4 of those guys back - best case I think we have 3 of those guys and westry

we’re fairly old now on the backend and lack for young playmakers - would love to add some youth and talent to that group (doesn’t necessarily need to be a high pick though)

 

[rmcjacket23]

I think that’s another reason why you might want to spend a high pick on a tackle because it serves multiple purposes

1) you’ve got better talent to cover for Stanley if he can’t go
2) you’ve got better competition at RT if he can go
3) you’ve got your replacement for James already in the building (if James wins that job)
4) pushes the possibility of Phillips at tackle completely out of the realms of possibility unless disaster strikes - which hopefully means he gets to focus on LG which should hopefully help that competition too

Not suggesting the ravens necessarily reach or anything but would feel like a mistake with all that uncertainty at both LT and RT to only have added a day 3 guy at tackle

We know the ravens (and other successful organisations) look at need beyond just 1 year at a time - even if they’re confident and satisfied with Stanley and James and mekari in 2022, both James and mekari are free agents in 2023

Agree. I just think "high pick" doesn't mean a first rounder. And I think this board will go batshit nuts if a first round pick isn't a Tackle.
No way the Ravens are going to go into the draft thinking they have to take a position instead of a player. That's how you end up with a bad player.

 

[rossihunter2]

Agree. I just think "high pick" doesn't mean a first rounder. And I think this board will go batshit nuts if a first round pick isn't a Tackle.
No way the Ravens are going to go into the draft thinking they have to take a position instead of a player. That's how you end up with a bad player.

you’ve got to have a plan when drafting but definitely shouldn’t restrict yourself by mandating positions and picks

 

[QuothTheRaven]

no way we’re gonna have all 4 of those guys back - best case I think we have 3 of those guys and westry

we’re fairly old now on the backend and lack for young playmakers - would love to add some youth and talent to that group (doesn’t necessarily need to be a high pick though)

Three plus Westry seems realistic and is still a situation where I don't think we need to draft a starter. A corner (or two) in round four seems about right.

Ideally I'm thinking (roughly):
1: DL/OT
2: OT/DL
3: DL, S
4: CB, OL, MLB, DL

But like rmcjacket says, you can't pigeonhole yourself and that has to be flexible based on the board.

 

[rmcjacket23]

I'd be ok with an OT in the first round. In fact it makes a lot of sense to me. Having both Stanely and James come back fine is no guarantee, and even if they do, the new pick can slide in in year 2 when James leaves. If one (or god forbid both) can't go then the cupboard isn't totally bare.

However, I would then probably want 2 or maybe even all 3 of the next 3 picks on the DL. I think my ideal is a falling OT talent in round 2 and get a day one impact player on the DL in the first round.

I'm less convinced that DB is a top need as well - a safety would be nice, but at corner we would ideally still have Humphrey, Peters, Averett and Young, so I'm content to stock that position for depth from round 4 onwards. We also have Clark and Stephens at safety (and Elliott if he's healthy), so while it would be nice to upgrade, it doesn't feel like a pressing need just yet.

One of either Averett, Young or Peters won't be back, and possibly two of them. I also don't think we keep Elliott. Elliott and Averett are going to need market-value contracts, and I don't think they'll be cheap.

My gut says Marlon, Peters and Young come back. Elliott and Averett are gone. If so, Westry as your 4th corner probably isn't ideal, and you (again) would have no depth beyond Stephens and Clark at Safety.

I think we'll be adding a Corner and a Safety in the offseason. Just not sure where and when.

 

[RavensMania]

I'd be ok with an OT in the first round. In fact it makes a lot of sense to me. Having both Stanely and James come back fine is no guarantee, and even if they do, the new pick can slide in in year 2 when James leaves. If one (or god forbid both) can't go then the cupboard isn't totally bare.

However, I would then probably want 2 or maybe even all 3 of the next 3 picks on the DL. I think my ideal is a falling OT talent in round 2 and get a day one impact player on the DL in the first round.

I'm less convinced that DB is a top need as well - a safety would be nice, but at corner we would ideally still have Humphrey, Peters, Averett and Young, so I'm content to stock that position for depth from round 4 onwards. We also have Clark and Stephens at safety (and Elliott if he's healthy), so while it would be nice to upgrade, it doesn't feel like a pressing need just yet.

Averett is a free agent and he is most likely gone.

 

[RavensMania]

Agree. I just think "high pick" doesn't mean a first rounder. And I think this board will go batshit nuts if a first round pick isn't a Tackle.
No way the Ravens are going to go into the draft thinking they have to take a position instead of a player. That's how you end up with a bad player.

I'd be fine with a first round pick DL, but I want the player they choose to be bpa, so I'm amenable to anything actually.

 

[RavensMania]

One of either Averett, Young or Peters won't be back, and possibly two of them. I also don't think we keep Elliott. Elliott and Averett are going to need market-value contracts, and I don't think they'll be cheap.

My gut says Marlon, Peters and Young come back. Elliott and Averett are gone. If so, Westry as your 4th corner probably isn't ideal, and you (again) would have no depth beyond Stephens and Clark at Safety.

I think we'll be adding a Corner and a Safety in the offseason. Just not sure where and when.

not sure Elliott will need market value due to the injuries he has had over the years, but if he does we won't sign him.

 

[QuothTheRaven]

One of either Averett, Young or Peters won't be back, and possibly two of them. I also don't think we keep Elliott. Elliott and Averett are going to need market-value contracts, and I don't think they'll be cheap.

My gut says Marlon, Peters and Young come back. Elliott and Averett are gone. If so, Westry as your 4th corner probably isn't ideal, and you (again) would have no depth beyond Stephens and Clark at Safety.

I think we'll be adding a Corner and a Safety in the offseason. Just not sure where and when.

Given the emphasis the Ravens put on the corner position, I wouldn't rule out retaining all 4. However, I haven't got my head around the cap situation yet and that will of course be the dominant factor in the decision. Round 4 feels like the sweet spot for the Ravens to draft a corner, balancing draft capital and positional need - depending on the quality of the class and how the draft goes.

 

[RavensMania]

Given the emphasis the Ravens put on the corner position, I wouldn't rule out retaining all 4. However, I haven't got my head around the cap situation yet and that will of course be the dominant factor in the decision. Round 4 feels like the sweet spot for the Ravens to draft a corner, balancing draft capital and positional need - depending on the quality of the class and how the draft goes.

Although I don't see them keeping Averett, I do see them drafting a DB, whether that be a CB, S or both and it could be anywhere in the draft. We need youth all over the defense.

 

[QuothTheRaven]

Averett is a free agent and he is most likely gone.

I think the Ravens might make more of an effort to retain him than we expect, given the organisation's emphasis of the position. But money talks so it ultimately might not be possible.

Edit: you covered this as I posted.

 

[RavensMania]

I think the Ravens might make more of an effort to retain him than we expect, given the organisation's emphasis of the position. But money talks so it ultimately might not be possible.

they definitely will try but I believe he will be out of reach due to cap issues. It will depend on what they end up doing with Peters, because we won't keep both and I'd prefer Peters. It will also depend on how much he wants and I believe he will go for more than 10m and probably closer to 12m. I also believe Bozeman will be a priority and he will be the most important free agent we sign this offseason and its going to depend on how Lamar's contract is structured. Will his cap value be more than 23m this season? It will also depend on whether we get back some of the money from the Earl Thomas dispute.