2018 Free Agency

[RavensFan419]

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/tight-end/

Thank you Tyler Eifert and Jimmy Graham are the only two players that pop out at me wouldn’t mind having either of them besides Eiferts injury concerns we don’t need another TE like that but we may be able to get Ben back fairly cheap and draft someone young

 

[Deebo813]

why not?

if we make moves in Fa then i dnt mind. I feel like our oline isnt bad. We have players thats coming off injuries who can play.

 

[allblackraven]

Thank you Tyler Eifert and Jimmy Graham are the only two players that pop out at me wouldn’t mind having either of them besides Eiferts injury concerns we don’t need another TE like that but we may be able to get Ben back fairly cheap and draft someone young

Yeah, Eifert is never healthy. I think Jimmy Graham will be too expensive for us, considering the position he plays.

 

[TheCity5]

Lewis coming back from injury and wasnt that impressive at guard in 2016, Hurst is likely playing on another team next year given that he's shown starter level play at guard (hopefully he gets us a comp pick) and skura is fine but not a boon to the offence (more a lack of a negative) - and while we have had a better run blocking game for the first time in a while a lot of it is coming from greg roman's system - he's using pulling guards (even 1 gap pulls) and a lot of tight ends blocking across the line and getting hats into the 2nd level

and if nelson is there late in the 1st (he'll be long gone by then) we would spr int to the podium - as always we go BPA and there arent many prospects better than nelson in this draft - not getting a wr in round 1 does not preclude you getting one in round 2 or free agency - i have no problem not going guard in round 1 but if nelson is there we take him no questions - and if pryce is there and the best player then you get him - same goes for hernandez (havent watched any film of his yet)

I don't think Hurst get's a big pay day by anyone. Why would anyone pay someone who isn't a starting caliber LT/RT and only a guard who while solid isn't special? I don't think we even have a slight chance at a comp pick when it comes to him. I think he stays at a decent price.

Matt Skura, yes, Matt Skura is a very important player to this offense. As soon as they replace Eluemanour with him, things have progressed so much better for this offense. He has been a big reason why we have seen dramatic improvements from them overall. I think him using pulls has a lot to do from the fact that Hurst and Skura excel in that regard. A lot of our most successful runs come from Skura/Hurst pulling into the outside run. It even plays into Alex Collins and Buck Allen strengths who move well in space and excel on outside runs.

I don't think blocking TEs have also been a reason why they've done solid as well. Protection varies from who your opponent is and where they feel the need to slide protection to. Stanley can more then hold his own in pass protection but Howard has been a bit of a liability in that aspect, I have seen plenty of chip blocks and added protection on that side. I don't think Skura and Hurst are alone in that aspect.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

JuJu being out does not even out Jimmy's loss. Not even close. A player like Jimmy allows the Ravens to play cover 1 or even rotate safeties around the field in coverage. He allows you to be very aggressive which goes in hand with why our pass rush has declined. JuJu is a good player but he's not as impactful as Jimmy.

Pitta contract was a bad idea but the Wright contract was set-up so it could be easy to get out of, it has hardly hurt us. I really can't say I agree with the criticism on the Rice deal, they had no idea of what was going to happen and at the time Ray was premier 2000 yard from scrimmage back at the age of 26 when he signed him deal, that's hardly old even for a running back.

Dude once again jimmy doesn't take away any No.1 WRs or lock down half the field. That's not what coaches ask of him. People with all22 have already confirmed it. And to say a game breaker receiver doesn't have the impact of jimmy smith is not even close is being biased. He is a game breaker receiver and will eventually be recognized as one of the best in the game. He doesn't have that name recognition yet of pro bowl receivers. But coordinators and defenses fear him and know what he will do if not respected. I said b4 the draft I would be happy if he was picked at 16. And he would justify the pack. And I woulda preferred him over Humphrey.

As for the Rice contract he turned 27 b4 the season of the beginning of the contract. And he was visibly slowing down. Not to mention his negative coming outa college was his mileage and workload. It was something like 300 carries a year for several seasons. Then he was a workhorse 2008-2012. That combined with the evidence he was slowing down and only a true moron of a GM would of given him a top dollar long contract at that juncture. He would be delusional to think he was gonna produce at his best until he could be cut without cap consequences. Most workhorse running backs are a shell by 28 yrs old.1 If he was franchised there isn't a chance he gets anything close to that contract following the 2013 season where he nearly averaged under 3 yards a carry. Nobody signed after he KO'd his gf cuz he was no longer a reward for taking on drama. If he was in his prime he woulda landed on an NFL team. The ravens have a big contract to a shell of a running back.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

I don't think Hurst get's a big pay day by anyone. Why would anyone pay someone who isn't a starting caliber LT/RT and only a guard who while solid isn't special? I don't think we even have a slight chance at a comp pick when it comes to him. I think he stays at a decent price.

Matt Skura, yes, Matt Skura is a very important player to this offense. As soon as they replace Eluemanour with him, things have progressed so much better for this offense. He has been a big reason why we have seen dramatic improvements from them overall. I think him using pulls has a lot to do from the fact that Hurst and Skura excel in that regard. A lot of our most successful runs come from Skura/Hurst pulling into the outside run. It even plays into Alex Collins and Buck Allen strengths who move well in space and excel on outside runs.

I don't think blocking TEs have also been a reason why they've done solid as well. Protection varies from who your opponent is and where they feel the need to slide protection to. Stanley can more then hold his own in pass protection but Howard has been a bit of a liability in that aspect, I have seen plenty of chip blocks and added protection on that side. I don't think Skura and Hurst are alone in that aspect.

Eluemunor is very raw and wasn't ready for a complex scheme that mixed up combo blocks and chip block assignments. Hurst may get the least amount of help than any player along the OLine except for Jensen. Hurst has bulked up and is a very solid guard. However his added weight and bulk has further hurt his movement skills at tackle. But he is now a very functional guard that doesn't get pushed by bullrushers very often. And he has enough athleticism with long arms to control most interior penetrators. Rossi I believe is on to something there. Hurst is a very solid ascending guard. And could very well fetch a comp.

 

[JAAM]

Who could we realistically afford between Landry and Robinson?

 

[allblackraven]

Who could we realistically afford between Landry and Robinson?

Realistically, neither.

 

[RavensMania]

Thank you Tyler Eifert and Jimmy Graham are the only two players that pop out at me wouldn’t mind having either of them besides Eiferts injury concerns we don’t need another TE like that but we may be able to get Ben back fairly cheap and draft someone young

ASJ has had a decent year considering who is throwing him the ball. He also should be reasonable.

 

[balfan23]

Tony Jefferson

You think Landry and Jefferson are on the same level in terms of the bidding competition that we'd face? I'm under the impression that Landry will be pursued far more aggressively than Jefferson was. Hope Im wrong I'd love to have him.

 

[balfan23]

I said bellichick is a moron letting him go. He is gonna be the best QB in the league for a long time!! He is as good as Brady. Yes I'm saying that!! Cleveland was interested but pats weren't trading him to afc team. Bellichick knows he is good but probably doesn't expect him to be the best after Brady retires.

It may not matter. Depending on the terms of the Faustian pact Belichick signed with Lucifer, he may just draft the next GOAT QB in round 5 of the 2019 draft.

 

[RavensFan419]

I didn’t realize Devante Parker was a FA I’d for sure take him if he’s cheaper and a guy like Pryor could come cheap he has under performed but he could come cheap

 

[JAAM]

I didn’t realize Devante Parker was a FA I’d for sure take him if he’s cheaper and a guy like Pryor could come cheap he has under performed but he could come cheap

No way they're letting him go over Landry. He has way too much potential.

 

[JAAM]

Realistically, neither.

True, but Ozzie always makes it work.

 

[Sledge Hammer]

I didn’t realize Devante Parker was a FA I’d for sure take him if he’s cheaper and a guy like Pryor could come cheap he has under performed but he could come cheap

Adams is a free agent not Parker. And I don't want Adams. He is overvalued and inconsistent even with Aaron Rodgers. I would prefer a less productive WR but more skill and potential that played with a bad QB on a bad team. Who will also come far cheaper. I would prefer rashard Higgins if he ever hits the practice squad again over Adams. Or trade for a Demarcus Robinson or Malcolm Mitchell who are really good but buried on deep WR units Coming off injury management could afford Robinson if it really wanted to.

On a side note. Brandon Lafell is 30 now. But he has a complete skill set yet was so undervalued and underrated!! He is 6'3 216 yet so silky smooth, sudden and very coordinated in his routes. Very good play speed. Good elusiveness and run strength after the catch. And has size and athleticism attacking the football. He was wasted on Carolina with a QB that taken advantage of route running wasn't his strength. He put together a nice string of games with the patriots where he was as impressive as any receiver Brady was throwing to. But ultimately he fell out of favor cuz of a couple nagging injuries and he wasn't coached up as a patriot. and wasn't quite as proficient reading and reacting in the patriots complex scheme. But was pretty good and caught on ok for coming from the panthers little league scheme. Then he was exiled to Andy island in cinci. Yet played some standout games!! However he is 30 now and wouldn't be interested in having him on the ravens as the big WR acquisition. But if he woulda played for a well coached offense with a good QB. There's a good chance he could of been a household name. A very good pick up at time patriots signed him and woulda been a good pick up after he was let go. But he is 30 now and would only be a temporary competent receiver. As opposed to the receiver that can put the offense over:

 

[JAAM]

Adams is a free agent not Parker. And I don't want Adams. He is overvalued and inconsistent even with Aaron Rodgers. I would prefer a less productive WR but more skill and potential that played with a bad QB on a bad team. Who will also come far cheaper. I would prefer rashard Higgins if he ever hits the practice squad again over Adams. Or trade for a Demarcus Robinson or Malcolm Mitchell who are really good but buried on deep WR units Coming off injury management could afford Robinson if it really wanted to.

On a side note. Brandon Lafell is 30 now. But he has a complete skill set yet was so undervalued and underrated!! He is 6'3 216 yet so silky smooth, sudden and coordinated in his routes. Very good play speed. Good elusiveness and run strength after the catch. And has size and athleticism attacking the football. He was wasted on Carolina with a QB that taken advantage of route running wasn't his strength. He put together a nice string of games with the patriots where he was as impressive as any receiver Brady was throwing to. But ultimately he fell out of favor cuz of a couple nagging injuries and he wasn't coached up and quite as proficient in the patriots scheme. But was pretty good for coming from the panthers little league scheme. Then he was exiled to Andy island in cinci. However he is 30 now and wouldn't be interested in having him on the ravens as the big WR acquisition. But if he woulda played for a well coached offense with a good QB. There's a good chance he could of been a household name. A very good pick at time patriots signed him and after he was let go. But he is 30 now and only be a temporary competent receiver. As opposed to the receiver that can put the offense over:

But do you think Marqise Lee could be a star in Baltimore?

 

[29BmoreBird22]

You think Landry and Jefferson are on the same level in terms of the bidding competition that we'd face? I'm under the impression that Landry will be pursued far more aggressively than Jefferson was. Hope Im wrong I'd love to have him.

I think Jefferson was a very highly sought after safety. Landry will command more, but in terms of sought after-ness, Landry will be comparable in my mind.

 

[rossihunter2]

I think Jefferson was a very highly sought after safety. Landry will command more, but in terms of sought after-ness, Landry will be comparable in my mind.

important addendum to the jefferson thing is that he came here for less money than he was offered elsewhere - landry might do that because he was a ravens fan but i dont see that happening with any other player

 

[Sledge Hammer]

But do you think Marqise Lee could be a star in Baltimore?

Yep!! Flacco is better than Bortles and he would probably really like working with a great route runner with ball skills in his prime at peak of his powers.

 

[TheCity5]

Dude once again jimmy doesn't take away any No.1 WRs or lock down half the field. That's not what coaches ask of him. People with all22 have already confirmed it. And to say a game breaker receiver doesn't have the impact of jimmy smith is not even close is being biased. He is a game breaker receiver and will eventually be recognized as one of the best in the game. He doesn't have that name recognition yet of pro bowl receivers. But coordinators and defenses fear him and know what he will do if not respected. I said b4 the draft I would be happy if he was picked at 16. And he would justify the pack. And I woulda preferred him over Humphrey.

As for the Rice contract he turned 27 b4 the season of the beginning of the contract. And he was visibly slowing down. Not to mention his negative coming outa college was his mileage and workload. It was something like 300 carries a year for several seasons. Then he was a workhorse 2008-2012. That combined with the evidence he was slowing down and only a true moron of a GM would of given him a top dollar long contract at that juncture. He would be delusional to think he was gonna produce at his best until he could be cut without cap consequences. Most workhorse running backs are a shell by 28 yrs old.1 If he was franchised there isn't a chance he gets anything close to that contract following the 2013 season where he nearly averaged under 3 yards a carry. Nobody signed after he KO'd his gf cuz he was no longer a reward for taking on drama. If he was in his prime he woulda landed on an NFL team. The ravens have a big contract to a shell of a running back.

I didn't say he shadows No.1 receivers, besides many of the top CBs in the game don't even shadow. Also if you want reference for how important Jimmy is in terms of No.1 receivers look at his performance against Antonio Brown. Since 2014, In games that Jimmy plays Brown logs in 90 Yards/0TDs, 42 Yards/0 TDs, 61 Yards/0 TDs, 85 Yards/1TD, & 34 Yards/ 0TDs. On the other hand when Jimmy is out you see in insane jump in production in which is record 144 Yards/1TDs, 117 Yards/0TDs(Playoffs), 96 Yards/1TD, and 213 Yards/0TDs. Not even once when Jimmy is in the line up has Antonio Brown recorded a 100 game.

When Brown was struggling with success a while ago against the Ravens he said in an interview that the reason why he doesn't get the best of the Ravens in their match up is he because of Jimmy Smith. He pointed out just how well of a job he does in coverage against him. The numbers and his testament speak for themselves. If Jimmy is in the game week 14 there is no way he records 200 yards, even if JuJu is there I'm fairly confident we walk out of Pittsburgh with the win considering that Humphrey's preformed exceptionally that game in his own regard.

In regards to Rice, he is 30 right now, turning 31, so how would he be 27 at the beginning of the season in the year 2012? He was 25 when he signed his deal, it's just nonsense to expect him to burn out at that age, even with the work load. You say there was evidence of him slowing down but remember, he signed his deal post 2012 in which he was coming off 2,000 yards from scrimmage season in which he posted career highs in rushing/receiving yards and touchdowns. There was no evidence of him slowing down and even the eye-test will tell you that.