108 replies to this topic

[Super Nomario]

Shit, you and I just aren't seeing eye to eye on football this week. I'm probably just still pissed off by a big lumbering Ravens defense trashing my Pats. And I'd certainly like a pass rusher if we could get one but I'm not yet sold on Margus Hunt and Ansah and anyone else that's likely to be around at 29.

Do you really think the Ravens' D is "big lumbering?" Besides, I thought they shut down the Pats more because they were physical with the Patriots receivers at the LOS rather than because of anything their front seven did.

As to defending the outside run belichick appears to be ok with using Spikes/Hightower/Mayo and I thought they were ok against the run. Perhaps you could change that--I guess you could use Hightower more in the Ninkovich role and bring in a guy like Jelani Jenkins.

 

I wouldn't make major changes in this regard; I'm just pointing out that not only does an unathletic space-eating DT not help the pass D, it doesn't even help the run D in the situations they probably struggled most.

[Shelterdog]

Do you really think the Ravens' D is "big lumbering?" Besides, I thought they shut down the Pats more because they were physical with the Patriots receivers at the LOS rather than because of anything their front seven did.

 

I wouldn't make major changes in this regard; I'm just pointing out that not only does an unathletic space-eating DT not help the pass D, it doesn't even help the run D in the situations they probably struggled most.

 

 

I really do think that, at this point, the Ravens' D is big and lumbering--Lewis and Kruger and Suggs and Pollard just can't move that well and those guys were on the field nonstop.  I agree that being physical at the line helped (although this included LBs being physical at the line). 

 

I also think that a big run stuffing tackle does help with the outside runs.  You still need to block the big guys, they make it hard to get back, and they can make it hard for the offensive to get blockers into the second level, which makes it easier for your linebacker to attack the outside run.  The big bodies in the middle screw up pulls and other elements of a power game as well.  And being stout up the middle is particularly important in the zone read if you opt to not have your ends crash.   

 

Of course this is all tangential--I certainly think it's rational for someone to believe that a DT as a need beneath another pass rusher, a slot receiver to replace Welker, a hard hitting safety, a true split end or some corners who can cover.  Just looking at the draft and the team I think this is a good opportunity.

Edited by Shelterdog, 25 January 2013 - 04:55 PM.

[Super Nomario]

I really do think that, at this point, the Ravens' D is big and lumbering--Lewis and Kruger and Suggs and Pollard just can't move that well and those guys were on the field nonstop.  I agree that being physical at the line helped (although this included LBs being physical at the line). 

I'd be thrilled to add a Kruger or a Suggs in the draft, if that's who you're talking about. I thought you were suggesting adding a Kemoeatu or Arthur Jones or Terrence Cody, which doesn't solve any of the team's problems.

I also think that a big run stuffing tackle does help with the outside runs.  You still need to block the big guys, they make it hard to get back, and they can make it hard for the offensive to get blockers into the second level, which makes it easier for your linebacker to attack the outside run.  The big bodies in the middle screw up pulls and other elements of a power game as well.  And being stout up the middle is particularly important in the zone read if you opt to not have your ends crash.   

OK, that's fair.

[Shelterdog]

I'd be thrilled to add a Kruger or a Suggs in the draft, if that's who you're talking about. I thought you were suggesting adding a Kemoeatu or Arthur Jones or Terrence Cody, which doesn't solve any of the team's problems.

OK, that's fair.

 

 

If I could be sure to get a Kruger quality guy at 29 I'd make that pick in a second.  I think what's more likely is that there's no sure thing at DE, a guy like John Jenkins slides, he's the BPA, you pick him up late, and voila, you've got another Red Bryant.  Essentially I think you're merging your number four short term (and a fairly high long term) need with a deep position.

Edited by Shelterdog, 25 January 2013 - 09:18 PM.

[Super Nomario]

If I could be sure to get a Kruger quality guy at 29 I'd make that pick in a second.  I think what's more likely is that there's no sure thing at DE, a guy like John Jenkins slides, he's the BPA, you pick him up late, and voila, you've got another Red Bryant.  Essentially I think you're merging your number four short term (and a fairly high long term) need with a deep position.

If one of those guys grades out as a potential Wilfork replacement, that's tough to pass up at 29. But it will still drive me crazy next season if the D-line stuffs every run up the middle for 2 yards but tight ends can run digs and seam routes for 15 yards seemingly at will.

 

EDIT:

The other thing I dislike about this approach is it doesn't save any money. Neither Love nor Deaderick makes a lot of money, and neither would be a cut candidate if you got Jenkins (or similar). On the other hand, if you draft Tavon Austin, you can re-sign Edelman and save a lot of money relative to re-signing Welker. Or you can draft D.J. Fluker, have him compete with Cannon for the RT spot, and spend the money you would have spent on Vollmer elsewhere.

Edited by Super Nomario, 26 January 2013 - 02:59 PM.

[SeoulSoxFan]

I'm leaning towards drafting a CB with the #1, not trading it back. Just getting into the different possibilities, but Xavier Rhodes sure would fit the bill behind Talib, Dennard, and Arrington (as slot):

 

http://www.footballo...b-xavier-rhodes

 

Fascinating breakdown, which includes these boners: 

 

Rhodes is a promising player because he plays smaller than his size -- this is one of the few instances where this characterization is a compliment. At 6-foot-1, 217 pounds, Rhodes is an inch taller and two pounds lighter than former LSU star and Cardinals rising stud, Patrick Peterson.

 

What I have seen from Rhodes is the skill to develop into an excellent press corner in addition to a player who already demonstrates skill with trail, off-man, and zone coverage. Milliner is a better player at this stage of the trio’s careers, but Rhodes’ chances of developing into a special cornerback is the highest of the three.

 

Rhodes is an aggressive press corner with quick hands, fluid hips, recovery speed, and the athleticism to finish plays with the ball in the air.

 

So an already versatile CB with size, a hard tackler and a quicker closing speed than someone like Amerson (CB/S hybrid). 

 

I'm confident in the front-seven, and plenty of potential to get better. McD at safety puts it at a lower priority than corners. I also don't buy into this "stretch" piece being a huge need -- Pats had no problem moving from 20-20. No Gronk killed the Pats in the AFCGG and in the red zone. Austin is a luxury. 

 

Corner has to be the pick at #1, whether it be Rhodes or even a project like Amerson (who could fall to 2nd/3rd). 

[SeoulSoxFan]

 

The dude has a mean streak and hell, he looks back towards the ball once in a while.

[phragle]

I haven't done much work on Rhodes yet, but in general highlight videos are a bad way to develop an opinion of a player. Draft Breakdown has a great selection of videos.

 

Rhodes vs USF & Miami 2012

 

Rhodes vs WF & Clemson 2012

 

Rhodes vs Notre Dame 2011

 

I also like to hold off until the combine (2/20) to take a hard stance on cornerbacks. Athleticism is probably more important to a cornerback than any other position because it's so reactive and less proactive.

[shoosh77]

Any chance Ezekiel Ansah lasts now?