The Baltimore Ravens made one of the big splashes of the off-season by trading for WR Anquan Boldin, sending a clear sign that they are serious about strengthening a position of weakness. The feeling around the league is that for Joe Flacco to take the next steps in his ascension to an elite NFL QB, he needs to be surrounded by bigger and better weapons on offense. Add Boldin and the previously signed Donte Stallworth and you have steps in the right direction. But are the Ravens done upgrading the receiver corps? What impact does Boldin presence have on the fate of Derrick Mason? And what other moves will the Ravens try to make via free agency or trade to fill holes or acquire depth at certain positions?
Derrick Mason
As productive as Mason has been during his 5 years in Baltimore, he has been just as emotional and non-committal about his future in purple and black. Mason almost retired prior to last season and he has leaked comments that indicate he could easily see himself playing elsewhere next year. The problem for Mason is that he is a 36 year old possession receiver who does not have a strong market for his services. In fact, the best market for him has soften with the acquisition of Boldin. I think the Ravens want to bring Mason back, but the money they might have been willing to pay him has decreased, and it is rumored that the Ravens and Mason are not real close in terms of contract numbers.
It seems that most Ravens fans would like to see Mason back nest year. The thought being that Boldin/Mason is a better combo than Boldin/Clayton. Plus the Ravens two new receivers have an injury history that suggests the team needs depth at the position. The questions that loom for the Ravens are: Will Mason be happy with less money and with being the complimentary receiver to the Ravens new #1? And would it be better for the development of Flacco to not have the safety net of Mason? Maybe a new set of receivers forces Flacco to not lock in on his favorite target when a big play is needed. I suspect that whether Mason is re-signed or not, the Ravens will be drafting a WR in the upcoming draft.
Jared Gaither
The Ravens surprised many by only giving Jared Gaither a first round tender, rather than a high tender of 1st and 3rd round compensation. It has led some to speculate that the Ravens are interested in trading Gaither, or at least finding out what league interest is for the oft maligned tackle. Gaither is obviously a specimen, but there are questions about his willingness to work hard to become a pro-bowl level player and his maturity has been an ongoing issue. I do not expect the Ravens to move Gaither, mainly because I don’t see other teams willing to part with a 1st round pick. I also don’t see the Ravens giving him a big contract to keep him from being a free agent. If Gaither has not worked hard when he was not being paidwell, imagine what will happen if he is paid well. Could be the last go ’round for Gaither in Baltimore.
Marlin Jackson
Speaking of injury history, Marlin Jackson has had his last 2 years ended by ACL injuries. The Ravens seem to be interested in this talented and versatile defensive back despite the injury history. Jackson is reportedly visiting the Ravens on Tuesday and if medical records/exams go well he could receive an offer from the club. ACL injuries can be overcome, but 2 in 2 years suggest he needs some bionic implants to keep it from happening again. Plus, if the Ravens sign Jackson they could have 3 corners in camp that are coming off major knee surgery. But, Jackson could come relatively cheaply and could add good depth to a thin position. Plus, he could be an upgrade should he stay healthy all year.
Defensive Line
The Ravens have already lost one free agent defensive lineman in Justin Bannan. Dwan Edwards is currently on the open market and drawing interest. I think there is a likely-hood that the Ravens re-sign Edwards, but if they lose him would the club try and sign a lineman to fill at least one of the holes created? The good thing for the Ravens is that guys like Tyler Brayton and Reggie Hayward have been released by their clubs already, so there are some available replacements. Also, the draft is heavy on talented interior lineman. The Raven seem to have options should they find themselves with a thin d0line group.
Tight End
This is another position where the Ravens are dangerously thin. They were fortunate to have Todd Heap healthy for all of 2009. That is not likely to happen again, and after Heap there is not much talent. Davon Drew could find his way onto the roster if he puts in the work to improve an get in shape. The problem for the Ravens is that unless Drew steps up, they have a need for both Todd Heap’s replacement and for a blocking TE. It was rumored that the club pursued Brandon Manumaleuna but came up empty. I would look for the Ravens to sign a TE in free agency and also draft one as well.
What should/will the Ravens do next?
Marlin Jackson was on his way to becoming a great cornerback before his injuries began. He has all the physical skills one can ask for and has the talent to back up his former #1 round status. He is certainly better than Fabian Washington, who was good enough to start for the Ravens in 08. If he is healthy he would be an absolute steal, and could settle in as a solid #2 cornerback on any team.
As for defensive end, what about Adewale Ogunleye? I know he's 33 but he can still start and would probably improve the line.
Now that some attention has been given to the WR issue, I think the second most pressing need is a pass rusher. Be it the hybrid style LB the Ravens go after or a true rushing end, the Ravens need to take a good hard look here next. Suggs is getting Dwight Freeney type money and aside from his first two seasons, has not been getting to the QB the way I hoped he would. I realize he's not a true lineman, but when he comes into the league with 10 and 12 sacks his first two years, especially as young as he was, I had really high hopes for him as a pass rusher. I've heard the arguments that he catches all the double teams and the chips, I believe it, but that's why they need to get another guy to go after the QB.
Oh, and the need to re-sign Edwards. If he signs elsewhere then the DL becomes thin.
Mark,
Seems like pass rusher and DB's are 1 and 1A in terms of need. Forgot that both Webb and Fabian were both coming off major knee surgeries. I really felt that early on, the lack of a pass rush was affecting the Dbacks play. But you're right, a definite area of concern is the DBs given the injury factor.
Again, I've stated my opinions on Harbaugh and the lack of general knowledge of area football fans (BSR members NOT included). I listen to talk radio almost all day long and the fans are convinced that this Boldin signing is the final step to the Super Bowl. A 9-7 team, 1-6 against the playoff teams, is just ONE player away from dominating the league if you listen to the chucklhead fans. Harbs is on a slippery slope with them and sometimes when that snowball starts downhill, it's tough to stop it.
BSR members and true football fans realize that this team is more than a few players away from NFL domination. A rush end, some DB help, some depth at LB, and a TE are all going to need to be addressed if this team is to truly contend.
Again, this is not to say that I do not think the Ravens have improved themselves. I think they have, but there are still a few other ingredients needed.
I don't think they should re-sign Edwards unless they can't get someone better for the line. Van den Bosch or Kampmann would have been good pickups. Do you put Jarret Johnson as a down lineman and put Ray Ray, Jemal McClain and Paul Kruger (If he gets out of Harbaughs stupid doghouse) at LB?
With Webb and F. Washington both recovering from ACL tears, I gotta believe CB has moved way up on the list of needs for this team.
I believe Mason will eventually do exactly what Ray Lewis did last year and come back on the Ravens terms.
Suggs better get his ass in shape and start earning that ridiculous contract Ozzie gave him. Even if he does, I agree with STG that improving the pass rush is another big need.
I'll say it now that Kruger was a huge reach and will not live up to this 2nd round status. His medical condition (1 kidney) was a huge red flag and I'm not sure why the Ravens medical personnel signed off on drafting him that high.
Re-sign Mason, sign a vet CB, draft a pass rusher, and draft a WR.
Serious business, I read somewhere where they were talking about Javon Kearse. Javon Kearse…Do you know why? He was an Eagle. Harbs knows him. What a pick up he would be!!!???
Heck, since thats the case, Bill Bergey was an Eagle, get him…
Edwards is a very solid player. Vandenbosch got 10 million guaranteed from the Lions. Kampman is 31 and coming off ACL surgery.
You keep everyone where they are try to re-sign Edwards. Kruger at LB? They want him to bulk up to play DE, not play LB.
A few days ago, it looked like Edwards was gone. Visits to Denver and Seattle, you figured one of these two teams would scoop him up, what happened? I read today where it looks like he'll be back with the Ravens. I didn't really think these guys got "interviewed", not once they were in the league.
A year or so ago, I thought the Ravens were set at the LB position. Ellerbee, Gooden, and McClain have all proven to be servicable LBs, but not quite up to the standards Ravens fans have become accustomed to. Kruegar can't get out of Johnny Boy's doghouse and reminds me of Dan Cody, another draft bust that couldn't get on the field either, albeit for injury reasons.
Can you envision a complete turnover of the Ravens fortunes where the offense with Rice, Boldin, Stallworth, get the Ravens the playmakers they've so desperately needed for years and the defense with Jeff Foxworthy, Chris Carr, undrafted Ellerbee, et al taking the defense back a few notches? How much would that hurt?!?
Edwards has spinal fusion surgery a few years ago that is worrying other teams.
That's his issue.
Kruger can't get out of the dog house because he's not good enough.
As Ravens fans we need to get used to more balance on both sides of the ball. That means you aren't gonna have pro bowl talent at every defensive position.
I think there are some solid TE in the draft this year so the Ravens should look at at drafting one and not bringing one in through free agency.
Defensive line needs to be some new blood, LB's and DB's. This defense scares me because all the studs are getting old and nobody new is stepping up besides Ngata. To me the DB's need serious help, we need a pash rusher, maybe the LB's can hang on for one more year so the other areas can be addressed.
Would be nice if they signed Mason for one more year too. The O would be set pretty nice if they could bring him back and draft a young TE.
Also saw where STG brought up our buddy Harbs again (Javon Kearse). Dude, give it a rest, we know you don't like the guy. But you should give him the same courtesy you thought your guy deserved. If you want to take out Joe Lunchbox for making a stupid comment on talk radio, call in and give it to him. The organization makes choices on draft selectees and free agents. I don't think Oz is a rubber stamp that does whatever the coach says.
Pole,
You're right. Let them go after 34 year old Kearse, who dogged it so bad last year that Fisher benched him after like 4 or 5 games.
If they go after Kearse lik you said, I will start to believe that Hardballs has more push than I thought. I don't think it will happen. If they don't go after Kearse, will you shut your mouth on this topic?!?
Sure, I'll never mention Kearse again.
Look, I think I can just drop the whole Harbaugh thing anyway. As I mentioned in a post somewhere on this blog, he and Joe Flacco are both on the hot seat this season. The great unwashed mob is convinced that Boldin was the final piece to the Super Bowl puzzle fresh off their stellar 9-7 season that was "so close to the Super Bowl".
DB's? Rush end? TE? Don't need 'em. Joe Lunchbox will tell you, "they was soo close lass year, if we'd had Boldin lass year, we'd won da damn thing"
I actually feel bad for Flacco and Harbaugh, well mostly Flacco. The bar is unbelievable high going into next season and another 9-7 aint going to cut it.