Samari Rolle will be moved to nickel

by Arichmix on Jun 28, 2008 9:33 PM EDT

The Ravens will move starting cornerback Samari Rolle inside as a nickel back on passing situations, according to Rolle. He will continue to be the starter in base defense, but the Ravens feel more comfortable moving him inside this year because of several free agent additions. It's a good move for the Ravens because Rolle will easily match up with any No. 3 receiver or H-back.

Link

What do you guys think of this move? Samari is one of my favorite players in the NFL, but I suppose it's time for a change because he hasn't really done too well recently. He may be a pretty good fit at nickel because while he doesn't have the speed he used to that made him a great starting corner, playing nickel may be good for him because he still has good ball instincts so he can rack up the deflections and interceptions. Hopefully, Fabian Washington can put the talent he has to work and be a solid starting corner next to CMac.

The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!

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Samari Rolle...

...seemed to play much better last season (when he was healthy) than he did in 2006. However, his size and closing speed has declined and he just plays so far off the ball that he give up the short pass every time. Hopefully, Fabian Washington will become the CB the Raiders expected when they drafted him in the first round a couple of years ago. If so, that would certainly help our depth in the secondary, as the reserves were HORRIBLE last year. Thanks for the post.

Rexx

by Rexx on Jul 2, 2008 11:43 AM EDT reply actions

He's good, but losing speed.

I think that Rolle still has the ball skills and awarness of an elite corner, but he is slowing down. I think that this move is natural since you need less speed on the inside. In fact, I’d take it a step further. I think that Rex Ryan may favor starting Washington on the outside as the season progresses.

by BAL_Hawk on Jul 3, 2008 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

Agreed

Fabin gets a chance to learn from 2 of the best CB this in the last decade. I believe he will start against a team who has two fast recerivers like cleveland. Fabin is only a year removed from having a 4 pick season. He has the talent and know has the mentors

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Jul 3, 2008 4:55 PM EDT reply actions

no i dont think he will

samari is still a better cover corner than fabian, he might get beaten deep, but he can still shut down a WR ON A GOOD DAY. fabian will have at least 4 or 5 sacks in my opinion, they will use him in that scary nickel blitz that they do wit corey ivy, and fabian is quicker, so he should get there alot faster. just hope he can actually tackle the quarterback. fabian is maybe in the top 3 nickel corner backs in the nfl still

by RAVEN'SD#1 on Jul 10, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

Ok

Samari Rolle is still a good corner but his shuting down days are over. He is really starting to slow down and has also been diagnosed with epilepsy. Fabian Washington has the potenial to be a shut down corner. Samsri may start off the season the start, but by week 4, he will be the permanet nickel.

FEAR THE NEVERMORE DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Benji5203 on Jul 10, 2008 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

i agreed, but

i agree that fabian has the potential, but he need to start to shut down people, or he will just be another first round bust, if he shuts down who ever he is up against, i guess he could get the starting job, but samari played really well the games that he played, and i really like him, so i’m kinda hoping he does well, but no doubt, fabian has potential, but that doesn’t always translate into being good. lets hope he will play well as it seems that anyone who plays for the ravens seem to elevate thier game.

by RAVEN'SD#1 on Jul 10, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply actions