Just A Thought on Ravens Fullback and Wide Receiver situation

by jazz20 on May 24, 2011 1:20 PM EDT

The Ravens drafted speedy wideout Torrey Smith but would it be wise to add another speedy wideout as back up? If Torrey Smith would have to miss a game because of a injury or isnt up to speed on the playbook . Who would be able to step in to provide the same attributes to stretch the field vertically?

The Ravens will most likely will be needing a fullback if Leron McClain isnt re-signed but maybe they wont have to look far for one. Tight end Davon Drew could be converted into a fullback and he has good size to play as one. Davons Drew coming out of college was said to have "good height with long arms, strong biceps and adequate lower body build. Versatile enough to be used outside, in the slot, in motion and on the line. Reliable hands and will snatch the ball outside his frame. Good release off the line, and can use hands to shake off linebackers and get into his route. Will set up out routes well, using his long arms to get separation. Quick enough to threaten the seam and open up underneath routes. Fights off arm tackles and gain additional yardage after the catch. Former quarterback who knows when to sit down in zones and works to make himself available. Very willing run and pass blocker, giving good effort". More info here

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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I think Reed would step in if Torrey goes down. He is not as fast, but he is one of those guys who plays faster than he timed. I think he could get the job done and I don’t think we have room for anymore WR’s. We only kept 5 last year and right now I think Boldin,Mason, Reed, Smith, and Doss are pretty much locks for those 5 spots and we may keep one more which if Hardy can show something then it’s his. Ozzie was really big on Hardy and I hope this change of scenery works out for him. He could also challenge the field vertically due to his size and good speed for his height.

by AV23 on May 24, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

we kept 6 last year I beleive we had Mason, Boldin, Housmanzdeh, Reed, Stallworth,and Smith

. It seems most likely the Ravens will go with 5 wideouts if they plan to go with three quarterbacks this year but it all depends really on how the other wideouts like Hardy, Harper, Smith, and Jones work out

by jazz20 on May 24, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Boldin, Mason, Smith, Doss, Reed, and Hardy / M. Smith / J. Harper.

I think we’ll keep 6 WRs.

I could see us dropping an extra DL guy. Tolovou, McKinnney, or Art Jones. Hopefully Art Jones is a force, I’ve never seen him play. The other two guys are great run stuffers. We got enough of those guys already though.

by MrPoopyPants on May 25, 2011 8:27 AM EDT up reply actions

No way we drop Mckinney because he was solid last year and played more than Cody. The other two are possibilities, but I know they really are big on art and talovou has been good when he was in. All I know is there are going to be a couple really solid players that end up getting cut from us. We have a lot of sollid CB’s, WR’s, LB’s and DT’s and some are going to have to go. If this lockout continues well past training camp then I’m sure that makes it even tougher to evaluate who should get cut.

by AV23 on May 25, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions

No more WR, we are fine at that area. And no Drew at FB, McKie is fine if Le’Ron walks.

"No disrespect to Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but I just think I have better cover skills. They get tested a lot, and that’s for a reason. The other team sees something in their game that they want to attack, and me playing in the same league as Prince, we played the same teams and they didn’t attack me the same. So why does that happen?" - CB Jimmy Smith

by Mr MaLoR on May 24, 2011 1:55 PM EDT reply actions

I’d love to see Vonte Leach here, but I doubt we’d outbid the Texans.

by BAL_Hawk on May 24, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Vickers from cleveland would be another good option as well and he knows the division already.

by AV23 on May 24, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Wouldn’t mind Vickers at all. He is a tough dude, even talked smack to Ray Lewis in pregame last year.

by Mr MaLoR on May 24, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

He is Lorenzo Neil 2.0 but we have no shot at him.

by Mr MaLoR on May 24, 2011 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah I would love him here, but don’t think we get him or Leach. I think the Ravens just aren’t interested in throwing big dollars to a FB and if they are then I think they give it to McClain.

by AV23 on May 24, 2011 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

thats cool but I just figured since the Ravens showed so much interest in Davon Drew maybe they

figure to convert him into a fullback,since the tight end position is a little deep in depth already. John Harbaugh has mention him being good as a blocker plus he 256 pounds, has good hands, good speed for his size and etc.. it seems the Ravens dont have much faith in Mckie because Ozzzie Newsome/ John Harbaugh clearly stated they are still looking for a fullback

by jazz20 on May 24, 2011 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Drew would be the answer. It’s tough changing positions in the NFL and I just don’t know how comfortable I would be with him as our starter.

by AV23 on May 24, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah but fullback postion cant be that hard to learn it a little similar to the tight end postion

when it comes to the blocking department and fullbacks do catch the ball every now and then. Drew Davon probably would make a good fullback and honestly the Ravens probably have used him in a fullback position before in practice behind closed doors

by jazz20 on May 24, 2011 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m against dipping into free agency to spend big money on a fullback. I think Anthony Allen could convert with his size.

by JoshuaStein on May 24, 2011 3:10 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldn’t mind converting Allen it’s just a matter of can he lead block? It could be a great idea, but even if they do I don’t know that he would be ready as a rookie unless he is a great blocker.

by AV23 on May 24, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Allen is solid

but not built like a FB.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on May 24, 2011 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Our RB coach also made a comment, he would have looked even better running from 7 yards back instead of 3. That’s a telling statement on how they plan to use him.

by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Backup FB could be a way Anthony Allen locks down a roster spot

FWIW, this scouting report says

“Solid run blocker, versatile enough to play fullback, played in Georgia Tech’s triple option offense which asked him to do more blocking than most feature backs are used to.”
http://www.sidelinescouting.com/rankings/rb/anthony-allen.shtml

I have to think that McKie’s experience would give him an overwhelming edge as the FB, but I can’t help but be underwhelmed with the prospect. Wouldn’t our money be well spent killing two birds with one stone and paying McClain so we’d have a proven backup to Rice? Imo McClain has pretty good hands as a receiver too, nice mix of McGahee and Rice’s styles. Allen could step in as the change of pace back. If not, hope Parmele can really step up. I don’t want Rice to get worn down during the season without a reliable committee.

And as for Drew, given the lockout it will be an uphill battle just to get guys to a high level at their own position, and position changes seem like they’d be almost out of the question.

by dimik on May 25, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Davon Drew not the answer

Didn’t get it at TE, so learning FB would be a joke.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on May 24, 2011 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

From what I’ve read, I heard Drew is beginning to get how to be a pro. I bet he could be versatile. He was a QB in college before switching to TE. He’s shown a willingness to adapt.

by MrPoopyPants on May 24, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions