The 53 man roster: 2011 edition
by Rayisyourdaddy on Aug 28, 2011 10:54 PM EDT
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PrintOffense
QB- Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor
FB- Vonta Leach
RB- Ray Rice, Ricky Williams
WR- Anquan Boldin, Lee Evans, David Reed, Tandon Doss, Torrey Smith.
T- Michael Oher, Jah Reid, Bryant McKinnie
G- Ben Grubbs, Marshal Yanda, Oniel Cousins
C- Matt Birk
TE- Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta
Defense
NT- Terrence Cody, Brandon McKinney
DE- Haloti Ngata, Cory Redding, Arthur Jones, Pernell McPhee
OLB- Jarret Johnson, Terrell Suggs, Sergio Kindle, Paul Kruger
ILB- Ray Lewis, Jameel McClain
CB- Jimmy Smith, Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, Cary Williams, Lardarius Webb
S- Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Haruki Nakamura, Tom Zbikowski
Special Teams
P- Sam Koch
LS- Morgan Cox
Total- Offense 18, Defense-21, Special Teams-3 = 42 Locks
11 Spots left
The needs and options:
3rd RB- Anthony Allen, Jalen Parmale, Matt Lawrence, Damien Berry
Backup Center- Bryan Mattison, Jason Murphy, Tim Barnes, Ryan Bartholomew
Backup O-line or 2- Mark LeVoir, Ramon Harewood, Justin Boren
3rd Tight End- Davon Drew, Kris Wilson, Jonathan Stupar
3rd and 4th ILB- Brendon Ayanbadejo, Dannell Ellerbe, Jason Phillips, Anthony Leon, Taveres Gooden
I think we keep 7 for the immediate needs. My guesses are Kris Wilson, Anthony Allen, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Dannell Ellerbe, Bryan Mattison, Ramon Harewood and Mark LeVoir. Allen and Wilson are looking much better than their competition, and we need the depth along the offensive line. BA is one of our ST aces, and Ellerbe has more upside.
That leaves 4 more spots.
Additional possibilities:
3rd Quarterback- ?
5th Defensive End- Lamar Divens, Albert McClellan
Another offensive lineman- Justin Boren
4th RB- Jalen Parmale, Matt Lawrence, Damien Berry
6th WR- Marcus Smith, LaQuan Williams, James Hardy, Justin Harper
5th ILB or OLB- Jason Phillips, Anthony Leon, Taveres Gooden, Prescott Burgess
5th Safety- Marcus Paschal, Mana Silva, Nate Wiilliams
6th CB- Talmadage Jackson, Chykie Brown, Danny Gorrer
It is looking more and more like we will not pick up a 3rd QB, I think the likely scenario is keeping a CB, either Divens, or Boren, Prescott Burgess who is one of our best Special Teams players, .and either a RB or WR depending on where the team sees the need. The emergence of McPhee and Arthur Jones make Divens more expendable, and we have only 1 legit backup at the position in LeVoir. I like LaQuan Williams for that last spot, and the recent punt return vs. Washington definitely helped his cause. So I will go with Williams, Boren, Burgess and one of the CBs (none have jumped out at me yet).
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 chykie brown gets in we used a 5th on him
by zmmckay on Aug 28, 2011 11:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Victorian has played pretty well.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 28, 2011 11:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
5th round pick
is not a reason to keep someone. We held onto Cousins for 3 years,
I think all the corners have shown flashes of being good; Talmadage Jackson, Danny Gorrer, Josh Victorian, and Chykie Brown. Tough choice, hopefully we can sneak 1 more onto the PS.
We could put Victorian onto the practice squad. I don't think anyone would take him.
Not sure we keep Chykie though. He would be a risk to put on the practice squad but I don’t know if he is worth the roster spot.
Well reasoned article
Everything you’ve said makes sense for who you think will make the team. Nicely done!!
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 29, 2011 10:00 AM EDT reply actions
I think the battle between Wilson and Drew is closer than people think.
That being said, I’m still not convinced the team will keep three tight ends on the final 53.
always carry 3 TE’s, especially since Dickson is not a great blocker
by Rayisyourdaddy on Aug 29, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I havent seen Drew catch the ball or anything. I havent notice him on the field and I wonder if he has been blocking this whole time but it seems like he has been invisible so far.
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
I Believe
Drew is more of a Special Teams Specialist (not quite ready to dub him an “Ace” yet), with the capacity to backfill TE if necessary. Probably why you have not seen him. Guys like him, Marcus Smith, Ayanbadejo, et al usually make the team because they give you a little something-something extra on special teams and can fill in and provide depth in a pinch.
"A little learning is a dangerous thing; Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
"God's whiskers! Your face is as hideous as the demon's in my storybook!"
"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
"It's big for a reason."
For Pittsburgh fans, that's Pope, Twain, Rostand, Rogers and Megamind
No Ellerbe?
Did I miss something?
I like Turtles!
I call it like I see it, some fan bases can't handle that.
by RedTurtle on Aug 29, 2011 11:36 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I completely agree. I’m not saying that I don’t like Harbaugh. I think he’s great, but his ‘doghouse’ is his biggest negative.
I strongly believe in the doghouse. If you are showing up for practices and meetings late, coming into camp out of shape, and show boating on interceptions, you should be disciplined, regardless of the talent you have.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
I believe in discipline, but the ‘doghouse’ is totally different. It just comes across as childish.
I don’t believe it’s an appropriate method for dealing with grown men.
I believe in discipline, but the ‘doghouse’ is totally different. It just comes across as childish.
I don’t believe it’s an appropriate method for dealing with grown men.
I dont know about that because ellerbe is said to be a more mature and hard working now which probably means the discipine methods used by John Harbaugh worked besides at the time ellerbe was making costly penalties on defense and special teams.
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
That’s an ‘ends justify the means’ argument. They need to do what’s right and treat these guys like men.
+1 Harbaugh’s doghouse is basically “I hold grudges far longer than I should.”
Everyone makes mistakes. Sit the guy for a game and then give him another chance.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
I don’t see any way Ayanbadejo doesn’t make it too. But there is always a small chance.
by Rayisyourdaddy on Aug 29, 2011 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah and our two locks (pitta/dickson) aren’t maulers, and it helps to keep a big ass 290-dude in that position.
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
oooops
Can you pull my foot out of my mouth for me?
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
by jackmca on Aug 30, 2011 3:55 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I think Ravens will pick up another center. Birk is no sure thing to last this season and there isn’t another playoff caliber center on the roster. Saw Cowboys just cut Gurode. Other cheaper options will be coming available. Crazy to go into the season without a Birk backup.
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 29, 2011 2:05 PM EDT reply actions
Opinion: Birk making it through the season is 50/50 at best. Last year he was not coming off an injury. And he not getting any younger.
Question: So would you be comfortable playing Pittsburgh with Mattison at center? Please think a few minutes of what Flacco looks like flat out on his back before answering.
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 29, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Personally I don't see us getting Gurode and I doubt any free agent centers will be a good cover for Birk either.
Honestly, I’d be ecstatic if we signed Gurode but he will be way too expensive and there is no way he or Birk would be happy as a backup.
Not aware of any other teams in need of a starting center, are you? Sure he would sign elsewhere if it meant starting and bigger $.
But after getting cut and needing a job, your price tags drops and your humility increases.
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 29, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah it’s pretty late and he’s not a superstar… he’ll play for less
there’s more to this story than just money… he basically gave the one giner slaute to the cowgirls
He was a pro-bowler last year, and an all pro the year before.
He’ll play for less than he was earning at Dallas but he’ll want more than what Dallas was offering and a starting spot. Are we ready to give him that?
I imagine our Center cituation is addressed after week 1
Should save us some money, and I think Rabach will be there.
The same Rabach who failed his physical? Just what Ravens need – two gimpy centers.
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 30, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions
For all we know a failed physical could mean that we aren’t going to sign you now. But if we need you, we’ll sign you later when you only cost us the weeks that we keep you on the team and not the entire season.
by Mayne_Event on Aug 30, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Or it could mean he is old still hurt and out of shape
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 30, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s my final roster prediction for whatever it’s worth…
QB: Flacco, Taylor
HB: Rice, Williams, Parmele, Allen… Not sure about four backs, but whatever.
FB: Leach
X-WR: Evans, T. Smith, Reed
Z-WR: Boldin, Doss, M. Smith or L. Williams
TE: Dickson, Pitta
LT: McKinnie, Harewood
LG: Grubbs
C: Birk, Mattison
RG: Yanda, LeVoir
RT: Oher, Reid
Total OL = 9, which is how many they’ve retained historically.
DE: Redding, McPhee
NT: Cody, McKinney
DT: Ngata, Jones
ILB: Lewis, McClain, Ellerbe, Gooden, Ayanbadejo
OLB: Johnson, Kindle, Burgess
OLB/DE: Suggs, Kruger
CB: Foxworth, Smith, Carr, Webb, Williams
SS: Zbikowski, Pollard
FS: Reed, Nakamura
K: Cundiff
P: Koch
LS: Cox
PS: Williams/Smith, Divens, Phillips, Brown, Cantwell, McClellan, Drew, Wilson
I think LaQuan Williams, Marcus Smith, Davon Drew and Kris Wilson are all competing for the same spot. I expect them to keep one of them on the roster with the other three going to the practice squad. I wouldn’t be surprised if Divens is claimed by another team. He’d be a quality backup on most teams, but with the emergence of Jones and McPhee, he just can’t make it here.
I like your squad, it just seems like you have to many special team guys. I’d cut M. Smith and Pamele.
I think we keep L. Williams and Kris Wilson instead. Wilson adds a true blocking TE to the roster, and Williams is just more of a play maker than Parmele.
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
That sounds good to me. Like I said… Williams, Smith, Wilson and Drew are all battling.
I could easily see them cutting one of the backs and keeping two of the above players.
Laquan is going to get the spot. He has definitely had the best performances each week of all the bubble players on this team. That is 3 weeks in a row that he has made a couple big plays in the 4th quarter. What else can you ask from a player?
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
I would agree because I really like Williams, but Harbaugh’s quote gives me pause…
"I think he will [contribute], but I also think he’s not there yet," Harbaugh said prior to Saturday’s practice at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. "The fact that we haven’t been able to cover kicks in our preseason games is a problem, and it means that he’s not there yet as a kickoff cover guy and he’s not there yet as a gunner. So he’s got a lot of work to do in that area, too. So he’s a work in progress."
In contrast, Harbaugh has raved about Marcus Smith and Jalen Parmele’s special teams ability. Let’s face it, the fifth receiver and/or third running back on the roster isn’t going to make it due to pass-catching or running ability alone. Even with the new kickoff rules, they’ll need to play special teams. Harbaugh was talking about punt coverage as well, and those rules haven’t changed. I don’t think the need for good special teams players has been as diminished as people think.
I certainly don’t think you can say that Williams “is going to get the spot.”
6th WR…david reed is ahead of both those guys
by Rayisyourdaddy on Aug 29, 2011 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Williams was a special teams "Ace" at Md though..
I’m guessing he’s probly at least a good special teams player at the next level..
Don't let my defense dictate your offense..
by lastcallbmore on Aug 30, 2011 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions
If something did happen to McKinnie, would we put Harewood in at LT or move Oher back to LT and put Reid in? I like the 2nd option much better.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
I’m not sure. Overall, I really liked what I saw from Harewood in preseason. I know you don’t like him, but I think his pass protection was pretty solid. He seemed hesitant when run-blocking and allowed a sack on Taylor on a safety blitz, but overall, he seems to have that natural pass-protector ability… the same ability that Oher seems to lack and Gaither had.
Right now, I think they’d move Oher to LT, Yanda to RT and LeVoir to RG. It also depends who we were playing… If we weren’t playing a team with good edge rushers, they might try to get by with Yanda at RG and Reid at RT, but ultimately, I think they’ll use Oher at LT if anything happens to McKinnie.
You can’t say ‘bomb’ on an airplane, and now apparently, you can’t say ‘Gaither’ on the Beatdown.
Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither! Gaither!
I think you owe me $1.50… and i’d love a bet on Gaither’s future
he hasn’t done much… let’s check in with him twice during the season
speaking of gaither he look good in the kansas city versus the rams game he literally look dominate
in that game the pass rusher wasnt going no where. I hope Mckinnie can get in shape and do the same to james harrison
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
Harewood don’t look ready yet. Putting him at LT would be crazy.
I guess Oher goes back to LT and Lewoir goes to RT. Isn’t that why we signed him for?
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 29, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Naw harbaugh likes him at guard, that’s why cousins was released.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 29, 2011 8:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They signed LeVoir ...
… because he can back up both guard and tackle and Cousins could do neither well enough and Reid didn’t look ready yet.
"What we've got here is failure to communicate."
Dallas just cut Andre Gurode.
If he’d sign relatively cheap, I think the Ravens should sign him as insurance for Birk.
I agree I’m just worried he won’t. I believe he was due around 5.5 mill or something like that I heard, so even with a pay cut from that we may get outbid by someone else. He would be an excellent signing though.
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
He was released because he wouldn’t restructure, so he won’t come cheap. Birk would have to tell harbaugh he couldn’t go at all.
by Raven_all_day on Aug 29, 2011 8:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Gurode
he wouldnt restructure, but he got his signing bonus of 10 million. its not like anyone has a need for him to start 2 weeks before the season starts.
Funny fact: since albert haynsworth stomped on his head, he has made 5 straigh pro-bowls.
by Rayisyourdaddy on Aug 29, 2011 11:00 PM EDT reply actions
maybe we can get Haynsworth to stomp Flacco
by PurpleMoonDance on Aug 30, 2011 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I've posted this before elsewhere, but here's my roster...
QB: Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor
RB: Ray Rice, Ricky Williams, Anthony Allen
FB: Vonta Leach
WR: Anquan Boldin, Lee Evans, Tandon Doss, David Reed, Torrey Smith, LaQuan Williams
TE: Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, Kris Wilson
OT: Bryant McKinnie, Michael Oher, Jah Reid, Ramon Harewood
OG: Ben Grubbs, Marshall Yanda, Mark LeVoir
C: Matt Birk, Bryan Mattison
DE: Haloti Ngata, Cory Redding, Pernell McPhee
DT: Terrence Cody, Brandon McKinney, Arthur Jones
OLB: Terrell Suggs, Jarrett Johnson, Sergio Kindle, Paul Kruger
MLB: Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe, Jameel McClain, Tavaris Gooden, Brendon Ayanbadejo
CB: Chris Carr, Dominique Foxworth, LaDarius Webb, Cary Williams, Jimmy Smith, Chykie Brown
SS: Bernard Pollard, Haruki Nakamura
FS: Ed Reed, Tom Zibikowski
LS: Morgan Cox
K: Billy Cundiff
P: Sam Koch
Our fan rosters are largely going to be the same, as probably 45 spots are pretty well locked down at this point. I left one spot open above because I think there are a lot of guys not included who could sneak onto the team. Other than a 3rd QB, I don’t think any of them are really needed unless someone else gets hurt. These would be guys like Hunter Cantwell (or another 3rd QB), Jalen Parmele, Justin Boren, Lamar Divens, Michael McAdoo, and Prescott Burgess.
Don't be shocked that people die
Be surprised you're still alive
I like the list
Only changes from what I am thinking are:
QB – add Marc Bulger. I just have this gut feeling Ozzie still has him on his speed dial. Of course now that I said that, it’ll never happen.
C – replace Mattison (back on PS) with TBD veteran
Cut – Chykie Brown (goes to PS)
PS – above plus Boren, Barnes, Berry, Silva, McAdoo
"What we've got here is failure to communicate."
That looks exactly like my roster...
This last preseason game is make or break for Parmele and the handful of guys that are pursuing a special teams spot.
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