Which Free Agent Running Backs Could Help the Ravens?
by WestminsterRaven on Feb 22, 2012 10:01 AM EST
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PrintIf the Baltimore Ravens’ running back group were to have an imaginary sign hanging from their collective necks, it would read: "Under Construction". With the recent retirement of back-up running back, Ricky Williams, and the drama swirling around Ray Rice’s contract status, the running back situation heading into next season is a little bit of a mystery for the Ravens.
An organization that seems to live by the motto: "right player, right price", the Ravens have not been shy about bringing in veteran running back talent from outside their own confines. Seemingly forever ago, the Ravens traded for Willis McGahee in 2007 sending a few draft picks to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for the veteran running back. Last year’s off-season saw even more change at the position when the Ravens released McGahee and let Le'Ron McClain, the multi-purpose RB/FB, walk in free agency, and then in August about a month before the start of pre-season, the Ravens signed former 1st round draft pick, Ricky Williams.
With a bit of a revolving door at the #2 running back position, it seems like a trend has started in Baltimore where the Ravens look for a new role player behind Ray Rice every couple of years.
So, with a solid class of free agent running backs this year, who will the Ravens pursue to become Ray Rice’s next back-up?
(After the "Jump", see a complete list of soon-to-be free agent running backs, and which ones the Ravens could make a run at signing.)
Though Ray Rice has become one of the best all-purpose running backs in the NFL, he is just one man and needs a break every now and then. One of the areas the Ravens need to improve upon is in short-yardage and goal line situations and the need for a bigger, bruising running back became more evident as the season wore on and into the playoffs.
Fortunately for the Ravens, this year’s free-agent running back class will be loaded with several promising possible players that could help elevate their rushing attack, and fill their need for a big, punishing running back.
Here is a complete list of 2012 free-agent-to-be running backs (minus Ravens’ Ray Rice):
Matt Forte (Chicago)
Marshawn Lynch (Seattle)
Peyton Hillis (Cleveland)
Mike Tolbert (San Diego)
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (New England)
Cedric Benson (Cincinnati)
Michael Bush (Oakland)
Ryan Grant (Green Bay)
Arian Foster (Houston) - restricted
Chester Taylor (Arizona)
Jason Snelling (Atlanta)
Jerome Felton (Carolina)
Tashard Choice (Dallas)
Sammy Morris (Dallas)
Spencer Larsen (Denver)
LenDale White (Denver)
Maurice Morris (Detroit)
Kevin Smith (Detroit)
Derrick Ward (Houston)
Jackie Battle (Kansas City)
Thomas Jones (Kansas City)
Le'Ron McClain (Kansas City)
Steve Slaton (Miami)
Kevin Faulk (New England)
LaDainian Tomlinson (New York Jets)
Rock Cartwright (Oakland)
Ronnie Brown (Philadelphia)
Owen Schmitt (Philadelphia)
Mewelde Moore (Pittsburgh)
Jacob Hester (San Diego)
Justin Forsett (Seattle)
Moran Norris (San Francisco)
Jerious Norwood (St. Louis)
Cadillac Williams (St. Louis)
Earnest Graham (Tampa Bay)
Ahmard Hall (Tennessee)
Tim Hightower (Washington)
LaRod Stephens-Howling (Arizona) - restricted
Antone Smith (Atlanta) - exclusive rights
Kahlil Bell (Chicago) - restricted
Chris Pressley (Cincinnati) - restricted
Lance Ball (Denver) - exclusive rights
Brock Bolen (Jacksonville) - restricted
Lex Hilliard (Miami) - restricted
Lorenzo Booker (Minnesota) - restricted
Isaac Redman (Pittsburgh) - exclusive rights
Brit Miller (St. Louis) - restricted
LeGarrette Blount (Tampa Bay) - exclusive rights
Kregg Lumpkin (Tampa Bay) – restricted
With a large free agent group that’s stocked with some good talent, teams will be sorting through this list trying to find a free agent gem that can help their team. Though some of the most notable free agent running backs are most likely to return to their respective teams for the 2012-2013 season, such as: Arian Foster, Matt Forte, and Marshawn Lynch, there will be several running backs that slip through the cracks and make it into free agency. A few of the backs that could fit the Ravens’ needs are:
Mike Tolbert: Though he may be one of the more expensive free-agent running backs on the market, the San Diego Chargers’ versatile back could fit the mold of what the Ravens are looking for. At 5-9 243 lbs, Tolbert is a big, punishing back with a good nose for the end zone. With Rice standing at 5-8 212 lbs, Tolbert could be a perfect compliment to the smaller, shiftier Rice by becoming a great asset to the Ravens in short-yardage and goal line situations. Tolbert is also a great receiving threat for such a big back, and has the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the back-field with no problem. The only knock against Tolbert would be that through four years with the Chargers, he has totaled 8 fumbles. At just 26 years old, Tolbert has a lot left in the tank and would be a great addition as a dual-threat running back.
2011 Stats: 121 carries/498 yards/4.0 yards-per-carry average/8 TDs
54 receptions/433 yards/8.0 yards-per-catch average/2 TDs
Michael Bush: Bush is another running back that may be a bit too pricey for the Ravens this off-season. The 6-1 245 lbs back has shown flashes of excellence and the ability to carry the full workload as a #1 running back in the league. With his counter-part, Darren McFadden often injured, the Oakland Raiders may place a high priority on retaining Bush. As a very "north-south" runner, Bush is another big, punishing back that would fit well into what the Ravens are looking for. With a very strong 2011 season in which he had the chance to show his worth, if the Raiders don’t retain him, expect several teams to be calling him for his services. With tremendous up-side at just 27 years old and the ability to carry a full work-load, it would serve teams well around the league to consider Bush as a good target this off-season as a running back with #1 potential for maybe #2 kind of money.
2011 Stats: 256 carries/977 yards/3.8 yards-per-carry average/7 TDs
37 receptions/418 yards/11.3 yards-per-catch average/1 TD
Le’Ron McClain: The former Baltimore Raven didn’t have the season he had hoped for with the Kansas City Chiefs this year. After openly petitioning to garner more carries while with the Ravens, McClain headed south to the Chiefs in free agency last year in the hopes to become a true #1 running back. While that didn’t happen, he shouldn’t be over-looked this off-season as a possibility to land with the Ravens. At 6-0 260 lbs, McClain has shown in the past his ability to be a big, hard-running back. Before Rice took over for the Ravens, McClain gained 902 yards and 10 TDs for the Ravens in 2008, and he could provide the Ravens of now with a good short-yardage, goal line, hard nosed running back. With Vonta Leach as the full-time starting full back for the Ravens, McClain could focus on becoming the running back that he always wanted to be and could perhaps boost a Ravens’ red-zone offense that struggled at times at "punching it in". McClain could most likely be had for a very low price, and provide major upside. After being away for a year and being a part of a seemingly dysfunctional locker-room, McClain might relish the opportunity to play for a stable, competitive team once again.
2011 Stats: 15 carries/51 yards/3.4 yards-per-carry average/ 1 TD
14 receptions/82 yards/5.9 yards-per-catch average/1 TD
So, there we have it. With lots of options to choose from, look for the Ravens to make a move at a free agent running back at some point this off-season. As long as it’s the "right player for the right price", the Ravens could perhaps pluck away a potential gem this year and find someone that could back up Rice for another few years. Anyone that the Ravens bring in will surely be competing for the back-up role against last year’s 7th round pick, Anthony Allen, who showed some of his skills as a power running back in last year’s pre-season games. Allen could prove with a strong training camp and another impressive pre-season that he could be a big part of the Ravens’ future at running back.
Which, if any, free agent running back(s) do you think the Ravens make a run at during free agency? Tell me who’s on your wish list in the comments section below!
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If the ravens are going to go after a free agent running back then Leron McClain would be the best choice
because not only can provide the same power back roll as ricky williams but he can play full back, special teams, and probably even tight end
just not sure he can be the starter if Ray were to get hurt
I like him in the backup role, and he provides backup at FB too, but I think we can get someone who is a better RB for probably the same price, the market will be flooded this year.
He was under 4 yards per carry
and like you said, he had Neal blocking for him, not to mention a pretty good O line that year. We also used an extra O lineman at TE a lot that year. He was ok, not good.
We need someone with similar power but a bit better at cutting and changing direction.
McClain has awful hands too. The checkdown part of our O would suffer.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
He definitely does not have awful hands. He made some very nice catches for us when he was here.
"Picture Me Rollin"
I remember him having stone hands. ESPN doesn’t have display drops as a stat though.
daytime commentator. night time ninja.
I just hated that 75% of our screens went to him
fuckin dumbass Cam. We had Rice and McGahee, yet McClain would see more screens than either of them.
Whoever it ends up being,
They need to be the short yardage, goal-line bull that can get us that one yard behind Vonta Leach.
While McClain could fill that bill, he’d have to STFU about wanting the ball.
aka 'Rexx'
I’d love to see Hillis, LeRon, Hightower or LT here.
"Picture Me Rollin"
by Mr MaLoR on Feb 22, 2012 10:25 AM EST via mobile reply actions
or tolbert
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
No way on LT
we don’t need another Rice, especially one who isn’t that good any more. We need a power back.
old much?
"And, don’t get me started on Joe Flacco," Simms continued. "Did the experts watch the game? Joe didn’t miss a throw, not one. I watched every play. Every time he had the opportunity, he hit the guy. And, he made some moves so he could complete other throws. Are these people watching? What was Joe supposed to do with Texans in his face? Throw it up and hope? Sometimes a sack is a good thing. The object is to win the game. You did."
Ronnie Brown, Jacob Hester or LT
by E-ROC on Feb 22, 2012 11:42 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Ryan Grant.
He’s more of a one-cut RB and he’s not going to make a lot of guys miss in the open field like Rice or Peterson can, but he runs hard, has good vision, can get the tough yards, and is a decent option out of the backfield.
What is everyone’s fascination with Ronnie Brown? I think there are 15 better options than him.
"Picture Me Rollin"
by Mr MaLoR on Feb 22, 2012 11:51 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Because he's good and affordable.
Ronnie Brown is a solid player, even if he played sparingly behind LeSean McCoy.
by E-ROC on Feb 22, 2012 11:54 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
What’s so good about him? He is a #2 overall pick who achieved about half of what he was supposed to. He didnt do anything when given the ball last year.
I’ve never been a fan of his. If not for that stupid wildcat, I don’t think many other people would be fans either.
"Picture Me Rollin"
by Mr MaLoR on Feb 22, 2012 12:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
He's a backup.
Brown is a big back and shifty. He’s a solid backup candidate. Brown has also split carries or had a lesser role before, so he understands what his role would be if he came here.
by E-ROC on Feb 22, 2012 12:32 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Wouldn’t mind Leron or Battle. I do think we shouldn’t be giving too much money to whoever it is though. Backup RB’s are a dime a dozen. Whoever has a little juice left and will take a cheap contract. Bring someone in cheap and have a battle in camp between that Person and Allen.
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
by AV23 on Feb 22, 2012 12:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I have no problem giving Allen the spot. Doesn’t cost us anything and look around the league, so many late round picks at RB who are either starters or see quality carries.
"Picture Me Rollin"
by Mr MaLoR on Feb 22, 2012 12:10 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed, that’s why I don’t think some should automatically write off Allen that he can’t handle it. Of course it would be nice to have a vet, but RB is one of the easiest positions to come from college into the NFL and assuming he can pass block decent enough he should be given a shot. He got one year to learn and now should be ready to make a real push for the spot. He averaged 6.8 YPC in pre-season last year so he has at least shown a little bit. Most solid RB’s careers are pretty much shot after 5 or 6 seasons so saying he needs more time to learn pretty much cuts into a good chunk of his career. Give him a shot.
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
What's The Point
Of drafting players if we are not going to give them a chance? It seems like just because a young player doesn’t see the field a lot it is assumed they are crappy. Allen has put his time in, now it is his turn -let us see what the kid can do when he has to step up. Same statement could be made about Berry also.
Everybody keeps talking about O-line FA’s to possibly succeed Grubbs, Birk and possibly one or both tackles. We may have the replacements already on the team in terms of Reid, Harewood and some of the other young C/G’s: Cecil Newton, Howard Barbieri, Justin Boren, et al.
"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
by vlad755 on Feb 22, 2012 6:29 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I agree
but you don’t want to put too much faith in those guys and have them flame out and hurt your season.
The RB position is gonna be so loaded this year in free agency, it would be great to get a good guy on a cheap, 1 year deal, and let him and Allen split time as the backup.
Rice can be replaced
Though it is obvious Rice belongs in Baltimore, it’s not like Baltimore would be destroyed without him, there are plenty of free agent options if Ozzie decided to make a play for one. Honestly, I would like to see the ravens focus on getting contracts on both Flacco & Grubbs. Flaco though inconsistent at times, is certainly our franchise quarterback and grubbs has far proven himself. Runningbacks are far less durable, they fizzle out eventually, I’d be more comfortable in taking care of our top priorities and taking a stronger look at the runningback options available in the free agency. I’d love to have Marshawn Lynch and I think Michael Bush is ready to start consistently, they’d be cheaper options and still effective. After that, why not allow Anthony Allen to hold a number two spot, or – if the free angency didn’t take a hefty price followup with another but I think Anthony Allen can start getting worked on the mix, we need to devote some time to him as he will be a future back while a vet can continue to hold it down.
Priorities after the runningback position would be drafting a solid linebacker (vote: Burfict) and really looking at some future talent in the draft for available positions. I never liked the idea of drafting a safety, there’s so much to learn and Ed Reed is only going to be around for so long.
The wizard of Oz will know what to do though I’m sure
Wow never realized Anthony Allen has a 41.5 inch vertical. That’s more than Torrey. He also did the 20 yard shuttle faster than Torrey and at the same speed as Jimmy. Quite the underrated athlete.
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
That's Is Why
I am reticent to just bypass Allen for some FA -for the reasons you cite. I think he has a very good chance of stepping up and being “the guy” to spell Rice.
Terrell Davis was a sixth round pick that nobody outside of pro scouting circles had ever heard of and was the sixth string back (I didn’t even know NFL teams had six of anything) when training camp started and not a chance in the world of making the team…
Not saying Allen is the next Davis, but he seems to have some off-the-chart measurables that may indicate something bigger.
"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
Completely agree and as of right now I would prefer to give him the shot over anyone else. His running style is perfect for us. He doesn’t dance or anything in the backfield he’s just one cut and go which is perfect for the zone blocking scheme we run. He’s got the size and power we need at 230 pounds. From what I have heard he does a nice job catching out of the back field, so I mean I don’t really see any reasons that should prevent him from getting a shot unless he’s a horrible pass blocker.
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
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