Push to Start 3.0: Ravens who need to make bolder statements this offseason

In our third episode of Beatdown’s Push to Start project we highlight three Ravens players who need to break their onlookers’ necks (figuratively speaking), this offseason. To recap who we’ve profiled thus far, click on the links below.

Take a dip into the pool.

Darren Waller, Wide Receiver/Tight End

Why he’s on this list: His size could benefit the Ravens in the postseason.

I already found the perfect nickname for him.

The Great Waller. He stands as tall as Michael Jordan, six-foot-six, and weighs 238 pounds. Tight end, wide receiver, I approve. Whichever offensive set Trestman fits the monster on, I would go berserk if the newbie offensive coordinator forgets to call the rookie’s number in the redzone or goal line. Every d--n time.

There aren’t that many NFL secondaries who would want, let alone know how, to handle the twin towers – Marlon Brown and Waller. These two could be Megatron and Gronkowski on one squad -- this tidbit should boost the kid’s confidence and efforts this offseason. Kamar Aiken could field punts; Michael Campanaro’s future with the team is up-and-down and Steve Smith Sr. might not serve as a three-down receiver. #PreserveSmithForPlayoffs

Tramain Jacobs, Cornerback

Why he’s on this list: Jacobs has a chip on his shoulder.

Entering his second-year, the young 23-year-old cornerback who was said to have a great upside, will have to, similar to 2014, vie for an open spot. Quote defensive coordinator Dean Pees last August:

"Is he there yet? No. He has a ways to go. But usually you can tell whether a guy has a ways to go and can get there or [if] a guy has got a ways to go and there’s always going to be a ways to go. He has got a ways to go, but he’s going to get there."

This year, the road is slightly narrower for Jacobs to make the team. He fought off Sammy Seamster, Deji Olatoye, Marrio Norman and Dominique Franks to board the plane last year and that spoke volumes. He’s a proven #PushToStart member – unfortunately he finds himself on this list again.

Matt Schaub, Quarterback

Why he’s on this list: We have no idea which Schaub will show up.

# of Seasons Schaub has started in all 16 games: Three.
# of Seasons Schaub threw for more than 4,000 yards, when starting all 16 games: Three.
Touchdown to Interception ratio in these three seasons: 75:39

# of Seasons Schaub didn’t start in all 16 games (excluding the stints in Atlanta/Oakland): Five.
Touchdown to Interception ratio in those five seasons: 49:39.

With the salubrious and more youthful Bryn Renner and rookie Jerry Lovelocke fighting for limited space behind Joe Flacco, the veteran Schaub will need to consistently bring down the house down with his arm in practice.

Push to Start: Maxx Williams, Lawrence Guy, Arthur Brown, Kamar Aiken | Push to Start 2.0: Za'Darius Smith, Trey DePriest, Javorius Allen, Bryn Renner