Ravens News 2/20: Top 100 free agents, Scout’s Notebook and more

Top 100 Free Agent List - Jason Fitzgerald

47. Ryan Jensen C Ravens

Had a good season in his walk year and overall effort week in and out will make him a solid 2nd tier center.

52. Mike Wallace WR Ravens

Wallace is still productive as a secondary target and is a known quantity. He should be able to be in the $5 million range again on a short term deal.

Over the Cap views Jensen as the fifth most desirable unrestricted offensive lineman, behind Nate Solder, Andrew Norwell, Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg. Wallace is listed after receivers Jarvis Landry (7), Allen Robinson (12), Sammy Watkins (15), Paul Richardson (35) and Marqise Lee (37). Other wide receivers on Fitzgerald’s top 100 are John Brown, Jordan Matthews, Taylor Gabriel, Albert Wilson, Dontrelle Inman, Terrelle Pryor, Jaron Brown, Kendall Wright and Ryan Grant. All in all, the position is deep with multiple intriguing young veteran options.

Scout’s Notebook - Bucky Brooks

When I heard Pittsburgh Steelers GM Kevin Colbert emphatically state his desire to keep Le’Veon Bell with a lucrative long-term deal that would allow him to finish his career with the team, I shook my head. I believe signing the All-Pro runner to a record-breaking extension could prevent the franchise from seriously competing for a Super Bowl title in the coming years.

“I still believe in the workhorse back,” an AFC college scouting director told me. “But I don’t know how much money I’m committing to the running back after he plays out his rookie deal. It’s too hard to get a runner that can sustain his production after taking the pounding that comes with being the lead back in this league. That’s why I believe in drafting a back early, riding him until the wheels fall off and grabbing another one right before his contract expires. It’s cruel, but that’s the approach that you have to take in today’s game.”

Le’Veon Bell’s contract status is probably the top offseason storyline in the AFC North. Very few running backs can maintain their production as they age, Ravens fans witnessed this first hand when Ray Rice declined rapidly in 2013. While Bell is arguably the top overall back in the league, their rivals should be hoping the Steelers retain him on a record setting contract following a 400 touch season.

Five NFL Draft sleepers: Pre-combine edition - Logan Levy

WR Braxton Berrios, Miami

Berrios has the potential to be a solid slot receiver in the NFL. In addition, he has experience as a returner on special teams. Not to mention, his greatest strength is, arguably, his hands. Berrios put up solid numbers during his final season at Miami. Berrios posted 55 receptions for 679 yards and nine touchdowns. Berrios is likely a day three prospect, but he could make an immediate impact, at least on special teams, from day one.

Berrios is essentially a more durable version of Michael Campanaro. He scored 14 receiving touchdowns during his time with the Hurricanes and averaged nearly 16 yards per punt return as a Senior. The Ravens can save some cap space by allowing Campanaro to walk in free agency. A rookie such as Berrios could battle Tim White for the return man/slot receiver roster spot.