Big Steve’s State of the Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens 2009 season can be summed up in one word: inconsistency.  During the beginning of the season,we talked about the surging offense and the defense taking a step back.  Then, after the second half of the season, we talked about the resurgence on the defensive side of the ball and the step down the offense took at the beginning of the year.  The Ravens were an inconsistent team, fighting off numerous injuries for the second year in a row.  I look at two positions of the Ravens side of the ball that needs the most improvement: wide receivers and corner backs.  Now, one of two things can happen with these positions; we can get a free agent in one while drafting another in the first round.  Here is what I propose for these two possible cenarios:

Wide Receivers:

Players to Keep:

Derrick Mason

This is a no brain-er, but D-Mase has become a possession receiver at best.  He has spent 13 years in the league, and maybe some of his explosive speed has gone down.  One thing is for sure, you throw him a catch-able ball and he will come down with it.  There is talk of possible retirement, but Baltimore needs to do what they can to guarantee one more year out of Mason.

Kelley Washington

I had to think about this one, but Washington is the logical choice to keep as a slot receiver.  He came on to the Ravens scene as a great 3rd down receiver, and that could continue onto the 2010 season.

Players to Dump

Mark Clayton

The 2005 first round draft pick has been a bust for the Baltimore Ravens.  He was supposed to be our deep threat and while he does have expolsive speed, his hands are suspect.  Plus, he short and can’t haul down the tall grabs in the back of endzone when needed.

Demetrius Williams

While he does possess great potential, he just didn’t excel like we all expect Williams to do this season.  He was on the sideline most of the year because he didn’t know any of the plays or routes.  We are trying to win a championship, and we have no time to explain football 101 to someone.

If Free Agency Allows It Get:

Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos)

Yes, he does have an attitude, but think about one man for a second…Randy Moss.  Moss was miserable in Oakland because he was not appreciate and use properly…kind of like Marshall in Denver.  Marshall, who was elected to the pro bowl, is the deep threat Joe Flacco is looking for; tall, fast, soft hands, and great acceleration.  Imagine Flacco to Marshall for many, many game winning drives next year.

If The Draft Allows It Get

Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

What a pick up this would be!  Not only would he be a great deep threat, we could implement him in the Suggs package.  During the game against Stanford last year, Tate had three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving).  He would also provide as a great kickoff returner so that Lardarius Webb could transition into a full time cornerback.

Defensive Backs:

Players to Keep

Dominique Foxworth

I know, he plays the man and not the ball, but he hasn’t really had a fair shake in the NFL.  He was always the third cornerback on most teams, but think about the games he did shut down the wide outs.  He held his routes and shut down Randy Moss for goodness sakes! Just give him time, he will do good for the Ravens

Lardarius Webb

Starting Webb on the other side of the corner back position will prove to bring great success for the Ravens. He is hard hitting and stifling and possess great speed and agility.

Fabian Washington

He stepped up big in 2008 replacing Samari Rolle, and he will be a great nickleback for this organization

Players to Dump:

Frank Walker

Do I NEED to go into detail?!?!

Corey Ivy

Too short and not that good. If not for him, we could’ve contented against Indy last week.

If Free Agency Allows It, Get

Dunta Robinson (Houston Texans)

The list of free agent cornerbacks are not extensive, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be Robinson.  It was hard to distinguish between him or DeShea Townsend, but Robinson was pretty good for Houston last season with nine pass deflections and one forced fumble.  He also had 64 tackles, which is very impressive for a corner back in this league.

If The Draft Allows It, Get:

Donovan Warren (Michigan)

He had a stellar junior year with Michigan, tallying 66 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown).  He has break away speed and great ball awareness and can be a good complement to Webb or Foxworth next season in the purple and black.