vmax

Yes...you had a good draft. It's too late. Rtyhlssxbrrgrrr is aready a cripple and the Ravens secondary can handle anything thrown at them. Work just a little bit more on the reading comprehension skills...this is the Ravens board and you are hijacking this thread. Post your Steelers stuff in the ER Steeler forum.

02/22/2012 - TOP 10 BEST BETS TO PUT ON COMBINE FREAK SHOW: Tommy Streeter, Miami, WR: After a few years of teasing Canes staff with his potential, the 6-5, 216-pound junior had a breakout season in 2011. Streeter opted to leave early after his one big year, and with his size and exceptional speed, he has the chance to shoot up draft board this week. Scouts don't expect to see a guy his height so fast, but remember he's been one of the fastest men in a very fast program from the day he arrived in Coral Gables. (Two other UM speeders, Lamar Miller and Travis Benjamin also could've made this list.) Those close to the<p id="expandoContent">UM program are expecting some big things this week from Streeter, who has a chance to shock scouts with just how fast he actually is. Last year's fastest man in Indy, DeMarcus VanDyke, a former Cane CB who got drafted by the Raiders after he blazed the fastest 40-time at the Combine, told me a few weeks back that Streeter could duplicate his showing this year. - Bruce Feldman, CBSSports.com More *Tommy Streeter News Close Overview Out of high school, Streeter was also offered scholarships by Oregon and South Carolina but chose to stay close to home. Still, Streeter did not see consistent playing time until this season and turned in solid production with 46 receptions for 811 yards. He may fit in that "one year wonder" category but Streeter is a big body with obvious natural talent. Streeter is quite raw and is currently winning off natural ability. He usually wins contested catches and has deceptive downfield speed during his routes and after the catch. However, Streeter has been quite limited in creating separation and the routes that he succeeds with. He may not look like the typical slot receiver, but that is where Streeter is most successful. When facing off coverage or after moving in motion, Streeter can certainly win down the seam or in soft zones on intermediate routes. He is an instant red-zone target that can begin his career as an NFL team's fourth wide receiver and developmental project. Close Analysis Strengths: Streeter has great length which he uses to catch in traffic. He can high point the ball over defenders or reach where they cannot get to. He can break routes back quickly and flows well on crossing routes. Streeter shines on vertical routes, eating up cushion with long strides and getting downfield before DBs can turn their hips. His two best routes are down the seam and endzone fades, where Streeter can out jump defenders. His vertical is impressive and Streeter seems most comfortable plucking catches after leaving his feet. He has a great combination of size, athleticism and body control. In traffic, Streeter focuses more on making the catch than worrying about the hit he might take. Street flashes surprising shiftiness off the line and after the catch. His length helps when blocking on the edge as well. Weaknesses: Streeter can have trouble getting off the line, choosing not to use his length but instead absorbing contact or trying to run around it. His route tree is very limited, focusing on vertical routes or sitting in soft sections in the middle of the field. He lacks the foot quickness to create separation with explosion and could be more physical with his frame. For a receiver with a nice vertical that likes to leave his feet, Streeter catches quite a few passes with his body. He has yet to get the maximum potential out of his natural athletic ability, slowing down on crossing or outside routes rather than running full speed at all times. Streeter is still very raw with his routes, failing to get low when cutting and instead gliding to the catch point. Streeter only has one real season of production. NFL Comparison: Drew Carter, Raiders

The Ravens filled perhaps their final need with their last pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Baltimore selected defensive lineman DeAngelo Tyson out of Georgia with the 236th -overall pick in the seventh round. He can step into a defensive line mix that lost defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and defensive end Cory Redding to free agency in the offseason. The 6-foot-2, 315 pound senior is an interior run-stuffer. “The [defensive line] is another area where you can’t have too many players,” Newsome said. He has the size to play in both the three and five technique. He sheds blocks well and is strong against offensive linemen. Tyson is a high-effort player who is also good in the open field, which means he could be a strong special teams player. Tyson was selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game and was honored with one of Georgia’s Coaches Leadership Awards. He started all 11 games in which he appeared, making 20 tackles with 3.5 for loss and 11 quarterback pressures.

Then go to the steelers board and talk about it.

Streeter chose to forgo his senior season at Miami after a breakthrough year in which he made 46 receptions for 811 yards and eight TDs. In his first two seasons for the Hurricanes, he had six combined catches, but his opportunities ultimately caught up to his immense physical skills. Armed with prototypical size and speed for an NFL wideout - he measured 6-foot-5, 219 pounds while running a 4.40-second 40 at the combine - Streeter flourished in 2011, living up to the hype that accompanied him when he came to Coral Gables as part of the nation's top-ranked recruiting class three years earlier. His raw tools and big-play ability - a 17.6-yard average per catch was tops in the ACC and seventh-best in the country for a player with at least 45 receptions - is a big draw to scouts, but it's tempered by a relatively small body of work. While possessing good straight-ahead speed, he is not a burner and does not possess high-end quickness out of his breaks. He has been able to get by on natural size, skill and ability, but would be considered an unpolished route runner at the next level. That said, Streeter is filled with upside, and teams in need of receiving depth could do worse than gambling somewhere in the mid-rounds on a star player from an established program which consistently churns out successful pros.

While we're on break, let's hear from the latest Ravens draft picks.... "I'm a tough, physical player. I feel like I'm relentless. I get after the ball. I'm a playmaker.” “I played a lot of guard at the Senior Bowl and I dominated. So regardless of where I am [guard or tackle], I’ll be physical like I always am.” “I'm a big back. I'm not going to go down easy. I'm going to fight for every yard.” "I’m elated right now because Baltimore plays football the way it’s supposed to be played. Don't piss me off...I'll break your fucking skull."

OK...everybodys been working hard...let's have a beverage break and a game of cornhole.

An outstanding athlete who didn't play in front of many sets of eyes at South Carolina State, Thompson could be exactly what NFL GMs are looking for in their secondaries. He's well-built and physical, which should allow him to defend some bigger receivers and tight ends over the middle of the field. He can also move, as evidenced by his 4.50-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. He can turn and move with receivers successfully, and he's a hard hitter. Thompson also isn't afraid to step up and contribute in the running game, where he takes good angles to the football. One problem could be his struggle to consistently locate the football - something that's less of an issue for a safety than a corner, but a potential concern nonetheless. He's best in man coverage and may struggle with zone principles if that's what his new team runs more often. Like many small-school prospects, the unknown could scare off some GMs, and Thompson is definitely raw in many areas and has poor hands. Still, his frame and potential should be attractive to a lot of teams, and that's what could make Thompson a fourth- or fifth-round pick. Overview Thompson is an intriguing big safety from little-known South Carolina State. He is very athletic and dominated in stretches throughout college. He struggles to make plays on the ball in coverage and doesn't always react well in zone, but he is a very athletic mover capable of covering tight ends at the next level. He is a bit of an unknown but could continue to rise throughout the pre-draft process, and his value could be understated at this time given the emergence of athletic tight ends in the NFL in 2011. Analysis Strengths Thompson is a big-time athlete who can match up with the NFL's biggest and fastest offensive players. He excels in man coverage, where he uses his quick-twitched feet and smooth hips to cover. He is good in off-man coverage, where he can sit and wait on a move before reacting and then blanketing. He understands the game and assists in run support, although he is a better tackler against the pass than he is straight up against the run. He would fit in right away on an NFL defense. Weaknesses Thompson is raw and hasn't played against top talent in college. He struggles at times in zone and can look out of sorts. He is unreliable when given the opportunity to catch the ball, although he is around it often. He doesn't have speed that translates to the field when he is in pursuit; he will need to rely on his footwork more than he does at the current time so that he doesn't get out of position and have to chase at the next level.

Good enough for me. He has good size....that's about all I know on this guy...

Strengths: Smart, assignment sound blocker with good awareness, keeping his head on a swivel. Professional makeup and coachable with the desire to be the best and doesn't cheat his ability. Tough and gritty, playing with a chip on his shoulder. Versatile with playing experience at all three interior line spots. Heady with high football IQ and very good bloodlines. Prides himself on fundamentals and plays to his strengths, understanding what he's best at and where he needs to improve. Tough-minded with natural leadership qualities. Works hard to hone his craft and plays with a competitive drive and blue collar mentality. Weaknesses: Only average size and length. Lacks overpowering strength to dominate defenders on brute power alone. Has stiff hips and lacks the fluidity or ankle flexion to quickly redirect his momentum. Not a natural knee bender and needs to be more consistent dropping his hips and anchoring at the point of attack. Tends to get grabby and rely on his upper body strength when beat, latching on and stopping his feet. Played at a lower level of competition and didn't face top defensive linemen week-in and week-out. Gradkowski grew up in Pittsburgh and originally enrolled at West Virginia, where cousin Carmen Connolly was a wide receiver. But it wasn't until Gradkowski transferred to Delaware that he emerged as an NFL prospect. He was a two-year starter at Delaware, and was named to the 2011 AFCA FCS All-America team as a senior, voted on by the coaches. "Gino had a phenomenal year, possibly the best for an offensive lineman that I've seen in my 10 years here at Delaware," said Hens coach Keeler. "The leadership that he provides to our team in the weight room and the locker room, not to mention his play on the field, makes him very deserving of being a first team All-American." Gradkowski's versatility is what helped him line up several pre-draft visits with NFL teams. Primarily a guard for Delaware, he also saw time at center, which ultimately could be his primary position in the pros. "I definitely take pride in being athletic," Gradkowski said. "I played basketball in high school. That's where I got my athleticism from. I'm good in space at blocking the secondary guys. I take a lot of pride in my ability to understand offenses and defenses. Mentally-wise, I bring a lot to the table." "It's good that I played all three inside positions at Delaware. My versatility, bouncing around the inside, obviously helps. Anybody that goes to the NFL wants to be a starter. That's my goal. If I need to be that swing man as a backup my first year, that's fine. I want to compete for a starting job." Gradkowski, the younger brother of Bengals quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, said he tries to emulate veteran NFL centers like Ravens six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk and Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday. "Hopefully, I wind up on a team with a veteran guy," Gino Gradkowski said. "Baltimore would be a great situation for me. To learn behind Matt Birk would be awesome and be able to pick his brain."

Gradkowski wasn't on anybodies radar.

Adams would be sweet!

War room on phone with KO.... http://www.baltimore.../?homepage=true

Good call cleetz. I'd be thrilled too. So far I'd rate this draft as "Just OK". Get Jones and a receiver/returner and I'll call it good.

<p class="headerFull"> Bernard Pierce Baltimore Ravens Round 3, Pick 84 SI Grade 2.71 SI Grading System Position: RB Class: Jr School: Temple HT: 6'0½" WT: 218 lbs. 40 Time: 4.43 Conference: Big East Biography: Three-year starter awarded all-conference honors the past two years. Named to several Freshman All-American teams in 2009. Junior rushing totals included 273 attempts/1481 yards/27 TDs with just 3 catches. Sophomore ground totals included 154/728/10. Burst onto the scene as a true freshman with 1361 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. Positives: Solid college running back with outstanding ability. Displays terrific running vision, instincts and quickly finds the running lanes. Patiently waits for blocks to develop whenever the ball is in his hands. Makes exceptional use of blocks, uses an effective straight arm and very tough to tackle. Keeps his feet moving on contact, runs with good lean and rarely tackled by the first defender. Falls forward for extra yardage when brought to the ground. Aggressively drives his shoulders into opponents and breaks tackles. Weaves through traffic on the inside to find openings in the defense. Will pick and choose his spots and does not go down without a fight. Shows the ability to bounce around piles or defenders. Solid receiver out of the backfield despite his minimal production. Negatives: Does not play with 40 time or beat defenders into the open field. Really cannot turn the corner and a is one-speed back with minimal burst. Analysis: Pierce has been very productive on the college level and possesses enough football skills to make an impact in the NFL. His lack of playing speed is a concern, but in the proper system he will excel as a rotational back for an NFL squad. Projection: 3rd Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/players/100601.html#ixzz1tIcI5wOy

Notes: Also ran track, recording the fastest time in the state (10.6 seconds in the 100 meters), as a Pennsylvania prep. Was involved in a fight at school as sophomore and charges were filed after someone was seriously injured. He was sent to and finished his high school career at Glen Mills, a residential school for court-adjudicated males from 15 to 18 years old. As a true freshman in 2009, he set school records for yards and touchdowns after rushing 236 times for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns in 12 games (nine starts). Recorded back-to-back 200-yard games against Toledo (212) and Navy (267). Left the Army game early with a shoulder injury then suffered an unrelated injury to his shoulder on the first play against Kent State and missed the next week vs. Ohio before returning for Temple’s first bowl game in 30 years. Had an injury-plagued ’10 season but still gained 154-728-10 (4.7) in 10 games (five starts). Left the Central Michigan game with a hand injury, suffered a sprained right ankle vs. Penn State and was limited the next two weeks before ending the season with a pulled left hamstring. Had a stellar junior season in ’11, rushing for 273-1,481-27 (5.4) in 12 games (10 starts). Rushed for more than 100 yards a school-record nine times and set single-season records for rushing TDs and points scored (162). Missed the Miami (Ohio) game because of a concussion. Caught 19 passes for 178 yards (9.4-yard average) and one touchdown in his career. Fumbled six times in 682 career touches and gained 5.4 yards per carry. Positives: Looks every bit the part. Excellent size and has a frame to add bulk. Shows natural run skills. Quick feet and good balance. Runs hard. Nice vision and patience to let holes develop. Good short-area burst. Senses the cutback and runs to daylight. Agile enough to bounce outside and can open up his stride in space. Has a nose for the goal line. Negatives: Builds to speed and lacks an extra gear to break away. Runs upright. Average power and elusiveness. Minimal receiving production. Can tighten the screws to better protect the ball. Inflated production — piled up yards against poor run defenses and was held in check by Penn State. Has missed action every season because of injuries. Questionable toughness and desire — tends to bounce outside too often and does not like to be hit. Bench-pressed 225 pounds only 17 times at the Combine. Summary: Big, productive runner who is effective with a slashing style. Is not a hammer, nor is he exceptionally elusive, and projects to a complementary role given his durability and toughness questions. Is a prime candidate to be overdrafted based on his size-speed ratio, but must prove he is willing to get dirty and wants to be great to realize his immense potential.

Real head scratcher here.... Strengths: Possesses a bigger frame with a strong, compact build -- has done a nice job adding bulk to his frame the past three years. Flashes initial burst and good lateral quickness to sidestep defenders or bounce runs outside with very good foot quickness. An instinctive runner with elusive, slippery moves with the first defender rarely bringing him down in space. Displays very good feel as an inside and outside runner with above average vision to make sharp cuts -- very good patience and footwork to pick through defenses. A physical runner who doesn't shy from contact, doing a nice job lowering his pads and absorbing contact with balance -- fights for every yard with toughness to run through arm tackles. Put together a strong collegiate resume the past three seasons with above average production -- holds school single-season records for rush scores (27) and 100-yd rush games (9), plus career record for rush scores (53). Weaknesses: A tall, upright runner who lacks imposing power as a runner. Not a quick-twitch athlete and is forced to gear down too much. Not very loose throughout his frame and looks tight when quickly redirecting. Lacks great straight-line speed and might struggle to win the edge at the next level, lacking an extra gear to separate himself. Tends to dance too much and go east/west or leave his feet instead of taking what's there. Has some ball security concerns and offers limited versatility at the next level with little experience as a receiver (only 19 career catches) and as a return man (only 1 career return on special teams) -- raw in pass protection and needs work in this area. Took a beating in college and has strong durability concerns, missing several games over his career and didn't look 100% most of his career -- missed extensive time with hamstring issue and also a concussion. NFL Comparison: Chris Ivory, New Orleans Saints -- Dane Brugler

Did you see Mel and Gruden going at it over that 5'10" QB? Classic...great!

Ravens may play Upshaw inside...especially if Ray goes down...just saying....possible heir.... Play like your hairs on fire!

04/02/2012 - NFL DRAFT SCOUT TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State, 6-6, 333...That's pronounced kah-LETCH-ee oh-sem-AH-lee, and scouts know it well. Osemele may be stronger than he is big, which is saying something. While some players use a strong base and others rely on a powerful upper body, Osemele has both. He has incredible reach (35??-inch arms and an 85??-inch wingspan) and massive hands (10 3/8 inches) that make him hard to escape. He seems to enjoy using that strength most on run blocking, where he overwhelms defenders. He is a bit more tentative as a pass blocker and must work on recognizing what is happening there. A hard-working student on and off the field, ...<p id="expandoContent" style="display: none;">Osemele made the academic Honor Roll three times and was selected All-Big 12 first team in 2011. He played in 49 games and started 43 in a row despite missing most of one game last year with a severely sprained ankle. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange Analysis Pass Blocking: Keeps shoulders square to the defender and puts himself in very good position to be effective. Does a nice job bending his knees, sinking his hips and anchoring at the point of attack with a naturally wide and strong base. He has ideal length (84-inch wingspan) and extends his arms to keep rushers at bay, but needs to refine his hand use and develop a more aggressive punch. Heavy footed, but has enough lateral quickness to mirror in tight areas - limited range and looks best inside. Uses his eyes well and has really improved staying patient in his stance and not allowing himself to become overextended. Has a bad habit of stopping his feet at contact, allowing savvy defenders to burst pass him. Tends to give up on plays once rusher gains a step - poor recovery quickness. Run Blocking: Thickly built with plus upper-body strength to control rushers and take them where he wants - shows the powerful hands to redirect rushers. Strong at the point of attack and flashes good power in the run game - has mauling ability to create run lanes. Has an inconsistent motor and doesn't show much passion or finishing ability in his blocking. Needs to improve his hand positioning in order to control rushers. Pulling/trapping: Wasn't asked to do much pulling at the college level. Struggles to be consistent blocking in motion and doesn't have the natural foot quickness to cover a lot of ground. Understands angles and stays balanced with coordinated body control. Initial Quickness: Quick setting up after the snap and slides well to the outside, staying patient and balanced off the snap. Has quick reaction skills to mirror in tight areas. Can be inconsistent in this area at times because of his lackadaisical playing style and needs to keep his weight under control. Has had more than a few false start penalties over his career. Downfield: A short-area blocker with limited range and doesn't consistently get to the second level. Will play undisciplined at times, especially in space. Lacks a finishing attitude. Intangibles: Started 44 consecutive games to end his collegiate career, despite battling an ankle injury most of his senior season. Versatile skill-set with experience at offensive tackle and guard. Work ethic is not a strength for him, with questionable conditioning and passion - his weight needs to be monitored. Natural instincts and football IQ are a large concern. Far from a finished product, but obvious upside is there if his field attitude develops - needs to prove mental midget notion is wrong. NFL Comparison: Michael Oher, Ravens --Dane

There goes Konz

8 to go till 60....time to move Ozzie!

You mean like Clarence "Ally OOP" Moore