32 replies to this topic

[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Early 2020 Season Preview

https://www.baltimor...season-preview/

 

In this early preview of next season, I take a quick look at the 2020 schedule before digging into my projected depth charts for the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

 

Quarterbacks:
https://www.baltimor...w-quarterbacks/

 

Running Backs:

https://www.baltimor...-running-backs/

 

Wide Receivers:

https://www.baltimor...wide-receivers/

 

Tight Ends:

https://www.baltimor...iew-tight-ends/

 

Offensive Tackles:

https://www.baltimor...ensive-tackles/

 

Offensive Guards & Centers:

https://www.baltimor...guards-centers/

 

Defensive Linemen:

https://www.baltimor...ensive-linemen/

 

Outside Linebackers:

https://www.baltimor...de-linebackers/

[BSLZackKiesel]

I've included my projected two-deep depth chart in the article, but here's my projected three-deep for those interested: https://docs.google....dit?usp=sharing

[BSLChrisStoner]

Pumped for Lance. 

Pumped for the WR's. 

 

O-line does have some talent.  Again.  We'll see. 

 

I'll feel better about RB if we hear some good news with Fleet-Davis, and Funk in the Spring. 
Glad they got Castleberry.   Boone and Jacobs figure to get plenty of time imo. 

Defense? 

All the JUCOs we're really needed. At-least they arrive that much more experiened.
It's a jump for them, but they aren't freshman, and they get a chance (and are needed) to produce right away.

Smith and Campbell a nice start at LB.
Hyppolite, I'm excited to see him. 

 

Cross could have a big year. 
Time for Jones to really emerge too.  4star guy, Jr. year.
Richardson a ton of experience. Kenny Bennett too.
Mosley good experience. 

[BSLZackKiesel]

Deon Jones has entered the transfer portal.

Not a massive loss, Jones never seemed to break through despite being highly-ranked as a recruit. He didn't stick as a cornerback and moved to safety. I had projected him as the #2 SS behind Nick Cross this season. I'm projecting Osita Smith to slide into that backup SS role, which he should be able to do fairly easily after enrolling early.

 

Projected Depth Chart (Safety):

 

FS - 1. Antwaine Richardson, 2. Jordan Mosley, 3. Beau Brade

SS - 1. Nick Cross, 2. Osita Smith, 3. Glen Miller

[BSLChrisStoner]

Zack's projected starting O-Line: 

LT Duncan  (ESPN 4 star, UA All-American)
LG Fontaine  (4 star all outlets, UA All-American)
C Jordan (3 star all outlets, Washington Post All-Metro)

RG Gregory (Rivals 4 star) 
RT Minor (4 star all outlets) 

 

Two-Deep

 

LT Bradley (3 star, former JUCO)
LG Branch (Rated the number 2 JUCO offensive guard)

C Hamilton (Balt Sun All-Metro)
RG Finger (3 star, 247 & ESPN)

RT Anderson (3 star all outlets) 

 

Zack's projected D-Line:

 

DE Rogers (3 star all outlets)
NT Oluwatimi (All WCAC)
DT Okuayinonu (3 star 247, 6th best JUCO DE)

 

Two Deep

 

DE Baylor (3 star all outlets)

NT Finau (3 star, 247, JUCO)
DT Nasili-Kite (3 star, 247, JUCO) 

 

 

Would be exciting if MD can get anywhere near league average production from their lines. 

[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Previewing the Quarterbacks

https://www.baltimor...w-quarterbacks/

[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Previewing the Running Backs

https://www.baltimor...-running-backs/

[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Previewing the Wide Receivers

https://www.baltimor...wide-receivers/

[BSLZackKiesel]

I've updated the running backs preview to include Rashard Jackson, who joined the team as a JuCo walk-on last night. I've projected him to be the 5th-string running back this season.

 

I also went ahead and swapped Jordan Castleberry and Challen Fa'amatau in my projections.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I've updated the running backs preview to include Rashard Jackson, who joined the team as a JuCo walk-on last night. I've projected him to be the 5th-string running back this season.

 

I also went ahead and swapped Jordan Castleberry and Challen Fa'amatau in my projections.

They've done a good job of adding some extra bodies at RB. Don't know how great any of them are, but if there is attrition, they've got options. And there should be good competition. Hopefully a number of ST contributors. 

[BSLZackKiesel]

They've done a good job of adding some extra bodies at RB. Don't know how great any of them are, but if there is attrition, they've got options. And there should be good competition. Hopefully a number of ST contributors.

Yep, and with two 3-star RBs already in the 2021 class they’re prepared for Fleet-Davis and Funk being gone after this year.

[Mike B]

It will be interesting to see which of the newcomers, makes the coaches give him snaps.  The running back room is very young but one of the young players should wind up starting before the season is over.

[BSLMikeLowe]

I'd almost just lump the RBs, at least the 4 scholarship guys, together on the depth chart. Not only is it too murky to guess which one might stand out enough to emerge as the primary back at this point, but I think it's just as likely there won't really be a primary back this season. I'd expect a "by committee" situation, with whichever guy has the best week of practice being the first to see the field that particular week.

[BSLZackKiesel]

BSL: Previewing the Tight Ends

https://www.baltimor...iew-tight-ends/

[BSLChrisStoner]

BSL: Previewing the Tight Ends

https://www.baltimor...iew-tight-ends/

Pretty thin.  Maybe a WR with some size like Carlos Carriere needs to be moved to TE?

[BSLZackKiesel]

Pretty thin.  Maybe a WR with some size like Carlos Carriere needs to be moved to TE?

It's possible, but he'd have to bulk up considerably if they moved him there full-time. He's currently listed at 6'5", 196 so you're talking about him adding at least 30 pounds to his frame in one off-season.

 

I think the more likely scenario is that they use extra offensive linemen when they want to run power, and we'll also probably see more formations with 4+ wide receivers.

 

I'd have to look into whether or not any of the linebackers on the roster have tight end backgrounds. There's a plethora of inside linebackers, so that's also a possibility.

[BSLChrisStoner]

It's possible, but he'd have to bulk up considerably if they moved him there full-time. He's currently listed at 6'5", 196 so you're talking about him adding at least 30 pounds to his frame in one off-season.

I think the more likely scenario is that they use extra offensive linemen when they want to run power, and we'll also probably see more formations with 4+ wide receivers.

I'd have to look into whether or not any of the linebackers on the roster have tight end backgrounds. There's a plethora of inside linebackers, so that's also a possibility.

Or Funk as a H-Back?

[BSLZackKiesel]

Or Funk as a H-Back?

For sure, he and Fleet-Davis both played that role in Matt Canada's offense.

[BSLChrisStoner]

IMS: Ten first-year players who could make an impact this season
https://247sports.co...UWTfbFX6Wwq6wFo

[BSLPatDonohue]

Good previews, Zack! Keep 'em coming!