231 replies to this topic

[Mike B]

Probably the first time in Ravens history we could say that with confidence.

Maybe the first couple of years when we had their Thriller, Michael Jackson and Derrick Alexander.

[Mike B]

Probably the first time in Ravens history we could say that with confidence.

ANd for the first time in a decade, the fan base will not be clamoring for receiver in Rd 1,

[You Play to Win the Game]

ANd for the first time in a decade, the fan base will not be clamoring for receiver in Rd 1,

True - and at the same time, if EDC has this knack for WR's (that maybe he doesn't have in LB'ers?) - I say keep drafting them. Deal from a position of strength. I am perhaps overly optimistic after Bateman's showing yesterday. But even what we've seen from Proche, and Duvernay as a returner and on some runs... and obviously Brown.

 

EDC has clearly distinguished himself from Ozzie in this way. At the same time, and maybe I'm wrong, it seems every year the WR depth in the draft gets deeper and deeper, I'm sure that helps a bit.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Bateman def looked like he belonged. Thats a pretty damn good compliment considering his lack of TC and preseason

[Mike B]

True - and at the same time, if EDC has this knack for WR's (that maybe he doesn't have in LB'ers?) - I say keep drafting them. Deal from a position of strength. I am perhaps overly optimistic after Bateman's showing yesterday. But even what we've seen from Proche, and Duvernay as a returner and on some runs... and obviously Brown.

 

EDC has clearly distinguished himself from Ozzie in this way. At the same time, and maybe I'm wrong, it seems every year the WR depth in the draft gets deeper and deeper, I'm sure that helps a bit.

I think Eric staffs positions as best he can with a succession philosophy.  He probably has a good idea, of who they can not afford to sign and tries to replace a season early.

[Mike B]

Bateman def looked like he belonged. Thats a pretty damn good compliment considering his lack of TC and preseason

I am surprised he took 45 snaps,

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I am surprised he took 45 snaps,

Another vote of confidence from the coaching staff though it was made easier with Watkins being out.

[You Play to Win the Game]

I thought it was great how intentional they were about getting him involved, after a slow first half. IIRC, his first touch was on a hand off, which he turned into a nice play, but got called back for holding. I believe his first reception was on the next play or two following that. 

[jamesdean]

I'm looking forward to what Bateman can do when he goes vertical past 20 yards and turns on the jets.  Curious to see how he compares to Hollywood and Duvernay in that department. 

[Biggsy]

I'm looking forward to what Bateman can do when he goes vertical past 20 yards and turns on the jets. Curious to see how he compares to Hollywood and Duvernay in that department.

Not close to be honest. That's not an insult. Duvernay and Brown have world class top end speed. Bateman may be a step slower. Which means he should still be able to run by guys with ease. But, Brown especially, is on another level with his top end speed. Bateman is more the type to kill you with his short area quickness and YAC ability. Then after a bunch of short and intermediate routes, he plants his foot and blows by someone on a double move that makes the defender look silly.

[jamesdean]

Not close to be honest. That's not an insult. Duvernay and Brown have world class top end speed. Bateman may be a step slower. Which means he should still be able to run by guys with ease. But, Brown especially, is on another level with his top end speed. Bateman is more the type to kill you with his short area quickness and YAC ability. Then after a bunch of short and intermediate routes, he plants his foot and blows by someone on a double move that makes the defender look silly.

Outside of the drop, he looks like a receiver who will do well in traffic which every team needs.  

[Biggsy]

Outside of the drop, he looks like a receiver who will do well in traffic which every team needs.

I hate trying to make assumptions off of one game. But I watched him in college, and I watched a ton of videos and read a lot of stuff about him after we drafted him. He doesn't look physically imposing, but he's a lot like Lamar Jackson with his ability to make people miss, and force missed tackles. I forget what Matt Harmon had him at percentage-wise. But I believe he made at least one person miss like 75%, of the time or something crazy like that. I believe he was top in the WR class after the catch. That is definitely something this offense needs.


Edit: I went and looked back, Harmon had him being tackled by the first tackle only 32% of the time. And making 2 or more people miss 20%, of the time. He was top in the WR class for making one guy miss, and 2nd behind Chase in the class at making 2 or more miss.