15 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Balt Sun: Ravens rookie report: How all 11 draft picks fared, and what’s in store for next season

[Mackus]

Seems like a pretty good draft after a year.

Linderbaum and Hamilton are somewhere between good starters and studs, albeit at somewhat less vital positions. Gotta be happy with them in the first. I haven't looked, but did anyone we might've considered who went after either guy have a clearly better rookie year?

Ojabo got on the field, which is more than expected on draft day

Jones flashed a lot for a 3rd round pick

The 4th round guys all flashed something except for Kolar.

Likely is the standout among the 4th round guys, should be a big part of the offense next year.
Faalele is raw but did all we could've asked when he had to play.
Armour-Davis and Williams made some plays early in the season then disappeared. Hopefully can make strides as they get more experience.
Stout struggled but was at least a capable punter. Seems like a big price to use a 4th on what he gave us, if he was 7th or UDFA the bar wouldn't have been as high. Was invisible as a holder so that's good.
Kolar hurt all year but debuted late, maybe can do something next year.

Badie didn't make the team. Caught a TD pass in Denver Week 18.

[Ravens2006]

Armour-Davis being left in single coverage on Tyreek Hill with no safety help within 30 yards probably scarred the poor kid deeply...

[JStruds]

Assuming the new OC develops a decent passing game, Linderbaum's pass blocking PFF of 34 is a bit worrisome. Hopefully time in the weight room and work on technique can improve that considerably.

[Ravens2006]

The eye test for me didn't show Linderbaum as strong as some of the reviews we've seen. Admittedly some of the snap issues probably lingered longer in my brain, but seemed to catch him get pushed around a little more often / miss some what looked like easy blocking reads than I would hope.

[Slidemaster]

I imagine Linderbaum will get much bigger in the offseason.

[hallas]

Armour-Davis being left in single coverage on Tyreek Hill with no safety help within 30 yards probably scarred the poor kid deeply...

I mean, JAD blew that play horribly anyway. When you have the underneath coverage you're supposed to be closer than 7 yards from your coverage assignment.

[hallas]

Would you package Likely for a WR? Or just run 2TE sets all day next year?

[St.Steveg]

Would you package Likely for a WR? Or just run 2TE sets all day next year?

TEs cost less than WRs. That doesn't mean they can't line up all over the field if the passing game is creatively organized.

[hallas]

TEs cost less than WRs. That doesn't mean they can't line up all over the field if the passing game is creatively organized.

 

Likely and Andrews already line up everywhere.  Likely lines up wide or in the slot 71% of the time, Andrews 74%.  But they both play the same role and can't stretch the field the way a WR can.

 

TEs cost less because TEs (usually) can't beat a cornerback for a 40 yard gain, and teams don't care about efficiency in the run game as much unless they're the Ravens or maybe the Bears.

[jamesdean]

Likely and Andrews already line up everywhere.  Likely lines up wide or in the slot 71% of the time, Andrews 74%.  But they both play the same role and can't stretch the field the way a WR can.

 

TEs cost less because TEs (usually) can't beat a cornerback for a 40 yard gain, and teams don't care about efficiency in the run game as much unless they're the Ravens or maybe the Bears.

I do think the running game is becoming more important in the sport thanks to the Ravens revolutionizing it a few years ago but passing still is king for sure.  There's so few homerun hitters at the WR position that having Likely and Andrews out there together(which is what they should do), moving the chains and picking up yardage in the 15-20 range is fine with me.  I don't have a problem with it and you can structure your passing schemes around it.  Bateman could probably evolve into a long ball threat if he can just stay on the field. So, bottom line, even if the Ravens don't sign a WR free agent in the offseason(they'll definitely draft a couple), I don't view it as an epic failure.  It's just a question of depth and keeping people healthy.  Andrews, Likely, Bateman, Duvernay and a couple of others is more than enough to do damage.  

[hallas]

I do think the running game is becoming more important in the sport thanks to the Ravens revolutionizing it a few years ago but passing still is king for sure.  There's so few homerun hitters at the WR position that having Likely and Andrews out there together(which is what they should do), moving the chains and picking up yardage in the 15-20 range is fine with me.  I don't have a problem with it and you can structure your passing schemes around it.  Bateman could probably evolve into a long ball threat if he can just stay on the field. So, bottom line, even if the Ravens don't sign a WR free agent in the offseason(they'll definitely draft a couple), I don't view it as an epic failure.  It's just a question of depth and keeping people healthy.  Andrews, Likely, Bateman, Duvernay and a couple of others is more than enough to do damage.  

 

I'm fine with keeping Likely with Andrews if they pick up some WR talent somewhere.  Talent is talent, and you can make it work.  It depends on who we're getting back, but I wouldn't be opposed to dangling him to see if anyone bites.  Having  both Likely and Andrews certainly reduces the magnitude of WR talent we need to be successful on offense.

[Biggsy]

The eye test for me didn't show Linderbaum as strong as some of the reviews we've seen. Admittedly some of the snap issues probably lingered longer in my brain, but seemed to catch him get pushed around a little more often / miss some what looked like easy blocking reads than I would hope.

Kid was a stud in the run game all season. I think most sites have him eyed up pretty accurately. He is phenomenal at combo blocks, and getting to the 2nd level. His issues were against bigger, stronger NT's. Quinnen Williams and Vita Vea threw him around at times. But to be fair, those are 2 of the best NT's in football.

If he can gain some strength, and keep from getting pushed around, I think he develops into a top 5 center easy.

[Slidemaster]

Kid was a stud in the run game all season. I think most sites have him eyed up pretty accurately. He is phenomenal at combo blocks, and getting to the 2nd level. His issues were against bigger, stronger NT's. Quinnen Williams and Vita Vea threw him around at times. But to be fair, those are 2 of the best NT's in football.

If he can gain some strength, and keep from getting pushed around, I think he develops into a top 5 center easy.

It's not uncommon for OL to get bigger after a year or two in an NFL training program. He's off the charts as far as footwork and instincts are concerned. The last thing I'm concerned about is his size.

[hallas]

Kid was a stud in the run game all season. I think most sites have him eyed up pretty accurately. He is phenomenal at combo blocks, and getting to the 2nd level. His issues were against bigger, stronger NT's. Quinnen Williams and Vita Vea threw him around at times. But to be fair, those are 2 of the best NT's in football.

If he can gain some strength, and keep from getting pushed around, I think he develops into a top 5 center easy.

 

didn't he gain 10 lbs in like 6 months?  He was like 295 going into the combine and ended up at 304.  If he peaks at that weight it would be fine, or he could gain another 10 lbs.  He just needs game strength at this point.

[makoman]

ESPN has him as their 7th best rookie overall, including a 94.7 pass block win rate. Hamilton was in others receiving votes.

 

https://www.espn.com...watch-next-year

 

7. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Baltimore Ravens

Stats: 17 starts, 94.7% pass block win rate, 77.2% run block win rate
Drafted: No. 25

Why he's here: Like Creed Humphrey did in 2021 with the Chiefs, Linderbaum immediately anchored and improved an offensive line as a rookie center. His pass-blocking alone made him an All-Pro candidate, and his 94.7% pass block win rate led all rookie offensive linemen. -- Miller

Going forward: Linderbaum was actually far more proficient in the Ravens' run looks than he was in pass protection, as some of the more powerful defensive tackles put him on his heels too often. But he's instinctive and tough, and he will be one of the best centers in the league. -- Legwold