COMPLETE Camp Notes from June 2, 2009 OTA's

[TL24x7]

There were a significant number of no-shows today but that according to John Harbaugh was by design. After practice Harbaugh informed the media that there were 30 players who were asked to skip today’s workout so that some of the players further down the depth chart could take a higher number of reps. Among the missing: Kelley Washington, Yamon Figurs, Ed Reed, Samari Rolle, Domonique Foxworth, Fabian Washington, Frank Walker, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ray Lewis, Matt Birk, Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Demetrius Williams, Mark Clayton, Trevor Pryce, Haloti Ngata, Dwan Edwards, Justin Bannan, Jarrett Johnson, Lamar Divens and Kelly Gregg.

Some of the 30 players (who were not named) asked to sit out the practice, practiced anyway.

Among those sitting out with injuries were: Adam Terry, Jason Phillips; WR Edward Williams, Lardarius Webb and Cedric Peerman were among those who were limited and participating in individual drills; surprisingly Marshal Yanda was in shorts, jersey and helmet working with trainers through some individual drills…Yamon Figurs had a screw inserted into an injured foot but he’s expected to be ready for training camp.

Willis McGahee participated in drills and surprisingly he didn’t wear a red shirt over his purple No. 23...

COMPLETE CAMP NOTES HERE (http://www.profootball24x7.com/column_view.php?cid=29&id=3487&view=archive)

[RavenScallywag]

My favorite part:


Speaking of special teams, Harbaugh and special teams coach Jerry Rosburg are trying to create pressure during practice on their kickers. To do so, they are simulating a game winning field goal from 48 yards out. Pre-snap, the coaches are allowing players not participating in the field goal attempt to gather around the kicker, scream at them and mock them – even throw jerseys in their line of vision to distract them. Both Steve Hauschka and Graham Gano connected despite the heavy dosage of ploys intended to disrupt their concentration.

Nice to see that the young kickers are getting the kitchen sink thrown at them...still isn't a substitute for game time conditions, but nice to see them handling the pressure.

[Jeremiah W]

Outstanding stuff. I love the details.

[RockyMRaven]

Great read, Tony. It's wonderful to be able to get a feel for how the team is doing, during this dead offseason period. Thanks.

[baltimore_hokie]

good shit, gets me excited about training camp already!

[Dave Lap]

YOU know how to do a training camp report. Oftentimes, news stories just gloss over the details. Thanks.

Glad Paul Kruger is looking good. I was worried that might have been a blown pick at first. I'm revising my opinion as time goes on...:)

[ravenjoe]

Excellent job as always, TL! Looking forward to your coverage once camp begins.

[Rxdoxx]

Thanks Tony


Jameel McClain showed very nice coverage skills batting away a pass from Troy Smith intended for Parmele. The RB acquired last season after his release from the Miami Dolphins, circled out of the back field and down the right sideline. The touch pass from Smith was nearly perfect but McClain showed speed and nice open field coverage skills while isolated on Parmele to spoil the promising play.

That is the kind of stuff I'm hungry for. Was asking Filmstudy last year about how McClain's pass coverage skills were if he could see anything in his breakdowns. We saw his penetration (safety), had to see if he was more demensional.

Eron lost? maybe there is a reason he was UDFA, I'm starting to think practice squad already LOL

Still want a read on how good of a blocker Jones is. I'm not questioning his hands (gotten some reports that they are decent), no question of his athletic ability, he has shown that on ST and LB, no question on brains, anyone who can flip positions on all sides of the ball has brains. Just have to get a read on whether he can deliver a block or just impedes progress, does he have a pancake in him?

[srobert96]

What position is Kruger going to play? Is he the future replacement for Pryce at DE? Can he get up to 280+ without losing his speed and quickness?

[jonboy79]

What position is Kruger going to play? Is he the future replacement for Pryce at DE? Can he get up to 280+ without losing his speed and quickness?

That appears to be the plan.

[psuasskicker]

VERY interesting that T Smith is on field as a receiver...

- C -

[Jeremiah W]

VERY interesting that T Smith is on field as a receiver...

- C -

With all the injury they may not have had more than 4 real Wrs healthy and he should know all the routes. Flacco even played wr last year, Cam runs a very interesting attack.

[RAVENOUS52]

Great report and I'm glad the vets are being rested (sans Willis) while the young cats get their reps.

IMHO, Troy Smith will be our #2 QB until his contract expires in BMORE.

[RavenScallywag]

Based on what I've read in camp reports, Eron Riley looks to be in last place in the WR battles. I'm not even sure he makes P Sq right now, which justifies what I said when everyone was ready to make him the next starter when we signed him...he was a UDFA for many reasons...

As I see our WR situation, we'll only carry 5-6...

Mason, Clayton, DWil, Marcus Smith are probably locks...at least first 3 with Marcus Smith having an early edge. Figurs, Kelley Washington, Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright are the main people battling for those last 1-2 spots.

Then you've got Edward Williams, Isaiah Williams, and Eron Riley. If Figurs or Washington don't make the team, they are cut. If Wheelwright or Harper don't, they are both likely P Sq players. I can't see us carrying more than 3 WRs on the P Sq, and that's a stretch.

If I had to guess from camp reports...I see...

Makes Team - Mason, Clayton, DWill, Marcus Smith, Kelley Washington
Makes P Sq - Ernie Wheelwright, Justin Harper, Isaiah Williams
Goodbye - Edward Williams, Eron Riley, Yamon Figurs

Harper has a shot to make the team this year, but as it stands right now, I think Washington gets it over him due to experience and ST abilities.

[jonboy79]

Based on what I've read in camp reports, Eron Riley looks to be in last place in the WR battles. I'm not even sure he makes P Sq right now, which justifies what I said when everyone was ready to make him the next starter when we signed him...he was a UDFA for many reasons...

As I see our WR situation, we'll only carry 5-6...

Mason, Clayton, DWil, Marcus Smith are probably locks...at least first 3 with Marcus Smith having an early edge. Figurs, Kelley Washington, Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright are the main people battling for those last 1-2 spots.

Then you've got Edward Williams, Isaiah Williams, and Eron Riley. If Figurs or Washington don't make the team, they are cut. If Wheelwright or Harper don't, they are both likely P Sq players. I can't see us carrying more than 3 WRs on the P Sq, and that's a stretch.

If I had to guess from camp reports...I see...

Makes Team - Mason, Clayton, DWill, Marcus Smith, Kelley Washington
Makes P Sq - Ernie Wheelwright, Justin Harper, Isaiah Williams
Goodbye - Edward Williams, Eron Riley, Yamon Figurs

Harper has a shot to make the team this year, but as it stands right now, I think Washington gets it over him due to experience and ST abilities.

I'm basically with this guy,word for word

Eron Riley is our future people, he has similar measurables to DHB, he should be starting over Clayton before the end of the season....

The only way we keep 6 WR's is if Marcus SMith, FIgurs and Washington ALL make the team as all are very good STers. 6 WR's thin's the roster too much otherwise in more important areas.

[RavenScallywag]

ummm, then no you are not with me at all...given how he's looked so far, I don't even think Eron Riley should make the TEAM, much less look for a starting spot anytime this year. Unless I missed the :261695:

Riley had some nice highlight catches at Duke...nice. Kyle Boller was also able to chuck the ball through the goal posts from 50 yard on his knee...does that mean he could actually throw a good deep ball or run the offense at the NFL level? No...Riley so far has looked like he's lost in OTAs...this is just OTAs, we're not even practicing at full speed with pads yet!

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see him succeed, but from the initial reports on him, looks like he's going to be a project, not someone I see breaking into the NFL on a high level for at least another 1-2 years, if that.

[Dave Lap]

What position is Kruger going to play? Is he the future replacement for Pryce at DE? Can he get up to 280+ without losing his speed and quickness?

I was listening to a DeCosta interview where he said that Kruger is "big boned" and can put on weight and muscle with no problem, given his frame. I'm sure he thinks the weight vs. quickness trade off would be worth it or he wouldn't have commented the way he did.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

The Riley was our future movement was completely out of control on the Sun boards...I mean there was a 6-7 page thread on it that is now mysteriously nowhere to be found now lol.

[jonboy79]

ummm, then no you are not with me at all...given how he's looked so far, I don't even think Eron Riley should make the TEAM, much less look for a starting spot anytime this year. Unless I missed the :261695:

Riley had some nice highlight catches at Duke...nice. Kyle Boller was also able to chuck the ball through the goal posts from 50 yard on his knee...does that mean he could actually throw a good deep ball or run the offense at the NFL level? No...Riley so far has looked like he's lost in OTAs...this is just OTAs, we're not even practicing at full speed with pads yet!

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see him succeed, but from the initial reports on him, looks like he's going to be a project, not someone I see breaking into the NFL on a high level for at least another 1-2 years, if that.

NO, my bad... I didn't include the sarcasm icon... I thought i dripped it on enough...
I never thoguht Riley had ANY chance to make the roster. I was lambasted for correctly looking at Harper, Wheelright and Figurs distinctly ahead of him on the depth chart. I think Eddie Williams has now shown he too is clearly ahead of Riley.

I actually agreed with yoru whole post word for word, except that you maybe think there is a smidge more chance to have 6 WR's on the roster. I think it is basically zero. Barring injury, IMO the WR roster is set with the top 5.

Mason, Clayton, DWil, Smith and Washington.

[sailorsam]

think of a WildBird variant in which JFlac and TSmith are both in the backfield. who gets the snap? who passes? who runs a route? will give d-coords something to think about. would love to see some defenders running around like the headless chicken.

[Mr. Mojo Rizon]

think of a WildBird variant in which JFlac and TSmith are both in the backfield. who gets the snap? who passes? who runs a route? will give d-coords something to think about. would love to see some defenders running around like the headless chicken.

Cam needs to have the stones to run it not only against the Chiefs and Raiders and Lions, but against the Steelers and Patriots too.

Play to win, don't play not to lose.

There's a big difference.



Strange days have found us

[psuasskicker]

Based on what I've read in camp reports, Eron Riley looks to be in last place in the WR battles. I'm not even sure he makes P Sq right now, which justifies what I said when everyone was ready to make him the next starter when we signed him...he was a UDFA for many reasons...

As I see our WR situation, we'll only carry 5-6...

Mason, Clayton, DWil, Marcus Smith are probably locks...at least first 3 with Marcus Smith having an early edge. Figurs, Kelley Washington, Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright are the main people battling for those last 1-2 spots.

Then you've got Edward Williams, Isaiah Williams, and Eron Riley. If Figurs or Washington don't make the team, they are cut. If Wheelwright or Harper don't, they are both likely P Sq players. I can't see us carrying more than 3 WRs on the P Sq, and that's a stretch.

If I had to guess from camp reports...I see...

Makes Team - Mason, Clayton, DWill, Marcus Smith, Kelley Washington
Makes P Sq - Ernie Wheelwright, Justin Harper, Isaiah Williams
Goodbye - Edward Williams, Eron Riley, Yamon Figurs

Harper has a shot to make the team this year, but as it stands right now, I think Washington gets it over him due to experience and ST abilities.

This.


Worth noting...if Troy Smith is really gonna get reps at WR, there's pretty much no way we're carrying six WRs on this roster.

- C -

[RavenScallywag]

Hate to keep kicking a guy when he's down...but...


About 50 yards on the other side of the field, Hostler ripped into rookie wide receiver Eron Riley for running a route incorrectly. “How many times do we have to go over that?” Hostler yelled at Riley.


That was from the Ravens Insider blog on Tuesday's camp...http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2009/06/offensive_coaches_going_on_the_offensive.html

[sailorsam]

Cam needs to have the stones to run it not only against the Chiefs and Raiders and Lions, but against the Steelers and Patriots too.

Strange days have found us

his record, here and wi the Chargers, is not good against those two.

[52decleetzu]

Hate to keep kicking a guy when he's down...but...



That was from the Ravens Insider blog on Tuesday's camp...http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2009/06/offensive_coaches_going_on_the_offensive.html

He will get it together.

He is 6'3 215 lbs and runs a 4.34 40,and that qualifies him to be a #1 WR in the NFL.

He was undrafted because the scouts just missed him,thats all.

He got the shaft because he played for Duke and he will be our # 3 receiver minimum...just watch.

[awalt]

He will get it together.

He is 6'3 215 lbs and runs a 4.34 40,and that qualifies him to be a #1 WR in the NFL.

He was undrafted because the scouts just missed him,thats all.

He got the shaft because he played for Duke and he will be our # 3 receiver minimum...just watch.

Well maybe,. but the NFL is riddled with big fast WRs who weren't smart, focused, had no work ethic, or weren't committed to being the best - and they are busts.

J.J Stokes, Michael Westbrook, Sylvester Morris, David Terrell, and Charles Rogers were all big fast receivers that were busts. They may not have been quite as fast as Riley, but they did more in college, were big and fast enough, and were busts. If you want speed burners that were busts look no further than our own Patrick Johnson, cut last year by the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

I am rooting for Eron Riley, but if you think the scouts overlooked him, if you think scouts weren't down there watching him play given his size and speed and potential, than you are kidding yourself. He was undrafted for a big reason, and we are seeing it in minicamp. The kid will likely be a total non-factor in camp.

[psuasskicker]

He is 6'3 215 lbs and runs a 4.34 40,and that qualifies him to be a #1 WR in the NFL.

He was undrafted because the scouts just missed him,thats all.

This is sarcasm, right?

- C -

[darb72]

Put me in the corner that thinks Riley could turn out to be a pleasent surprise. He has the size and speed to be a great NFL player and sometimes scouts do miss players for whatever reason.

Good and great players get drafted late and are signed as UFA. Three UFA picked up by the Ravens off the top of my head are Jeff Saturday, Will Demps and Priest Holmes. Adalius Thomas was a sixth round pick. Kelley Gregg was an UFA I believe (if not, he was a late round pick).

Do I think Riley will be the next Marquis Gholston or however you spell that receivers name from the Saints? I don't know. The only time I've seen him play is on his highlight video and that doesn't tell you much. I will say he has the physical talent to be great IF he works at it.

[wickedsolo]

Based on what I've read in camp reports, Eron Riley looks to be in last place in the WR battles. I'm not even sure he makes P Sq right now, which justifies what I said when everyone was ready to make him the next starter when we signed him...he was a UDFA for many reasons...

As I see our WR situation, we'll only carry 5-6...

Mason, Clayton, DWil, Marcus Smith are probably locks...at least first 3 with Marcus Smith having an early edge. Figurs, Kelley Washington, Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright are the main people battling for those last 1-2 spots.

Then you've got Edward Williams, Isaiah Williams, and Eron Riley. If Figurs or Washington don't make the team, they are cut. If Wheelwright or Harper don't, they are both likely P Sq players. I can't see us carrying more than 3 WRs on the P Sq, and that's a stretch.

If I had to guess from camp reports...I see...

Makes Team - Mason, Clayton, DWill, Marcus Smith, Kelley Washington
Makes P Sq - Ernie Wheelwright, Justin Harper, Isaiah Williams
Goodbye - Edward Williams, Eron Riley, Yamon Figurs

Harper has a shot to make the team this year, but as it stands right now, I think Washington gets it over him due to experience and ST abilities.

I actually think that we will carry 6 WR's this season considering that Mason is still nursing that sore shoulder and Lord knows that DWill and Clayton are not too far from getting a nagging injury that lasts throughout the season.

Marcus Smith has been really impressive this off-season and Kelly Washington has really been impressive too. Both of those guys will def be on the 53 roster.

Mason, Clayton, DWill, M. Smith, and Washington.

The 6th spot is going to be interesting. It's between Wheelright, Harper, E. Williams, I. Williams, Figurs, and Riley.

Riley hasn't been very impressive at all, he'll be cut.

Figurs is almost a wasted spot and could be traded. He's fast, but runs mediocre routes and has questionable hands. Either way, he won't be on the final roster.

Ernie Wheelright and Justing Harper have looked a lot better this off-season than what they did last year, but neither are emerging as being better than the other.

Isaiah Williams and Edwin Williams look like they could be pretty good with the right coaching and maybe a year or two in the books and working on their technique. However, Isaiah Williams has looked pretty good and has shown a lot of progress since being brought in as a UDFA.

At this point, I actually think that they may give Isaiah Williams the nod over the other guys. He's got good size, good hands, route running has gotten better as he progressed in camp and OTA's, and he has solid speed for a bigger guy. He wouldn't have to see the field a whole lot, but just working out with the team and working in on special teams would do him a lot of good.

[srobert96]

I actually think that we will carry 6 WR's this season considering that Mason is still nursing that sore shoulder and Lord knows that DWill and Clayton are not too far from getting a nagging injury that lasts throughout the season.

Marcus Smith has been really impressive this off-season and Kelly Washington has really been impressive too. Both of those guys will def be on the 53 roster.

Mason, Clayton, DWill, M. Smith, and Washington.

The 6th spot is going to be interesting. It's between Wheelright, Harper, E. Williams, I. Williams, Figurs, and Riley.

Riley hasn't been very impressive at all, he'll be cut.

Figurs is almost a wasted spot and could be traded. He's fast, but runs mediocre routes and has questionable hands. Either way, he won't be on the final roster.

Ernie Wheelright and Justing Harper have looked a lot better this off-season than what they did last year, but neither are emerging as being better than the other.

Isaiah Williams and Edwin Williams look like they could be pretty good with the right coaching and maybe a year or two in the books and working on their technique. However, Isaiah Williams has looked pretty good and has shown a lot of progress since being brought in as a UDFA.

At this point, I actually think that they may give Isaiah Williams the nod over the other guys. He's got good size, good hands, route running has gotten better as he progressed in camp and OTA's, and he has solid speed for a bigger guy. He wouldn't have to see the field a whole lot, but just working out with the team and working in on special teams would do him a lot of good.



Dwill is always an injury concern. Since his first year Clayton has played in every game. It will be Mason, Clayton, Dwill, Washington, Smith and one other guy. They will carry 6 because Washington is a standout on special teams. Unless Figurs proves himself as a receiver he will be out. Harper, Wheelright, Figurs, Riley and Williams will all be battling for 1 spot.

[jonboy79]

I see almost no chance there is 6 wr's on the roster. You talk about injuries, that is when you take players from the PS on to the roster. 3 WR's play a week here... NO reason to keep more then 6, except special teams. IMO, FIgurs MUST be one of the two primary returners for this team to keep 6 WR's, also Marcus Smith and Kelley Washington must also be included on the roster as ST'ers.

[RavenScallywag]

Unless one of the Williams UDFAs makes huge strides during camp, I say Harper or Wheelwright have more of a shot at the 6th spot right now.

[wickedsolo]

Unless one of the Williams UDFAs makes huge strides during camp, I say Harper or Wheelwright have more of a shot at the 6th spot right now.

I agree, but I have read a few blurbs and heard a couple of comments talking about how Isaiah Williams has really performed well this camp and has shown improvement in as little as a few weeks. He seems to really be grasping the offense well.

[RavenScallywag]

Here's another view from one of the MASN reporters...http://masnsports.com/2009/06/early-returns-on-the-undrafted.html

This one seems to indicate that Riley has had some issues, but has also had his share of good moments and he's trying hard to make an impact. Meanwhile, it points out that Isaiah Williams has made rookie mistakes too, like PICKING UP A FUMBLE AND RUNNING IT THR WRONG WAY!

From what I read on that, both are playing like UDFA rookies should, and I. Williams has just a slight edge over Eron Riley due to how polished he's looked.

[wickedsolo]

This one seems to indicate that Riley has had some issues, but has also had his share of good moments and he's trying hard to make an impact. Meanwhile, it points out that Isaiah Williams has made rookie mistakes too, like PICKING UP A FUMBLE AND RUNNING IT THR WRONG WAY!


:grbac:


I have always liked Wheelright and I think if he makes the team he could be to us what Malcom Floyd is/was to the Chargers. I think he could fulfill that type of a role.