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focus
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFL

What the Ravens really need to focus on

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

What the Ravens really need to focus on

All I hear is drama lately when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens. Mostly a bunch of slightly salty former Ravens’ receivers who are now more concerned about individual accomplishments than returning to the team for another shot at a ring.


Fans out there with equal hate for the Greg Roman system under John Harbaugh have also been the talk of the town. Combine that with Orlando Brown Jr. wanting a trade, Matt Judon taking on the twitter monster and ESPN writers and whispers of “Lamar can’t win” crap, you can consider me annoyed.

The real focus needs to be the depth chart on defense, specifically with the OLBs. Let me read to you who they have. Here is the list. Are you ready?

Jaylon Ferguson…That’s the list! We can tweet about Judon extorting ESPN writers or contract denials until we’re blue in the face. The fact is Matt Judon is not a member of the team. Yannick Ngakoue is not a member of the team. Pernell McPhee is a Free Agent. Tyus Bowser is a Free agent. There is only one OLB, not one starting OLB, ONE OLB PERIOD on the roster! Maybe if the pundits and fans could pull their attention from Judon-gate and WR-gate, they could see that EDGE is a major need.

Jaylon is a guy who can be great in coverage and can stay disciplined enough against the run. According to SI.com’s Todd Karpovich:

“Ferguson broke the NCAA record for career sacks with 45, eclipsing the previous mark set by Terrell Suggs, who is Baltimore’s all-time sack leader. As a result, Ferguson instantly drew comparisons to T-Sizzle when he arrived in Baltimore.”

Where are those comparisons now? Charm city is going to need that energy and performance out of the self-proclaimed “Sack-Daddy”.

The former LA Tech player has the prototypical (6-5, 270lbs) size to get the job done. He has shown some ability like the work he puts in here. Yes, I am aware it is almost considered a coverage sack, but it takes real effort to keep striving for this long.


It would be easy to call #45 a bull-rushing brute, but as you can see below, he’s a bit more than that. The guy has good field awareness.


He’s going to need some help. With the Ravens somewhere around less than 20 million dollars in cap space, signing a high-profile OLB is entirely out of the question unless some significant moves happen. With the current lack of money, the Ravens can get 2 of the guys back for cheap.

Tyus Bowser, the former Super Mario Brother’s villain, had some extreme ups during his tenure in Baltimore like this:


And then some blunders like this. Look for #54 at the beginning

 


I’ve watched some tape on Bowser, and seeing his leadership on the field has stepped up immensely since coming into the league. I see him seeing him calling line shifts that benefit the run stop as he fills the APEX or E-gaps. Baltimore is looking at whether they decide to resign the guy for 5-6 mil per year. This signing would retain continuity, and a bit of leadership as the team will build through the draft at OLB.

The other addition for cheap that may be a risk is Pernell McPhee. Sure, he’s long in the tooth, but his veteran leadership will do nothing but help this team be great. His actions on the field have not slowed either. As a pass-rusher in Baltimore’s defense, you’re a rotational player, especially with the number of blitzes Wink Martindale loves to run. To get 15 QB hits and three sacks out of a rotational player, you’re doing something right. Sure it’s nothing to write home to mom about, but this is veteran leadership and quality available at veteran minimum pricing.

I’d be shocked if Jihad Ward didn’t come back for the low-low as well.

Anyway, things are going to shake in about 19 days. I am curious to see how this unit will look before the draft.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

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Judon walking off-Getty
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFL

5 Options For Ravens w/ Judon Walking

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

5 Options For Ravens w/ Judon Walking

Ravens Nation, I’ve had it! There has been this love-affair with Matthew Judon, and I’m done with it. The feelings are not mutual. Matt wants his bag. He wants to get paid. He has made it clear he is looking for work, as mentioned here.


Ravens’ fans and pundits alike have argued me left and right about Judon’s worth. PFF has him with the most QB hits in the NFL as an arguing point.

NFL.Com recorded him being 18th in the league in sacks.

Fans countered me on Facebook, saying Judon led the team in QB pressures this season. I covered everything you can possibly imagine about Judon in this article from Russell Street Report, right here.

Option 1: Already in place

Whether the answer is a cheaper option in FA, building through the draft, or trusting Jaylen Ferguson to mature into that dude, it’s time to move forward. Let’s look at the first option closest to filling the void. Is Jaylen ready to reclaim his nickname, “Sack Daddy”? Here is a draft breakdown on him done by Pro-Football Focus.

 

In my opinion, his bull-rush is effective against smaller school players, and while NCAA sack leader of 2018 has a rip and some lean into his rushes, they just have not been as effective in the NFL. I went back to the week 9 tape because I saw he had a sack against the Buffalo Bills. It turns out Judon caused the sack, and Jaylen simply was the first to touch Josh Allen after he hit the ground.

Below isn’t too good of a look either as it shows the rookie 1-on-1 with Bills’ TE Tyler Kroft.

However, they gave Lamar Jackson a chance and a second season to see what he is capable of and that turned out ok, I guess. Ending the season with the MVP crown is pretty solid.

Option 2: XFL

LB Latroy Lewis, out of Tennessee, is currently leading the XFL with 2-sacks. It’s only week-2 of the amateur league, but it’s something to keep an eye on. Lewis was not drafted but was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017. The former volunteer had flashes during the preseason that year. Here is one.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/0ap3000000835269/Can-t-Miss-Play-LaTroy-Lewis-turns-mid-air-fumble-recovery-into-TD

Lewis tried hard to secure a spot on the Raiders that season as he notched two sacks and the above tipped-pick-six. However, despite his efforts, in the end, he’s in Vince McMahon’s league. Baltimore could benefit by thinking outside of the normal channels and giving this young man a shot.

Option 3: Free Agency

As I continued to peruse the free-agent tracker, one name that may match the Ravens’ purse and talent need is New York Jets impending free-agent Jordan Jenkins. The former DSGB (Dirty South Georgia Boy) wasn’t as flashy as one would like to see due to injury but he had 8-sacks on the season in 2019 and is looking to test the market. As many former Ravens that were signed last year by the Jets, it would be nice to return the favor and snatch a high-value-target from the J-E-T-S…

Option 4: Draft

This option is the cheapest option and is more than likely the route Eric DeCosta likes the most. He has mentioned wanting to build teams with players still on their first contracts. Picking up a player like Alabama‘s Afernee Jennings could really fill the need and bolster the unit against the run. What I continued to see out of the former Roll Tide player was the ability to stay disciplined against the run. Additionally, another thing that popped off the tape for me was Jennings sniffs out and knocks down passes on the regular. The former 2x College Football Champion may be only 6-1, but his speed and ability make up for the height.

Option 5: Same Ol’ Same

Of course, bringing back Terrell Suggs is another option but the team is looking to build toward the future. The aforementioned are the most reasonable options available should Judon look for greener pastures. It will be interesting to see which ones the Baltimore Ravens choose.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

 

4 Fixes to the Cowboys’ Sad Return Woes

 

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Simmons to the North Getty
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFLUncategorized

Simmons to the North Please!

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett

Simmons to the North Please!

Who is going to be that “dog” for the Baltimore Ravens? Where is the OLB that will put fear into the hearts of opposing QBs the way that Terrell Suggs used to? Is there a guy on the roster that can bring the noise and put QBs on their backs and strike fear into the AFC North again? I don’t think so. Sure, Matthew Judon led the team in sacks on the season, but let’s face facts. When you have as many pressures as Don Martindale did this past season, somebody needs to get there more than 9.5 times individually. So off to the draft we go. I am dreaming, of course. I believe there is only one guy I want these Ravens to snag in the back of the first round. Isaiah Simmons is that “dog”.

Motor Motor Motor!

I looked at the film on this guy, and the first thing that pops off the screen for me is the relentless pursuit. Offensive players cringe when they see the intelligent angles in which he takes towards the ball-carrier. Not just the angles, but the speed in which he tracks the ball carriers down with is flat out scary. At 6’3, 230lbs with a 4.5 40-time, he’s bound to raise some eyebrows.

 

Straight gushing over here

My favorite thing about the former Clemson Tiger is his ability to stay disciplined and let the opponent make the first move before attacking. You could see him simply playing his coverage until the QB tries to roll out of the pocket on most plays. Shortly after, you would see Simmons tracking them down like a dog in heat. With 9-sacks in 2019, you would have to wonder what the potential is at the next level with Wink designing blitz packages around him?

The Ravens had a clear need in run-defense as King Derrick Henry rumbled on the squad for 195-yards in the Divisional Round. I’m not the only one high on him. According to walterfootball.com’s Charlie Campbell:

“Simmons totaled 89 tackles with six passes broken up, three forced fumbles and one interception in 2018. He is a tough run defender who flies around the field and is a physical tackler. Simmons has good instincts with a nose for the football.”

Apparently, Simmons is not exactly all Linebacker. He plays a hybrid mix between Safety and OLB and has a nose for the ball. He had three picks in the 2019 season. Imagine this monster standing beside or even in front of Earl Thomas, laying the smackdown on anyone daring to touch the pigskin. I don’t know about you right now, but I am full-on gushing. Eric DeCosta, if he slides to the Ravens at 28, PLEASE PLEASE, do the right thing and pull the trigger!

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

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5 Raven Standouts
AFC NorthBaltimore RavensNFL

5 Raven Standouts of 2017

by Jermaine Lockett
written by Jermaine Lockett
5 Raven Standouts

5 Raven Standouts

5 Raven Standouts of 2017

This dead zone is the most annoying part of every year. In my life, this is the time where even golf starts to look appealing. Heck the NBA Summer Leagues and even the WNBA come across my television. I am very thankful for Madden and my franchise league, or I would be in trouble. I wish I could inhibit the traits of a bear and go into hibernation until football season at this point. With that not possible, I’ll do by best to give you something; you Baltimore Ravens fans deserve that. So today I give you five breakout Ravens to watch in the 2017 season.

5. Kameleon to take over?

With the departure of Zach Orr and the transition from OLB to MLB, things are looking up for Kamelei Correa. According to ESPN the former BYU star had only 48 snaps in 2016 but is expected to start next to C.J. Mosley. There is competition for the spot with long time veteran Albert McClellan and second-year player, Patrick Onwuasor who got the start in week 17 of the 2016 season against the Cincinnati Bengals. I believe the Ravens have an idea of what Correa is capable of and gave the start to Onwuasor simply because they wanted to see what he could when presented the opportunity.

I’m sure all is forgiven from the last offseason when Correa had a “hand” in breaking Dennis Pitta’s finger during a practice scuffle involving the defense of Joe Flacco. John Harbaugh is on board with Correa as a replacement for Orr as he said he is “very confident” (Rotoworld) that KC will win the job. I’m not saying this is a win by default, but when the only competition is underdeveloped rookies and a second year player with 21 total tackles in 11 games, the answer is clear. The “Kameleon” (Boise State nickname) will win the job.

4. Cowboys and Browns dropped gold…

This next player has arguably the biggest uphill battle on the team because of the recent addition to the position. I speak of how Vince Mayle is going to be the ringer in the 2017 season, but no one believes me. It looks bleak as media is either tearing this guy apart or ignoring him altogether, due to the “Jeremy Maclin” headlines overshadowing his talent. Minicamps are not a great example of what he can do. This man uses his body to make plays, and when minimum contact is permitted in these drills, he cannot be expected to shine. The former fourth-round pick out of Washington State will turn heads in training camp because of physical prowess. Once the pads come on and we hear that click clack, I’m sure you will hear more about the former Cowboy. People will talk about Keenan Reynolds because he has great speed, but he is just a QB trying to find a role on an NFL roster. Reynolds is not what the team needs. The offense has speed in Mike Wallace, Breshard Perriman, and Chris Moore. There is another player’s name I’m just sick of hearing. “Oh if he can stay healthy…?” FACE IT RavenNation, Michael Campanaro will never be what the Ravens need him to be. We would have signed Julian Edelman in the 2014 offseason if it wasn’t for the hope this guy brought via scouting before the NFL draft. It is time to move on to other talent and clear the roster spot.

3. The Return Missionary Takeover

While we are the topic of players with injury, I’d like to shine some light on the situation of one of the Ravens’ DEs. Bronson Kaufusi is a hard working blue collar type of player with prototypical size who could be a force to reckon with the departure of Timmy Jernigan. Timmy was traded to the Eagles prior to the draft. I believe the move happened because the Ravens knew that with Jernigan having such a productive season with 5-sacks, 1-Int, and 1-forced fumble, a contract beyond the Ravens’ ability would be unavoidable. Brandon Williams’ production commanded a 5-year 54 million dollar deal.

Kaufusi is believed to make it a seamless transition. The BYU product had a setback that ended his season before it began last year. Imagine being 25 already and having an opportunity of a lifetime snatched from you before being allowed to compete. That loss will fuel this young man. People who choose to put their life on hold for a mission know a thing or two about resiliency. Bronson will win the starting job and replicate the lost production.

2. Small School Swag?

This next guy is a small school project that I believe to have a great deal of upside at just the right time. Unfortunately, rising star Tavon Young tore his ACL this offseason and will miss the entire regular season. However, this misfortune is just the opportunity Jaylen Hill needed to have a shot at the 53-man roster. The Jacksonville State Alumni has more swag than most and can back up all of the talk in his gameplay. The 5-11 186lb CB led his team in interceptions as and INT return yards with 6 for 181. When watching the videos of this young man, all I see is football intelligence. He knows exactly where to be on the field to make that play. Additionally, it is what he does after the catch is what awes me. This guy’s elusive rating is on 1000!!! His ability to make people miss is uncanny. The Ravens could use the help at kick return and could save a roster spot by having him in both the Nickel CB spot as well as the KR spot.

1. The Changing of the Guard…OLB

The final standout projection for my post is obvious. It’s more of a changing of the guard. I may offend some of the Ravens’ faithful with this post especially all of those attending Ball So Hard University. Terrell Suggs has given the organization his best years, and now it may be time to close this chapter of his life and move on to the next. I get it, he still had eight sacks last year. However, he is not James Harrison, and his replacement is in the building already. The man I am referring to is Za’Darius Smith. Sure “Z” dropped in production last year after having what many believe was an awakening in 2015 with 5.5 sacks. I believe that while the OLB position currently has monsters like Matt Judon and recently drafted Alabama rookie Tim Williams in the building, “Z” will still ball out. Smith has the best mix of youth and experience on his side. Nextgen stats even has him as one of the 20 fastest players in the league to the QB when getting sacks. He is good at stopping the run and can pin his ears back and get after the passer. Is this really a guy you want sitting on your bench Baltimore?

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

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