Bennett signs 1-year deal

The Ravens WR picture got a little clearer today, as they signed former-Titans and Rams WR, Drew Bennett, to a 1-year deal.

Bennett caught only 1 pass in 2008 before breaking a bone in his foot which forced him to sit out the remainder of the season. But Bennett has had success in the NFL before, totaling 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2004.

It's unlikely Bennett will come close to those kinds of numbers again, but at 30 years old, Bennett could still have some fight left in him as long as he remains healthy. And with a still-developing Joe Flacco at QB, Bennett could become the security blanket for Flacco that Derrick Mason was last year.

If anything, Bennett makes the WR position a tad deeper in talent, as well as question marks. And if Mason ever does decide to come back, dare I say it, the Ravens WR corps will be in good shape.

NOTE: The Ravens didn't sign former-Seahawks and Panthers WR, DJ Hackett, after inviting him to workout for the Ravens a second time, the first being in May when the Ravens eventually went on to sign Kelley Washington.

WR options shaping up...

In the past week, the Ravens worked out WR's Drew Bennett and DJ Hackett. You might remember Hackett trying out for the Ravens before the team signed Kelley Washington back in May.

Bennett is an intriguing option. He had some solid seasons in Tennessee, before moving on to St. Louis, where he only played in 15 games over the course of 2 seasons. Apparently, Bennett is healthy now, and only 31. He would make a great addition to the Ravens whether Derrick Mason stays retired or not.

Speaking of Mason, coach John Harbaugh seems to think that Derrick will eventually come back. Let's hope he's right. Many older players despise training camp, and with Brian Billick's so-called "Camp Creampuff" no more, many veterans are not looking forward to three weeks of grueling practice in the humid Maryland August. So on top of wanting a contract extension, Mason may also want to "sit out" some of training camp.

Meanwhile, former-Saints and Falcons WR Joe Horn wants to play for the Ravens. Horn is 37 and hasn't had a decent season since 2004. Still, Horn could fill Mason's shoes as a solid route-runner with good hands. Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams are still the Ravens' deep threats.

So there are options out there. It just remains to be seen which direction the Ravens will take to address the WR position following Mason's "retirement".

Mason Announces Retirement

Derrick Mason announced his abrupt retirement yesterday, telling ESPN News, "This is a decision that I've made. If I do change my mind, it won't be because of the Ravens. It'll be because of some other things - my family and talking with other people. I still got to talk with some coaches over there. As far as financially, I don't think they can do anything to sway me."

Earlier this offseason, Mason wanted a contract extension. Could this be a negotiating ploy? Maybe, but it's doubtful according to what Mason told the media. And with Steve McNair's recent murder, Mason may have taken another look at his life and decided that there was more to it than just football.

It's hard to get upset with Mason if that is the case, but it still leaves the Ravens in a massive hole. Training camp starts in 2 weeks and the Ravens didn't address the WR position this offseason other than signing Kelley Washington. And losing Mason is a huge step backwards.

Over the course of 4 seasons with the Ravens, Mason averaged 986 receiving yards and almost 4 TD's. Not huge numbers, but Mason was the Ravens go-to WR over that time. He ran perfect routes and had great hands. And there is no one on the Ravens currently able to fill his shoes.

Mark Clayton is poised to have a big year, continuing to develop with QB Joe Flacco, but Clayton is far from a #1 WR. He made some acrobatic catches last year, but is still inconsistent, disappearing for games at a time. That said, unless the Ravens do something drastic, he will be the Ravens #1 WR by default and will have to step up.

Demetrius Williams has the speed and height to break-out in 2009, but his injury issues have kept him out of 16 games over the last 2 years. Kelley Washington impressed the Ravens during their WR workout earlier this offseason, but Washington has only caught 10 passes in the NFL over the last 3 years. Then there is Marcus Smith, a second year WR out of New Mexico, who didn't catch a pass in 2008. What he brings to the table is unknown.

To say the Ravens WR options beyond Clayton are limited is an understatement. And their options outside the organization just as limited.

There was talk of trading for Broncos troubled WR Brandon Marshall earlier this offseason, but Marshall is dealing with some severe off-the-field troubles. Then there is another troubled WR in Plaxico Burress. No team has had the guts to sign Burress, coming off an embarrassing nightclub incident in which he shot himself in the leg last November. As with Marshall, a Burress suspension could be imminent, so its unknown how many games the Ravens would have them for in 2009.

Beyond Marshall and Burress, the available wide-receivers are replacement level talent. When the Ravens signed Washington, they also tried out DJ Hackett, Tab Perry and Jerry Porter. Among those names, Porter is the most enticing, but his injury issues are worrisome. And in 10 games last year with the Jaguars, he caught only 11 passes, for 181 yards and 1 TD.

The retirement of Mason leaves Flacco's development up in the air as well. Without Mason, Flacco doesn't have a security blanket that he offered Flacco in 2008. So, unless Mason is posturing for a contract extension, the Ravens will be entering the 2009 season extremely shorthanded.

I wish Mason the best, and if his retirement was brought on by McNair's murder, it's understandable. There is more to life than just football, and we, as fans, have trouble remembering that at times.

But Mason's decision to retire has knocked Ravens from Super Bowl Contenders to a fringe playoff team.

Ravens sign Washington, Anderson to Retire?

The Ravens agreed to terms with former Patriots and Bengals WR Kelley Washington today.

Washington, 30, is not going to instantly improve the Ravens passing attack. He’ll likely compete with Demtrius Williams for the #3 WR spot and pitch in on special teams. But, he will make the current WR corps taller, at 6 foot 3 inches. Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason both stand in at 5 foot 10 inches, and Williams is an inch shorter than Washington.

And apparently, the Ravens were really impressed with Washington, and picked him out of a group of receivers that included Jerry Porter, DJ Hackett and Tab Perry, so maybe Washington can be more than a warm body.

I do remember him doing some crazy touchdown dances in Cincinnati so maybe he’ll be good for the entertainment.

Washington has a career 854 receiving yards good for 16.6 yards per catch and 9 TD in 54 games over 5 years in the NFL.

****

The Ravens placed OL Willie Anderson on the retired/reserved list today, signaling Anderson’s likely retirement. The Bengals thought he was going to retire when they released him before the 2008 season, but the 34-year-old Anderson signed with the Ravens instead.

Last month, the Ravens took Michael Oher in the first round of the NFL Draft. While it might be a stretch for Oher to start immediately, it did signal the end of Anderson in Baltimore.

2009 Ravens Draft Round Up

The Ravens only had 6 draft picks total in the NFL Draft this past weekend, but they did a lot with a little, despite not adding any flashy skill position players.

Scouting reports courtesy of Yahoo! Sports

Michael Oher, OT – Ole Miss – 23rd, 1st Round

The Good: The total package at tackle. Possesses a big, strong-looking frame with long arms and a well-built upper and lower body. Displays an explosive first step and can consistently get outside and reach speed rushers. Excellent lateral mobility and feet. Plays low with good leverage and exhibits a powerful punch on contact. The most upside of any tackle in the group.

The Bad: Has had some well-documented learning disabilities and may need his fair share of reps at the next level. Isn’t as consistent as you’d like to see; seems to have lapses in concentration vs. lower level competition.

Paul Kruger, DE – Utah – 25th, 2nd Round

The Good: A tough, hard-working defensive end with a long frame and impressive straight-line speed for his size. Has a good first step off the edge and uses his length and strong upper body to shed blocks and chase the ball from the backside. Has a nose for the quarterback and showcases impressive closing speed in pursuit of the ball.

The Bad: Gets a bit high at times off the edge, which causes him to struggle shedding blocks. Looks a bit lean and could stand to add some weight and power in his lower half.

Lardarius Webb, CB – Nicholls State – 24th, 3rd Round

The Good: A versatile athlete who has played quarterback for one game,as well as: wide receiver, kick return punt return, safety, and corner. A playmaking ballhawk with superior hands, ball skills and he loves to hit. His natural position is safety but can play nickel and corner because he can cover in man. Also a good punt blocker and gunner on the punt team. He has the range and everything else except the frame you'd like to see, he can be a reserve right away at any position in the secondary. In addition to 4.46 40 speed his 6.77, 3-Cone and 4.1 in the short shuttle all illustrate his quickness.

The Bad: Lean frame, I have seen him listed at 205, but I just don't see it. I think he's much less than that: 190-187 at most. He also needs to be as good at and solid in reading play action as he is is in other areas. Like most top CB/safety prospects at this level he is very nosy and can get out of position trying to do too much. He weighed in at 179 at the combine to be a FS he'll need at least 10-15 lbs.

Jason Phillips, LB – TCU – 1st, 5th Round

The Good: A tough, instinctive linebacker who plays with passion and physicality on every play. Showcases ideal straight-line speed toward the perimeter and works hard in pursuit. Has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline and make plays outside the tackles. Displays good awareness in zone coverage and does a good job reading his keys. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and is always flowing toward the ball.

The Bad: Isn’t real powerful in his lower body and struggles exploding though his hips. Is a bit stiff in space and doesn’t redirect or get out of his breaks cleanly. Tends to over-pursue and struggles breaking down in space and making consist plays on the ball.

Devon Drew, TE – East Carolina – 12th, 5th Round

The Good: A good-looking athlete with wide shoulders and an explosive first step. Demonstrates good flexibility and burst out of his stance and seems to reach top speed quickly. Is very sudden in and out of his breaks and has the body control to separate down the field. Has the frame to add even more strength and can certainly develop as a blocker.
The Bad: Will have the occasion drop and lapse of concentration over the middle. Doesn’t line up as a down tight end and will need to work on his blocking techniques. Has a tendency to lose his balance too easily, and his block is shed too easily.

Cedric Peerman, RB – Virginia – 10th, 6th Round

The Good: A physical back who runs with good power and leg drive between the tackles. Showcases good vision and instincts at the line of scrimmage and does a nice job reading his blocks. Displays quick feet and flexibility when changing directions in space. Runs with a good pad level and can break tackles inside. Possesses a good first step attacking the hole.

The Bad: Plays at one speed, isn’t a home run threat and lacks a second gear once he gets into the secondary. Has a tendency to fumble inside, and concerns surround his small hands and short arms.

****

Although none of these moves were flashy, they improve the depth on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the secondary and at linebacker.

With the selection of Devon Drew, The TE position looks to get crowded with Todd Heap, L.J. Smith and Quinn Sypniewski already on the roster and RB Cedric Peerman looks to be a Special Teams player with Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice returning at RB.

However, the Ravens failed to upgrade the WR position, which they would still like to do, but not at the steep cost it would take to land Anquan Boldin. When Darius Heyward-Bey was surprisingly selected 8th overall by the Oakland Raiders, it killed any chance of the Ravens trading up to get him. Now the Ravens will have to wait to see who is released or try to hammer out a trade for a WR.

But at least it looks like Joe Flacco will have some more time to throw with the addition of Oher, which should help improve the passing game instantly.

Ravens trading for Boldin?

Word is the Ravens are considering trading for Cardinals disgruntled wide-receiver Anquan Boldin.

Right now the Cardinals are asking for a first and third round pick for Boldin. If these picks are taken from the 2009 draft, it would leave the Ravens with only 4 picks on draft day.

Boldin is the #1 WR the Ravens have needed for years, but he doesn’t come without risks. In six seasons he’s played 16 games only twice, and he’s missed 4 games in each of the last 2 seasons.

Then there are the attitude problems. Boldin was seen complaining to coaches and throwing towels on the sidelines during the 2008 playoffs. Will that emotional baggage come with him? Or does he leave it in Arizona?

Joe Flacco could desperately use a huge target like Boldin in 2009 to go along with Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton. But it’s unlikely the Ravens part with the draft picks it would take to land him. Since the Ravens moved to Baltimore, they have put more stock in the draft than probably any other organization in the NFL.

However, if the Ravens are ever to have a bona fide #1 WR, they’re probably not going to be drafting him. The Ravens have never drafted a WR that has had 1,000 yards receiving in a season and until they drafted Flacco, QB and WR were the positions the Ravens still seem to have trouble evaluating in the draft.

If the Ravens are in deed looking to upgrade at the WR position, and they should be, a smarter route would be to pursue the Bengals’ Chad Johnson. Johnson is coming off a bad season, largely due to the fact that Carson Palmer missed most of the season and the Bengals blackballed him after Johnson’s public outbursts.

The Bengals had their chance to unload Johnson last year, but turned down the Redskins’ offer of 2 first rounders for Chad. Cincinnati is reportedly still asking for a first round pick for Johnson, but there’s no chance the Bengals will get that kind of return. Johnson is still a good receiver, but is getting older (he’s 31), and despite the legit excuses for his down year in 2008, it’s unlikely that he has another 1,400 yard receiving season.

But Johnson will rebound with a chance of scenery, and I think Baltimore is about the best change of scenery Chad could ask for.

2009 Schedule is out!

The Ravens 2009 regular season schedule is out.

Sun 9/13 Kansas City 1:00 pm
Sun 9/20 at San Diego 4:15 pm
Sun 9/27 Cleveland 1:00 pm
Sun 10/4 at New England 1:00 pm
Sun 10/11 Cincinnati 1:00 pm
Sun 10/18 at Minnesota 1:00 pm
bye
Sun 11/1 Denver 1:00 pm
Sun 11/8 at Cincinnati 1:00 pm
Mon 11/16 at Cleveland 8:30 pm
Sun 11/22 Indianapolis 1:00 pm
Sun 11/29 Pittsburgh 8:20 pm
Mon 12/7 at Green Bay 8:30 pm
Sun 12/13 Detroit 1:00 pm
Sun 12/20 Chicago 1:00 pm
Sun 12/27 at Pittsburgh 1:00 pm
Sun 1/3 at Oakland 4:15 pm

Some thoughts:

• A very winnable home opener against a non-divisional team in Kansas City. Although the Chiefs traded for Matt Cassell and were pretty decent on offense in 2008, against the Ravens they are still extremely overmatched on both sides of the ball.

• The first three home games are pretty easy (KC, CLE, CIN), but they are matched by the challenge of three first road games (@SD, @NE, @MIN).

• The Ravens will get their first shot at home against the Steelers in a primetime game since 2003. Maybe looking like wusses by asking the NFL to avoid scheduling a BAL @ PIT primetime game paid off after all.

• I don’t like closing out the season with 2 games on the road, including a trip to the west coast. I don’t know how many other teams close out the season with 2 road games, but I bet it’s not many.

• Three primetime games in 4 weeks. America might get as sick of the Ravens as they are the Steelers, Cowboys and Patriots.

• A very early pre-draft prediction: 11-5.