1 00:00:04,440 --> 00:00:07,400 Speaker 1: Welcome into the Lounge, presented by DraftKings. I'm Garrett Downing 2 00:00:07,440 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: and I'm joined by Clifton Brown. We just walked out 3 00:00:09,520 --> 00:00:12,040 Speaker 1: of the Ravens pre draft press conference with GM Eric 4 00:00:12,119 --> 00:00:15,520 Speaker 1: Costa head coach John Harbaugh. This is always it's one 5 00:00:15,520 --> 00:00:17,640 Speaker 1: of my favorite press conferences I think of the year, 6 00:00:17,680 --> 00:00:20,479 Speaker 1: certainly of the offseason, because it sets the stage for 7 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:22,760 Speaker 1: the draft. And I know that a lot of fans 8 00:00:23,120 --> 00:00:26,200 Speaker 1: have kind of nicknamed this thing the Liar's Luncheon over 9 00:00:26,239 --> 00:00:29,680 Speaker 1: the years, but I think that that nickname is a 10 00:00:29,760 --> 00:00:32,760 Speaker 1: little bit unfair, right, a little bit unfair when you 11 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:35,559 Speaker 1: actually go back over the years and look at some 12 00:00:35,640 --> 00:00:37,279 Speaker 1: of the things that the Ravens have said. I think 13 00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:41,000 Speaker 1: they've been fairly straightforward about what they think of the 14 00:00:41,080 --> 00:00:44,159 Speaker 1: draft class and the big picture approach. Of course, we're 15 00:00:44,159 --> 00:00:46,000 Speaker 1: not coming out here and announcing who they're going to draft. 16 00:00:46,159 --> 00:00:48,199 Speaker 1: That's not get carried away, but I think that you 17 00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:51,280 Speaker 1: can truly glean some insight into the way they think 18 00:00:51,320 --> 00:00:54,640 Speaker 1: about the upcoming draft, the class, and how they plan 19 00:00:54,680 --> 00:00:55,200 Speaker 1: to attack it. 20 00:00:55,720 --> 00:00:56,280 Speaker 2: No question. 21 00:00:56,400 --> 00:00:59,160 Speaker 3: I mean, they're not going to get specific, as you said, 22 00:00:59,160 --> 00:01:03,160 Speaker 3: about the guys they like most, but they have a 23 00:01:03,320 --> 00:01:06,920 Speaker 3: tried and true philosophy of how they do things, And 24 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:10,840 Speaker 3: they've been studying these guys for months and really there 25 00:01:10,880 --> 00:01:15,399 Speaker 3: aren't like major secrets about what positions they're probably going 26 00:01:15,480 --> 00:01:18,920 Speaker 3: to look at, who were the top guys at those positions. 27 00:01:19,319 --> 00:01:21,880 Speaker 2: It's just a question of which flavor they like best. 28 00:01:21,959 --> 00:01:26,000 Speaker 3: So yeah, I think that not even having to read 29 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:29,160 Speaker 3: between the lines all the time, you get a better 30 00:01:29,240 --> 00:01:33,000 Speaker 3: picture after this press conference of what Eric Dakasta is thinking. 31 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:36,800 Speaker 1: So when you walked out of the room, like what 32 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:39,240 Speaker 1: was the first thing that stood out to you? They 33 00:01:39,280 --> 00:01:41,720 Speaker 1: talked for about an hour, like what was the first 34 00:01:41,720 --> 00:01:43,440 Speaker 1: thing that you're walking out of that room thinking that 35 00:01:43,560 --> 00:01:45,240 Speaker 1: that's stuck with you from that presser. 36 00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 3: I mean, I thought it was pretty candid about the 37 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:51,680 Speaker 3: corner likelihood of them drafting a corner in safety. Probably 38 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:54,880 Speaker 3: knew that going in, but he usually doesn't make definitive 39 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:57,720 Speaker 3: statements like that, so as you mentioned, when he says 40 00:01:57,720 --> 00:02:03,040 Speaker 3: something like that, he usually means yeah. Also, I wouldn't 41 00:02:03,080 --> 00:02:07,400 Speaker 3: rule out still a surprise or two, maybe early, like 42 00:02:08,160 --> 00:02:12,080 Speaker 3: maybe a running back earlier than people expect, maybe a 43 00:02:12,120 --> 00:02:14,880 Speaker 3: tight end. I mean, I thought it was interesting when 44 00:02:14,880 --> 00:02:17,440 Speaker 3: he talked about the tight end room. Yeah, the Ravens 45 00:02:17,440 --> 00:02:19,960 Speaker 3: may have one of the greatest or best tight end 46 00:02:20,040 --> 00:02:24,120 Speaker 3: room in football right now, but we don't rule our 47 00:02:24,200 --> 00:02:27,960 Speaker 3: positions because we're strong now, and things in this league 48 00:02:28,040 --> 00:02:33,120 Speaker 3: change really quickly. Injuries can change things in a heartbeat. Yeah, 49 00:02:33,160 --> 00:02:36,520 Speaker 3: So we've all been talking about, you know, more so 50 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:41,079 Speaker 3: this draft leaning towards defense for the Ravens. But if 51 00:02:41,120 --> 00:02:44,000 Speaker 3: the right player comes who they're really impressed with on 52 00:02:44,040 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 3: the offensive side, particularly maybe a tight end running back, 53 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:50,359 Speaker 3: I wouldn't rule out a happening. 54 00:02:50,600 --> 00:02:53,519 Speaker 1: It would be interesting. So let's work through kind of 55 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:57,480 Speaker 1: some of the points that you mentioned there in the secondary, 56 00:02:57,760 --> 00:03:01,360 Speaker 1: and we all kind of think this is problem. He 57 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:03,440 Speaker 1: can probably make this comment every year that the Ravens 58 00:03:03,480 --> 00:03:05,760 Speaker 1: are going to draft a cornerback, especially when you have 59 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:07,880 Speaker 1: eleven picks, like they're just always going to take a 60 00:03:07,919 --> 00:03:12,080 Speaker 1: shot right at that spot. And so for him to say, 61 00:03:12,280 --> 00:03:14,120 Speaker 1: but it was I found it was interesting. Found it 62 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:16,480 Speaker 1: was interesting for him to say both both a corner 63 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:19,760 Speaker 1: and a safety. He expects the Ravens to draft somebody 64 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:23,200 Speaker 1: at both of those positions, and like when you look 65 00:03:23,240 --> 00:03:26,480 Speaker 1: at corner the Ravens. Of course, he was the first 66 00:03:26,520 --> 00:03:29,400 Speaker 1: round pick last year on Nate Wiggins. They lost Brandon 67 00:03:29,400 --> 00:03:31,960 Speaker 1: Stevens a free agency, but they went and they signed 68 00:03:32,200 --> 00:03:36,080 Speaker 1: Cheetoh Wuz in free agency, so that's pretty much even there. 69 00:03:36,120 --> 00:03:38,920 Speaker 1: And they could go out They have three starting corners 70 00:03:39,120 --> 00:03:42,360 Speaker 1: in Wiggins, Marlin and Ouzi, so they could go out 71 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:44,000 Speaker 1: there and play right now with the group they have, 72 00:03:44,640 --> 00:03:48,480 Speaker 1: But as he said many times, you just have to 73 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:50,320 Speaker 1: restock at that position. They all said pretty good depth. 74 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:52,080 Speaker 1: They have TJ. Tampa from a year ago who they like. 75 00:03:52,280 --> 00:03:54,680 Speaker 1: They have Jalen uber Davis who's got a lot of potential. 76 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:57,520 Speaker 1: Like they have some depth pieces there as well. But 77 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:01,720 Speaker 1: as he said, the analogy he was, they're like Bugatti's. 78 00:04:01,720 --> 00:04:03,880 Speaker 1: I don't have too much experience driving Bugattis. I don't 79 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:06,000 Speaker 1: know if you have much clues. Really, Yeah, that's not 80 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:08,600 Speaker 1: really in my wheelhouse there, But I understand the point 81 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:12,480 Speaker 1: that he's trying to make and that they're they're they 82 00:04:12,480 --> 00:04:15,880 Speaker 1: break down. They're incredibly talented, fast guys, but they can 83 00:04:15,880 --> 00:04:19,240 Speaker 1: break down, and so you need to have a really 84 00:04:19,279 --> 00:04:21,760 Speaker 1: deep bench at that position if you're going to be 85 00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:23,680 Speaker 1: able to be a successful team. We've seen how it 86 00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:28,000 Speaker 1: goes if you don't have that, and so like I 87 00:04:29,200 --> 00:04:31,240 Speaker 1: would not be surprised if the Ravens took a first 88 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:33,440 Speaker 1: round corner again this year. Like that would not surprise 89 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:34,680 Speaker 1: me in the least bit this year. 90 00:04:35,279 --> 00:04:38,440 Speaker 3: No, I mean, you can't be deficient at that position. 91 00:04:38,960 --> 00:04:42,880 Speaker 3: One added Nanda Duty told her was about years ago 92 00:04:43,720 --> 00:04:46,080 Speaker 3: them playing the Steelers in the game and he's on 93 00:04:46,120 --> 00:04:48,560 Speaker 3: an airplane going to scout and when he got off 94 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:51,360 Speaker 3: the plane, the Raves are down twenty four to nothing 95 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:55,680 Speaker 3: because their corners were depleted. When you're facing guys like 96 00:04:55,760 --> 00:05:02,320 Speaker 3: Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, etc. If you've got 97 00:05:02,760 --> 00:05:05,080 Speaker 3: weak corners, you're gonna lose. 98 00:05:05,279 --> 00:05:05,719 Speaker 2: Yeah. 99 00:05:05,800 --> 00:05:11,080 Speaker 3: So that's one reason why that position. They're always looking 100 00:05:11,640 --> 00:05:15,320 Speaker 3: to be strong with the safety. We talked about this 101 00:05:15,320 --> 00:05:18,560 Speaker 3: a little bit for the podcast. I think the Ravens 102 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:21,640 Speaker 3: have kind of a unique sifty safety situation in that 103 00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:25,120 Speaker 3: they've got an All Pro player like Kyle Hamilton who 104 00:05:25,160 --> 00:05:28,520 Speaker 3: is so unique and so versatile, and they've said they'd 105 00:05:28,560 --> 00:05:31,520 Speaker 3: like for him to get back to being able to 106 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:34,560 Speaker 3: be more like he was in twenty twenty three, where 107 00:05:34,560 --> 00:05:37,480 Speaker 3: he was all over the field wrecking the offense. 108 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:41,200 Speaker 2: If they draft a safety who. 109 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:45,280 Speaker 3: Can play deep and give Hamilton more freedom, he can 110 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:48,440 Speaker 3: go back to being that torpedo. And so I think 111 00:05:48,520 --> 00:05:53,279 Speaker 3: that that makes it a little more important in the Ravens' 112 00:05:53,279 --> 00:05:56,800 Speaker 3: eyes that they address that need or that position not 113 00:05:56,880 --> 00:06:00,720 Speaker 3: only because of death or need, but because they want 114 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:05,080 Speaker 3: Hamilton to be the unique guy. Have more freedom to 115 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:06,480 Speaker 3: the unique guy than he is. 116 00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:10,120 Speaker 1: You know it with with the cornerback position, like when 117 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:12,440 Speaker 1: you when you look at it, as I said that 118 00:06:12,720 --> 00:06:14,720 Speaker 1: they have they have starters. They have their starters would 119 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:16,520 Speaker 1: go out there and play good ones. They have good ones. 120 00:06:16,560 --> 00:06:19,320 Speaker 1: They have good ones. But injuries happen in that position, 121 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:23,640 Speaker 1: and you need to you need to be able to 122 00:06:23,640 --> 00:06:26,240 Speaker 1: restock there, like you need to have if one of 123 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:28,440 Speaker 1: those guys goes down with an injury. You need to 124 00:06:28,440 --> 00:06:30,360 Speaker 1: have somebody who can step in there and hold their 125 00:06:30,400 --> 00:06:32,800 Speaker 1: own and not be in a spot where you're going 126 00:06:32,839 --> 00:06:34,760 Speaker 1: up against the Bengals in a primetime game and Joe 127 00:06:34,800 --> 00:06:38,880 Speaker 1: Burrow can just pick on somebody because because they were handed, 128 00:06:39,000 --> 00:06:41,640 Speaker 1: because they will and he will. So you need this. So, 129 00:06:41,880 --> 00:06:43,800 Speaker 1: like I said, I would not shock me at all. 130 00:06:44,720 --> 00:06:46,640 Speaker 1: Like if the Ravens used a first round pick, a 131 00:06:46,640 --> 00:06:48,279 Speaker 1: second round pick on a corner They're going to draft 132 00:06:48,279 --> 00:06:50,960 Speaker 1: a corner, as Eric said, And the safety thing too 133 00:06:51,040 --> 00:06:53,560 Speaker 1: is interesting because I think that could go either way. 134 00:06:53,560 --> 00:06:56,279 Speaker 1: I think they could take an early safety. But it's 135 00:06:56,279 --> 00:06:59,520 Speaker 1: also part of just adding to the equation there to 136 00:06:59,640 --> 00:07:02,080 Speaker 1: give them the flexibility with the secondary as a whole 137 00:07:02,560 --> 00:07:06,719 Speaker 1: and move Hamilton around. So again, as he said, the 138 00:07:06,800 --> 00:07:08,760 Speaker 1: Ravens are going to draft somebody at each of those 139 00:07:08,800 --> 00:07:12,120 Speaker 1: positions this year. They've got eleven picks, and so when 140 00:07:12,120 --> 00:07:14,120 Speaker 1: you have eleven picks, you're going to draft people at 141 00:07:14,320 --> 00:07:16,680 Speaker 1: almost every position, Like you could pretty much say that 142 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:19,960 Speaker 1: I doubt quarterback this year, but they're going to draft 143 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:22,840 Speaker 1: players at just about every position. I asked him about 144 00:07:22,840 --> 00:07:24,720 Speaker 1: the eleven picks and like, do you want to keep 145 00:07:24,720 --> 00:07:28,760 Speaker 1: eleven picks? And he didn't commit either way as to 146 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:30,760 Speaker 1: whether they would want to package some of those picks 147 00:07:30,760 --> 00:07:33,040 Speaker 1: and move up, But he did make the point that 148 00:07:33,280 --> 00:07:35,960 Speaker 1: there's not going to be eleven roster spots most likely 149 00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:38,480 Speaker 1: for draft picks, Like you're not going to have eleven 150 00:07:38,520 --> 00:07:41,520 Speaker 1: guys who get drafted this year make the fifty three 151 00:07:42,160 --> 00:07:47,440 Speaker 1: most likely, and so does that. Again, he didn't commit 152 00:07:47,520 --> 00:07:49,680 Speaker 1: to like putting a package together, but he just made 153 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:52,080 Speaker 1: the point that he likes having the flexibility with all 154 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:52,640 Speaker 1: those picks. 155 00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:55,360 Speaker 3: Yeah, And I thought part of it was interesting too 156 00:07:55,480 --> 00:08:00,000 Speaker 3: that it's not just about this year with those eleven picks. 157 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:03,240 Speaker 3: Is because of their salary cap situation, with Lamar's contract 158 00:08:03,400 --> 00:08:07,760 Speaker 3: and others having so many good players, they're not gonna 159 00:08:07,800 --> 00:08:10,880 Speaker 3: have as much salary cap room as some other teams, 160 00:08:10,920 --> 00:08:15,600 Speaker 3: so they need to keep bringing in good young players. 161 00:08:15,600 --> 00:08:19,040 Speaker 3: They're gonna lose, unfortunately, some players every year that they 162 00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:21,640 Speaker 3: probably want to keep, but they're just for financial reasons, 163 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:22,800 Speaker 3: won't be able to. 164 00:08:22,840 --> 00:08:24,600 Speaker 2: But if they can keep. 165 00:08:24,400 --> 00:08:28,760 Speaker 3: Restocking with young players, even if some of these players 166 00:08:28,760 --> 00:08:33,840 Speaker 3: who they draft in April don't do contribute a lot 167 00:08:33,920 --> 00:08:36,880 Speaker 3: this year, they could down the road and they would 168 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:41,000 Speaker 3: be doing that under less expensive contract. So having eleven 169 00:08:41,080 --> 00:08:43,920 Speaker 3: he loves draft picks. We all know that he's great 170 00:08:43,960 --> 00:08:48,040 Speaker 3: at manipulating the board, and so whether it's a trade 171 00:08:49,480 --> 00:08:53,200 Speaker 3: to package something or whether more these guys end up 172 00:08:53,200 --> 00:08:57,800 Speaker 3: staying around than you thought. Having eleven picks, he sees 173 00:08:57,840 --> 00:09:00,959 Speaker 3: that not as a luxury but as an asset. 174 00:09:01,480 --> 00:09:03,840 Speaker 1: It almost like a necessity to a certain degree, like 175 00:09:03,920 --> 00:09:06,400 Speaker 1: it's kind of you want to have that so that 176 00:09:06,480 --> 00:09:09,120 Speaker 1: you can continue replenishing the roster. He made the point 177 00:09:09,200 --> 00:09:11,040 Speaker 1: like looking at this class as a whole, and I think, 178 00:09:11,080 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 1: like you listened to some of the draft experts. We 179 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:17,600 Speaker 1: recently had Mel Kuiper on the podcast, Daniel Jeremaia has 180 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:22,160 Speaker 1: has talked, you know, on in interviews and conference calls 181 00:09:22,200 --> 00:09:24,440 Speaker 1: and on NFL networking in recent weeks on like a 182 00:09:24,440 --> 00:09:28,839 Speaker 1: consistent with Dane Brugler, A consistent theme that I've heard 183 00:09:28,920 --> 00:09:31,439 Speaker 1: is that this draft is not considered top heavy. It's 184 00:09:31,480 --> 00:09:35,959 Speaker 1: not like there's this this huge, this first round class 185 00:09:35,960 --> 00:09:38,240 Speaker 1: that's going to light the world on fire. However, it's 186 00:09:38,360 --> 00:09:42,080 Speaker 1: it's a pretty deep class. And Eric kind of agreed 187 00:09:42,120 --> 00:09:44,520 Speaker 1: with that. It sounded like and said that, like, this 188 00:09:44,600 --> 00:09:47,160 Speaker 1: is a draft, and he pointed actually to the twenty 189 00:09:47,240 --> 00:09:49,600 Speaker 1: twenty true Draft. Now, a lot of people remember the 190 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:51,599 Speaker 1: twenty twenty two draft with the Ravens in terms of 191 00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:54,000 Speaker 1: who they got at the top, Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Lindls, 192 00:09:54,000 --> 00:09:57,840 Speaker 1: so pretty good, pretty good start there in the first round. 193 00:09:58,040 --> 00:10:00,040 Speaker 1: But he pointed to the middle rounds on the the 194 00:10:00,120 --> 00:10:02,760 Speaker 1: success that the Ravens had in the middle rounds that year, 195 00:10:02,800 --> 00:10:06,920 Speaker 1: and you look at it. Travis Jones, Isaiah likely Charlie Kohler, 196 00:10:07,240 --> 00:10:11,199 Speaker 1: daniel Leile, all mid round picks, third fourth round guys, 197 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:13,520 Speaker 1: and so, like my point is when you talk about 198 00:10:13,520 --> 00:10:16,520 Speaker 1: having all those eleven draft picks, of course not all 199 00:10:16,520 --> 00:10:19,440 Speaker 1: eleven guys are going to come in and even if 200 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:22,040 Speaker 1: they may not even make the roster, but contribute and 201 00:10:22,080 --> 00:10:24,319 Speaker 1: like play meaningful snaps. Of course you're not going to 202 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:28,520 Speaker 1: get eleven rookies playing significant roles for the team this year, 203 00:10:28,760 --> 00:10:31,320 Speaker 1: but you want to develop guys, and so like Loot, 204 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:34,880 Speaker 1: look at that twenty twenty two class, Charlie Kohler didn't 205 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:36,400 Speaker 1: play a big role early in his career, but he 206 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:38,120 Speaker 1: played a big role last year, and now he's in 207 00:10:38,160 --> 00:10:40,400 Speaker 1: position to play a big role. Isaiah likely took him 208 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:42,440 Speaker 1: a little while and now he's in a really good position. 209 00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:45,559 Speaker 1: Could get a second contract here. Who knows. Travis Jones 210 00:10:45,679 --> 00:10:48,160 Speaker 1: his role, who's only continue to grow for a Layley 211 00:10:49,000 --> 00:10:52,200 Speaker 1: major role, the major role, and early on in his 212 00:10:52,280 --> 00:10:55,520 Speaker 1: career wasn't playing at all. Nope, developed, and so so 213 00:10:56,360 --> 00:10:59,280 Speaker 1: it's it's about the present, it's about restocking for the future. 214 00:10:59,520 --> 00:11:01,480 Speaker 1: And his there also made the point like we feel 215 00:11:01,480 --> 00:11:03,679 Speaker 1: like we're as good as anybody in the league. At 216 00:11:03,679 --> 00:11:06,360 Speaker 1: developing players, and it's hard to argue against that, Like 217 00:11:06,360 --> 00:11:09,000 Speaker 1: when you look at their track record of success at 218 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:12,840 Speaker 1: developing players who are mid sometimes even late round picks 219 00:11:13,000 --> 00:11:15,560 Speaker 1: who grow into starting roles often go and get nice 220 00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:18,400 Speaker 1: contracts with other teams. Look at Brandon Stevens, the third 221 00:11:18,480 --> 00:11:22,840 Speaker 1: round pick yep converted running back to safety to corner, 222 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:24,680 Speaker 1: ends up getting a big time deal with the Jets 223 00:11:24,679 --> 00:11:27,319 Speaker 1: this offseason as a two year starter. Here. So, the 224 00:11:27,440 --> 00:11:30,760 Speaker 1: Ravens have this great track record of developing players, and 225 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:34,120 Speaker 1: if you have that great track record, you need to 226 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:39,000 Speaker 1: have players on rookie contracts. It makes sense that you're 227 00:11:39,040 --> 00:11:41,440 Speaker 1: going to use a ton of draft picks and not 228 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:43,520 Speaker 1: just try to get rid of picks for the sake 229 00:11:43,559 --> 00:11:44,120 Speaker 1: of doing that. 230 00:11:44,640 --> 00:11:45,760 Speaker 2: Yeah, I thought it was interesting. 231 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:48,920 Speaker 3: He pointed out he thinks his draft is middle round heavy. 232 00:11:49,600 --> 00:11:53,480 Speaker 3: So if he's thinking that, then yes, these picks that 233 00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:57,720 Speaker 3: he has in that range, those day three picks, he 234 00:11:57,840 --> 00:11:59,760 Speaker 3: feels he can get some really good players, and they 235 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:02,000 Speaker 3: have a lot they can get more than just one 236 00:12:02,080 --> 00:12:07,400 Speaker 3: or two. So yeah, it's really gonna make training camp interesting. 237 00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:11,360 Speaker 3: I mean, if they really do pick ten or eleven players, 238 00:12:12,200 --> 00:12:16,400 Speaker 3: then there's gonna be serious battles, and if these guys 239 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:19,400 Speaker 3: are talented, do come in serious battles to make the 240 00:12:19,520 --> 00:12:25,920 Speaker 3: roster for playing time. But as we know, competition, the 241 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:28,640 Speaker 3: Ravens believe that makes you better and they're gonna play 242 00:12:28,679 --> 00:12:33,680 Speaker 3: the best guys. So yeah, a really good team is 243 00:12:33,720 --> 00:12:37,800 Speaker 3: in position to bring in even more talent and that's 244 00:12:37,840 --> 00:12:38,560 Speaker 3: a good place to be. 245 00:12:39,040 --> 00:12:41,160 Speaker 1: The positions that he pointed to is like the three 246 00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:47,360 Speaker 1: strongest O line, D line, outside linebackers. And you asked 247 00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:51,960 Speaker 1: a question about the defensive line and the Ravens. Michael 248 00:12:51,960 --> 00:12:56,760 Speaker 1: Pierce retired this offseason, Brent Urban is still a free 249 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:59,920 Speaker 1: agent who's out there. I think the Ravens will end 250 00:13:00,120 --> 00:13:02,640 Speaker 1: up adding it to the defensive line in the strip, 251 00:13:02,640 --> 00:13:04,360 Speaker 1: maybe early. It would not surprise me if they did 252 00:13:04,360 --> 00:13:06,920 Speaker 1: it early. And he talked about the defensive line and 253 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:09,319 Speaker 1: again made the point that they on both sides of 254 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,680 Speaker 1: the ball, really good O line D line draft classes. 255 00:13:11,720 --> 00:13:13,160 Speaker 1: What was your take on what he had to say 256 00:13:13,160 --> 00:13:14,160 Speaker 1: about the defensive line. 257 00:13:14,240 --> 00:13:17,040 Speaker 3: Yeah, it wasn't surprising. I mean, you know, we saw 258 00:13:17,080 --> 00:13:19,400 Speaker 3: what the Eagles did in the Super Bowl. Defensive lines 259 00:13:19,440 --> 00:13:22,800 Speaker 3: dominate game. It's not a secret. It's just that it's 260 00:13:22,880 --> 00:13:27,000 Speaker 3: hard to have a defensive line like that, and defensive 261 00:13:27,000 --> 00:13:30,520 Speaker 3: lineman who can bring interior pressure don't grow on trees, 262 00:13:31,160 --> 00:13:33,440 Speaker 3: and the ones that do can really impact the game. 263 00:13:34,080 --> 00:13:37,280 Speaker 3: And the Ravens already have a town the defensive line 264 00:13:37,920 --> 00:13:41,200 Speaker 3: led by Mattabik, who is a guy who could create 265 00:13:41,200 --> 00:13:43,240 Speaker 3: pressure up the middle but. 266 00:13:43,320 --> 00:13:44,600 Speaker 2: Draws double team pressure. 267 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:47,959 Speaker 3: If they could find someone or a few more people 268 00:13:48,559 --> 00:13:50,480 Speaker 3: to take some of the pressure off of him to 269 00:13:50,520 --> 00:13:53,880 Speaker 3: bring interior pressure, and if you could create pressure inside 270 00:13:54,360 --> 00:13:58,560 Speaker 3: and with only four rushers, that can make you a 271 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:03,760 Speaker 3: very dangerous, potentially dominant defensive team. So yeah, I definitely 272 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:06,480 Speaker 3: feel the Ravens will draft the defensive lineman. It wouldn't 273 00:14:06,480 --> 00:14:09,720 Speaker 3: shock me if they grab one early, particularly if one 274 00:14:10,080 --> 00:14:12,600 Speaker 3: they didn't feel might be there false to them, or 275 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:16,520 Speaker 3: one who they feel can be a force as a 276 00:14:16,559 --> 00:14:19,160 Speaker 3: pass rusher up the middle. And you know, it's not 277 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 3: just rushing the passer. Not stopping the run has always 278 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:27,160 Speaker 3: been primary goal to Ravens. Any team that can make 279 00:14:27,200 --> 00:14:30,520 Speaker 3: you one dimension will make you in second down, third 280 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:33,960 Speaker 3: and long. That makes it easier to generate that quarterback pressure. 281 00:14:34,080 --> 00:14:37,440 Speaker 3: So yeah, I think it's a key thing for the 282 00:14:37,520 --> 00:14:42,080 Speaker 3: Ravens with a player like Mattabka, and with Michael Pierce retiring, 283 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:46,480 Speaker 3: they make sure that they can be as fortified as 284 00:14:46,520 --> 00:14:50,040 Speaker 3: possible up front, the kind of wreck havoc that you 285 00:14:50,080 --> 00:14:51,920 Speaker 3: know you want not just from the edge, but up 286 00:14:51,960 --> 00:14:52,320 Speaker 3: the middle. 287 00:14:52,400 --> 00:14:55,960 Speaker 1: Yes, so when we talk about pass rush, naturally the 288 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:58,880 Speaker 1: focus goes to edge. That's what people think about with edge. 289 00:14:59,200 --> 00:15:01,640 Speaker 1: And I kind of thought it was interesting because he 290 00:15:01,720 --> 00:15:03,360 Speaker 1: was asked about edge and like, what do you think 291 00:15:03,400 --> 00:15:05,960 Speaker 1: of this of this draft class and could you end 292 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:09,800 Speaker 1: up drafting an outside linebacker? And he made the point like, well, 293 00:15:09,800 --> 00:15:13,120 Speaker 1: we have everybody returning from our outside linebacker group last year, 294 00:15:13,760 --> 00:15:18,160 Speaker 1: and that's Van Ney, that's a dafe Oway, that's David 295 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:20,800 Speaker 1: Ajabo who's going to a really big year for him, 296 00:15:21,560 --> 00:15:24,880 Speaker 1: basically a make or break year for him. Tavis Robinson, 297 00:15:24,920 --> 00:15:28,080 Speaker 1: who developed nicely and is a pretty rugged player who 298 00:15:28,120 --> 00:15:29,880 Speaker 1: I think is a really good fit in this defense. 299 00:15:30,440 --> 00:15:33,640 Speaker 1: So the Ravens feel pretty good, I think about their 300 00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:37,440 Speaker 1: their edge group. Like to me, he almost and this 301 00:15:37,520 --> 00:15:39,840 Speaker 1: is part of the you have to read between the 302 00:15:39,880 --> 00:15:41,680 Speaker 1: lines and the smoke screens and all this stuff. Like 303 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:45,120 Speaker 1: to me, he almost seemed to suggest, like everyone keeps 304 00:15:45,120 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 1: talking about edge being this need, but I don't know 305 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:49,480 Speaker 1: that the Ravens necessarily see it that way. 306 00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:51,520 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean you could make a case of it's 307 00:15:51,560 --> 00:15:53,680 Speaker 3: not a second in the league in sacks last year, 308 00:15:54,080 --> 00:15:56,520 Speaker 3: and all those guys are coming back, and even if 309 00:15:56,520 --> 00:16:00,240 Speaker 3: they drafted a young talented edge rusher, would he on 310 00:16:00,280 --> 00:16:04,400 Speaker 3: the field next year and make an immediate impact. So 311 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:07,800 Speaker 3: that's one way to look at it. What we just 312 00:16:07,840 --> 00:16:11,320 Speaker 3: talked about, maybe adding a defensive lineman who can bring 313 00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:14,280 Speaker 3: pressure might be more of a way that they decide 314 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:17,200 Speaker 3: to go, because I don't think there's any doubt a 315 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:20,640 Speaker 3: defensive lineman who could maybe get you five four or 316 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:22,960 Speaker 3: five sacks of more. Certainly it's getting a lot of 317 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:26,040 Speaker 3: playing time next shit right away, And again, those guys, 318 00:16:26,040 --> 00:16:29,880 Speaker 3: to me, are even harder to get if you get 319 00:16:29,880 --> 00:16:33,000 Speaker 3: a defensive lineman who can help you against the run 320 00:16:33,080 --> 00:16:35,920 Speaker 3: and bring pressure up the middle, and that's where quarterbacks 321 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:38,440 Speaker 3: like the pressure the least. You know if you can't 322 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:40,440 Speaker 3: step up in the pocket and you got a guy 323 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:43,400 Speaker 3: in your face right away that can reckon offense. 324 00:16:43,720 --> 00:16:46,240 Speaker 1: So you mentioned this off the top, and I ask 325 00:16:46,280 --> 00:16:51,120 Speaker 1: you what like your biggest snap takeaways were and the 326 00:16:51,160 --> 00:16:55,240 Speaker 1: possibility of a first round surprise and so or early surprise, 327 00:16:55,360 --> 00:16:58,480 Speaker 1: not necessarily first. And he was asked a question about 328 00:16:58,520 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 1: the tight end group, and the question basically, you're set 329 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:03,480 Speaker 1: at tight end, you have one of the strongest groups, 330 00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,960 Speaker 1: but all three of those guys are also heading into 331 00:17:05,960 --> 00:17:09,760 Speaker 1: the final year of their contracts, and so how do 332 00:17:09,800 --> 00:17:12,240 Speaker 1: you approach that? Does could you end up taking a 333 00:17:12,280 --> 00:17:14,679 Speaker 1: tight end basically even though it's not a need for 334 00:17:14,720 --> 00:17:19,399 Speaker 1: this year. And Eric made the point that needs can change. 335 00:17:19,440 --> 00:17:22,560 Speaker 1: He pointed back to a few years ago when the 336 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:24,760 Speaker 1: Raves had the injuries are running back when Justice Hill 337 00:17:24,800 --> 00:17:26,840 Speaker 1: went down and JK. Dobbins and Gus Edwards all went 338 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:29,040 Speaker 1: down right before the start of the season, late in 339 00:17:29,080 --> 00:17:32,320 Speaker 1: training camp and in the preseason, and they were scrambling 340 00:17:32,359 --> 00:17:35,679 Speaker 1: going into that year. And he's like, needs can change. 341 00:17:35,720 --> 00:17:38,040 Speaker 1: So if you feel like there's like a if there 342 00:17:38,080 --> 00:17:41,600 Speaker 1: even feel like there's a blue chip tight end or 343 00:17:41,720 --> 00:17:44,160 Speaker 1: running back, and he brought up running back. The question 344 00:17:44,200 --> 00:17:46,080 Speaker 1: was about tight ends, but he brought up the possibility 345 00:17:46,080 --> 00:17:49,560 Speaker 1: of a running back and he mentioned that at the combine. 346 00:17:49,640 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 1: John Harwall mentioned that at the combine, like they have 347 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:56,199 Speaker 1: consistently mentioned running back as a potential spot that they 348 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:58,880 Speaker 1: could address. Even though you look at the needs, running 349 00:17:58,920 --> 00:18:01,560 Speaker 1: backs probably deadly last on the list. If you're going 350 00:18:01,560 --> 00:18:03,199 Speaker 1: through you got Henry, you got Justice till you got 351 00:18:03,280 --> 00:18:06,080 Speaker 1: Keithan Mitchell, you have Rashin al Lei Like, there's no need, 352 00:18:06,119 --> 00:18:08,359 Speaker 1: there's no really even it's hard to see a spot 353 00:18:08,480 --> 00:18:13,960 Speaker 1: necessarily for a running back. But he brought up that possibility, 354 00:18:14,280 --> 00:18:16,919 Speaker 1: which seems kind of crazy, but maybe they could end 355 00:18:17,000 --> 00:18:19,400 Speaker 1: up going that route if they felt like, hey, there's 356 00:18:19,400 --> 00:18:21,080 Speaker 1: a there's a sud running back here, we just can't 357 00:18:21,080 --> 00:18:21,639 Speaker 1: pass them up. 358 00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:24,400 Speaker 3: Or tight End, Yeah, it would be aud be a surprise, 359 00:18:24,880 --> 00:18:29,000 Speaker 3: a pretty big surprise, but it could happen. And you know, 360 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:31,880 Speaker 3: the running back thing, to me is really interesting. Tight 361 00:18:31,960 --> 00:18:34,960 Speaker 3: End you could more so to me see it because 362 00:18:35,520 --> 00:18:37,920 Speaker 3: you have so many players in the last year of 363 00:18:37,920 --> 00:18:40,480 Speaker 3: their deal. Yeah, running back, I think would even be 364 00:18:40,520 --> 00:18:45,840 Speaker 3: a bigger surprise. But you know, I heard Daniel Jeremiah 365 00:18:45,840 --> 00:18:48,520 Speaker 3: of NFL Network was kind of first person who to 366 00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:51,760 Speaker 3: me articulated that I heard articulate the running back position 367 00:18:52,800 --> 00:18:56,040 Speaker 3: the way it should be looked at. If you're a 368 00:18:56,080 --> 00:19:00,399 Speaker 3: really good team, a running back can make a huge difference. 369 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:02,399 Speaker 3: He can put you over the top. You know, you 370 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:04,480 Speaker 3: look at what Saquan with the Eagles. You look with 371 00:19:04,520 --> 00:19:07,399 Speaker 3: Derek Henry here put them on another team, tak a 372 00:19:07,480 --> 00:19:10,160 Speaker 3: on with the Giants. I mean, he was the same guy, 373 00:19:10,320 --> 00:19:13,000 Speaker 3: but the team around him wasn't as good. He doesn't 374 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:16,480 Speaker 3: have the same impact. But for a team like the Ravens, 375 00:19:16,600 --> 00:19:18,640 Speaker 3: we saw what Keith Mitchell did before he got hurt. 376 00:19:19,520 --> 00:19:22,720 Speaker 3: Anytime you can add some more explosiveness to running back position, 377 00:19:23,560 --> 00:19:26,120 Speaker 3: I think you have to be more willing to look 378 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:29,199 Speaker 3: at running backs. But that a team opposed to a 379 00:19:29,240 --> 00:19:32,520 Speaker 3: team it needs more things. Yeah, so yeah, I mean, 380 00:19:33,359 --> 00:19:37,040 Speaker 3: you know, I don't expect it to happen, but Eric said, 381 00:19:37,040 --> 00:19:39,720 Speaker 3: if there's a blue chip player, not just a running back, 382 00:19:40,320 --> 00:19:41,560 Speaker 3: we take the blue chip player. 383 00:19:41,720 --> 00:19:42,040 Speaker 2: Uh huh. 384 00:19:42,359 --> 00:19:45,080 Speaker 1: We'll see the last point that I'll make on the 385 00:19:45,160 --> 00:19:48,439 Speaker 1: running back again. Not it would be a surprise, but 386 00:19:49,240 --> 00:19:50,919 Speaker 1: I've said this before. You go back and look at 387 00:19:50,960 --> 00:19:54,159 Speaker 1: the draft when they took JK. Dobbins in the second 388 00:19:54,200 --> 00:19:56,520 Speaker 1: round in the twenty twenty drafts, and they were coming 389 00:19:56,560 --> 00:19:58,640 Speaker 1: off a year where they had the most rushing yards 390 00:19:58,640 --> 00:20:02,719 Speaker 1: in NFL history in twenty nine. Mark Ingram was a 391 00:20:02,760 --> 00:20:05,359 Speaker 1: Pro Bowl player that year. Over one thousand yards. Gus 392 00:20:05,480 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 1: Edwards was an undrafted guy who came out of the 393 00:20:07,280 --> 00:20:09,760 Speaker 1: scene and had a great rookie season. Of course, you 394 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:13,119 Speaker 1: had Lamar, had your you had your guys in place, 395 00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:15,960 Speaker 1: and they still went and they drafted JK Dobbins that year, right, 396 00:20:16,000 --> 00:20:18,480 Speaker 1: So that's the S and they felt like he was 397 00:20:18,520 --> 00:20:20,560 Speaker 1: a blue chip player available to them in the second round. 398 00:20:20,560 --> 00:20:23,120 Speaker 1: Nobody was expecting running back and they drafted him. So 399 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:26,800 Speaker 1: I history suggests that they could do that again. 400 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:29,679 Speaker 3: I don't think he's just blowing smoke, and you know 401 00:20:29,680 --> 00:20:32,159 Speaker 3: it's a shame, but I definitely think JK was the 402 00:20:32,160 --> 00:20:36,680 Speaker 3: blue chip until his knee Enjermy, So yes, I think 403 00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:40,800 Speaker 3: it's possible. I don't expect it, but you know, it 404 00:20:40,840 --> 00:20:44,640 Speaker 3: will be interesting in say round two or round three, 405 00:20:44,760 --> 00:20:47,960 Speaker 3: if you know, mel kiper jeremihah up, they're saying, can't 406 00:20:47,960 --> 00:20:51,480 Speaker 3: believe this is running back hasn't been taken yet and 407 00:20:51,520 --> 00:20:52,480 Speaker 3: it's the Ravens pick. 408 00:20:52,520 --> 00:20:54,440 Speaker 2: It'll be interesting to see what happened. 409 00:20:54,280 --> 00:20:56,160 Speaker 1: For sure. So let's take a quick break. We come back, 410 00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:59,000 Speaker 1: we'll share some of our final thoughts and takeaways from 411 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:02,080 Speaker 1: this press conference. You're listening to the Lage podcast. We 412 00:21:02,080 --> 00:21:03,560 Speaker 1: are coming to you from the Sea Key Studio. We 413 00:21:03,600 --> 00:21:05,720 Speaker 1: also want to mention our partners at Draft King Sportsbook. 414 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:08,200 Speaker 1: They are an official sports betting partner of the Baltimore 415 00:21:08,240 --> 00:21:12,679 Speaker 1: Evens Draft King Sportsbook. The Crown is yours. So right 416 00:21:12,720 --> 00:21:15,359 Speaker 1: before the break, we were talking about the tight end 417 00:21:15,400 --> 00:21:19,320 Speaker 1: position along with running backs, and Mark Andrews has come 418 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:24,000 Speaker 1: up multiple times this offseason whenever Eric or John has 419 00:21:24,040 --> 00:21:27,880 Speaker 1: had press conferences, combine owners meetings, and again today, Eric 420 00:21:27,960 --> 00:21:30,919 Speaker 1: was asked about Mark and whether he expects him to 421 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:35,040 Speaker 1: be here on the team again this year. Mark's going 422 00:21:35,040 --> 00:21:38,119 Speaker 1: into the last year of his contract, and the question 423 00:21:38,200 --> 00:21:41,280 Speaker 1: was basically, could you trade him during the draft. Eric 424 00:21:41,320 --> 00:21:43,040 Speaker 1: made the point like, well, we haven't really traded guys 425 00:21:43,080 --> 00:21:47,520 Speaker 1: during the drafts. They did move Hollywood brown Butt. Eric 426 00:21:47,600 --> 00:21:49,200 Speaker 1: joked like, well, that deal was done a few days 427 00:21:49,200 --> 00:21:50,960 Speaker 1: before the draft. You guys just didn't know about it 428 00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:55,040 Speaker 1: until drafts weekend. But he also said Mark Andrews is 429 00:21:55,480 --> 00:21:57,800 Speaker 1: a great player, and we're in the business of keeping 430 00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:01,119 Speaker 1: as many great players as we can, so that's something 431 00:22:01,160 --> 00:22:05,119 Speaker 1: that he's reiterated. John Harball made a similar point at 432 00:22:05,119 --> 00:22:07,040 Speaker 1: the Owner's beating, saying that he fully expects Mark to 433 00:22:07,080 --> 00:22:10,399 Speaker 1: be here. So he has asked about it again and 434 00:22:10,680 --> 00:22:12,879 Speaker 1: emphasize how great of a player Mark is and that 435 00:22:12,920 --> 00:22:14,880 Speaker 1: they want to keep great players. 436 00:22:14,720 --> 00:22:18,480 Speaker 3: Right and he had double figures in touchdowns last year, 437 00:22:20,359 --> 00:22:24,960 Speaker 3: team leader great camis stryt with Lamar and just like 438 00:22:25,000 --> 00:22:27,399 Speaker 3: the tight end room, sure it looks great now, but 439 00:22:27,560 --> 00:22:31,240 Speaker 3: like any other position, one injury changes the whole thing. 440 00:22:31,359 --> 00:22:33,600 Speaker 2: Definitely, two injuries would completely change. 441 00:22:33,720 --> 00:22:38,399 Speaker 3: And that is such a crucial position that Yeah, and 442 00:22:38,440 --> 00:22:41,520 Speaker 3: they have such a great player who to me, Mark 443 00:22:41,560 --> 00:22:45,120 Speaker 3: has a chance to have his best season next year. 444 00:22:45,200 --> 00:22:48,520 Speaker 3: He's still the point in his career where his best 445 00:22:48,520 --> 00:22:50,080 Speaker 3: football could possibly be ahead. 446 00:22:50,359 --> 00:22:53,600 Speaker 1: And like Eric made the point as well, similar to 447 00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,240 Speaker 1: the conversation we just had with running back. If they 448 00:22:55,240 --> 00:22:57,200 Speaker 1: feel like there's a great tight end there, then maybe 449 00:22:57,240 --> 00:22:59,359 Speaker 1: they end up taking him, but they have a really 450 00:22:59,400 --> 00:23:03,720 Speaker 1: good group in place currently. Some other kind of notes 451 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:07,360 Speaker 1: here roster wise, because asked about Ardarius Washington. The deadline 452 00:23:07,440 --> 00:23:10,040 Speaker 1: is coming up for him. He's a restricted free agent. 453 00:23:10,680 --> 00:23:13,560 Speaker 1: The Ravens reportedly extended at the tender to him an 454 00:23:13,560 --> 00:23:16,320 Speaker 1: original round tender to him. Another team could try to 455 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:18,479 Speaker 1: sign him to an offer sheet, but then the Ravens 456 00:23:18,520 --> 00:23:21,800 Speaker 1: of course have the opportunity to match that to costummate 457 00:23:21,840 --> 00:23:24,040 Speaker 1: the point that he's fairly confident that our Darius Washington 458 00:23:24,160 --> 00:23:26,040 Speaker 1: is going to be back. He emerged as the starter 459 00:23:26,119 --> 00:23:27,960 Speaker 1: last year, played the best, had the best season of 460 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:31,120 Speaker 1: his career. So the Ravens want him back. And as 461 00:23:31,119 --> 00:23:33,280 Speaker 1: we talk about the safety position and the importance of 462 00:23:33,760 --> 00:23:36,480 Speaker 1: the secondary and moving Kyle Hamilton around, our Darius is 463 00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:40,080 Speaker 1: a really key figure in that mix. So it sounds 464 00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:43,280 Speaker 1: like the expectation is certainly that he's going to be 465 00:23:43,440 --> 00:23:47,240 Speaker 1: back this year. And that's not a huge surprise that 466 00:23:47,320 --> 00:23:49,919 Speaker 1: we all kind of expected that, but that's the direction 467 00:23:49,960 --> 00:23:50,919 Speaker 1: that the Ravens are feeling. 468 00:23:51,240 --> 00:23:53,520 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean where would the Ravens have been last 469 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:54,920 Speaker 3: year without Ardarius Washington. 470 00:23:55,200 --> 00:23:57,639 Speaker 2: Yeah, like just say whatever he was heard again. 471 00:23:57,560 --> 00:24:00,600 Speaker 1: Yeah, it would have been in a tough spot, especially 472 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:03,080 Speaker 1: when Marcus Williams started struggling and they're looking for somebody 473 00:24:03,119 --> 00:24:05,320 Speaker 1: to step in there. When our Darius went into the 474 00:24:05,359 --> 00:24:09,200 Speaker 1: starting lineup last year and settle things down on the 475 00:24:09,240 --> 00:24:12,480 Speaker 1: back end of that defense, along with basically moving Kyle 476 00:24:12,520 --> 00:24:15,960 Speaker 1: Hamilton more to that traditional safety role, it just it 477 00:24:16,040 --> 00:24:18,080 Speaker 1: totally changed the defense the second half of the year, 478 00:24:18,520 --> 00:24:21,840 Speaker 1: and so he was a huge player. As as we've said, 479 00:24:21,880 --> 00:24:23,840 Speaker 1: the Rams are going to draft safety, but how early, 480 00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:26,160 Speaker 1: how quickly does that guy step into the lineup. There's 481 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:29,240 Speaker 1: questions there. So you want to have your starting safeties 482 00:24:29,280 --> 00:24:31,919 Speaker 1: in place, and the Raids have that with those two guys. 483 00:24:33,119 --> 00:24:38,840 Speaker 1: Also did not commit on fifty year options for Kyle 484 00:24:38,840 --> 00:24:42,080 Speaker 1: Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum. The deadline is coming up on that. 485 00:24:43,440 --> 00:24:46,240 Speaker 1: This is the way that he's operated in recent years. 486 00:24:46,760 --> 00:24:48,919 Speaker 1: And he made that point, like he just he just 487 00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:51,920 Speaker 1: keeps the information close. There's no benefit to announcing it. 488 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:56,359 Speaker 1: Really now, keeps the information tight, announces it when he 489 00:24:56,400 --> 00:24:56,840 Speaker 1: has to. 490 00:24:57,080 --> 00:24:59,879 Speaker 3: Right, And I mean, you know, obviously the bigger thing, 491 00:25:00,160 --> 00:25:03,440 Speaker 3: the big picture, you know, them agreeing to a long 492 00:25:03,520 --> 00:25:05,240 Speaker 3: term deal at some point. 493 00:25:05,520 --> 00:25:06,639 Speaker 2: Yeah, and for how much? 494 00:25:06,720 --> 00:25:12,960 Speaker 3: I mean two Pro Bowl players, two key players Raven's future. Sure, 495 00:25:13,040 --> 00:25:16,320 Speaker 3: I mean people were wandering, but yeah, I mean he 496 00:25:16,440 --> 00:25:18,800 Speaker 3: felt no urgency to announce about the fifth year option. 497 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:20,920 Speaker 3: But we do we know they're going to be here 498 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:24,679 Speaker 3: next year, right, and yet two players I believe are 499 00:25:24,680 --> 00:25:27,000 Speaker 3: gonna be Cornstone players here for a long time. 500 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:29,400 Speaker 1: I might I just am not pressed about the fifth 501 00:25:29,480 --> 00:25:34,200 Speaker 1: year option piece. Like, honestly, they could, they could exercise 502 00:25:34,280 --> 00:25:36,880 Speaker 1: the fifth year option for both those players. But even 503 00:25:36,920 --> 00:25:40,000 Speaker 1: if they just say for a second they didn't, I 504 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:42,560 Speaker 1: don't think. I think they're going to work out contract 505 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:45,640 Speaker 1: extensions with both of those guys prior to them playing 506 00:25:45,640 --> 00:25:47,159 Speaker 1: out the fifth year option. That's the way that like, 507 00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:48,280 Speaker 1: I think it's going to play out. 508 00:25:48,320 --> 00:25:48,920 Speaker 2: I agree with that. 509 00:25:49,000 --> 00:25:52,640 Speaker 1: And so whether it's fifth year option or not, it's 510 00:25:52,680 --> 00:25:55,880 Speaker 1: just doesn't really seem like it's that significant. Like they're 511 00:25:55,880 --> 00:25:57,159 Speaker 1: gonna be here. I think they're going to be here 512 00:25:57,160 --> 00:25:59,200 Speaker 1: for a long time as leaders on both sides of 513 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:02,720 Speaker 1: the ball, and that's more of a paperwork thing than 514 00:26:02,760 --> 00:26:06,080 Speaker 1: anything else. And then they're going to work towards contract extension. 515 00:26:06,200 --> 00:26:08,480 Speaker 1: Speaking of contract extensions, he was also asked about Derrick 516 00:26:08,520 --> 00:26:12,119 Speaker 1: Henry and and basically said, like on that and on 517 00:26:12,119 --> 00:26:14,040 Speaker 1: the fifth year options, I'm not really going to talk 518 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:15,679 Speaker 1: about some of the business things that are going on 519 00:26:15,720 --> 00:26:18,240 Speaker 1: behind the scenes. There's a lot happening in addition to 520 00:26:18,280 --> 00:26:20,480 Speaker 1: the draft and setting the draft board in the draft meetings, 521 00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:23,280 Speaker 1: but he's not going to come out here and talk 522 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:26,600 Speaker 1: about where the Ravens standing in a potential contract extension 523 00:26:26,600 --> 00:26:29,440 Speaker 1: with Derrick Henry or anybody else like, that's just that's 524 00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:33,040 Speaker 1: business that's better kept behind the scenes rather than having 525 00:26:33,080 --> 00:26:34,400 Speaker 1: that conversation publicly. 526 00:26:34,640 --> 00:26:35,200 Speaker 2: No question. 527 00:26:35,800 --> 00:26:37,639 Speaker 3: What I'll say about Derek Againvey, is you know I 528 00:26:37,680 --> 00:26:39,640 Speaker 3: saw that workout video a couple. 529 00:26:39,480 --> 00:26:42,760 Speaker 1: Weeks that look that looks like your workouts, right, mine too. 530 00:26:44,359 --> 00:26:48,200 Speaker 3: I mean, if there's any doubt that he's keeping himself right, yeah, 531 00:26:48,280 --> 00:26:52,040 Speaker 3: no question. Contract, no contract. He looks way to roll right, yeah. 532 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:54,199 Speaker 3: So I'm not worried about about him. 533 00:26:54,400 --> 00:26:56,240 Speaker 1: Not not worried in the least. 534 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:57,320 Speaker 2: Uh. 535 00:26:57,359 --> 00:27:01,399 Speaker 1: And then a couple other last points draft related. The 536 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:04,840 Speaker 1: Ravens are looking for a punt returner and it could 537 00:27:04,840 --> 00:27:08,359 Speaker 1: be Tylon Wallace. They brought him back, but when asked 538 00:27:08,359 --> 00:27:11,960 Speaker 1: about the possibility of finding a punt returner in this draft, 539 00:27:11,960 --> 00:27:13,720 Speaker 1: it's kind of funny. John Harball piped up and was like, 540 00:27:13,760 --> 00:27:18,720 Speaker 1: I'm hoping we do. I'd like that, And Eric made 541 00:27:18,720 --> 00:27:20,120 Speaker 1: the point too, like it would be nice. It would 542 00:27:20,160 --> 00:27:21,760 Speaker 1: be nice if we're able to find somebody that has 543 00:27:21,760 --> 00:27:25,400 Speaker 1: that punt returning experience who could be a home run 544 00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:28,080 Speaker 1: threat at that position like they have. He made the 545 00:27:28,080 --> 00:27:29,720 Speaker 1: point that we have a high floor there. They have 546 00:27:29,760 --> 00:27:31,399 Speaker 1: Timon wall so they feel good about he could go 547 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:32,600 Speaker 1: out there and do it, and he's had some big 548 00:27:32,640 --> 00:27:35,040 Speaker 1: plays in his career, no doubt about that. But they 549 00:27:35,080 --> 00:27:37,760 Speaker 1: also would like to find an explosive punt returner and 550 00:27:37,800 --> 00:27:40,360 Speaker 1: so if they feel like there's a guy who could 551 00:27:40,400 --> 00:27:42,399 Speaker 1: do that, I think that they're going to value that 552 00:27:42,440 --> 00:27:43,040 Speaker 1: in this draft. 553 00:27:43,160 --> 00:27:44,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, I mean, the job's open. 554 00:27:45,119 --> 00:27:47,560 Speaker 3: And he Er also talked a little bit about end 555 00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:49,719 Speaker 3: John the value that they place on guys who can 556 00:27:49,720 --> 00:27:54,399 Speaker 3: play special teams that every scout in the organization knows 557 00:27:54,480 --> 00:27:57,960 Speaker 3: can tell you what kind of special team player every 558 00:27:58,040 --> 00:27:58,760 Speaker 3: prospect is. 559 00:27:58,800 --> 00:28:00,399 Speaker 2: That's how much valuate on it. 560 00:28:00,480 --> 00:28:04,960 Speaker 3: So all throughout this draft, particularly on Day three, if 561 00:28:05,040 --> 00:28:09,119 Speaker 3: you're a good special teamer, then that increases your chances 562 00:28:09,160 --> 00:28:11,399 Speaker 3: of Ravens picking you. And I they're gonna be looking 563 00:28:11,400 --> 00:28:13,959 Speaker 3: for guys in addition to their main talents, what can 564 00:28:14,000 --> 00:28:17,720 Speaker 3: they contribute on special team. So yeah, I mean it'll 565 00:28:17,720 --> 00:28:20,320 Speaker 3: be interesting to see if they bring in an ace 566 00:28:20,400 --> 00:28:24,520 Speaker 3: punt returner because for a rookie coming to this team, 567 00:28:25,000 --> 00:28:26,200 Speaker 3: that's a place you can get on the. 568 00:28:26,119 --> 00:28:26,920 Speaker 2: Field right away. 569 00:28:27,000 --> 00:28:27,440 Speaker 1: Yeah. 570 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:31,680 Speaker 3: I mean, if if you're the best pump returner, you're playing, 571 00:28:31,680 --> 00:28:35,639 Speaker 3: you're playing. So yeah, I mean it'll be interesting to 572 00:28:35,680 --> 00:28:38,120 Speaker 3: see if they bring in a person or two who 573 00:28:38,120 --> 00:28:40,440 Speaker 3: could potentially come in and fill that role. 574 00:28:40,560 --> 00:28:43,760 Speaker 1: Yeah, totally. And there's gonna be some of those positions 575 00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:47,440 Speaker 1: like special teams roles, punt returner, they're gonna be up 576 00:28:47,480 --> 00:28:49,360 Speaker 1: for grabs and you're gonna have young players who are 577 00:28:49,360 --> 00:28:52,200 Speaker 1: buying for those spots. And uh, that's all gonna start 578 00:28:52,320 --> 00:28:55,000 Speaker 1: basically next week the draft of courses on Thursday night. 579 00:28:55,240 --> 00:28:57,440 Speaker 1: We're gonna have some great coverage all throughout the weekend 580 00:28:57,880 --> 00:29:01,040 Speaker 1: throughout the draft, but prior to getting to the draft, 581 00:29:01,560 --> 00:29:04,400 Speaker 1: starting on Monday is when off season workouts begin. The 582 00:29:04,480 --> 00:29:07,760 Speaker 1: voluntary offseason conditioning program begins on Monday. That's we're gonna 583 00:29:07,760 --> 00:29:09,920 Speaker 1: have a bunch of players back in the building and 584 00:29:09,960 --> 00:29:12,160 Speaker 1: for guys who are competing for spots, not just a 585 00:29:12,200 --> 00:29:16,200 Speaker 1: plump returner, but starting jobs spots on this roster, that's 586 00:29:16,200 --> 00:29:19,120 Speaker 1: really when the work begins working towards that. And so 587 00:29:19,360 --> 00:29:21,120 Speaker 1: we're excited to have guys back in the building and 588 00:29:21,440 --> 00:29:24,040 Speaker 1: start that process of building the foundation for the team 589 00:29:24,080 --> 00:29:26,800 Speaker 1: for the twenty twenty five seasons. So it's exciting players 590 00:29:26,840 --> 00:29:28,600 Speaker 1: back in the building. The draft next week, there's lots 591 00:29:28,600 --> 00:29:31,080 Speaker 1: to talk about. We're gonna have another podcast coming up 592 00:29:31,320 --> 00:29:33,080 Speaker 1: again next week as players are back in the building, 593 00:29:33,080 --> 00:29:35,520 Speaker 1: and then as I mentioned, we're gonna have coverage all 594 00:29:35,520 --> 00:29:38,680 Speaker 1: throughout draft weekend, so it's a fun time. Make sure 595 00:29:38,680 --> 00:29:41,560 Speaker 1: that you're following along. Also, email us at the lounge 596 00:29:41,640 --> 00:29:44,680 Speaker 1: at Ravens dot NFL dot net let us know your 597 00:29:44,720 --> 00:29:48,360 Speaker 1: thoughts and your questions. And then again next week is 598 00:29:48,400 --> 00:29:50,640 Speaker 1: when Ryan Mank will be back and him and I 599 00:29:50,680 --> 00:29:54,560 Speaker 1: are gonna do our full seven round mock drafts. It's 600 00:29:54,600 --> 00:29:56,520 Speaker 1: one of our favorite episodes of the year. I've almost 601 00:29:56,560 --> 00:30:01,120 Speaker 1: got mine. It's in pencil right now, but I'm working 602 00:30:01,160 --> 00:30:03,720 Speaker 1: on transitioning it to pen and laminating it and being 603 00:30:03,720 --> 00:30:06,640 Speaker 1: done with it so that I'm putting the finishing touches 604 00:30:06,680 --> 00:30:09,280 Speaker 1: on that seven round mock. So that episode is coming 605 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:11,040 Speaker 1: next week as well. Thank you so much for listening, 606 00:30:11,080 --> 00:30:12,320 Speaker 1: and we will talk with you again soon