A flock of Ravens (HC 09)

[cabowers]

Ok this is my third attempt at a dynasty report. First one went down in flames and the second went down due to multiple freezes.

Anyway have decided that third time is the charm.

So here is the coaching career of Jason Hines, a unique coach with unique playbooks that he will be bringing to the NFL.

Name: Jason Hines
Overall: 13
Personality: Superstar
Skills: Performance 4
Special Skills: Ambition, Game Film Analysis, Charisma
Offensive Playbook: Michigan Spread
Defensive Playbook: 3-3-5 Mustang

Starting Date: Off Season

[cabowers]

Team Philosophy

Coach Hire - Give up no control
Trade - Trade Down, Undervalue, Light Trader, Passive
Draft - All Team Need
Contract - Cheap, Rarely, 1 million, Talent, Normal, Evenly, Low Ball
QB - Strong Arm
HB - Receiving
FB - Blocking
WR - Route Runner
TE - Playmaker
OL - Balanced
DE - Speed Rusher
DT - Run Stopper
OLB - PassRusher
MLB - Blitzer
CB - Man Coverage
FS - Prototype
SS - Smart
K - Balanced
P - Balanced
Evaluation - Draft, Upside
Playcall - Heavy, Man, DC, 3-4, Balanced, HC, Spread
Depth Chart - Bench, Bench, Balanced, Balanced, Balanced
Injury - Moderate

[cabowers]

After the shock annoucement of a new coach arriving in Baltimore, a local radio station ran a report of just what was in store for the new man in charge.

QB - Reports suggest that Coach Hines is looking for a Qb with a very strong arm and he may be dissappointed by what he finds. With only Kyle Boller and Troy Smith currently on the roster Coach Hines will have to look somewhere else for his QB. As the Ravens have the 8th pick in the draft the possibility of a falling Matt Ryan will be hard to pass up as will the availability of Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm.

RB - Judging by how Coach Hines used his RB's at college, Willis McGahee will not be the best fit for this offense. However McGahee's huge cap number may mean that he stays around and is used in a situational role such as when establishing the run early or when trying to close out games.

WR - The Ravens have an average group of receivers. Demetrius Williams has shown skills at running good routes but his hands need to be worked on. Derrick Mason has age going against him and Mark Clayton has not developed into the receiver we had all hoped for. Coach Hines will definitely need to address this situation if he wants to be able to run a more pass orientated offence. Desean Jackson and Mario Manningham are highly thought of inside the Ravens war room right now.

TE - Todd Heap and Sypniewski have been a solid tandem over the last couple of years for the Ravens. Hines normally used an overgrown reciever in the TE slot in college as he always prefered someone who could get the ball in the flat and make something happen. Look for this to be the same in the NFL so Heap may be the first Raven to be shown the door if the right offer comes in.

OL - At Lt, Jonathan Ogden holds down the fort but much like Mason age is not being kind to him. Jared Gaither has shown glimpses of promise but is likely to be a better G or RT in the NFL. At LG, Jason Brown will need a RFA tender but don't look for him to get a good one. C could use an upgrade through the draft with Steve Justice a possibility. RG is locked down by Ben Grubbs who should anchor the line for a while. Chris Chester while not a great back up can take reps if needed. The right side of the line continues to look strong with Marshal Yanda a very capable RT. If Gaither does move inside to G look for any strengthing to come at LT and C. Once again the high pick for the Ravens means Jake Long and Ryan Clady could be discussed as someone who can play as a gap filler for a year before replacing Ogden next.

DL - The Ravens will be implementing a new defence this year but that shouldn't bother the front three as they have been playing a 3-4 previously under Ryan. However the LE position does require serious strengthening. At RE Haloti Ngata does not possess the speed that Hines looks for but could be moved to DT where his frame and bulk will be put to better use especially with the lack of depth at that position. In the draft look for the Ravens to focus on DE with Derrick Harvey, Chris Long and Calais Campbell among the targets.

LB - At LOLB Antwan Barnes is a capable starter wth Jarret Johnson decent backup. Coach Hines has always been about youth and was never afraid to rock the boat. In his third year he dropped his senior QB from the team altogether amidst alogations that he had been involved in talks to come out of college into the draft early. The college prospect did not confirm or deny this when spoken to by Hines and even though he decided to stay at college Hines showed his ruthless streak by saying good bye to the lad forever. This may mean that Bart Scott will top the depth charts regardless of Lewis satying or going. ROLB is a more difficult decision. Suggs is out of contract and likely to be tagged. However, he may also then be used as bait for additional picks. The reason being before Hines coached at college for 5 years he coached at a small high school where an OLB named Rivers also played. The possibility of Rivers and Hines working together in this new system could be exciting.

CB - The 335 calls for the CB's to be very good in man coverage. Currently the Ravens have one of the best in Chris McAlister. Who starts opposite him is likely to be guess work with Mike Jenkins, Brandon Flowers and Zack Bowman all likely to be mentioned during draft conversations.

FS - Hines has already said that Ed Reed will move to SS so Jamaine Winborne will be the only FS on the depth chart come the start of the season. Josh Barrett played for an old associate of Hines and is well thought of by the coach.

SS - Reed will move across and will likely partner Dawan Landry at SS at the 335 calls for 2 SS to be on the field. These two will need to improve their blitzing but will excel in man coverage. A 3rd and possibly 4th SS will be added with Craig Steltz attracting some interest.

K - Matt Stover is a veteran and likely to be kept however the youth policy may come into play and if Hines can find a K with a good leg Stover may be shown the door.

P - Sam Koch is reliable and posses a decent leg but can be let down by his accuracy. Hopefully if he is retained that we do not need to see him often.

The show closed with a list of where the Ravens need to strengthen:

DE
QB
OLB
CB
HB
WR

[cabowers]

Coach Hines today franchise tagged Terrell Suggs to a 1 year/$8.35 million contract. Suggs is expected to be offered around for draft picks with Hines expecting big interest as well as big offers.

With the start of free agency came some big shocks for the Baltimore faithful. Todd Heap, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs were all put onto the trade block.

The choice for Ray Lewis was Atlanta for a 7th and next years 1st or San Diego for there 27th pick and a 7th next year. Reasoning that they would be able to use Atlanta's 1st next year to either move back into this years 1st round or pick up an extra stud next year Lewis went to Atalanta.

No offers came in for Suggs or Heap before draft day so the Ravens went in with the following:
1st round - 8
2nd Round - 38
4th Round - 103
5th Round - 136
6th Round - 167
7th Round - 200 and 217

Plus 2 1st next year in case they need to move back up. The current plan is to try and pick up Rivers at 8 then use Suggs to move back in and grab Clady to replace Ogden. If needs be I can throw Ogden into the deal.

In the 2nd Calais Campbell will be brought in. The WR problem may be sorted by Manningham in the 4th. My late picks will be used to move up to grab Craig Steltz and then grab Alexis Serna, Josh Barret, Anthya Rubin, Tony Blake and CB's Jonathan Wilhite or Dejuan Tribble.

[cabowers]

Draft Day

1st round - Major news
Miami got the draft rolling by picking arguably the best player in the draft Michigan LT Chris Long.
St Louis then pikced up Vernon Gholston at number 2.
Atlanta then stunned everyone by selecting Keith Rivers at number 3. Everyone thought that the Falcons would pick Matt Ryan but they obviously decided on something else. This obviously threw my draft strategy into turmoil.
Oakland solidified their defensive line (don't you just love that this game doesn't draft like Al Davis) and selected Sedrick Ellis.
The Chiefs war room stopped doing back flips long enough to hand in their choice of Matt Ryan.
The Jets then threw another of my plans out of the window by drafting Chris Long. I was hoping he would slide to me so I could take him and Campbell which would have set me at DE.
The Patriots then took Darren McFadden (like they need anymore offensive help).
This then left me with a decision at 8 do I take Derrick Harvey like my GM wanted me to then move back into the first to get Clady or do i take Clady and take a chance on getting Harvey late in the 1st to team up with Campbell or go with Campbell and the undrafted Bake. I took the safer option and went with Ryan Clady.
The Bengals then got an anchor in the form of Glenn Dorsey at 9.
New Orleans then came offering their 10th pick. They wanted both of my 1st next year something which I was not willing to do. So the offer went bye bye. The Bronco's instead moved up from 12 giving up that pick plus a 3rd next year to select Jerod Mayo.
The Bills then selected Gosder Cherilus at 11 before the Saints came back at 12. This time the Saints did select Derrick Harvey.
The Panthers selected Jeff Otah at 13 with the Bears smiling when Joe Flacco landed to them at 14.
The Lions selected Felix Jones at 16 before the Cardinals selected Chris Williams at 17.
The Chiefs used their second 1st round pick to snatch Duane Brown to give Matt Ryan some protection.
At 18 the Texans stunned me by taking LE Lawrence Jackson. Their number one need was LG and Brandon Albert is still sitting on the board.
The Eagles were looking to shop the 19th pick of the draft. They wanted a 2nd next year and Todd Heap. I tried a 3rd and Heap but no cigar so the Lions jumped in and took it instead. At this point they took Mike Jenkins the CB I was wanting to trade up for. Shows I shouldn't have been as greedy.
The Bucs took Mendenhall at 20 before Washington offered up the 21st pick. Not being able to find a package that didn't include one of next year's 1st I politely declined. The Bills instead stepped in and took Antoine Cason.
At 22 Dallas took Kentwam Balmer and at 23 Pittsburgh finally took Brandon Albert (man he slid).
23 and the Titans meant John Carlson while the Seahawks at 24 took Leodis McKelvin.
The Jags took Aqib Talib at 26 with the Chargers picking up Dominique Rodgers Cromartie at 27.
The Cowboys grabbed Sam Baker at 28 with the 49er's choosing Dustin Keller at 29.
The Packers started the post Favre era by selecting Chris Johnson with the Giants selecting Kenny PHillips to end the first round.

Rest of my selections
Pick 38 - Calais Campbell
Notes - Matt Forte went to Chicago and Henne went to Miami. So out of the whole of the first 2 rouns only 4 players ended up at the same places that drafted them in real life.
At the end of the first day I still needed:
WR - Desean and Dexter Jackson were still available but wouldn't make it past the 3rd round. Manningham at the start of the 4th may be an option or a move up may be in order.
DE - Tony Bake will go undrafted
CB - Zack Bowman was still available but normally is taken in the 4th
FS - Josh Barrett normally goes undrafted.
SS - Craig Steltz still up for grabs but also wouldn't make it past the 4th
K - Alexis Serna undrafted.

Before anyone says about QB. I plan on using the Zazzali draft path as sick of the English one and want a challenge therefore I plan on trying to grab Zazzali next year. Also I may hang back on the CB in the hope that if I miss out on Zaz that I can get Waddle or Weddle whatever his name is.

Day 2
Well I bit the bullet and jumped straight into a trade so I could select DeSean Jackson. Not only would this help with my receiving game but also my return game. I got the Rams number 65 for my 6th round pikc plus a 2nd and 3rd next year.
Note - David Hale went third round to the Cards. First time i've seen this guy drafted. Ray Rice lasted till late third and Woodsen went mid.
Before I could select in the 4th San Diego grabbed Craig Steltz. I looked at trade offers but nothing really jumped out at me so I grabbed Mario Manningham meaning that Mason could retire and I would still be left with two outstanding recievers.
With my 5th round pick I decided to tie Tony Bake to a long contract picking the sleeper RE. BTW at this point I forgot I still needed a centre and didn't realise until I saw Steve Justice go off the board.
With my first 7th rounder I took Athya Rubin to back up Ngata at DT. Then with my last pick I grabbed FS Josh Barrett.

Undrafted Rookies:
Alexis Serna - K
Kelin Johnson - SS
Jonathan Wilhite - CB
Dejuan Tribble - CB
Mike Peterson - TE

So what does everyone think of my draft so far.

Seeing as i'm in the Uk this will be it for tonight as off to watch X-Factor and the boxing.

Hopefully will see and read your thoughts tomorrow

[cabowers]

Training cmap opened with much of Baltimore suffering from Ravens fever. Fan commented that they were excited to see what the season had in store for the Ravens and also wanted to see the new look offense and defence.

Notable training camp invites:
Terence Scott - FS

On the first day of Training Camp the Ravens had a slight problem, Todd Heap went down with a separated shoulder ruiling him out for anywhere between 7 to 12 weeks. Ike Nduwe also went down with a high ankle sprain keep the C out for approximately 6 weeks.

All of the Ravens draft picks were signed before there first pre-season game, a close loss to New England.

In the second week of training camp 4 teams came offering for LE Trevor Pryce. Minnisota who's offer was ranked third were willing to give up a 4th and 6th round pick in this year's draft so Pryce headed in to the NFC.

Injury problems continued to hamper the Ravens with another C going down this time though he should be back for the start of the season. More worrying was the injury to MLB Bart Scott. Scott suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss between 4 and 6 weeks of time. The Ravens pre-season continued with a tight home win over the Vikes. Troy Smith the current front runner for the QB job going 11/22 for 187 yards and an INT.

The injuries kept on coming with OLB Gary Stills out for 1-3 weeks and CB Dejuan Tribble out for a couple. Due to the injury problems plaguing the Ravens linebacking core MLB Kevin Burnett was inked to a 1 year deal. Continuing the trend Kyle Boller sufferered a strained thiumb and would miss the rest of pre-season. My third week ended with a loss to St Louis. Troy Smith going 7/15 for 92 yards and 3 INT's and Charlie Weinke going 8/16 for 125 yards.

The Qb called for drastic measures and a 5th round pick was sent to Buffalo to get Trent Edwards. While a not a world beater he would hopefully provide a better option underneath centre than Weinke or Smith. The injuries kept on coming in the final week of pre-season with both HB Willis McGahee and OLB Prescott Burgess both going down for between 3-5 weeks. The final pre-season game ended in another tight win for the Ravens with new starting QB Trent Edwards going 15/40 for 336 yards with 2 TD's and 3 INT's. More impressive in this game was the defence coming up with 5 sacks 3 of which came from Calais Campbell.

With the Pre-season over I will now review my 53 man roster.

[cabowers]

At QB the Ravens look to at least have a place holder with Trent Edwards. Troy Smith will be the number 2 with Kyle Boller the 3rd string.

WIllis McGahee will be the starting HB but don't look for the run too often if the pre-season is anything to go by. LaBrandon Toefield and Blake Pepper provide what can only be called warm bodies as backup. Le'Ron McClain will be the FB.

The WR position is currently one of controversy in Baltimore. Topping the depth chart is 3rd year man Demetrius Williams with rookie Mario Manningham the number 2. The slot receiver is also a rookie in the shape of Desean Jackson. Derrick Mason is currently listed as number 4 on the depth chart and could be on his way out if the right offer comes in.

At TE, Todd Heap has stayed around but will be out for the better part of the season. Rookie Mike Peterson, a Coach Hines type TE will start in his stead but rumours from the organization suggest that Hines has mellowed on Heap who could become a big part of the franchise going forward.

Veteran LT Jonathan Ogden keeps the starting job with 2nd year man Jared Gaither providing more than adequate backup. Rookie Ryan Clady will start at LG this year with the likleyhood of a move outside to LT next year on the cards. Mike Flynn will anchor the Ravens at C but don't expect wonders from him.Ben Grubbs starts at RG with Marshall Yanda at RT. There is backup at both these positions but it isn't great.

At LE, 2nd round pick Calais Campbell gets the start with fellow rookie Tony Bake at RE. Haloti Ngata will anchor the line at NT with Anthya Rubin and Kelly Gregg providing great depth.

LOLB will be occupied by Antwan Barnes with Jarret Johnson providing back up. Johnson is also listed at number 3 on the depth chart at both MLB and ROLB. At MLB Bart Scott will attempt to replace the hole left by Ray Lewis but injury is forcing him to miss the start of the season. Kevin Burnett will be number 2. ROLB is again filled by Terrell Suggs. The Ravens are hoping Suggs will sign a new deal this year.

Veteran CB Chris McAllister will start opposite rookie Jonathan Wilhite. Fellow rookie Dejuan Tribble is expected to be the third corner.

FS will be occupied by rookie Josh Barrett with Terrence Holt providing some decent backup.

At SS, Ed Reed will partner Dawan Landry in the 335 with rookie Kelin Johnson as the backup.

Rookie K Alexis Serna won the job from Matt Stover early in training camp with Sam Koch staying around for P duties.

The return game will be handled by Desean Jackson.

[cabowers]

Regular Season

I normally sim through my first regular season however this time I will sim the games as have several guys which need to be re-signed including:
Terrell Suggs
Bart Scott
Dawan Landry
Alexis Serna
Mike Peterson
Kelin Johnson

Week 1 vs Bengals
In a near blowout 35-17 loss to the Bengals the only bright spot was Trent edwards not turning the ball over. Edwards went 14/30 for 144 yards and a TD.

Week 2 @ Texans
The Ravens again went down but this time a Matt Schaub TD pass in the 4th quarter won it for the Texans 20-17. Trent Edwards went 24/37 for 262 yards with a TD and an INT.

Week 3 Vs Browns
A fully fit Ravens team picked up their first win with a 28-21 victory over the Browns with Trent Edwards finding Willis Mcgahee for the game winning TD from 11 yards. Edwards went 37/48 for 316 and 2 TDs. McGahee also went over from the goaline.

Week 4 @ Steelers
A difficult loss to the Steelers with Trent Edwards having his worst game in a Ravens uniform. The QB went 24/40 for 279 yards but coughed up 3 picks. The Ravens went onto lose 20-10.

Week 5 Vs Titans
Before week 5 could even begin Bart Scott suffered a cracked leg bone keeping the MLB out for anywhere between 1-3 months. The Ravens bounced back from the loss against the Steelers with a 17-10 win over the Titans. Trent Edwards producing a solid display going 19/30 for 232 yards and 2 TD's.

Week 6 @ Colts
The Ravens got a boost before there week 6 games @ Colts when Terrell Suggs inked a 4 year/$22 million deal. Terrence Holt signed a new 2 year deal. In the Ravens week 6 game, the Colts handed them a huge 45-27 loss. Trent Edwards went 23/40 for 266 with a TD but also threw 2 picks. On the defensive side of the ball Dawan Landry did cause some turnover's of his own picking off Peyton Manning and recovering a fumble he also forced.

Week 7 @ Dolphins
The game against the Colts not only put the Ravens at 2-4 and probably out of the playoff picture already but also put there star ROLB Terrell Suggs out for the season with a torn MCL. This latest injury in an injury plagued season for the Ravens means Jarret Johnson will take over. Kevin Burnett signed a new 6 year deal worth $5.74 million. Trent Edwards did something to dispel the gloow surrounding the Ravens by leading them to a 27-33 win over Miami. The Raven did have to hold off a late surge from the Fins. Edwards went 27/41 for 250 yards with 3 TD's and 1 pick. On the defensive side of the ball, Dejuan Tribble came alive picking off Kerry Collins 3 times with Dawan landry also adding a pick.

Week 8 Vs Raiders
Alexis Serna signed a new 3 year deal. The Ravens reached the halfway point of the season at 4-4 with the drestruction of the Raiders 40-3. Trent Edwards went 27/39 for 343 yards with 3 TD's and a pick. On the defensive side of the ball rookie Calais Campbell proved his worth with a 3 sack performance, while Ed Reed finally showed why he was moved to the pivotal SS position with a 3 pick performance.

Week 9 @ Browns
The Ravens went looking for a winning record for the first time this season but ended up on the receiving end of a 20-6 loss from the Browns. Trent Edwards went 25/40 for 320 but was not able to find the endzone ending with an INT.

Week 10 - Bye week
CB Dejuan Tribble signed a 3 year deal to remain a Raven. SS Kelin Johnson has been approaching the team for a new deal but asking got $14 million over 6 years for a backup SS is not going to be offered. CB Jonathan Wilhite signed a 2 year deal also. TE Mike Peterson also inked his name to a new 2 year contract.

Week 11 @ Giants
C Mike Flynn signed a 2 year deal with the Ravens. The Ravens dropped to 4-6 with a 24-11 loss to the Giants. Edwards again causing problems with 2 INT's compared to 1 TD.

Week 12 Vs Eagles
The Ravens slim playoff hopes were dashed as they fell to a 34-14 defeat at the hands of the Eagles. Trent Edwards started off well throwing a TD in teh opening quarter but tailed off eventually going 18/34 for 178 yards with 1 TD and 2 INT.

Week 13 @ Bengals
The Ravens were just edged out by the Bengals 20-17 in a close affair. Trent Edwards went 15/27 for 210 yards with 2 TD's and 1 INT. The Ravens now stand at 4-8 and stare down by the barrell of another losing season.

Week 14 Vs Redskins
The ravens got back on track with a 23-20 overtime win over the Redskins. Willis McGahee returned and immediately it paid dividends giving the Ravens it's biggest rushing day of the season as he went for 77 yards on 12 carries. Trent Edwards still had to throw the ball a lot however going 33/53 for 352 yards with 2 TD's and 2 INT's.

Week 15 Vs Steelers
MLB continued to be frustarted in his attempt to replace Ray Lewis by missing another couple of weeks this time with a quad contusion. Todd Heap also suffered a season ending injury a high ankle sprain which will keep him out for at least 4 weeks. A huge upset win moved the Ravens to 6-8. The Ravens ran out 23-15 winners over the Steelers with Trent Edwards managing the game perfectly. He went 33/51 for 367 and 2 TD's.

Week 16 @ Cowboys
The Ravens were consigned to a losing season after losing 27-24 in overtime to the Cowboys. Another see-saw performance from Trent Edwards saw him go 25/37 for 250 yards with 2 TD's but also 2 INT's.

Week 17 Vs Jaguars
Bart Scott finally signed a 5 year deal jkeeping him with the Ravens. Scott is hoping that next year will be a breakout year seeing as this year has been riddled with injuries. The Ravens finished the season with a whimper scraping past the Jaguars 14-13.

Season Stats
T. Edwards - 4233 Yards, 24TD, 20 INT
M.Mannigham - 765 yards, 4TD
C.Campbell - 8 Sacks
D.Tribble - 6 INT

After complining a 7-9 record the local Ravens radio show asked callers for their verdict.

Many callers thought that with an injury free season the Ravens would have competed much better. They would like to see more pressure getting placed on the opposing QB and hope for a much improved secondary next year. Some callers were screaming that the Ravens just had to move up in the draft to grab stand out corner Demario Waddell.

When the QB situation was mentioned everyone assumed that Mike Zazzali would somehow find his way to Baltimore but this is no longer lightly. Trent edwards proved at times that he can get the job done and can only get better after a year in a system. Chris Essex was a name touted as someone who can come in and challenge Edwards straight away but would do well with a year sat on the bench.

At RB, plenty of people thought a better run game would have lead to more success but the often injured Willis McGahee was unable to provide that as was the backup. Kenton Kasom is a name being mentioned as someone who could come in and take the recieving role away from McGahee thus keeping him in better shape.

[cabowers]

Staff Firing and Hiring

Fired
OC - Cam Cameron
QBC - Hue Martin
WRC - Jim Hostler
LBC - Greg Mattison
DBC - Mark Carrier
Trainer - Steve Parker

Hired
OC - Ron Turner (was wanting Jim Caldwell but Tom Moore retired. Will be replaced next year)
QBC - Dan Mifflin
WRC - Zeke Montgomery
LBC - Ron Riveria (Had to give up control of my philosophies but know what stats to look for in the system I use)
DBC - Joel collier
Trainer - Arron Lee

Everything was upgraded except for OC. Riveria gives me a backup incase Ryan leaves next year and Mifflin can be expected to be promoted to OC co-ordinator next year.

Off-Season
Both Samari Rolle and Derrick Mason were released. Mark Clayton was also shown the door. No one was tagged leaving me with $43 million in cap room for RFA's and draft picks.

Main holes
HB - Must find a better receiving HB. Kenton Kasom could fill this hole
WR - Mason and Clayton are gone so depth is needed
LG - Clady will move across to LT to replace Ogden who is likely to be traded away
C - Neither of last year's C were fit enough to show that they are the future at that position
DE - Depth is needed as an injury to Blake or Campbell will be problematic
LB - Once again depth is the order of the day
CB - McAllister isn't getting any younger so a someone to start opposite him before taking over from him is needed, Tribble while useful is not an NFL starting corner.
P - If needs must

RFA
WR Demetrius Williams - Level 2
SS Dawan Landry - Level 3
TE Quinn Sypniewski - Level 2
CB Derrick Martin - No Tender

Free Agency
Both Willis McGahee and Jonathan Ogden went on the trade block as I can take the cap hit right now.

Draft
I entered the draft needing:
CB
LG
C
QB
HB
WR depth
CB depth
DE depth

I was planning on focusing on Demorio Waddell at CB and Chris Essex at QB. I was also looking at Kenton Kasom for HB. This would eat up picks. LG and C would have to be filled by sleepers in the later rounds.

Zazzali went to Oakland with pick no2.
I moved up to number 6 by giving the Eagles my 14th pick as well as next years 1st. With this pick I immeidately grabbed Demario Waddell - CB - Washington.
I then traded up to number 7 for LT Ogden and a 6th rounder next year. I then grabbed Chris Essex - QB - Connecticut.
I then traded the 12th pick to the colts for the 30th pick plus a third this year and next.
With the 30th pick I grabbed HB Kenton Kasom - Georgia. I pondered drafting Elmore Carter but after thinking it over and the fact that Waddell is going to playing the slot for me often I decided not to risk missing out on my number 1 HB target.
I then simmed the draft but my GM dragged me back into the 2nd round with the 55th pick giving up next years 2nd plus a 6th and 7th this year good job i'm finding pieces this year.

With pick 55 I had a choice go with one of my planned picks very early or pick someone else up. I still needed a LG and a C but I was confident I could grab them on the 2nd day. WR depth and CB were also possibilities. The choice came down to MLB Scott Edwards (a Zach Thomas clone with the problem that he isn't very good at pass rushing) or LE Jeffrey Arsdale (a KVB clone). After much deliberation I took Edwards - MLB - Idaho.

Day 2
Picks
94
108
117
172

Needed
LG
C
DE depth
WR depth
CB depth

With the 94th I picked Jon Coles - Nebraska a LG. He wasn't meant to be till early 5th but it was a major need.

I traded the 108th pick away to Washington for the 138th and 183rd pick.

With the 117th as he was the top rated centre left I took Cris Wright - Wisconsin.

With the 138th pick I brought in some OLB depth by drafting LOLB Bradley Hester - N.Colorado.

With the 172nd pick I took WR Dontavius Weaver - Washington. And with my last pick at 183 I took the last player I wanted CB Dvein Lucas from St. John's. He was rated as the worst corner available but he had 2 +'s for man coverage which is what the corners are alway in in the 335.

Undrafted Rookies
Reggie Deas - DE - West Georgia
Clay Reynolds - P - Kent State
Tyler Surrency - LE - UNLV
Don Ferguson - LT - NC Central
Kyle Browning - TE - Delaware St.

Training Camp and Pre-season next

[cabowers]

Training Camp and Pre-Season

Week 1 Vs Chargers
There was only 1 notable veteran invited to training camp in the form of P Sam Paulescu. All draftees were signed before the first game. The first pre-season game was a complete blowout with the Ravens hammering the Chargers 21-3. Both Trent Edwards and Troy Smith found the endzone obviously trying to prove a point to Coach Hines after Hines drafted Chris Essex.

Week 2 @ Oakland
Oakland have Zazzali so will be in cap hell with him and JaMarcus. As an aside in the draft Chicago took the other top rated QB Barnes after taking Flacco last year. Must be collecting QB's in chi town. Also Ron Riveria must go in the next off season either to DC or just fired. His philosophies of cover 2 and speed make my LB's look awful. I overpowered Oakland 46-14 with Edwards and Smith again throwing 2 TD's each.

Week 3 Vs Buccaners
I moved Essex up to number 2 on the depth chart behind Trent edwards to get him some more reps in the upcoming game. The Bucs overcame the Ravens 35-31 with Essex again not gettin a great amount of reps.

Week 4 @ Browns
After trimming the team down to the 53 man maximum I visited the Browns. A 38-22 victory with Trent Edwards nailing down the starting job with 4 TD's. also positive was Demario Waddel making 3 catches for 36 yards including a TD.

Roster overview next