It’s starting to look like a buyers’ market as teams like the Colts purge their rosters, and players’ values become more measurable approaching Free Agent shopping season on March 13th…
Ryan Mink is on the house staff of the Ravens’ NFL.com website, and can be counted upon for some great articles with as much inside info as possibly can be released by the Ravens without giving away trade secrets.
Ryan just released his Fan Choice poll as to whom Ravens fans would most like to be signed in free agency. Voting there is still open, so feel free to cast your ballot.
So far as of this writing (Sunday, 3 P.M.), wide receiver Ted Ginn is tied for the lead with Chris Myers, the big center from Houston…and safety LaRon Landry (Redskins) is moving up the ladder…
Chris Myers is a smart and solid veteran at center and a big part of the reason why the Texans ran the ball so well… I like him as an insurance policy for the aging Matt Birk… whether Birk signs with the Ravens or not, I still think Myers would see crucial playing time with the Ravens in 2012.
Here’s how Ryan Mink broke down the free agents he nominated to his Fan Choice Poll based upon overall assessment of the Ravens’ needs:
WR Tedd Ginn, San Francisco 49ers
Unrestricted (6th season); 26 years old; 5-foot-11, 180 pounds
2011 Stats: 14 games, 3 starts, 19 receptions, 220 yards, 0 touchdowns
A former first-round pick, Ginn hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations. He bounced around between Miami and San Francisco. His best season came in 2008 with the Dolphins under Ravens Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron, when he caught 56 passes for 790 yards. Ginn is one of the best special teams returners in the game, which could make him appealing to Baltimore.
(Upside – Age, Speed; Downside – Production)
RB Le’Ron McClain, Kansas City Chiefs
Unrestricted (6th Season); 27; 6-0; 260
2011 Season: 15 carries, 51 yards, 1 touchdown.; 4 receptions, 26 yards, 0 touchdowns.
McClain is technically a fullback, but the Ravens used him as a feature runner for a season in Baltimore. He was used primarily as a blocking back in his one season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Ravens could decide to bring him back as the No. 2 running back. McClain carried 232 times for 902 yards in 2008 with the Ravens. If McClain were to return to Baltimore as a clear halfback, he would likely have to shed some weight.
(Upside – Experience in Baltimore, Age; Downside – Switching From Fullback)
C Chris Myers, Houston Texans
Unrestricted (8th Season); 30; 6-4, 289
2011 Season: 16 starts
Myers was an anchor on the Texans offensive line and ended up making the Pro Bowl after clearing holes for Arian Foster’s 1,200-yard rushing season. The Texans would like to bring Myers back, but they have other big contracts to renew first like outside linebacker Mario Williams. Myers starred in the Texans’ zone-blocking scheme, which the Ravens adopted before last season. He would likely make a seamless transition to the Ravens offense.
(Upside – Familiar with zone-blocking scheme; Downside – Price)
OG Evan Mathis, Philadelphia Eagles
Unrestricted (9th Season); 30; 6 -5; 302
2011 Season: 15 starts
Mathis is coming off a season where he was a regular starter at left guard for the Eagles, earned All-Pro consideration and played in more games than he had in the last six years. When he’s healthy, Mathis is an effective guard and one of the best on the market behind Grubbs and Nicks. The problem, however, is that Mathis has yet to play in all 16 games in any of his eight NFL seasons. He has bounced around in his career, spending time with the Eagles, Panthers, Dolphins and Bengals.
(Upside – Potential, AFC North Familiarity; Downside – Injuries)
DE Jeremy Mincey, Jacksonville Jaguars
Unrestricted (4th season); 28; 6-3, 270
2011 Stats: 16 starts, 57 tackles, 8 sacks, 1 interception, 4 forced fumbles
Mincey is coming off a breakout campaign in his first full year as a starter, yet was passed up on getting the franchise tag. It went to kicker Josh Scobee. The former sixth-round pick bounced around from New England to San Francisco and Jacksonville all before playing in his first season. Now he may get a payday.
(Upside – Youth, Pass rush; Downside – Price)
ILB Dan Connor, Carolina Panthers
Unrestricted (5th season); 26; 6-1; 231
2011 Season: 11 starts, 75 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Connor has spent his career in the shadow of linebacker Jon Beason, but he now has the opportunity to test the free-agent market to see if he can get top dollar. Connor has started 19 games the last two seasons and played well at times for the Panthers. He likely won’t get the big contracts that Curtis Lofton or Stephen Tulloch will command, but he could provide some depth to the Ravens if Jameel McClain were to leave.
(Upside – Price, Age; Downside – Not As Proven)
OLB Erik Walden, Green Bay Packers
Unrestricted (5th season); 26; 6-2, 250
2011 Stats: 15 starts, 60 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
The former sixth-round pick has bounced between three teams already in his young career. He became a starter for the first time last year with the Packers, and continued to show good burst, especially when attacking the line of scrimmage. He’s an effort player who can get to the quarterback.
(Upside – Age; Downside – Production)
S Laron Landry, Washington Redskins
Unrestricted (5th Season); 27; 6-0; 220
2011 Season: 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Landry is another player who seems somewhat unlikely to become a free agent. The Redskins did not franchise the veteran safety, making him of the top safeties on the market. Landry has been a starter since his rookie season, but injuries have cut short his last two years. Landry has missed a combined 15 games over the last two seasons.
(Upside – Proven, Top Talent; Downside – Price, Injuries)
Go to www.BaltimoreRavens.com and vote for your favorite… I’m sticking with Chris Myers as the best and most important value on the board.
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