Mr. Lombardi is the founder of the widely successful ProFootball24x7.com . http://www.profootball24x7.com
You can find his work on numerous websites, and often hear Mr. Lombardi’s analysis on Baltimore’s ESPN Radio AM 1300, and FM 105.7.
Baltimore Sports and Life thanks Mr. Lombardi for taking the time to answer a few questions.
BSL – “If Brown does not return, do you believe the Ravens will turn to Chester at Center, with Yanda back at RG?”
Tony Lombardi – “That is their plan. The Ravens were impressed with Chester’s performance at RG in place of the injured Yanda and should Brown move on, Chester will take over. If Brown does leave, I expect the team to supplement the offensive line in the draft and possibly with a second-tier free agent. From what I’m hearing, Brown’s departure is more likely than his return.”
BSL – “Is it known if the new Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison would prefer to use a base 4-3, or a base 3-4 defense? With Gregg, and Edwards coming-back, might a 4-3 be a better defense for the personnel? Also, with the team signing McKinney to a 3 year deal, is that a sign that Gregg or Edwards might not be back?
Tony Lombardi – “It really is difficult to say with certainty that the Ravens have a true base defense. Their sub packages are many and they come in many shapes and sizes. With that said, I do think that Mattison will be less exotic than Rex Ryan but no less aggressive.
I expect Gregg, Edwards and McKinney all to return. If Edwards falters as he attempts to return following back surgery, he could be the odd man out because his contract extension to my knowledge does not include a signing bonus. Gregg I’m told his healing nicely and the team expects him back.”
BSL – “Is there any sentiment within the Ravens organization to bring back Phil Savage, and basically replace Kokinis?”
Tony Lombardi – “No, that ship has sailed and the Ravens believe in promoting from within. Eric DeCosta is for all intents and purposes the team’s Assistant GM and I fully expect him to take over for Ozzie Newsome once he decides to step down. Joe Hortiz has taken over for DeCosta as Director of College Scouting and Vince Newsome (no relation to Ozzie) handles the pro personnel side of the house. It is a solid and hard working group. There’s no interest or reason to bring back Savage and his baggage.”
BSL – “Lorenzo Neal is a Free Agent, do you expect him to return?”
Tony Lombardi – “Tough call there…they like Lorenzo’s leadership and toughness. I think they will wait and see how the draft goes before committing to Neal. Le’Ron McClain’s days as a featured back are probably over and he could return to a more traditional fullback role – the reason he was drafted. That doesn’t preclude him from being the feature back in goal line or short yardage.”
BSL – “The Ravens have long-held to a draft-strategy of taking the best player available. That said, the most glaring roster needs appear to be a CB, and a stretch the field WR. Will you be surprised if the Ravens 1st round pick is not a CB or WR?”
Tony Lombardi – “Given how most mock drafts are shaping up, I think the No. 26 pick sets up well for them to land a quality player at either of those positions. That said, if a higher ranking player falls into the Ravens’ lap and that player doesn’t play either CB or WR, they will take the highest rated player. As a rule, they will always stick with their board. If players are closely ranked, they will go with the higher need pick.”
BSL – “Mark Clayton only caught 41 receptions in 2008, but his Yards Per Reception increased from 11.1 in 2007, to 17 in 2008. He additionally increased his Yards After Catch. 2009 is a contract year for Clayton… do you believe the Ravens will try and extend him long-term this off-season?”
Tony Lombardi – “Interesting question. I think they will see how the season unfolds and if things are going well, they might extend Clayton before the end of the season. But that hasn’t been Ozzie’s M.O. unfortunately. My biggest criticism of him as a GM is that he waits too long to extend the players that he wants in the Ravens’ future. Terrell Suggs and Jason Brown are perfect examples. The longer you wait, the more you pay and that is clearly the case with Suggs and Brown. Hopefully it won’t happen with Ngata.”
BSL – “Demetrius Williams is a restricted Free Agent. With injury-riddled 2007, and 2008 seasons.. Are the Ravens not worried about Williams receiving a tender-offer elsewhere?”
Tony Lombardi – “I expect them to offer Williams the low tender. If someone offers Williams a deal and the Ravens don’t match, they will receive a fourth round pick in return and given his history of injuries, I think that’s fair compensation for Williams.”
BSL – “Todd Heap just finished his 8th season, where for the 5th time he played in all 16 games. He had his best games of the season from November on, as him and Flacco grew more comfortable together. Will the Ravens be able to pull him off the line this coming year, and allow him to be better utilized as a receiving weapon?”
Tony Lombardi – “The return of Quinn Sypniewski should help Heap a bit and allow Cam Cameron to use him more as a receiver. But Heap is a shell of the player he used to be in my opinion. He strides are sluggish and he doesn’t seem to have much of a burst off the line. I expect the team to draft a tight end to develop in the offense. You may recall that Cameron effectively employed the raw skills of Antonio Gates, an undrafted free agent in San Diego.”
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.