Interesting piece this morning from Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times (http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/ravens/ravens-reid-trying-to-learn-quick/article_d1220620-bb1b-11e0-bc57-001cc4c03286.html) on the Rookie Jah Reid and his early adjustments.
The Ravens have been beaming about Reid since he was drafted, and the quotes in Wilson’s story are more of the same. Wilson correctly points out that Oniel Cousins can not practice until August 4th as a Restricted Free Agent, and that Ramon Harewood is on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Even if both Cousins, and Harewood were currently available, I get the sense that the Ravens would still have Reid ahead on the depth chart.
The bigger question to me, is what Wilson ended with. When Marshall Yanda resigned this week, Yanda and the Ravens both announced the plan for him to move to RG. The Baltimore season begins September 11th against Pittsburgh. Are the Ravens comfortable with the prospects of Reid going up against LaMarr Woodley? What if there is an injury to Oher, or Reid? Are the Ravens comfortable with their Tackle depth? If Reid were to go down to injury, my guess is the Ravens would move Yanda back outside and probably insert Cousins at RG. If Oher was lost to injury, the options for dealing with his loss would be minimal.
The goal this year is a Super Bowl. No matter how much the Ravens like Reid, I think it would be a mistake going into this season having to count on him to produce. If he is around to provide quality depth, that would be something to be excited about.
Jared Gaither visited Oakland Friday, but did not sign with the Raiders. Personally, I still think he is more talented than Oher at LT. At a minimum, he would give the Ravens a more experienced option than Reid at RT, and a legitimate option to replace Oher at LT should Oher miss any time.
The Ravens appear comfortable to go with what they have. I’m not particularly comfortable with that decision; how about you?
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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.