SB Nation - Quinn Sypniewski

Baltimore Ravens Training Camp: Rookies & Select Veterans Practice

Bruce Raffel — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:28:19 -0000

The Baltimore Ravens open Training Camp for the 2009 season today in Westminster, Maryland at McDaniel College. Rookies and selected veterans will practice today after reporting yesterday. The full team reports Thursday and practices together for the first time on Firiday.

Baltimore Beatdown will be there just about every day, reporting on all the news and notes from a first person perspective, not having to rely on other sources for much of the information. Having being granted media credentials by the Ravens for Training Camp, I will take photos, notes and conduct interviews and get it all up for you readers right away. Be sure to post comments and questions and I will try to get answers from the coaches, players and front office personnel.

The season has started, and all is right with the world again.

NOTE: TE Quinn Sypniewski, whose career never seemed to get off the track due to recurring injuries, was released yesterday. Too bad, as he seemed to have all the tools to be a big part of the future offense, which is probably why the team went out and drafted TE Davon Drew in April's NFL Draft. Good luck, Quinn.

Ravens Training Camp Battles: Tight Ends

Bruce Raffel — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:53:03 -0000

After former Raven QB and NFL star Steve McNair was laid to rest Saturday, I say it's time to let the man rest in peace and move on to re-focusing on the game itself. BaltimoreRavens.com did an interesting story written by Geoff Peckham, on the competition between the tight ends. Check out the story by clicking here.

I thought this would be a great topic to debate, especially the chances of who will step up other than starter Todd Heap. Heap is coming off of a downyear, but many people withhold blaming it on him, instead making the case that he was forced to stay in on passing downs to provide additional protection for rookie QB Joe Flacco. That should change this season, as the offensive line made great strides last year and looks to be one of the strong points of this year's offense. However, I'm somewhat skeptical of that reasoning, as he did seem to drop a few passes that he normally does hold onto. At the same time, the incredible catch he made in traffic in Tennessee towards the end of the game winning drive that culminated in Matt Stover's 43 yard FG to put us in the AFC Championship Game was classic Heap.

So who represents the next best option after Heap, or in addition to him?

The Ravens second string tight end the past few years, Daniel Wilcox is now gone. Quinn Sypniewski was thought to move into the backup slot and was a solid blocker and surprisingly decent pass catcher. However, Sypniewski has been injury prone and while it looked like he was on his way to recovery and starting the season as the team's second string TE, he was forced to undergo another surgery that could either sideline him a good portion of the 2009 season or even cause him to miss it entirely.

That was the main reason the Ravens went out and signed former Philadelphia Eagle LJ Smith to a contract in the off season. Smith, who was Eagles' QB Donovan McNabb's main target at the tight end position, is very athletic for the position, with good speed but suspect hands. According to many Eagles' fans, he'll make the tough grabs but drop the balls that hit him in the hands in the key situations, which frustrated fans enough to say they won't miss him in 2009. The Eagles "trash" could be the Ravens "treasure," as they plan to use Smith in two TE sets as well in multiple passing formations and expect him to contribute right away.

Drafted in the 5th round in this year's NFL Draft, Davon Drew (East Carolina) poses some interesting options for the Ravens. He has good size (6'4", 260 lbs.) and good enough hands (43 receptions for 695 yards in 2008) to be named All Conference USA honors his final two years in school. Drew could be an excellent insurance policy for Sypniewski if his recovery is delayed or interrupted.

The Ravens moved LB/DE Edgar Jones around last year, based on their needs each game. Some were at his natural position on the defensive side of the ball, but other times, he was forced onto the offensive side as a reserve tight end. Although he only caught one pass last year, he proved his versatility by playing defense and Special Teams and will continue to be a valuable Wild Card in 2009 wherever he is utilized.

Finally, there is little known about Isaac Smolko, who was an undrafted free agent in 2008 out of Penn State University. At 6'5", 258 lbs., Smolko is a big target but did not have any receptions in his rookie year last season, with minimal playing. For him to make the team, it will be due to his play on Special Teams, as he is buried deep on the TE depth chart.

The Ravens report to Training Camp in Westminster, Maryland in less than three weeks and the TE position will be closely watched by all to see how they stack up to play in the 2009 season that is finally getting closer and closer.

Ravens GM Newsome Shines on Draft's 2nd Day

Rexx — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:27:45 -0000

While most of us are studying and reviewing on what the Baltimore Ravens will be doing with the 26th pick of the first round of the NFL Draft starting on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has probably already moved on to April 26th.

That's when the final four rounds take place, and although they don't get anywhere near the fanfare from the press or the casual fans, we all know of Newsome's success at finding those future Pro Bowlers in rounds four through seven - and beyond. Let's take a look at some of the second day draft picks of the Ravens throughout the years, and you will see how the "Wizard of Oz' earned his reputation as a master of finding the diamonds-in-the-rough in the latter stages of the NFL Draft.

NOTE: The Ravens have also had a few undrafted free agent signings rise to stardom, such as RB Priest Holmes (1997) and LB Bart Scott (2002). They also have a couple of other current roster players who were undrafted, and while the jury is still out on whether or not they will become future stars, they are LB Jameel McClain and WR Ernie Wheelwright (2008).

7th Round: Surprisingly, for all the great players he's found, the only one worth mentioning is current Practice Squad member, WR Justin Harper, selected in 2008.

6th Round: One of Ozzie's two best rounds for finding great players. Safety Haruki Nakamura (2008), LB Prescott Burgess (2007), Punter Sam Koch and DB Derrick Martin (2006), QB Derek Anderson (2005), RB Chester Taylor (2002), LB Adalius Thomas (2000).

5th Round: Three current Ravens stand out from Newsome's recent drafts. QB Troy Smith (2007), Safety Dawan Landry and TE Quinn Sypniewski (2006).

4th Round: This is where the Wizard really shines best. The list of those 4th rounders alone could be the basis for the nucleus of a very good team by themselves. OT David Hale and WR Marcus Smith (2008), LB Antwan Barnes and RB Le'Ron McClain (2007) Note: McClain was actually a 4th round Compensatory Pick! WR Demetrius Williams (2006), Center Jason Brown (2005), LB Jarret Johnson (2003), FB Ovie Mughelli and Punter Dave Zastudil (2002), LB Edgerton Hartwell (2001), WR Brandon Stokley and OG Edwin Mulitalo (1999).

While most of the future stars will probably come from the first day of the draft, these guys certainly are major contributors to the Ravens success over the years. For some reason, we Ravens fans know and have confidence that Ozzie will find the next great unknown future star soemwhere in the last four rounds of the Draft later this month.

Are the Arizona Cardinals Finished with Free Agency?

Hawkwind — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:47:38 -0000

The free agent crop is thinning and the Arizona Cardinals took their one big bite when they signed Bryant McFadden and one small nibble by signing Jason Wright. The ranks thin each day as more guys are signed, but for a team with as many needs as the Cardinals there are still some usable pieces out there. The franchise has plenty of money under the cap (they could open up even more cap space by extending Karlos Dansby or Adrian Wilson!) but will there be room on the roster? Darren Urban had a breakdown of the roster a week ago with the idea that roster spots could already be at a premium. With the signing of Clark Haggans today, the Cardinals have 61 players under contract. Urban remains pretty sure that Bertrand Berry will be re-signed and that Edge will be released so that shouldn't affect the number of players on the roster. When you add in the eight draft picks and ten or twelve undrafted free agents, the number nears the maximum of 80 (this is the time of year that the NFL Europa roster exemptions are missed most).

The Cardinals do have some guys who could easily be released if a coveted free agent is signed including traditional "practice bodies" running back Chris Vincent, wide receiver Ornea Jones, tight end Alex Shor or punter Waylon Prather. So what free agents out there should or could interest the Cardinals at this point in free agency? Here's some guys that I'm still interested in:

Quinn Sypniewski (TE): The soon to be 27 year old tight end is an above average blocker, as his size (6'6 270) would suggest. He also caught 34 passes in 2007 (his second season in the league) before tearing his ACL in mini-camps last July. He missed all of the 2008 season and the catch with him is that he's a restricted free agent. The Ravens would have the right to match any offer and it would cost the Cardinals a fifth round pick to sign him, but for those hoping that use a mid to late round pick on tight end, he might be a better option.

Marvel Smith (OT) and Kendall Simmons (OG): I'm not sure either of these guys would be instant starters or even upgrades on the offensive line, but I still can't help but think that Whisenhunt and Grimm are interested. Smith and Simmons were both starters on the Steelers' 2005 Super Bowl team and would certainly add tons of depth and competition to the team. Smith's last two seasons have been cut short by a gimping back and Simmons tore an Achilles last year so both are significant injury risks, but a short one year "prove your healthy" contract wouldn't be all that surprising to me. The longer these two go unsigned the further they're price will drop and the more likely that Whiz makes a call.

Marques Harris (OLB): Harris has been buried under some superb linebackers in San Diego but he didn't excel as a starter last year and he's a bit undersized (6'1 231). Still though he's experienced in a 3-4, young (27 years old) and should be relatively cheap.

Pat Thomas (ILB): Thomas isn't starting material but he could fill the same role as Monty Beisel and he's quite a bit younger (26 years old). Thomas started nine games last season for the Chiefs but after missing four games to injury he didn't get his starting job back. The Chiefs haven't shown any interest in bringing him back but he might be a better fit as an ILB in a 3-4.

Matt Giordano (S): The 26 year old has started a handful of games during his four seasons in Indy, playing both free and strong safety, and he's a solid special teams player. He's got outstanding speed for a safety (sub 4.5) and might be a decent center fielder.

As you can see the free agent pickings are pretty slim. At this point any team still fishing in the free agent waters isn't looking for starters, but instead a decent role player who fits a pressing need (think Bryan Robinson from last off season). The Cardinals still have their own free agents to consider as well:

Bertrand Berry: Everything points to Berry returning to the Cardinals at this point. His age and skill set leaves him best suited as a situational pass rusher at this point in his career but in that role he could still be the teams best rusher.

Ralph Brown: The veteran corner revived his career once he leap-frogged Eric Green and got regular playing time. His size (5'10 185) and age (30) are working against him but he's still probably the best option as the Cardinals fourth corner. I wouldn't be terribly upset to hear if he was re-signed with the thought of trying him out at safety.

Elton Brown: If the Cardinals are looking for a versatile lineman who could be decent spot starter, they probably should look at their very own Elton Brown. The fact that he's still on the market is a sign that no one was willing to throw starting money at him. Many think he's a better or at least very comparible player to Duece Lutui.

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The Cardinals roster is filing up fast and the remaining additions may be strictly draft related, but they still have some flexibility if they get the free agent itch. Are any of these free agents worth taking a shot at though? Of the remaining three Cardinals free agents, which would you sign?

State of the Arizona Cardinals Roster: Tight Ends

Hawkwind — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:57:29 -0000

Ah....the tight ends. No other position group on the Arizona Cardinals roster drew as much scorn as the tight ends and for good reason. Between injuries, mental mistakes and flat out ineffectiveness, the Cardinals group of tight ends, once considered a talented and deep position, is now one of the biggest question marks heading into 2009. The ineptitude of the tight ends as whole can be summed up in one sentence, they signed a guy who completely unemployed and in less than 20 days he was not only the starter but by far the best player at the position.

Stephen Spach

Age and 2008 Stats: 26 years old (7/18/82) - 2 receptions, 15 yards

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Spach didn't join the Cardinals until October 28th but he won the starting job by the first Seattle game (11/16) and never looked back. He wasn't a big receiving threat but he was a definite upgrade as a blocker and he didn't make the bone-head mistakes that we've come to expect from our tight ends. Spach saved his best game for the playoff game with the Falcons when he caught three passes for 34 yards, including a huge third down catch to seal the win. His performance was impressive enough for him to garner serious consideration for ROTB's most prestigious award, Cardinal of the Week. Sadly Spach's season would end just one week later though when he tore his ACL against the Panthers.

2009 Outlook: The good news is that the Cardinals have exclusive negotiating rights with Spach, so if they want him back they'll get him. The bad news is that he tore his ACL in the middle of January so it's a stretch to say he'll be 100% by the beginning of the season (roughly eight months). A more likely scenario is for him to start the season on the PUP list and rejoin the team after six more weeks of rehab. He's still a young guy though and he'll be cheap enough that I can't imagine why he won't be a solid contributor for 2009 (even if we have to wait a month or two to see him).

Ben Patrick

Age and 2008 Stats: 24 years old (8/23/84) - 11 receptions for 104 yards

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Patrick, like most of tight end mates, spent as much time in the training room as he did on the field in 2008. He got off to a fast start with eight receptions and 71 yards in the first five games (three starts) but injuries would keep him out of the next five games and he wouldn't start another game for the rest of the season, including the playoffs. Patrick's never been considered a great blocker, in fact adequate might be a stretch), but he struggled to get anything going in the passing game either, averaging less than ten yards per reception. He did have a good catch in the Super Bowl when he went up and got a ball on a short one yard touchdown.

2009 Outlook: Patrick will be back in 2009 and his roster spot should be safe. Unless the Cardinals add a couple of tight ends during the off season, they simply don't have the depth to cut a guy of Patrick's ability. He's always had the ability to be a decent receiving option and he's young enough to have the opportunity to develop into an all-around tight end, but he's got to stay healthy.

Leonard Pope

Age and 2008 Stats: 25 years old (9/10/83) - 9 receptions for 77 yards

Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent

2008 Analysis: There was some hope that Pope could have a breakout year in 2008 but early on we learned that was faulty logic. Pope struggled through various injuries during training camp and he might never have been 100% during the season. He only missed three games but he didn't start three games in a row until the playoffs. He still struggles with blocking, in the passing game and running game, and stupid penalties, namely jumping off sides.

2009 Outlook: Pope will be back on a one year deal and he'll be the 2009 version of Eric Green. I wouldn't be surprised to see him open training camp as the starter but be well buried on depth chart (or just inactive as Green was) by mid-season. Pope will not only stay healthy, something he's never managed to do, but he also has to improve every part of his game. Pope is playing for his NFL future in 2009.

Jerame Tuman

Age and 2008 Stats: 32 years old (3/2476) - 3 receptions for 41 yards

Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Tuman was brought in as another former Steeler who was supposed to be a veteran presence and leader of the younger guys at his position. Instead apparently drank the same water as the rest of the tight ends because he struggled injuries the entire year. He was even cut at the end of December but returned after Spach went down in the playoffs. He finished season appearing in just eight games with three starts and all three of his receptions came in a single game (regular season CAR game).

2009 Outlook: I'd be shocked to see Tuman in a Cardinal jersey in 2009. He's always been a blocking tight end who offered very little in the passing game and Spach proved that he was a major upgrade over Tuman. He'll end up somewhere but unless Spach is expected to miss most of the season and they don't bring in anyone else, I doubt the Cardinals even try to re-sign him.

Alex Shor

Age and 2008 Stats: 26 years old (1/29/83) - 0 games

Contract Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent

2008 Analysis: Shor has been on the Cardinals practice squad for two seasons (2006 & 2008) and been to camp with the team for three consecutive seasons.

2009 Outlook: We learned everything that we needed to know about Shor when they signed Spach off the street. Shor had was familiar with the system, having been with the team for two full seasons, but the coaching staff still felt more comfortable picking up a completely unknown player. Shor's days with the Cardinals should be finished.

Overview and Needs: Oh man, where to start? First, if the season started today the Cardinals wouldn't have a single tight end under contract so it's obvious that they've got to sign some guys and most likely bring in at least one free agent or rookie. Considering that it's a long shot (at best) for Spach to be healthy by the start of the season, they're more likely to bring in at least two guys. I'm sure some fans would rather clean house and bring in three or four new faces and start from scratch and with that in mind, here are the free agent tight ends (buyer beware, the tight end crop is very weak):

Jim Kleinsasser: Kleinsasser is a fullback stuck in a tight ends body but he's never had a problem sticking his nose in the trenches and getting his hands dirty. He's also been remarkably healthy considering he hasn't missed a game in the past four seasons. He's not a pass threat at all but at his size (6'3 272) it's like having six lineman on the field. His age (32) is a concern but a two year deal should suit him nicely.
Chris Baker: The 29 year old was released by the Jets earlier this month and some question whether he's starting material at all in the NFL. He's an adequate blocker, although nothing special, and he's been a decent receiver at points in his career (41 receptions in 2007). He's also managed to play in at least 15 games in five of the last six seasons.
L.J. Smith: Smith's name might get him a contract that's a bit above his actual abilities. He was franchised last year by the Eagles but lost his job at the end of the season and for the playoffs. Smith is a better receiver than a blocker but he's got a reputation in Philly for dropping passes and jumping off sides. He's still somewhat young (28) and he's got decent size (6'3 258) but he might be too high priced for the Cardinals taste.
Quinn Sypniewski: The 26 year old is pretty much an unknown but he's a solid blocker and he started nine games in 2008 for the Ravens. He's got good size (6'6 270) and could be the kind of second or third tier free agent that the Cardinals are looking for.
Jerramy Stevens: We know enough about this guy to stay away right?

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The tight ends took a lot of abuse last season and hopefully we'll have better things to say this time next year. Am I being too hard on a group that struggled with injuries the entire year? How many tight ends would you bring in? Any news on Spach's recovery?