...Has anyone else noticed this?

**wickedsolo** · 04-27-2013, 07:51 AM

Matt Elam
Arthur Brown
Brandon Williams

...correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe the Ravens had any of those guys in for private workouts?

In fact, according to WalterFootball, the only guys they did have in for private workouts were Tavon Austin, Tank Carradine, Travis Kelce, Damontre Moore, Sio Moore, Alec Ogletree, Will Pericack (OL from Colorado), Justin Pugh, Baccari Rambo, Russell Sheppard (LSU WR), Cooper Taylor (DB from Richmond), and Jamar Taylor.

Additionally, out of our top 3 selections so far, Matt Elam was the only "formal" interview at the combine.

Methinks Ozzie is majorly fucking with the other GMs.

I know there is a lot of smoke-n-mirrors during this process, but wow. I'm surprised. They must be solely relying on tape and word of mouth.

**RavenScallywag** · 04-27-2013, 07:54 AM

I think one of the FO said something to that effect, like "if I know I like this guy, why am I going to tip off someone else?"

Reid Fragel was another guy I think we worked out

**wickedsolo** · 04-27-2013, 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by RavenScallywag

I think one of the FO said something to that effect, like "if I know I like this guy, why am I going to tip off someone else?"

Reid Fragel was another guy I think we worked out

So, we can probably take Reid Fragel off our boards. :D

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 04-27-2013, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by RavenScallywag

I think one of the FO said something to that effect, like "if I know I like this guy, why am I going to tip off someone else?"

Reid Fragel was another guy I think we worked out

I think that was the 49ers GM.

But yeah, those lists aren't worthless, but teams don't go out of their way to pick players that they brought in.

It's often for medical checks, and simple Q&A sessions. Most of those guys who come in don't actually do a "workout".

**camdenyard** · 04-27-2013, 08:12 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I'm surprised. They must be solely relying on tape and word of mouth.

Ozzie has been relying on tape for years. Part of what's made him successful.

**RavenScallywag** · 04-27-2013, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

So, we can probably take Reid Fragel off our boards. :D

Not necessarily. I'd just say any 1st/2nd round visits could be smoke screens. Later round guys, they need to get a closer look to see if they'd be a good developmental guy.

**Shas** · 04-27-2013, 08:44 AM

I've heard the staff talk about having players in for private workouts. They claim that the purpose is to fill in gaps that occur when they are trying to grade a guy on film. They will look at the tape and rely on combine interviews and that is enough to put a grade on the majority of players. But there are a handful of players where there is disagreement among the staff on what the grade should be. It is often a character or injury concern, or an inconsistency on film, or they are interested but feel they didn't talk to him enough at the combine or at a pro day. Long way of saying they are pretty upfront about the fact that private workouts ≠ interest, per se. Private workouts are akin to getting your homework done late.

**The Excellector** · 04-27-2013, 08:56 AM

Shaslers has the right idea.

The reality is that they do a great amount of research on these players. Private workouts and extensive interviews are more to answer the unanswered questions.

For example, if a player's game tape speaks very well, they might want to check on his medical. If a player seems to have 'character concerns', they might bring him in to see where his head is at.

**Ravenswintitle** · 04-27-2013, 09:51 AM

I'm pretty sure they had Brown in for a private workout

Edit: YUP

Brown met with the Ravens at the NFL scouting combine and also conducted a private workout for them, but didn't visit team headquarters.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...#ixzz2RfhsCkK4

**lobachevsky** · 04-27-2013, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I'm pretty sure they had Brown in for a private workout.

Injury concerns would explain that: he missed the Senior Bowl and most of the drills at the combine due to a shoulder injury, & since hitting with the shoulder is trending upward in the NFL... File this under "D" for the Ravens' customary due diligence.

**wickedsolo** · 04-27-2013, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I'm pretty sure they had Brown in for a private workout

Edit: YUP
Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/r...#ixzz2RfhsCkK4
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Originally Posted by lobachevsky

Injury concerns would explain that: he missed the Senior Bowl and most of the drills at the combine due to a shoulder injury, & since hitting with the shoulder is trending upward in the NFL... File this under "D" for the Ravens' customary due diligence.

Great points.

Obviously the shoulder injury isn't too big of a concern for them.