Zbikowski-Nakamura competition
I wrote a column this morning on Tom Zbikowski, the Ravens' third-round pick out of Notre Dame, and his attempt to make the team's roster. What I found interesting was the way Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan told Zbikowski he needed to lose some weight if he wanted to seriously compete in training camp. Ryan would never have uttered those words under the former coaching regime. The coaching staff was always told to have positive comments. I like the truth. Ryan wasn't trying to embarrass Zbikowski, just say what he observed. Later, Zbikowski agreed, and admitted Ryan was right.
It will be interesting to watch the competition between Zbikowski and rookie Haruki Nakamura. Zbikowski has the better background being drafted out of Notre Dame, but Nakamura, a sixth-round pick out of Cincinnati, has been impressive. He appears to have a natural flow pursuing the ball. We'll see what happens when they put the pads on.
Comments
Still on this Mike? Do you honestly believe for one second that the Ravens would cut a third round pick? Look at Dan Cody (2nd round pick), if he were a lower round (5+) draft pick he would have been gone two years ago. No way the Ravens cut Zimbrowski this year, even if he is just used as a special teamer.
Posted by: Nick | June 17, 2008 4:59 PM
The former coaching regime was correct... always makes sense to projective positive thoughts to the public... you deal in-house with issues that need improving.
Ryan saying that to you, is a perfect example of why he is not a Head Coach.
Posted by: Chris | June 17, 2008 5:07 PM
I really like both of them, and think there will be room for them both on the roster. Tom is more of a SS type and Hakuri a FS by size and speed.
I can see 5 making the team at the expense of a CB like Prude, or Ivy.
Posted by: Jeremiah | June 17, 2008 5:34 PM
The former coaching staff sucked and couldn't handle in-house issues and only managed to let them get worse and that's why half of them are gone. Who cares if Ryan said he needs to lose some weight, it's football for God's sake.
Posted by: Juice | June 17, 2008 7:04 PM
Chris,
Have you heard of Bill Parcells? He tended to be a little more critical than this about players and was a great head coach. I hope that you didn't read the actual quote from Ryan because he sounds pretty positive about Zbikowski. If Zbikowski can't handle mild criticism like this, I would immediately cut him.
Posted by: ddd | June 17, 2008 7:10 PM
no way in heck the ravens would cut zbikowki! looking back at the injuries in the secondary last year and him being a 3rd pick no way plus depth at that position is always needed and he will be a strong S.T player
Posted by: paul c | June 18, 2008 11:37 AM
Mike, please stop with this nonsense already. We brought Zbikowski in because of his special teams skills first. Nobody expects him to beat out Reed or Landry for the starting job in training camp. For you to say he's going to battle a 7th round pick for a roster spot is just ridiculous. He will make the team, he could come in at 400 pounds and he would still make it the team. He's guaranteed a roster spot, whether you like it or not. Obviously you don't otherwise you would not come up with this "competition for a roster spot" stuff.
That's how the NFL works today. You don't cut a 3rd round pick because he's 3-4 pounds overweight. Nakamura will probably end up on our practice squad with Leonhard being our 3rd or 4th safety depending on how well Zbikowski does in training camp/pre season.
Posted by: Jerome G. | June 18, 2008 1:15 PM
First off, Zbikowski is a baller, so you don't need to worry about that. That guy loves football, and he was a great pick. Second, when it gets to camp time, I doubt in the NFL that there is any difference between how a third round pick and a sixth round pick is perceived based solely on their draft positions. First rounder? Probably. Second rounder? Maybe.
Posted by: OldCleat | July 10, 2008 12:03 PM