Chat with Jamison Hensley

Welcome to SportsNation! On Wednesday, ESPN NFL Nation Baltimore Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley stops by to chat and answer all of your Ravens questions.
Hensley joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun for 11 years. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and son.
Send your questions now and join Hensley Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET!
More Jamison Hensley: Ravens blog | Chats | @jamisonhensley | NFL index
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:05 PM)
I apologize for running a little late. Got caught up in an interview at the owners meetings. Let's get started.
Richard (Atlanta)
Jamison - A number of mock drafts have the Ravens taking Eric Ebron, CJ Mosely or Calvin Pryor. Do you think OTs Zach Martin and Taylor Lewan will be available at No. 17, and if so, would Baltimore select either one?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:06 PM)
I believe Martin has a good shot at being there at No. 17. I don't see Lewan dropping that far. If Martin is there, he would address a need for the Ravens at right tackle. He can also play guard as well.
Brad (Lynchburg, VA)
Thanks for all of the great quick takes from the owner's meeting this week. Hope you are enjoying your week in Florida. I know that the Ravens have Identified WR as a need, but I feel that they are pretty solid with T. Smith, S. Smith Sr., M. Brown, and Jacoby as the top 4 (in order). What is your opinion?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:08 PM)
This is the deepest Ravens receiver group I've seen since I joined the beat in 2000. I still think the Ravens could draft a WR because it's a deep class and Steve Smith may one-and-done. Free safety and offensive line are bigger needs, of course.
Sean Fitzgerald (Kingston, Ontario, Canada)
Despite the addition of Smith and having Pitta back for (hopefully) a full season, I feel like almost the entire success of this offence and maybe entire team, hinges on Ray Rice returning to his old form. Do you agree?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:09 PM)
I agree to an extent. Joe Flacco has to start hitting some deep passes. Too often, defenses dropped a guy in the box because Flacco was so inaccurate throwing deep last year. It was tough for the Ravens to get anything going when you have a bad offensive line going against a defense lined up to stop the run.
Brent (PA)
Do you think we will sign any other free agents before the draft? If so then who?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:11 PM)
Tight end and perhaps a reserve defensive lineman. At tight end, it could be Ed Dickson on a cheap deal. They will want to sign guys who don't require much financial commitment. That way, if you draft a tight end, you can cut someone like Dickson at the end of the preseason and not carry much dead money.
Ryan (Clemson)
Are you backing off your stance now of ravens not targeting a safety in the first round? Could you see them now going after calvin pryor or clinton dix?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:13 PM)
I don't like the idea of having two young safeties, but the Ravens have painted themselves in a corner by not picking up a rangy safety in free agency. The Ravens should get a safety in the first few rounds. Not sure Clinton-Dix will be there at No. 17 and Ravens aren't trading up. Worst-case scenario is the Ravens don't draft a safety and go with two strong safeties again with Matt Elam and Darian Stewart.
Adam (Bmore)
Any chance Harbaugh gets fired if the Ravens miss playoffs this year?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:15 PM)
He's signed through 2017. Bisciotti just gave him a one-year contract extension. He's as safe as any NFL coach can be.
Greg(MD) [via mobile]
Will John Simon see significant playing time in 2014?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:15 PM)
On special teams, yes.
Kevin (Baltimore)
Prediction time. Who are the starters at RT and FS week 1?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:16 PM)
Off top of my head -- Zach Martin and Darian Stewart. This is subject to change once I have more time to think about it.
Renn (Columbia, MD)
Because the Ravens picked up so many compensatory picks, could you see them trading some of their regular picks this year (i.e. 1st and 3rd) to move up in the 1st round and essentially have their choice of WR/TE options in the draft? I'd love to see them draft Sammy Watkins.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:17 PM)
The Ravens aren't moving up. It would take their second and perhaps a third to do so. Not happening. More likely to trade down.
JR (Chicago)
Were you at all surprised that the Ravens decided not to cut Sam Koch. He was decidedly average last year and I think they could get comparable production from a rookie free agent.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:18 PM)
I was surprised. Ravens could have created more room by doing so. Koch hasn't been spectacular lately. But I was told that Koch was never in jeopardy of getting cut.
Tony Pettiway (Baltimore, MD)
With Ed Dickson not turning out to be the receiving TE that was expected...what are the chances of the Ravens going after O. Daniels? Perk factor is he already knows Kubiak's system.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:19 PM)
I don't see the Ravens getting Daniels, even though Harbaugh acknowledged that he is on their radar. I think he's going to be too expensive for what the Ravens are looking for as a No. 2 tight end.
Brad (Chicago)
If Ray Rice does not come back better what do you think the ravens do at RB?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:20 PM)
Pray that Bernard Pierce is healthy and finds the right hole. Also, the Ravens will add a third RB this year either in the draft or in free agency after the draft.
Kip (Work)
Where do you anticipate the improvement in this team? They have resigned players who were part of the 8-8 season and made 2 acquisitions from other teams?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:21 PM)
If the Ravens can get the offensive line to improve, it will work wonders for the entire offense. It all starts with the line.
Mason(Va) [via mobile]
What has been the most shocking signing for you this year so far?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:21 PM)
For the Ravens, it has to be Darian Stewart. Never heard of him.
Poe Raven (Baltimore)
We saw great things from the Elon receiver last year before he got hurt. What is his status?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:22 PM)
Aaron Mellette has recovered from season-ending knee surgery. He is on the bubble to make the team.
Doug (Eastern Shore, Md.)
With our recent pickups, I really believe we are able to take best player available in the draft. Thoughts?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:22 PM)
As long as that best player is a FS, OL or TE.
Poe Raven (Baltimore)
Before his suspension, Asa Jackson seemed like he was coming on. What are the expectations for him this year? Was he in the Harbaugh dog house last year?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:23 PM)
Asa Jackson will compete against Chykie Brown for the nickel back spot. It's up for grabs after Corey Graham signed with the Bills. Brown is the early front-runner.
Brooks (North Carolina) [via mobile]
In light of recent Evan Mathis trade rumors, I remember 3 years ago when there was interest in Mathis and he visited Baltimore before resigning in Philly. Is Mathis' potential cap number too high to envision him to come to Baltimore and shift Osemele to RT?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:24 PM)
Ravens have already given up enough draft picks the past two years to repair the offensive line. It's time to look to the draft to upgrade the line.
Ryan (Baltimore MD)
With the Ravens reportedly looking for other options at backup QB, does this mean that Tyrod Taylor is most likely gone? Is there any chance that they keep 3 QB's on the roster?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:25 PM)
If the Ravens draft a QB, then they will go with three because I don't see them relying on a rookie as Flacco's top backup. Taylor has one year left on his deal, so the Ravens could groom someone to replace him next year.
Kevin Baltimore [via mobile]
Any word on Eric Winston i think our line would have enough competition if we get him
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:26 PM)
Harbaugh said the Ravens aren't currently talking to Winston. I believe the Ravens would only consider him if they can't address offensive line in the draft.
Renn (Columbia, MD)
Predictions on the Ray Lewis statue pose?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:27 PM)
One depicting him doing his dance during player introductions.
Adam (Baltimore)
Any news on T. Cody or Ed Reed?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:27 PM)
Nothing. Crickets.
John (Ellicoit City, MD)
What type of talent is Zuttah? Is he a clear upgrade over Gio at Center?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:28 PM)
Zuttah is better than Gradkowski. He's big and athletic. But Zuttah is no Alex Mack. So temper your expectations.
Rahul (MD)
Is Ngata's contract going to be extended ? He is due 16mil this season so any chance he will be cut ? with his play decline and recent injury issues
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:29 PM)
Ngata's contract becomes an issue next year.
Brooky (Baltimore, MD)
How will Ravens address its free safety problem? Draft or free agency? Will ravens feel comfortable/confidence to let a rookie free safety to start with Elam? Thanks
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:30 PM)
The Ravens will look at the draft to address it. If they don't find anyone, Darian Stewart will start alongside Matt Elam. It's not ideal situation either way.
David (Boston)
Would Miles Austin be worth a flier?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:31 PM)
I don't see it. Ravens are set with top four WRs. A younger WR makes sense to groom. Adding a veteran one doesn't make sense.
JR (Chicago)
For the people freaking out about not having a safety, the Ravens were in the same situation about 10 years ago with strong safety, drafted Will Demps in the fifth round, and somehow the world did not come to an end.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:32 PM)
The Ravens had the luxury of having the best safety in the game in Ed Reed as well. The team could have stuck you back there and did well because Reed was at the top of his game back then. Different story now.
Robert (Baltimore)
What's the deal with Kapron Lewis-Moore? Any predictions on Rolando McClain?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:33 PM)
The Ravens are high on Lewis-Moore. He could get a chance to start or play a big part in the rotation. Lewis-Moore could be the eventual replacement for Chris Canty.
Rants N Ravens (Trinity, FL)
Will Demps was an undrafted free agent...
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:33 PM)
That is correct. I didn't read his question carefully enough. But my answer still stands.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:33 PM)
He may have been thinking of Dawn Landry, who was taken in the fifth round.
rob (baltimore, md)
thoughts of converting tyrod taylor to safety. is he athletic enough? i thought about this when he first came out of college.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:34 PM)
Not happening.
Jimmie (Philly)
What do you think about the Ravens possibly bringing in someone like Carlos Rogers to be that third corner, so Webb can play the slot in the Nickel and Dime packages?
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:35 PM)
If the Ravens had the money, I think they would try to bolster their depth at CB. I don't see it.
Joe (Baltimore)
Why did Coach Harbaugh single out Taylor? He never does that, seemed odd to me.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:36 PM)
He was asked a question about backup quarterback because the Ravens looked at Weeden. He did say Taylor's best football is ahead of him.
Jamison Hensley (ESPN) (2:37 PM)
Sorry, I have to cut this short today. I'm in Orlando for the owners meetings. Will do a longer chat next week. See you then. Have a great rest of the week.
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