BREAKING: The Baltimore Ravens have traded fullback Patrick Ricard to the Los Angeles Rams for a fourth-round pick, projected 121st overall.
Rams head coach Que is known for his hands-off approach towards the offseason and team management as a whole, so you know that when he makes a move it is going to be a big one. One of the biggest stars at the position, Ricard is a 29-year-old fullback with 71 speed. The three hundred pounder will step into a starting role under a coach who loves to run the ball out of i-formation and hit his backs quickly out of the backfield. It is definitely a bit of a head-scratcher though, given the value of the position. Que could have pretty easily found a better option in free agency and not have to pay the content point fee for the trade, as well as not giving up a valuable draft pick.
We asked some coaches around the league for their comments on the trade:
“I think it’ll ruin the ravens offense. Que will run Akers to the ground successfully and win the super bowl. The ravens will most likely hit on the 4th round pick as usual. The division is definitely excited they don’t have to see Ricard again.” -anonymous AFC North Head Coach (HD)
“Que has not even attempted to participate in the draft so far this cycle, and this is the biggest I don’t wanna draft anymore trade I have ever seen in my life. Keep in mind this the same year’s draft where he traded a future 2nd round pick for an old as dirt Dee Ford…who he cut 20 minutes later! Now he trades a 4th round pick for a Fullback. Not a 6th or a 5th. A 4th! Now Que may be one of the top 10 users who can get use out of a FB in PML. And 96 lead block is enticing. But Que not only paid for a FB, but overpaid. Credit to Jac, I said he’d be my hero if he managed to trade a FB and, well, he’s my hero. Already one of PML’s best drafters (the opposite of Que), Jac will make use out of this draft pick.” -anonymous PML Scam Artist (Cookieboy)
“See this is why Que needs to lay off the yack, cause he starts doing dumb s*** . I have never seen someone so good at the game while also being so bad at GMing. Que hasn’t been the same since i was on the prediction show and his Girl punched him on air . I believe she gave him CTE . Que bout to do two whole shows to pay for that FB . Somebody tell QUE to
” – anonymous AFC North Head Coach (KingKe)
“Patrick Ricard leaves the AFC North to go to the NFC West. As an AFC North head coach, I feel completely indifferent on him leaving for multiple reasons. On one hand his speed may be too detrimental for him to be an actual factor in PML. On the other he wasn’t ever used in the Baltimore Ravens system so I’ve never got to see him first hand. So in terms of AFC North this trade has effected absolutely nothing. Switching it up to the AFC West, I dont believe he will provide a huge difference to the Rams run game. I could be totally wrong but he’s not a game changer for them at first glance. His inability to get to his block in a timely fashion will show. Then coach Que and the Rams will go completely away from him. With no abilities and 71 speed. Ricard is completely worthless in my opinion.” -another anonymous AFC North coach (nef)
“Patrick Ricard going to the Rams might be one of the most underrated chess moves of the cycle. BUT!!! For this move to show its weight in favor of the Season 2 second-place Rams, I would expect to see 2-2 personnel sets at least 67% of the time thru 3 quarters of games. Also, there is uncertainty in which back Ricard will pave the way. Cam Akers is the likely favorite that we would expect, but that might not be until the back end of the season. The Rams Drafted George Holani in the 6th round at pick 21. We anticipate him getting his fair share of opportunities early in the season. Ricard’s 91 rated strength paired with 96 rated lead blocking could be what helps push the rookie into the top rushers amongst his peers. Here are some ratings of note for Ricard. His speed rating is 71. There are many linemen in the game that are faster than him. Although that is true, he only needs to put a hat on the first defender past the defensive line. His 82 acceleration should allow him to succeed at that task more time than not. A strength rating of 91 will make it difficult for many linebackers and next to impossible for any defensive back to win block sheds. The triage of lead block 96, impact block 79, and awareness 83 could make for the most needed lead blocker we never wanted to pay. A brief look at housekeeping. Ricard’s current deal would allow him to stay with the Rams thru the 2024 season. The cap hit goes up to 4.53M next season. You cannot find a proper pulling guard in this league for that price.” – anonymous NFC Coach (Goose)
We also reached out to the Baltimore Ravens coaching staff for an official statement on the matter. This is what they had to say:
“We were talking with Patrick about the impending future as he nears 30 years old.. Even coming off of one of his most productive seasons last year, we thought he would be better suited to be on a team where he fits their gameplan better. This was more of a decision to look out for Pat than to ‘get rid’ of him. We would hate to see his talents go to waste. He was willing to stay since he is so loved within the locker room, but in the end both parties were in agreement on the decision.” – Coach Mehoy of the Ravens
This move is sure to rock the league for years to come. This is the kind of move that people will look back on in a few years and remember exactly where they were when they heard the news.
