Who Will the Ravens Take?

[nfldraft2010]

I know it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Ravens will take a receiver sometime in April's draft, but I'm not convinced it will be in the first round. Believe it or not, the Ravens have several other needs other than receiver, and it wouldn't shock me to see them take a tight end like Jermaine Gresham or defensive linemen like Brian Price with the 25th pick.

Even still, I expect them to address the receiver position sometime very early, and there are plenty of talented wide receivers to choose from. I'm not huge on Brandon Lafell, but I'm very high on Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, and think he could work himself into the late first round with a good combine. I also like Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas in the 2nd-3rd round range. Arrelious Benn is also a strong possibility for the Ravens at 25, while I don't really see Golden Tate being a good fit.

Here's a look at my top 10 receivers in the draft, with analysis, and a few others to keep an eye on.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1981

And here's a closer look at Briscoe: http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1985

[Jeremiah W]

I agree.

It looks like the top TE and some of the top DL and Cbs will be available.
I would like to see them take a chance on a Wr like Thomas or Benn, but not pass on a stud just because of need. They should always be able to trade up in the 2nd round if they need to to get the WR they want at the right value in the draft.

I think the Ravens would have to rank Williams and Price ahead of any WR on the board at 25. Gresham or one of the pass rushers as well should be a better gamble than a Jr Wr.

Tate looks a lot like Steve Smith from the Panthers to me, but they may be willing to give up the real thing for the 25th pick.

[nfldraft2010]

Thomas is going to be special. He's still raw and will take a couple years to develop, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him eventually become the second best receiver to come out of this draft class, and a Pro-Bowl level talent.

I'd be very surprised if they took a corner in the first round though, especially since there aren't really any "can't miss guys" after Joe Haden. Devin McCourty from Rutgers might be a good fit in the 3rd-4th round range.

And, Jared Odrick might be another defensive lineman option at 25.

[JoeCool5]

Here's hoping it's a guy like Brandon Graham (OLB/DE) from Michigan. We need someone to get to the QB, and prevent opposing offenses from double teaming Suggs. We can always find a receiver...

[nfldraft2010]

I wouldn't blame it on the outside linebackers as much as I would the defensive line. Outside linebacker is actually a relatively deep unit with Suggs, Jarrett Johnson, Antwan Barnes, Paul Kruger, and Jameel McClain - although none of them are elite pass rushers, with the possible exception of Suggs. Barnes also started to come on a little towards the end of the year.

But, the Ravens had no one on the defensive line capable of getting pressure and collapsing the pocket. Unless Kruger bulks up and moves back to end, expect that to be addressed at some point in the draft, and possibly as early as the first round.

[Carey]

I think we will take a 3-4 DE or WR, I also see trading down a possibilty as well, but i'd be shocked if its anything else unless someone unexpectedly falls.

[Thrall]

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

[Carey]

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

I like this scenerio if Odrick falls, i'd go WR again in the 3rd in this scenerio tho, probably go corner in the 5th or trade up into the 4th for a corner if one we like falls, it's not like we need 6 or 7 players in this draft.

[baltimore_hokie]

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

Bay Bay won't be there in the second, but I'd take Carlton Mitchell there. I really think we should go with two WR's in the first two rounds (or 1 and a proven veteran acquired via trade).

We have seen how the league has shifted to one that encourages passing attacks, and Flacco needs two more weapons. If we could take D. Thomas in the first and C. Mitchell in the second, it would serve us better than a DT guy.

Thomas + Mitchell + Mason >>>> Mason + Clayton + Washington

whereas

Odrick ~ Dwan Edwards

[jonboy79]

Bay Bay won't be there in the second, but I'd take Carlton Mitchell there. I really think we should go with two WR's in the first two rounds (or 1 and a proven veteran acquired via trade).

We have seen how the league has shifted to one that encourages passing attacks, and Flacco needs two more weapons. If we could take D. Thomas in the first and C. Mitchell in the second, it would serve us better than a DT guy.

Thomas + Mitchell + Mason >>>> Mason + Clayton + Washington

whereas

Odrick ~ Dwan Edwards

Odrick should be much better then Edwards, based on his first step alone... Beyond that he is a better athlete all around.

There is a LOT of mid round WR's I like, from Demaryus Thomas, Danario Alexander, Erick Decker, Riley Cooper, etc. We should come out of this draft with a kid that can get open AND catch the ball.

[Carey]

I think in the 3rd round there is gonna be some nice WR's left......Andre Roberts, Jacoby Ford, Jordan Shipley, Eric Decker and Dezmon Briscoe. Even Carlton Mitchell may still be there in the 3rd. Now they all wont be there but at least a couple will, i dont like not getting a DE in the first 2 rounds, the impact guys i like the most will be long gone by then, i'll have to research more and try to see how the 3rd and 4th rd picks look.

[Rxdoxx]

Just speculation at this time of year, but interesting fun nontheless.

Have to see what happens with Mason, I'm sure the FO will have a better handle on that before they go on the clock. Not saying that there isn't a need for a WR, but if Mason signs, there is always still Enron Riley to look at with a year of learning and getting a NFL body. Just saying there may not be a need to have to grab 2 WR if DMase returns.

I'm also wondering about trades this year. Specifically due to teams squeezed by Uncapped year restrictions. Teams like Saints who need DL, and may possibly be letting Grant go could be a trade partner for one of our DL. I think this would bypass FA signing restrictions and we could see something like a 3rd or 4th rounder coming our way for maybe T-vu. Saints could do far worse with that area of draft pick than getting someone who already has a year of pre-conditioning and was kept on the active roster by an NFL team, meaning some definite potential beyond the dice roll. I'm not saying definitely Kelly, just opening the thinking that we may see some different kinds of trades being made by restricted teams.

There are some interesting CBs who should be there in the 3rd, we did find Webb there, so I can see us going there if WR gets clearer.

I'd still like to see us cheaply bring in Myles Burnsides

Burnsides is a two-time All-American, a two-time Academic All-American and in 2008, was named the national defensive player of the year. His 294 career tackles are the most by a defensive back and eight-highest tally in program history. His 16 career interceptions are the third-most in Northwest history and two he returned for touchdowns. - Northwest Missouri State football http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/582164
See him as the Ellerbe at safety.

[baltimore_hokie]

Gene Atkins out of Georgia is supposed to be the best pass-rushing DT in the draft. He's around 280 lbs and seems to be ideal as a 3-4 DE. There are several other guys that would be in rounds 2 or 3 that people have mentioned.

My issue with taking Odrick (I like him a lot as a player) is that we NEED WR help BAD. We can't afford to go into next season without adding two viable weapons. I would not be happy with one mid-round WR pick in this draft, and I don't get how people think this offense will be any better.

Flacco needs weapons around him. This league is built for QB's to throw to win, and getting another DT (while filling a potential need in the future with a good football player) will not help us with that. A great D will get us in the playoffs most years, but we need several viable weapons on O to be able to compete with the elite teams in the NFL (see every game we played against a decent defense).

This obvious need can't go overlooked for another year. We need weapons this year, then go back to a defense-heavy draft next year. Lock up Edwards (who had a great year in 2009) since we can't add much via free agency.

[Carey]

Gene Atkins out of Georgia is supposed to be the best pass-rushing DT in the draft. He's around 280 lbs and seems to be ideal as a 3-4 DE. There are several other guys that would be in rounds 2 or 3 that people have mentioned.

My issue with taking Odrick (I like him a lot as a player) is that we NEED WR help BAD. We can't afford to go into next season without adding two viable weapons. I would not be happy with one mid-round WR pick in this draft, and I don't get how people think this offense will be any better.

Flacco needs weapons around him. This league is built for QB's to throw to win, and getting another DT (while filling a potential need in the future with a good football player) will not help us with that. A great D will get us in the playoffs most years, but we need several viable weapons on O to be able to compete with the elite teams in the NFL (see every game we played against a decent defense).

This obvious need can't go overlooked for another year. We need weapons this year, then go back to a defense-heavy draft next year. Lock up Edwards (who had a great year in 2009) since we can't add much via free agency.

Hokie i def. agree....for me i'd go Bay Bay in the first, or even trade down into the early 2nd if you are sure you can secure him there. I like Tyson Alualu or Mike Neal in the 2nd. I'd go WR again in the 3rd with one of the guys i listed above and grab Peek in the 4th. I really like Alualu, nice find scono! He was great in the senior bowl, great motor. Even if we trade up w/that 3rd round pick to make sure we get another good weapon at Wr. I've been one who's been very vocal about not settling at WR and i still feel that way but the D-Line is almost as important. The teams in the superbowl have key things in common, they can put up points in the passing game and they can get off the field on 3rd and long because they can pressure with 4 to 5 guys consistently. We had better get an upgrade their or our defense wont reach its full potential tho it still is very good.

[baltimore_hokie]

Hokie i def. agree....for me i'd go Bay Bay in the first, or even trade down into the early 2nd if you are sure you can secure him there. I like Tyson Alualu or Mike Neal in the 2nd. I'd go WR again in the 3rd with one of the guys i listed above and grab Peek in the 4th. I really like Alualu, nice find scono! He was great in the senior bowl, great motor.

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

[BmoreBrawla]

Hopefully a CB, or we trade our pick for a top WR. I think the star DE/DTs are going to be taken high in the draft, and we need a WR to contribute now.

[Carey]

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

Agreed, even if Peek doesnt reach his full potential he's still a good #2 TE going forward and is a hell of a blocker, we could grab a more vertical threat down the road. We are def. on the same page, this team needs a infusion on talent in the passing game, no more standing pat, its time to be agressive and get this done. Alualu is guy who can start in the rotation and eventually start, relentless guy that will get to the QB.

[jonboy79]

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

You forgot CB, probably our biggest need. It HAS to be drafted in the first two rounds. Starting caliber corners come almost exclusively from the top two rounds of the draft.

[baltimore_hokie]

You forgot CB, probably our biggest need. It HAS to be drafted in the first two rounds. Starting caliber corners come almost exclusively from the top two rounds of the draft.

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

[Carey]

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

I agree, i'd just grab some depth in the 5th maybe....The best thing for our secondary is a better pass rush and a offense that can stay on the field longer against good defense.

[TTRaven]

round 1: Brandon Graham- DE/OLB, Michigan
round 2: Damian Williams- WR, USC

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Yeah, I don't get why some think CB is such a big need. Could we use some more depth...sure. But Fox is not coming out of the starting lineup, and we all like Webb as a starter. And having Fabien Washington as your 3rd CB is pretty good.

I can also live with Carr as our 4th CB.

We do need to get someone to knock Walker off the roster, but I think we can wait until round 4 or so for a 4th/5th CB.

IMHO, our needs are...

WR


OLB/DE (edge rush)
DE/DT (interior rush)
WR (again...yes it's that bad)

TE
CB

[baltimore_hokie]

round 1: Brandon Graham- DE/OLB, Michigan
round 2: Damian Williams- WR, USC

But we want to improve our offense and give Flacco weapon(s). This scenario would not accomplish that.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I also want to say that IMHO, only 3 guys are worth a pick in the first.

If Bryant, Thomas, or Benn aren't there, I don't want us drafting Tate or Williams in the first just because we need a WR. I could maybe grit my teeth and bear Tate a little...but I don't think he is going to translate that well in the NFL.

If they are gone, pick a pass rusher...edge or interior and get WR in the second and 3rd/4th round.

This is why it is so important IMHO that we get another guy in a trade or even UFA...such as Bryant or even TO for one year. You don't want to be screwed if those guys aren't there.

[Thrall]

Bay Bay won't be there in the second, but I'd take Carlton Mitchell there. I really think we should go with two WR's in the first two rounds (or 1 and a proven veteran acquired via trade).

We have seen how the league has shifted to one that encourages passing attacks, and Flacco needs two more weapons. If we could take D. Thomas in the first and C. Mitchell in the second, it would serve us better than a DT guy.

Thomas + Mitchell + Mason >>>> Mason + Clayton + Washington

whereas

Odrick ~ Dwan Edwards

Ok, so if Thomas won't be around in the second, take him in the first, or trade down a bit. I think he will eventually be the best WR taken this year. Get McCourtney, and Colin Peek too.

[jonboy79]

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

I don't like foxworth as a number one corner. Our entire depth chart looks a lot better with an additional starting caliber player that can compete with Foxy for the tougher assignment.
Washington, at best is another one year as a Raven, with an affordable RFA tag. Webb is probably best as a nickel.

[TTRaven]

But we want to improve our offense and give Flacco weapon(s). This scenario would not accomplish that.

How would it not accomplish that? Flacco is still getting a weapon in Damian Williams. It's pretty much the same scenario that you posted earlier. You're still getting a pass rusher and WR in the first 2 rounds. You can still get a TE like McCoy, Pitta, or Dickson in the 3rd round.

[baltimore_hokie]

Ok, so if Thomas won't be around in the second, take him in the first, or trade down a bit. I think he will eventually be the best WR taken this year. Get McCourtney, and Colin Peek too.

Agreed, I think he will make a lot of sense for us at 1:25 by the time the draft comes around.



I don't like foxworth as a number one corner. Our entire depth chart looks a lot better with an additional starting caliber player that can compete with Foxy for the tougher assignment.
Washington, at best is another one year as a Raven, with an affordable RFA tag. Webb is probably best as a nickel.

Did you watch the second half of the last season?? Foxworth is not a "shutdown corner", but there are only about 4 of those in the entire league. He is good enough as our best cover guy, and he will only get better.

We must have been watching a different player named "Webb" because I saw a stud and future starter when I saw him play. Our defense was third against the pass with Washington and Webb both missing a good bit of time. I don't get the desire to blow up the secondary again. We are in much better shape in the secondary right now than we were a year ago.



How would it not accomplish that? Flacco is still getting a weapon in Damian Williams. It's pretty much the same scenario that you posted earlier. You're still getting a pass rusher and WR in the first 2 rounds. You can still get a TE like McCoy, Pitta, or Dickson in the 3rd round.

I was insinuating that Williams will bring nothing to the table. He is a taller, slower Mark Clayton. If he is the best "weapon" we acquire by the time next season starts, I will be beating my head against a wall when we lose to the Steelers twice next season.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

There really are only 2 shutdown CB's in this league. Asomugha and Revis.

CB has to be one of the most unappreciated positions in football. If you are not Dieon Sanders in his prime, you suck.

For YEARS, people on these boards routinely blasted McAlister and for most of his career Rolle too...although they were routinely top 10 CB's in this league.

And people...Fox is starting. He will not be competing with a rookie or UFA...he got a good sized contract and looking back at his entire body of work, played pretty well. The team is not going out to look to replace him.


Agreed, I think he will make a lot of sense for us at 1:25 by the time the draft comes around.




Did you watch the second half of the last season?? Foxworth is not a "shutdown corner", but there are only about 4 of those in the entire league. He is good enough as our best cover guy, and he will only get better.

We must have been watching a different player named "Webb" because I saw a stud and future starter when I saw him play. Our defense was third against the pass with Washington and Webb both missing a good bit of time. I don't get the desire to blow up the secondary again. We are in much better shape in the secondary right now than we were a year ago.




I was insinuating that Williams will bring nothing to the table. He is a taller, slower Mark Clayton. If he is the best "weapon" we acquire by the time next season starts, I will be beating my head against a wall when we lose to the Steelers twice next season.

Totally agree. About the secondary and Williams. I do not want Williams.

[21xxxv]

I know it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Ravens will take a receiver sometime in April's draft, but I'm not convinced it will be in the first round. Believe it or not, the Ravens have several other needs other than receiver, and it wouldn't shock me to see them take a tight end like Jermaine Gresham or defensive linemen like Brian Price with the 25th pick.

Even still, I expect them to address the receiver position sometime very early, and there are plenty of talented wide receivers to choose from. I'm not huge on Brandon Lafell, but I'm very high on Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, and think he could work himself into the late first round with a good combine. I also like Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas in the 2nd-3rd round range. Arrelious Benn is also a strong possibility for the Ravens at 25, while I don't really see Golden Tate being a good fit.

Here's a look at my top 10 receivers in the draft, with analysis, and a few others to keep an eye on.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1981

And here's a closer look at Briscoe: http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1985

Patriots and Eagles are also targeting Gresham, and drafting in front of the Ravens.

[nfldraft2010]

It wouldn't surprise me if the Bengals took a long look at him too, but it is also wouldn't surprise me if the combine hurt him a little bit, and he slipped towards the bottom of the first. He's a great receiver, but he's not very fast, and looks like a 4.8 guy on tape. I don't see him running anything better than a high 4.7.

Aaron Hernandez is another viable option. He's not a great blocker, but he's the best receiving tight end in the draft. He's got great hands, and is a very good route runner with impressive run after the catch ability.

Here's a closer look at both of these guys, as well as a few of the other top tight ends.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1992

[ravenwoman]

I am going way out on a limb, looking at who may be availableat number 25 on the board.

Since the Ravens usually draft BPA--my round 1 guess at this time is

Sean Weatherspoon OLB. Saw him in the Senior Bowl and looks like the tough type of linebacker who could eventually replace Ray Lewis.

I know that pick doesn't address our needs, but I also can envision us trading down for more picks.

[TTRaven]

I was insinuating that Williams will bring nothing to the table. He is a taller, slower Mark Clayton. If he is the best "weapon" we acquire by the time next season starts, I will be beating my head against a wall when we lose to the Steelers twice next season.

I get what you're saying. I just threw out the name of a WR that could go in the 2nd round.

[baltimore_hokie]

I get what you're saying. I just threw out the name of a WR that could go in the 2nd round.

I just don't know how much longer I can go with the Ravens only adding enough WR pieces to get by. I am willing to give up a little on defense, maybe slip to 5th or 8th (God forbid), but we are a better team if the offense is able to get up to that same range.

The NFL (or should I say, "National Football League" if I'm standing on my pedestal) is built for quarterbacks to throw the ball around. The teams winning championships these days have quarterbacks that can carry their teams. In order for Joe to be on that level, and thusly for us to compete for championships, we need to give him the weapons necessary to put the game on his back.

For me, a defense ranked 8th with an offense ranked 5th > a defense ranked 3rd and of offense ranked 14th. I want to see some damn offense in Baltimore!! And in all seriousness, that is the way to win these days. Cam was even quoted recently saying you have to be able to throw the ball to win. Get Joe some weapons, Oz.

[Carey]

I just don't know how much longer I can go with the Ravens only adding enough WR pieces to get by. I am willing to give up a little on defense, maybe slip to 5th or 8th (God forbid), but we are a better team if the offense is able to get up to that same range.

The NFL (or should I say, "National Football League" if I'm standing on my pedestal) is built for quarterbacks to throw the ball around. The teams winning championships these days have quarterbacks that can carry their teams. In order for Joe to be on that level, and thusly for us to compete for championships, we need to give him the weapons necessary to put the game on his back.

For me, a defense ranked 8th with an offense ranked 5th > a defense ranked 3rd and of offense ranked 14th. I want to see some damn offense in Baltimore!! And in all seriousness, that is the way to win these days. Cam was even quoted recently saying you have to be able to throw the ball to win. Get Joe some weapons, Oz.

Agreed, with the rule changes and the upgrade in talent on offense across the board we have seen the last of a defensive team winning it all with a game manager and opportunistic offense. If you have a team like that you can only go so far, the game has to follow a certain pattern and you can never get too far down in a game or your done, thats what we been and i am equally tired of it. We have a QB, no more excuses or waiting, get the man some weapons now while we still have Ed and Ray and lets get another ring. I truly believe that if they handle business this offseason we can compete for the next 8 to 10 years.

[jonboy79]

Did you watch the second half of the last season?? Foxworth is not a "shutdown corner", but there are only about 4 of those in the entire league. He is good enough as our best cover guy, and he will only get better.

We must have been watching a different player named "Webb" because I saw a stud and future starter when I saw him play. Our defense was third against the pass with Washington and Webb both missing a good bit of time. I don't get the desire to blow up the secondary again. We are in much better shape in the secondary right now than we were a year ago.


Sure, every game multiple times. Foxy looked much better while Reed was out, but word on the street is that Reed is coming back. We need better coverage back there so we don't continue to lead the league in long plays given up.

Cincy has a fine pair of corners. Neither are "shutdown" but both are superior to Foxworth. I'd be fine with a pair of that quality.

Nope, I also saw a LOT of value in Webb on ST, and if you make him a full time starter you lose all of that. I'd like to see him continue in the return game, and contribute as one of the better Nickels in football.


Spending a first round pick on a WR is one of the riskiest moves a football team can make. It has historically the lowest percentage of reliable players. CB is better, though not the least risky position. DE is another position that has much better risk/reward ratio in the first round.

[jonboy79]

I just don't know how much longer I can go with the Ravens only adding enough WR pieces to get by. I am willing to give up a little on defense, maybe slip to 5th or 8th (God forbid), but we are a better team if the offense is able to get up to that same range.

The NFL (or should I say, "National Football League" if I'm standing on my pedestal) is built for quarterbacks to throw the ball around. The teams winning championships these days have quarterbacks that can carry their teams. In order for Joe to be on that level, and thusly for us to compete for championships, we need to give him the weapons necessary to put the game on his back.

For me, a defense ranked 8th with an offense ranked 5th > a defense ranked 3rd and of offense ranked 14th. I want to see some damn offense in Baltimore!! And in all seriousness, that is the way to win these days. Cam was even quoted recently saying you have to be able to throw the ball to win. Get Joe some weapons, Oz.

WR is by far the most overrated position in all of football, not by a little, by a lot.
Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie are no better then DWil and Mark Clayton, if so by a very small margin. The difference is a mature Peyton Manning.

I completely and totally disagree on the O vs D. Our D wasn't good enough last year, the O wasn't either, but D is simply more important. It will continue to be in the future. Unless you have Peyton Manning, an elite D is the key ingredient to postseason success.
I completely agree with your QB take, they continue to become more important with each year.

The secret to winning in the NFL is to surround the best QB you can get with as much talent as you can. Defense and OL are your next keys.

[baltimore_hokie]

WR is by far the most overrated position in all of football, not by a little, by a lot.


The secret to winning in the NFL is to surround the best QB you can get with as much talent as you can.


Aren't you contradicting yourself with these two points?? I agree that WR is over-rated, but we have all the other pieces in place around him to make him very good. To put us, and Joe in the process, over the top would be to make the Ravens a GREAT offensive football team. To do this, we simply must add talent at WR.




I completely and totally disagree on the O vs D. Our D wasn't good enough last year, the O wasn't either, but D is simply more important. It will continue to be in the future. Unless you have Peyton Manning, an elite D is the key ingredient to postseason success.

Our D was ranked 3rd in the NFL with half the starting secondary out for a good bit of the year. This defense was very good. So what difference will it make if we move up to second in the league? Even first?

The difference is that we scored 3 points against Indy. That's why we lost. We held Peyton's offense to 37 points in 2 games, some teams didn't do that in one game.

We have a great, young OL. A star QB in the making. A star RB. A solid, veteran TE. A great complimentary #2 WR. The only thing we are missing on offense is game-breaking WR, and is it a coincidence that the only thing we can't do on offense is make big plays in the passing game against good defenses?

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I don't get this idea that we can only win if we have the #1 overall defense.

Our defense, after a slow start, was plenty good last year. Definately good enough to win in the playoffs if our offense didn't look like Billick's with Boller at the helm for the last 3 games of the year.

[jonboy79]

Aren't you contradicting yourself with these two points?? I agree that WR is over-rated, but we have all the other pieces in place around him to make him very good. To put us, and Joe in the process, over the top would be to make the Ravens a GREAT offensive football team. To do this, we simply must add talent at WR.


Our D was ranked 3rd in the NFL with half the starting secondary out for a good bit of the year. This defense was very good. So what difference will it make if we move up to second in the league? Even first?

The difference is that we scored 3 points against Indy. That's why we lost. We held Peyton's offense to 37 points in 2 games, some teams didn't do that in one game.

We have a great, young OL. A star QB in the making. A star RB. A solid, veteran TE. A great complimentary #2 WR. The only thing we are missing on offense is game-breaking WR, and is it a coincidence that the only thing we can't do on offense is make big plays in the passing game against good defenses?

Don't get me wrong, we can't go into next season with Clayton, DWil, Kelly Washington, Eron Riley and Marcus Smith.... But there is a big difference between that and all out panic at the position. I think we need to get two starting quality players in "FA" and draft another. The 4th and fifth guys can be from the in house mix. Two of Boldin, Mason, Malcolm Floyd and TO should be a reachable "goal". I think Boldin should be acquireable within the elite 8 rules, for a third and maybe a player like Tavares Gooden. If Mason wants to come back, great, or if he goes to Tennesee, we should have the opportunity to get a guy like TO on the cheap.

IN the draft, an early mid round guy like Danario Alexander or Eric Decker should fit the bill to add depth to an improved unit.

But there is a big difference between that and giving it all up for Brandon Marshall, or selecting a 2nd round talent in the first over many much higher rated Defensive players. Dez Bryant is the only first round WR and he will be long gone.
I am NOT willing to upgrade the WR position, IN SPITE of another. Moves must be made at the position to complement the others, not the other way around.

Our D really wasn't that great. They really need more passrush AND better coverage. We could stop the run all day long, but couldn't get off the field consistantly on third down. I don't care where we rank in the league next year, but it will make a HUGE difference if our pass D improves to the point where we can consistantly force punts. MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more then a WR ever could affect the outcome of a game.

WR is a need, just like TE is a need and CB and DE are needs. After that, you are right, we don't have many needs.

[jonboy79]

I don't get this idea that we can only win if we have the #1 overall defense.

Our defense, after a slow start, was plenty good last year. Definately good enough to win in the playoffs if our offense didn't look like Billick's with Boller at the helm for the last 3 games of the year.

I don't care where they were ranked. People look back at the stats of this defense with a smile, but you should remember biting your nails everytime we had a lead and swearing at tthe TV over and over at the penalties and complete inability to get off the field on third downs. Fix that and I will be happy. I don't care where we rank.

[Jeremiah W]

The D needs to get better at pressuring the QB with a 4 man rush.

The LB coverage was a little shaky.

The CBs had way too many flags.

The run D was not effective in 3 games and inconsistant in others.

It did take a step back from the year before although there are good excuses, there is no reason to think the D as constructed would be good enough to beat Indy or the Saints in a shootout. They could do it, but they would have to play very well and get a little lucky unless they cam up with a better pass rush from the front 4. Trevor Pryce leading the team with 6.5 is not good enough. If it was Suggs or Nagta leading the team with 6.5 then it would be a little less alarming. I feel like the WR and the DL units are similar in that they have a lot of talent and depth but no dominant #1 guy when it comes to making the big play so consistantly that the protections or coverageas and play calls become predictable.

If you look around the NFL at the list of WRs we wish we had, almost all of them were drafted in the 1st 3 rounds. A lot of the pass rushers were also drafted, but more of the big time guys get traded or paid in free agency and pan out than the WRs who make it to the market.

[baltimore_hokie]

Don't get me wrong, we can't go into next season with Clayton, DWil, Kelly Washington, Eron Riley and Marcus Smith.... But there is a big difference between that and all out panic at the position. I think we need to get two starting quality players in "FA" and draft another. The 4th and fifth guys can be from the in house mix. Two of Boldin, Mason, Malcolm Floyd and TO should be a reachable "goal". I think Boldin should be acquireable within the elite 8 rules, for a third and maybe a player like Tavares Gooden. If Mason wants to come back, great, or if he goes to Tennesee, we should have the opportunity to get a guy like TO on the cheap.

IN the draft, an early mid round guy like Danario Alexander or Eric Decker should fit the bill to add depth to an improved unit.

But there is a big difference between that and giving it all up for Brandon Marshall, or selecting a 2nd round talent in the first over many much higher rated Defensive players. Dez Bryant is the only first round WR and he will be long gone.
I am NOT willing to upgrade the WR position, IN SPITE of another. Moves must be made at the position to complement the others, not the other way around.

Our D really wasn't that great. They really need more passrush AND better coverage. We could stop the run all day long, but couldn't get off the field consistantly on third down. I don't care where we rank in the league next year, but it will make a HUGE difference if our pass D improves to the point where we can consistantly force punts. MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more then a WR ever could affect the outcome of a game.

WR is a need, just like TE is a need and CB and DE are needs. After that, you are right, we don't have many needs.

I'm torn on how to improve this defense. A prolific pass rusher off the edge would be very nice to pair with Suggs, but that would take one of our best players off the field. Having Ngata, Suggs, and another guy up front would be pretty stout.

We need our next Trevor Pryce, who can be on the field with Suggs, Ngata, and Edwards to rush the passer. Carlos Dunlap is the perfect body to play that role, but DT's with pass rushing abilities aren't exactly a dime a dozen.

Ngata - Edwards - Dunlap
JJ - Lewis - Ellerbe - Suggs

We need to replace that spot on the DL, not any place that would require putting JJ on the bench. And other than Dunlap, there aren't any guys that would be there at 1:25 to fill that role. I do see a few guys in round 2 that could do it though (Atkins, Alualu, etc).

I would rather grab one of those guys in the second, after a WR in the first, because I think that our needs reflect us drafting in that order, as well as the value being best in that order.


Tampa Bay has 2:3 and 2:10, might be a good trade partner to drop down and get D. Thomas and Hardy with those two picks.

[jonboy79]

I'm torn on how to improve this defense. A prolific pass rusher off the edge would be very nice to pair with Suggs, but that would take one of our best players off the field. Having Ngata, Suggs, and another guy up front would be pretty stout.

We need our next Trevor Pryce, who can be on the field with Suggs, Ngata, and Edwards to rush the passer. Carlos Dunlap is the perfect body to play that role, but DT's with pass rushing abilities aren't exactly a dime a dozen.

Ngata - Edwards - Dunlap
JJ - Lewis - Ellerbe - Suggs

We need to replace that spot on the DL, not any place that would require putting JJ on the bench. And other than Dunlap, there aren't any guys that would be there at 1:25 to fill that role. I do see a few guys in round 2 that could do it though (Atkins, Alualu, etc).

I would rather grab one of those guys in the second, after a WR in the first, because I think that our needs reflect us drafting in that order, as well as the value being best in that order.


Tampa Bay has 2:3 and 2:10, might be a good trade partner to drop down and get D. Thomas and Hardy with those two picks.

Jared Odrick, IMO would be the perfect fit for that role. He would probably provide good value at 1:25, I was hoping he would be available later, but that looks like a fantasy.

The problem is, that there are exactly 4 CB's that have #1 starting potential. All will likely be gone by early in the second round. I really feel that adding one of the trio (Parrish Cox, Patrick Robinson and Kyle Wilson) as Joe Haden iwll be long gone, will provide this team with both the biggest instant impact as well as a long lasting one. Corners of that talent simply aren't available late in any draft in reasonable quantites. Many talented WR's will be taken early on day 2 this year.

Similarly, Gresham is a great player, and probably has value at 1:25, but there are a handful of players I like nearly as much(especially considering injury) that will be available on midday of day 2.

I'm also pretty sold on Boldin for a third, and maybe a player, and think that completely changes the outlook for the next season at a reasonable cost. If Mason comes back into the fold as well, that makes draft day EASY.

[baltimore_hokie]

Cook out of UVa is a big guy (~6'2") that could be a nice physical presence for our secondary. He should be available in round 2 or 3.

I also think Carlton Mitchell could be Vincent Jackson 2.0. If we could get him in round 2, it would be a high-upside pick that would give Flacco a deep weapon right away.

[Dave Lap]

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

I agree. If we're assessing team needs by position, WR stands head and shoulders above the rest.

After that comes the defensive back and defensive end and tight end. We need a guy who can rush the passer whether it be a LB or DE. Even a situational guy who is really good would help.