What they're saying about the Ravens' 1st-round pick
A roundup of who the national media have the Ravens taking with the No. 8 pick:
ESPN.com's John Clayton says Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan could fall to the Ravens:
As many as five teams could be angling for quarterbacks: Atlanta, Miami, Baltimore, Carolina and the Jets. If Jake Long and Dorsey are off the board after two selections, the Falcons might settle for quarterback Matt Ryan of Boston College. If not, Ryan could fall to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 8 and replace Steve McNair, who retired last week.
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Ravens selecting Ryan at No. 8. He mocks the first four rounds. Here's who else Kiper has the Ravens getting: Iowa cornerback Charles Godfrey at No. 38 in the second round; Michigan wide receiver Adrian Arrington at No. 99 (a compensatory pick in the third round); UNLV linebacker Beau Bell with the 106th pick in the fourth round; West Virginia running back Steve Slaton with the 133rd pick in the fourth round.
SI.com's Peter King has the Ravens picking up Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie:
No playoff contender needs a cornerback more than the Ravens. They either sit here and pick the one they like, or trade down a few slots to choose the one they can get while adding a second- or third-round pick to move. My bet is on a trade.
Later in his mock draft, King has the Ravens making a trade with the Bucs for the No. 20 pick and snagging Michigan quarterback Chad Henne:
Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens trade lower in Round 1 and pick up Joe Flacco, the Delaware wunderkind. The organization likes both the more-polished Henne and the kid with the best arm in the draft, Flacco. My gut feeling is that Henne's the pick, in part because he's prepared to play earlier.
ESPN.com's Todd McShay has the Ravens ending up with Ohio State defensive end/linebacker Vernon Gholston. McShay lists different scenarios that could play out:
Scenario 1: The ideal situation is Ryan slipping and allowing the Ravens to address their quarterback woes.
Scenario 2: Keep an eye on [Sedrick] Ellis. The team is reportedly very high on him and he would be a great value even though he doesn't fill a pressing need.
Scenario 3: If Ryan and Ellis are both gone, the Ravens will shop this pick aggressively.
Scenario 4: If they can't get one of their top two players and are unable to trade out, the Ravens would then look at Gholston, [Branden] Albert and CB Leodis McKelvin, in that order.
Even if the Falcons don't select Ryan with the third selection, they could still snag him before the Ravens pick, says ESPN.com's McShay:
As I mentioned on ESPN Radio, the situation is muddied even further by the possibility that the Atlanta Falcons, who already own the No. 3 overall pick, could trade back into the top seven in order to snatch up Ryan before the Ravens have a chance. The Falcons have three second-round picks (34, 37 and 38) and could package those picks in exchange for the No. 7 overall selection, a spot the New England Patriots would like to get out of.
SI.com's Don Banks has the Ravens ending up with Ryan:
There will be dancing -- and I mean the shaking of their groove things -- in the Ravens' war room if their Matt Ryan dreams come true. There were times this spring when I was convinced that Ryan would never last past the No. 3 Falcons or the No. 5 Chiefs; but that was then, and this is now. Ryan will lose some money falling to No. 8, but he'll be better off in the long run having gone to Baltimore rather than Atlanta, Kansas City or the Jets. As badly as the wheels came off for the Ravens last year, they're one season removed from a 13-3 record. Should Ryan be gone and McFadden still on the board, the Ravens would snap up the draft's best rusher in an instant and team him in their backfield with Willis McGahee.
Chris Steuber of Scout.com has the Ravens taking Troy cornerback Leodis McKelvin:
The Ravens could be one of those teams which tries to move up in the draft to select Matt Ryan, but if they fail, they will look to upgrade at CB. Troy's Leodis McKelvin is a quality cover corner with great potential.
Vic Carucci of NFL.com has the Ravens selecting Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady:
Cornerback remains a distinct possibility here, as does quarterback. But the Ravens need to fill a gaping hole on their offensive line created by the likely retirement of Jonathan Ogden.
NFL.com's Pat Kirwan has the Ravens taking Ryan:
The Ravens need a left tackle and a corner but by time they go in the second round the quarterback population will have dried up. Ryan isn't perfect but he's a winner and the new head coach can build his team around him.
Kirwan has the Ravens ending up with Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib in the second round.
Three mock drafts on CBSSports.com have the Ravens taking either Ryan, McKelvin or USC liinebacker Keith Rivers.
Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports says the Ravens need the most draft help of any team in the league:
Sixteen months ago, Baltimore was one of the league’s most surprising success stories. Spurred by an offseason trade for McNair, the Ravens had rolled through a 13-3 regular season in ‘06 and had their fans dreaming of a second Super Bowl. Since then, Baltimore has lost 11 of 17 games, as well as coach Brian Billick (fired after the ‘07 season) and McNair – with perennial All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden likely to follow suit and hang it up soon. Ray Lewis and some of his fellow defenders are getting old, and the franchise needs an instant infusion of young, productive blood. Now here’s the good news: General manager Ozzie Newsome and his team of sharp scouts are among the NFL’s shrewdest talent evaluators. This team needs a great draft, from top to bottom – and the Wizard of Oz is capable of making it happen.
Clifton Brown of SportingNews.com has the Ravens taking Virginia offensive tackle Branden Albert:
The Ravens have been woeful on offense, and some of their problems begin on the line. Albert can play guard or tackle, and with tackle Jonathan Ogden leaning toward retirement, it might not take long for the Ravens to lean on Albert.
All eight USA Today writers have the Ravens taking either Ryan or McKelvin.
ProFootballTalk.com breaks down the Ravens' draft needs.
Other Ravens links
Scouts, Inc. takes a look at the 2005 draft, knowing what we do now. They say the Ravens would have ended up with Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson with the 22nd pick instead of wide receiver Mark Clayton if the teams drafted today:
The Ravens needed linebacker help from the 2005 draft. Someone with Johnson's range and playmaking ability would have been an intriguing addition to Baltimore's defense.
ESPN.com columnist James Walker writes a feature on Ravens coach John Harbaugh:
There is a sentiment in Baltimore that the Ravens hired the anti-Brian Billick. Harbaugh's personable approach will be a change of pace from Baltimore's former head coach, who was more domineering. When it came to coaching, Billick wanted things done his way, with little input from others in the organization.
SI.com's King compares Steve McNair's career numbers to Mark Brunell, noting he's not Hall-worthy at first glance:
McNair was a fine player who lifted the Titans to lofty regular-season heights for a five-year period. He had guts and his teammates loved him and played well around him. I will reserve final judgment for the ballot, if I'm still a voter when he becomes eligible. But on first look, McNair belongs in the Hall of Very Good.
Cool idea by Mike Florio of SportingNews.com and ProFootballTalk.com. He does a mock draft for selecting any player in the league, assuming everyone was available. With the eighth pick, Florio has the Ravens taking Eli Manning:
In Eli, the Ravens might finally find their answer at quarterback—that is, if January and February weren’t a fluke.
Comments
The majority of the national NFL writers have no idea who or what the Ravens have, want or need.
The 1 of those writers who made any sense was McShay. I am not on board with Ryan to the Ravens, but I completely agree with him about Ellis,
Then a trade down, Then Gholston, Albert, McCelvin.
I don't think most of them know about Gaither or know that Yanda started all most every game as a rookie. Albert does look and sound like a great lineman and may be the best player available.
The main reason I am against taking Ryan at 8 was pointed out in this peice, there are only 5 teams really looking to draft a franchise QB in round 1 or 2, and about 10 solid prospects. They will all be drafted, but when the supply is higher than the demand, there is no reason to reach or over pay.
Ryan may be better than Henne, Flacco and Brohm, but is he worth that much more money and risk?
I would prefer drafting 2 QBs from the 3rd to the 6th. If Brohm or Henney falls to 99 great, if not, Woodson, Booty, Ainge, Dixon or Johnson.
Posted by: Jeremiah | April 22, 2008 12:52 PM
Eli is not the 8th best player in the NFL. That is ridiculous. He is not even the 8th best QB.
Posted by: Jeremiah | April 22, 2008 12:53 PM
I would like to see the Ravens move down in the first round and take Akib Talib and end up with Chad Henne as well. Trading the number seven pick for a mid to late first round pick should give the Ravens enough to move up in the second if need be to snag Henne. The Ravens most pressing need even with Mcnair's retirement is CB. In a division with Chad Johnson, Heinz Ward, and Braylon Edwards you must have a true number one shut down corner as well as good depth in your secondary. The Ravens have proven that they have no depth at all in the secondary.
Posted by: LEE | April 22, 2008 12:54 PM
I hope the Ravens don't use the #8 pick on Ryan. He didn't impress me when he played the MD Terps. I'd rather see the Ravens get V Gohlsten, we need a pass rusher to go along with T Sizzle. The vet we got from Denver is hurt too often and isn't reliable. The second need is O-line depth so they should look for a tackle.
I'd really like the Ravens to give Troy Smith a good look this season. Next year's Quarterback selection is projected to be better than this years.
After boosting up the trenches (which is where championships are won O line and D line) then the Ravens need to look for D-Back help both corners and safety.
Posted by: Bill Henderson | April 22, 2008 12:57 PM
Trade down & take either Henne or Flacco....do it !!!
Posted by: JWBBZ | April 22, 2008 1:43 PM
I still don't understand why the NFL allows the media to judge and choose who gets to be admitted to the Hall of Fame. Have any of those guys even played the sport??!
Posted by: _READ_ | April 22, 2008 2:22 PM
i dont think the ravens dont need to draft a QB in the 1st round because the ravens have some needs at other positions. i think the ravens need to draft McKevin, Goldson, or Clady but if none of these three avaible or Matt Ryan dosent fall to us the ravens need to trade out. The guy i like to see the ravens draft id josh johnson this kid is amazing he could be the sleeper.
Posted by: tc | April 22, 2008 2:36 PM
I see the Ravens going with DE or CB with their first pick, then getting QB Joe Flacco out of DE with their second round pick.
And don't bust on Eli, he is the reigning Superbowl MVP!
Posted by: Jason | April 22, 2008 2:52 PM
As a fan of the Giants, I find it absolutely hilarious that Florio's mock draft has the Ravens nabbing Eli.
But then having the Giants taking Ray Lewis? Well, I'd like to say it's more comical than the Eli choice, but both are equally outlandish.
Does this guy write for the Onion?
Posted by: Bryan | April 22, 2008 3:08 PM
If the Ravens take Ellis I won't be upset but he's not a need, we have Kelly and Ellis sure as hell won't be able to play as an end since he doesn't have the size to do that. If Ryan is at #8 they'll likely take him but I'd rather they trade down and get a CB, they need to get younger there. Now if Vernon Gholston happens to be at #8 than by all means I would be a happy camper if we picked him up cause Pryce is old and will need to be replaced soon. OL is not a big enough concern for the first round, hell not even really for the first three rounds so I think that would be a waste, especially since the best OL is officially off the board now.
Posted by: Anonymous | April 22, 2008 5:36 PM
Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports is a yahoo if he thinks the Ravens need more help than any team in the draft. He is so far out of touch he shouldn't be allowed to keep his job. If you want to see a "no talent" team with gaping holes up and down their offense and defense, a team who doesn't have a QB, check out the Kansas City Chiefs. They lost their last 9 games, and their coach is quoted as saying "5 players from this draft will probably end of starting." They will be lucky to win 2 games next year, and this yahoo things the Ravens have trouble.
Posted by: Deke | April 22, 2008 8:29 PM
I think we all agree we need a QB in the 1st or 2nd round. The best thing that could happen is Matt Ryan falling to us.
I do not feel that we should move any higher than 6 to take him as it would cost way to much. My fear is a team trading with NE and taking him at 7.
Another thing that could happen is ATL taking him at 3. Then we eather need to make a reach and take another QB at 8 or trade down and take the QB in the late first round while getting a extra pick or 2 at the same time. This is eaiser said than done, but would be easy if there is a player like Dorsey, Gholsten or Ellis or even McFadden sitting there.
If we pass on QB and address another need at 8 we will have to hope that another QB is there are 38. My fear is that other teams will move up and take Flaco, Brohm and Henne before 38 and we are out of luck. But Ozzie is to smart to let this happen and most likley we will move back into the first round or move to the dolphins pick at 33.
Posted by: Ben F | April 22, 2008 9:08 PM
It'll be one of the top 4 QBs I say, and thats that in my book. ATL will grab Ryan one way or another cause they got the ammo in other draft picks. We should trade down regardless cause the depth of the draft caters to our multiple needs. Ellis ? Fine, but where do you get all at once a QB, a really good corner AND a tackle with our remaining picks if you traded UP and gave up picks? There will be trading, not just by us, I see the Jets and others gettin with the Cheatriots or others and we will be in the mix, too. The packaging of lower picks will bear watching, and something tells me the scouting staff will NOT AGAIN stick their neck out the window for someone like Pittman. We can address ALL our needs quite well below the 8th pick of the draft. It'll be beneficial to be postioned to react to the drafting of CIN and CLE in particular instead of being reacted to. The only thing that may be to our disadvantage is the cut time between picks, down from 15 to 10 minutes : We learned our lesson in that Minnesota's switchboard was continuously operated by some narcoleptic personnell. Get em a Jolt Cola and turn up the ring volume this time. Someone may wanna talk to you on that day.
Posted by: HeWhoCannotBeNamed | April 23, 2008 5:53 AM
If Ravens draft Gholston, Ellis , or McFadden , i would say its a coupe . You cant find any safer picks at # 8 .
Since Ryan , Brohm , Henne and Flacco are not what you call 'Franchise' QB's . The Ravens would be well advised to either
A] Draft Brohm , Henne , Flacco at # 38 slot .
B] If there is a run on these QB's , Ozzie should call Bill Parcells to inquire about trading to Miami's # 33 slot .
But then again , you never know who will slide , what team might trade up in front of you , remember , you are competing against 31 other teams .
Good luck Ozzie and Eric
Posted by: Allan | April 23, 2008 8:13 AM
Just watch the wizzard of Oz screw this up,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,we have several meaningful picks this year , he better draft for need for a change,,,,,,,,,,do it !!!
Posted by: Jim from Dundalk | April 23, 2008 9:17 AM
The Ravens "needs" are not as glaring as they are being made out to be. NE needs to get some CBs. Miami needs a lot of things. The Ravens need a few players, but the starting lineup is basically already set.
Since the Ravens are drafting for depth and for the future, need based drafting is not the way to go. Even in the 6th round when you have 3 probowl LBs, the next Adalius Thomas may be sitting there.
Troy Smith and Boller are 2 very nice options to compete and hold down the starting spot until a clear franchise QB emerges.
RB we have a clear 1 and some nice young back ups. I want to draft a back as well.
FB we are 2 deep, and McClain looks like a solid player.
We have some proven veteran pass catchers as well as some explosive but fragile young guys. I would like to get some more size at the WR and TE positions, but Iike the talent we have starting there when healthy.
The O line is going to be great in this scheme. The SD line was a bunch of no name guys before Cam took over. Grubbs and Brown are perfect for the trapping power game and sweeps. Gaither and Yanda are both very athletic run blockers, and Chester is outstanding if he is still standing up after snapping the ball. He is one of the most agile linemen we have had, and great at sealing weakside lbs and getting to SS's 10 yards deep.
By establishing a power run game Cam will make them better pass blockers as well and exploit defenses who commit to stopping Willis with 8.
The scheme and playcalling make a big difference when you have some players to work with, there is no excuse to produce the type of production Billick got evn last year with all the injuries, the turnovers were mostly becuase he did not fool the defense or account for the blitz with NFL level hot routes and audibles.
The best part about having a respectable O is what it does for the Rex Ray defense. They only had to be good at time of possesion and get any kind of lead in 2006, and it was all over.
When teams were forced to pass into the Ravens D instead of having options, the result was the best defensive performance since 2000. If they can get a 24 point per game O, we will be #1 in D and be at home watching the first round of the playoffs, waiting for the Colts or the Bolts to come to back to Harm City in round 2.
Posted by: Jeremiah | April 23, 2008 10:56 AM
I have all the confidence in the world that Oz makes the correct choices. Except for Kyle, he's done a fantastic job. The only reason he drafted KB was because BB liked him. Why is everybody giving up on the lineman we drafted from MD? Gaither?
Posted by: jon dey | April 23, 2008 11:11 AM
As usual, the media need news and add up 2 + 2 and get 27. McNair retired, so he hardly played. So Ravens need a QB but before McNair retired we need an OL but the oldest starting lineman on our line is 3 years out of college. We need CB but the rookies there last year were starting cos McAl & Rolle were missing.
I'm not saying we have the elite players on the OL or DB but these elite players are not in the top 25 of this draft and nor should it be forgotten that the so-called depth in this draft is 3rd round fodder in normal years.
If there are 2 NFL QBs in this draft I'd be surprise. The CBs in this draft are lead by player from Troy why is that?
Don't let draft hype catch you out. Always pick the best player on the board not matter position.
Posted by: MrForce | April 24, 2008 7:50 AM