Just what the world needed -- another sports blog
Good morning, Bal-tee-more, or Bal'mer, or -- simply Baltimore.
And welcome, truly welcome, to your hometown newspaper's latest patch of cyber real estate.
Some of you, I'm figuring most of you, don't know the dopey-lookin' guy with the mustache pictured here from a rock.
A few -- close friends and relatives -- know that I'm a sports writer at your Baltimore Sun. If the mug looks familiar, you may have seen it affixed to a column I used to write on poker in the sports pages. You may also recognize the byline from stories on pro football or sports business.
Beginning today, though, I'll be here most weekdays, several times a day, passing on what we hope will be interesting bits of flotsam and jetsam from the world of sports, and particularly sports as it applies to our city, region and state. The goal here is to keep you up to date with stuff that may be essential or provocative or just quirky. But, bottom line, I hope that you're entertained.
A couple of things I want to get out right away. This sports blog is part of a nascent but ambitious effort on the part of The Sun, a paper born well before the Civil War, to remain relevant in the 21st century. Elsewhere on baltimoresun.com you'll find other new features, including news updates and videos, helpful lists of events going on in the city and suburbs, blogs on arts and entertainment, dating and food.
And one more thing. It's a big world out there and we, or at least I, don't pretend to know everything going on out there. There's no crystal ball sitting on my desk. So, if you think you know something that other sports fans might also like to hear about, let me know.
Look, we know this is just a beginning and, quite likely, six months or a year from now, The Sun's presence on the Internet will look much different than it does today. For most of us who came into the news business daubed in ink, it's a journey fraught with both mystery and promise. I -- and all of us at The Sun -- look forward to your company.
And now, for my first trick ... the NFL draft (no, we're not letting it go)
The Monday after the draft sort of feels like the day after Christmas, doesn’t it? There’s all that anticipation, dreaming about the hot new toys, then finally the rush you get from finding out what’s under the tree.
Sometimes, it’s the bike. And sometimes, it’s the reindeer sweater (recently, that would be Detroit, although the Lions are getting early praise for taking WR Calvin Johnson Saturday).
So, after it’s over you’re left with either a sweet afterglow or a hollow disappointment. But one thing we can always count on about the draft, as soon as it’s over, there’s no shortage of second-guessers with marginal standing on the subject – and I count myself in that group – ready to opine and attach a letter-grade to the draft.
So as silly and futile as that process is, let’s look at what some other folks are saying about the Ravens’ draft. First, remember that the Ravens are a gold-standard team in this area. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome is indeed The Wizard, having already drafted at least two likely Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers galore.
And, for the second year, the Ravens picked an interior lineman with their top pick. Last year it was defense (DT Haloti Ngata) and this year it’s on offense. It may not be sexy but when done right, it’s the way to stay competitive in the NFL.
So far, this year’s Baltimore picks are getting decent to good grades. And they should. Few outsiders handing out these letter grades have any clue about guys like Ben Grubbs and the Ravens’ third-round offensive lineman, Marshal Yanda. (The Ravens also took WR-return guy Yamon Figurs in the third round and Heisman QB Troy Smith in the fifth.). And who in their right mind would strongly question Newsome and his scouting department at this point.
Opinions elsewhere and annoying pop-ups are not the responsibility of the management.
Baltimore’s own, Mel Kiper Jr., gave the Ravens a B, which for Mel was above average in a narrow range of grading. In his analysis for ESPN.com Insider, Mel said, Ben Grubbs is a great pick and pure guard. Yamon Figurs has speed to burn and will be the returner the Ravens need with B.J. Sams coming off an injury and being a free agent after 2007. Grubbs will start right away, and Marshal Yandapossibly also could start at guard or right tackle.”
AOL calls the Ravens one of the draft winners.The Dallas Moring News' Rick Gosselin called the Ravens above average.
Three stars from USA Today.The Chicago Tribune's Don Pierson puts them in the middle of the pack.
So does The Sporting News.
Ditto at CBS SportsLine.
FoxSports.com's John Czarnecki gives the Ravens a C-minus. I like Czar but he's forgetting the Wizard's track record.
The photo illustration of Ozzie Newsome was done by The Sun's Emily Morrow.
Comments
So, what about what the Ravens did made them a C-? The sporting news guy is smoking dope, he gave us the same rating as the Dolphins... it seemed all because we didnt trade up for Quinn. We cant afford Quinn! what would his cap number be in year one? I'll take our lack of ammunition as a compliment, the fact that our no. 1 next year will be most likely a 20-32 pick, and crappy Clevelands will be 5-15.
Shamrock,
I don't necessarily endorse the grades, I'm just passing them along. Personally, I think this was a good, solid draft for Baltimore. Certainly not flashy, but the Ravens had already addressed a skill position in free agency with the trade for Willis McGahee.
Bill O.
Posted by: shamrock | April 30, 2007 1:51 PM
Looks like a good draft for the Ravens. Their O line and fullback position were certainly their top needs. We'll just have to see how these players perform, which is what matters most. Interestingly, for Ravens fans, the Browns were rated as the top team in drafting this year, by drafting players like O-lineman Thomas (#3...the top O lineman in the draft), and Quinn. They also signed the top O lineman in the free agent market by signing Pro Bowler E. Steinbach. Should be interesting to see how a healthy Jamal does with these HUGE upgrades on the line.
Yep, the Browns are getting high grades. It's also noteworthy to mention that their draft guy, Phil Savage, comes out of the Baltimore school of personnel evaluation.
Bill O.
Posted by: Rich | April 30, 2007 2:02 PM
Just remember Ozzie's track record in all the drafts since he has been here. He could have drafted players we never heard off and they would be pro bowl type players.
Posted by: Dave | April 30, 2007 2:47 PM
Perhaps John Czarnecki needs his urine tested. Not only does he screw up the draft grades, if you check on his web article it has the wrong helmets for the Colts and Titans!! And the only comment needed about the Sporting News grades is that they gave 2 teams with universally-agreed upon lousy drafts, the Dolphins and the Eagles, an A+ and A respectively.
I'm not sure we can blame the writer for a graphics issue but I have to agree with you about Miami and Philadelphia. That was an ugly mob at the Dolphins' draft party after they toook Ginn Jr. And that quarterback pick from the Eagles is astouding. But I do like the Penn State RB they got, Tony Hunt.
Bill O.
Posted by: Is Czar drinking or just clueless? | April 30, 2007 2:48 PM
I think that the Ravens made a great selection in the first round for gaurd, Ben Grubbs who doesn't neccesarily punish defenders, but keeps ahold of them every time. He can compete with Keydrick Vincent for the starting right gaurd spot and gives Baltimore excellent depth along the line. Staying on the line, with Marshal Yanda is another good pick because he doesn't allow much by and gets furious when someone beats him or gets in his grill. AKA Orlando Brown. Watching film of this guy slam people to the turf gets me pumped up as well as his versatility along the line. Then there is Yamon Figurs who I think is going to be someone special with his blazing 4.30 speed! It seems like he is even faster on the field when watching game tape of him. He could replace Sams next year, but if not he's a burner that can probably beat any corner in the league so look for this guy to go down the field a lot. They complain about his hands, but he caught 73 passes in his senior year which is almost what Calvin Johnson had! Then you have Antwan Barnes who is a demon coming off the edge and one of those bad boys that the Ravens love to have. He had 23 sacks in his career at Florida International which is the school record. He will replace the rush attack of AD and seems like he could be "the versatle player" that AD was for us as well. He has a temper as well! Then we get the best fullback in the draft with LeRon McClain who is almost identical to Ovie Mughelli. He is bigger and will end up being a better lead blocker as he plows people over. He also has really good moves for his size when you watch the film. He'll probably switch will the quicker Justin Green in his rookie campaign. Then what I think is the biggest steal of this draft in drafting QB Troy Smith from Ohio State. He is a winner plain and simple and outduled QB Brady Quinn who was drafted 152 picks earlier in college. He went 25-2 as the starting QB for Ohio State and by the way won the Heisman. That just doesn't happen everyday as he was selected over that punk, Brady Quinn. He reminds me of Steve McNair when he breaks away from defenders and has a very unique style. He has a cannon when looking at his game film and can run the ball very well. He has won all sorts of awards and just because of being 6 feet tall and losing a bowl game like Brady Quinn did to LSU, he gets pounded and pounded by people who seem like they never watched him play before. He will be the Ravens starting QB within 2 years and you can mark that one down as he'll learn the ropes from McNair. Watch him do better than Quinn. Prescott Burgess is an excellent linebacker as he can run the field well and make lots of tackles. The Ravens always make good 6 round picks and I think Burgess will be one of them. I hope he wears that thing behing the helmet!
What I'm trying to say is that the Ravens had one of the best drafts with Cleveland and Carolina. Every pick is going to be used and these guys will be tought behind veterans who know what they're doing. I'd give em an A minus. The Ravens look good and I like them over the Patriots!
Ron,
Thanks for the analysis. As I've said before, I think this Ravens draft is going to productive if unspectacular. As far as the Patriots are concerned, though, reason tells me that they are improved over the team that nearly went to the Big Dance last year. Well, see how that oss guy does.
Bill O.
Posted by: "Big" Ron | April 30, 2007 3:33 PM
Thanks for posting the links for everyone. Once again, the Ravens did a great draft. I was very happy with my X-mas gifts. Now Im gonna go ride my bike outside.
Posted by: Steve Sievers | April 30, 2007 4:06 PM
Nice draft,covered some needs BUT unless McNair starts to throw the ball more than 3-5 yards we'll never beat NE in the play-offs! Did you see their off-season moves & their draft,not to mention getting Moss. WOW!!
The Patroits are the consensus Supe favorite at the moment.
Posted by: jon dey | April 30, 2007 5:23 PM
Every year the Lions, Browns, and Cardinals get great grades on the draft. And every year they're picking in the top 10.
Posted by: bowler57 | April 30, 2007 5:29 PM
This draft was almost surgical. Addressing specific needs with great precision. Ravens also adroitly acquired an extra day 1 pick. One of the best Ravens efforts ever.
I like your description.
Bill O.
Posted by: CLV | April 30, 2007 5:30 PM
l Think it was a good draft for the Ravens
Posted by: Greg | April 30, 2007 5:43 PM
The Troy Smith pick is a no-lose for the Ravens. If he doesn't pan out, so what? It only cost a fifth round (compensatory!!) choice.
If he does become a great NFL QB, Ozzie looks like a genius... again.
Posted by: Dave | April 30, 2007 6:29 PM
Ozzie i liked the picks but being a wv mountaineer fan how about picking up DAN MOZES ..all american and rimington award winner last year center ...was not drafted ..wow ....GO RAVENS
Posted by: Fred OZ | April 30, 2007 7:49 PM
BTW All, if the Ravens had made the McGahee trade on Saturday instead of a month ago, the country would be putting our draft up there with New England's, I think we got a lot better this off season too!
Posted by: ChrisK | April 30, 2007 11:04 PM