Ravens Insider: Taking a chance on projects - The inside scoop and analysis on the team from The Baltimore Sun's Ravens columnist and Ravens beat writer.

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Taking a chance on projects

The Ravens used their last pick in the third round and the first one in the fourth round on projects.

Oneil Cousins, who was selected 99th overall, is an offensive tackle with an upside but he was a defensive lineman until 2005. There will be a steep learning curve for him in the NFL.

A versatile athlete, Cousins started at left tackle as a junior before moving to the right side last season. But there are questions about how he will hold up against the top defensive ends in the league.

In the fourth round, the Ravens addressed receiver by drafting New Mexico's Marcus Smith with the 106th overall pick.

A former tailback, Smith has limited experience as a receiver. He should contribute right away on special teams but will need time to develop on offense. Smith is not considered a burner but he brings toughness to the position.

Posted by Jamison Hensley at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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About the bloggers

Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football.

Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland. Follow Jamison for additional updates on Twitter.

Ken Murray has covered Baltimore pro football teams in three leagues and two countries. He covered the Colts' departure in 1984, the Stallions' arrival in 1994 and the Ravens' Super Bowl championship in 2000. His warmup act was Roger Staubach's final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 1979.