Mike,

I'ms usually on board with your opinions but have to disagree here.

While the Ravens have been successful in general building through the draft, they have never been successfuly drafting and developing their own wide receiver.

If all it costs to get Bolden is a 1st and a 3rd, I think it is a no brainer.

I'm looking at the WR's on the board when the Ravens draft and ask myself, would Nicks or Heyward-Bey and a 3rd rounder be better than Boldin? In my opinion the not even close.

Also, the Ravens can probably pick up a quality OT in the second round.

100% in agreement, Mike.
This team had built a tradition of restocking through the draft, and there's no reason to trade for another primadonna malcontent with an attitude. They have enough problems with Willis MaGahee.

Wanna trade draft picks for a wideout? Trade up for Hakeem Nicks if necessary. That kid's the real deal.

I agree. I would rather see us get a young WR in the draft who can grow with Flacco than give up too much for a hot property who may or may not pan out in our system.

Why wait? We were three minutes from a Super Bowl last year...Ray's not getting any younger.

I agree. Boldin would improve the Ravens, but with the money required and the number of available receivers in this draft, I would pick up two receivers and an offensive tackle in this draft with the first three picks. Next year we need to be looking at a top young linebacker.

I somewhat agree with you. The Ravens build through the draft, that's our M-O and we don't have many picks this year that we can start trading them away. On the other hand as good as Ozzie and the front office have been with the draft they have failed miserably picking WRs so an established Pro-bowl level vet through a trade isn't a bad option. Don't assume if we take a WR in Rd1 that they are going to grow with Flacco into a stud WR, probably the most consistent WR in team history is Mason and he wasn't our draft pick! Everyone has their hearts set on Heyward-Bay because he is a Marylander but as intruiging as he may be, its crazy to assume he'll be as productive as Boldin. I'm Ok with trading just the 1st round pick for him (Because he is still Pro-bowl level) or waiting to see if he becomes disgruntled and they release him if nobody bites on a trade.

The problem with drafting a receiver is twofold:

1) The Ravens Super Bowl window is closing with the defense getting older and Terrell Suggs uncertain future. They don't have the time to develop one. Boldin would immeadiately give the Ravens the receiving threat they need to elevate them to Pittsburgh and New England's level. And they could always draft a tackle with one of their remaining picks.

2) The receivers that will be available at #26 stink. Nicks is fat and slow, DHB is raw and a gamble, and Harvin's imeadiate future is as a return man.

For once I agree with Preston. I am shocked. Why mortgage the future. Everyone thinks this team is one player away. We still need some depth on both lines. Also, the paycheck Boldin wants would probably end up hurting the franchise in the long run. Build through the draft. Look at the team 45 miles south of here. They continually try to win through trades and free agency and they end up failing, because they have no depth. Keep doing things the way we are doing them. DON'T MORTGAGE THE FUTURE.

Mike, I agree with you. We don't need this primadonna - he won't mesh with Harbaugh's team first mantra. I say we trade down to gain extra picks so we can create more depth on both the defensive and offensive line. Championship teams win in the trenches. Then go out and sign Torry Holt - I think he's still available.

With our history in drafting failed WR's, it would be awesome to get Boldin. With that said, I agree with Joe. We aren't one player away from winning it all. And in potentially giving up 2 picks plus shelling out 8-10 million per year? It's just too much for Boldin.

As much as the Ravens did well last year, Cam had to work real hard with the players he had. Continue to do what you do best - draft!

Couldn't agree with you more Mike! How would you address the WR situation though? Drafting is great, but can a WR make an impact by the time this defense starts declining? The Ravens window for competing for a Super Bowl seems to be shrinking.

let's trade those draft picks for Marvin Lewis, instead!!!
LOL!!!!

I am sick and tired of hearing how our superbowl window is closing. Is New England's superbowl window closing? Is Pittsburgh's? No. That is because they build through the draft year over year, which is what we normally do. I agree Boldin is a great player, but to sign him for 10 million a year, knowing that we also have to sign Ngata and Suggs next year is too much. C'mon Ozzie, stick to your guns!!!

For the first time I agree with Preston. Bringing in aging WRs rarely helps a team. The Ravens need a deep threat to stretch the field. But Boldin's (incredible) talent is in turning short passes into long gains. Add in his salary and he may not be worth the money. I think the best thing is to draft a WR with speed who can stretch the field. He wont be as good of an all-around WR as Boldin, but he can serve the Ravens' purposes as a deep threat.

If I felt that we could get an impact player at the 26th pick in the draft this year, I would agree with you. I just don't think Heyward-Bey will be available at that point, nor will a true pass-rushing DE (which we desparately need). As for the RT, we can bring Anderson back and I think Cousins could fill that role admirable as well. I'm not arguing that we don't need more depth at that position, because we do. But why waste a 1st round pick on a RIGHT tackle? Thats's something we can pick up in the 2nd round. I guess my argument is that Bolden would be far more impactful than anyone we could draft at 26 this year.

They should sign Holt as a Free Agent and keep both their picks. Bolden is good, but Holt is still a great receiver even if he is getting older. Boldin will probably want more money than Holt anyway. So would you rather get Boldin and give up a 1st and 3rd AND sign him to a lucrative contract or go for Holt is a comparable receiver for less money and keep both your picks? Sounds like a no brainer to me.

Just don't give up Ray Rice in the deal. Todd Heap..yes because now that LJ Smith is here, the writing is clearly on the wall!

This is a tough one, and I think everyone's opinion is valid. The draft does not have the type of receiver that the Ravens desperately needs now but, should we mortgage the future on another disgruntled receiver who has the potential to be another TO. I say, "no" because there are some other receivers in free agency that can have an immediate impact now while we build on the draft.

What exactly have we built through the draft over the last 10 years? A team that competes every other year or so, but not of championship caliber. Maybe it's time for slight shift in philosophy? Boldin is still young for a receiver at 28 and plays with a toughness that fits the Ravens style.

I've been harping that the Ravens should go after Boldin ever since the beginning of last season.

In regard to trading for Boldin:

Pros:
1. He is an established BEAST of a receiver. He is not a finesse guy that is going to beat you with his route running, i.e. Mason. He is going to physically overpower DBs and go get the ball. He will perfectly complement Mason/Clayton.

2. Flacco is still young. So it's better to throw in a veteran with him now than to "grow" Flacco and a young WR at the same time. There should be some imbalance of skills and experience between the positions. Then, in a few years, as Flacco has established himself as a premiere QB, you can go after a young, inexperienced receiver to fit into Flacco's style. Make it easier for Flacco now by throwing to Boldin (see #1).

3. A 1st and 3rd round pick are not bad for an established, Pro Bowl WR. People say that the Ravens would be giving up too much. Well, they would be giving up the same amount if those picks flop anyway. A raven in the hand is worth two in the bush.

4. As mentioned by others, Ravens have done wonders drafting, except at the WR position.

CONS:
1. I believe Boldin's contract is for 2 more years, but obviously he wants the big contract now. Is there salary cap room to sign him to a deal he wants and keep him around? If the Ravens can't afford to keep him beyond two years, then the deal is not worth it.

Conclusion:
TRADE & SIGN!!

All of this talk about Boldin is moot as long as Terrell Suggs continues to hold the team's salary cap hostage by not agreeing to a long-term deal. Regardless of the package of draft picks it would take to acquire Boldin (and I see pros and cons to both sides of that argument), there is no way the Ravens can accommodate Boldin's desire for a new contract as long as Suggs is on the books at his one-year franchise tag figure.

mike, feedback seems to be split 50/50. i throw my hat with the group that says do it. i think bouldin will be as productive as mason and i think we can sign him to a 4 year contract. makes sense to me.

mike you are 100% wrong. lighten up would ya?

Clearly keeping a TE end to chip wasn't that big of a disadvantage. After all, the Ravens made it to the AFC Championship game. And don't you think if the Ravens had Boldin teams would have to honor the passing game a little more and not stack the box against the run?

Contrary to an earlier comment, we are only a player away. How can you say that we aren't? Didin't we make it to the AFC championship game last year? We lost two quality players in Scott and Brown, but we have a bunch of young talent at linebacker and we brought in Birk. We've made pickups to sure up our secondary and we've still got a real strong running game. The pickup of L.J. Smith also gives us two quality tight ends. If our kicker can get it done, then the only thing that the team is really missing is another good reciever.
Giving a more experienced Joe Flacco a guy like Boldin takes the offense to another level. Why risk a first round pick on a wide reciever, a position we've never had any success drafting. This team is ready to win now, we aren't rebuilding for the future.

Sign plax now while his stock is at the lowest.

Mike you're 100% correct. To me Boldin is another Terrell Owens, always whining about the offense and arguing with the coaching staff. I also think they need to build up the O line. If you want to win. you need the beef up front to protect the QB. I find it ironic that the same fans who are screaming to trade for Boldin are the same who scream at the Yankees for signing all the "stars." A big talented O line not only protects the QB, it also does wonders for the running game too. If memory serves me correctly, didn't the Ravens give up a 4th rounder for T.O. before his lunacy decided he didn't want to play for the Ravens? So why give up a 1 and a 3 for Boldin? Makes no sense to me.

Thanks Preston. WE DON'T NEED BOLDIN.
The cost is too much, a 1st & 3rd.
If he was 2-3 years younger, then consider the trade.

A first and a third for Boldin? Do all of you salivating for an offense realize Fitzgerald isn't part of the deal? Do you realize the Ravens have no one who resembles Fitzgerald? Do you realize Boldin has played all 16 games only twice in six years? Do you realize Boldin's contract would have to be renegotiated to fit him under the cap?

Boldin would be a nice addition. No doubt. Seeing the offense develop into a threat would be great. But a first and a third when the Ravens have only six picks out of the gate ... wow, be careful. Improving to 11-5 was nice, but dropping back to 5-11 is an over-reach away.

Boldin can still produce. He is a proven Pro Bowl receiver. Its good to build your core team around the draft. But, not everybody coming out of college ball can play at the pro level and at the pro bowl level.

i think the ravens should really try to sign him, this dude is a proven stud. who would be a great no.1 wr. A primadonna i dont think so. The guy has how many screws in his face and still came back to play with his team...i think his heart and love for the game is bigger than his ego.

One important thing to remember about drafting wide receivers all of the previous attempts were under Brian Billick. Cam will now have a say as to what type of receiver we should be looking for. Which to me makes all of the difference in the world. Either way in Ozzie I trust.

The other thing to remember is not just the cost to acquire Boldin but what chunk of the salary cap we are going to need to clear to pay him what he wants. He wants out of AZ so he can get a bigger deal and is already making $5.5+M a year on average. Given our salary cap situation where we had to let Bart Scott go, clearing room for Boldin and his salary is going to cost us more than just picks.

Mike,

You are dead wrong. Yeah, the Ravens build through the draft, but they have exactly one Pro-Bowler drafted in the last six years: Suggs. And he was taken 9th overall.

Boldin for a late 1st and 3rd rounder is a no brainer. The Ravens are built. There is a small window in today's NFL. And this could get them over the top.

I would love to get Boldin, but I wouldn't trade more than just #26 by itself.

I also would not pay him more than 4 years, $30 Million.

There's a reason Boldin doesn't get paid what Fitzgerald does...Fitzgerald is better.

Does everyone clamoring for this move realize that Boldin has always had Larry Fitzgerald on the other side to take the pressure off of him? He would be doubled and taken out of certain games in Baltimore against good teams. It's not worth a first AND third round pick to pull this off. The Ravens have ALWAYS drafted well. No reason to think this year will be any different.

If the price was lower then maybe I'd seriously consider making this trade, but when Jerry Jones gave up what he did for Roy Williams last year (1-3-5th rounders), he set the bar way too high for whomever ends up as Boldin's future team.

Guys who take multiple high level draft choices to acquire and a huge salary cap share thereafter are recipes for disaster. This ain't the NBA. It takes 22 starters and many reserves to run a football team. The respondents are all just a little too desperate for my taste. You'd think Ricky Williams, Terrell Owens and others of that ilk and resource commitment would have taught people something by now

As much as I agree with the RT and the philosophy of building through the draft, you have to wonder what this team would have been like last year if we had him on the squad. You can't say for sure, but I'm relatively confident that we would have been in the Super Bowl if we had a Boldin on our squad.

That said, you build a team based on the present and future, and not yesteryear. Boldin is still only 27 years old, and would immediately make the offense incredibly better. I do not see the Ravens taking a RT with the 1st pick anyway judging by what will probably be available.

If the Ravens were in a rebuilding mode, then yes, a younger receiver to grow with Flacco would be awesome. Fortunately, they are not in the circumstance where they are forced to be patient. WR's take time to grow usually...why wait?

No brainer trade. Take the RT in the second round like they probably would anyway.

I agree Boldin isn't worth a 1st and 3rd. I rather see the Ravens pick up Torry Holt with a reasonable price tag. And use our 1st round pick on either a Offensive tackle or the best defender left.

First and Third = Too Much.

A trade for AB should be a top priority but only when the price is right. Baltimore will not benefit from getting into an auction with teams that are willing to overpay (Giants/Eagles). In Baltimore a 1st and 3rd is worth more than most other teams' picks due to the discipline our front office shows.

In our last 4 drafts, our 1 has generated 2 all pro players (Grubbs/Ngata), 2 10 year starters (Clayton, Flacco) while 3rd-round picks include T. Gooden, Zbikowski, Cousins, Figures, Yanda, and Pittman. Only 1 of those was a bust, and the 2005 4th rounder was Jason Brown.

Though 1+3 might be right for the Cards to receive, it is too much to ask for the Ravens to part with such a price.

The Cardinals need to lessen the price for their receiver or the Ravens should pass.

One of the most difficult positions to draft in the NFL is WR (QB is probably the other). Look at all the first round WRs that have flamed out. Just look at the Ravens history? Nearly all the first round picks have done well except Travis Taylor and to a much lesser extent, Mark Clayton. When you have a chance to get a proven comodity in exchange for draft picks, I think you do it. The Ravens need a playmaker at WR. Boldin is just that. What if the Ravens draft a WR and he is a complete bust or even a solid but unspectacular player like Clayton? They are no better off and they wasted an opportunity. I also go back to this. Would you trade Clayton and Dan Cody for Boldin? Of course. And that what a number 1 and a number 2 in the 2006 draft the last time we drafted a WR with our number 1. Draft picks are far from a sure thing. Make it happen.

Wow- I guess everyone has it all figured out. I will say this. If Anquan Boldin still has even 3-4 years left in him at the level of play he's given the Cardinals the past few years (minus the injuries)- he is BY FAR worth a 1st and a 3rd.

If Boldin were around at our pick in the 1st round I'd take him in a heartbeat- and anyone who wouldn't is a fool. It boils down to giving up a 3rd rounder for nothing. SO WHAT??

Lewis and Reed are reaching the end. The kettle is hot RIGHT NOW and we need to strike. Williams and Clayton can "grow" with Flacco- as can Boldin- it's not as if he's over the hill.

As far as monetary concerns- if we sign Boldin- we alleviate the need to worry about Mason's contract demands. It will be money well spent IMO.

Get it done Ozzie!

Boldin's a serious talent, but the price is too high for the risk.

1. The guy's trying to talk his way off a team the summer after they went to the SB!!! That should tell us something about his priorities.

2. He's missed some substantial time from injuries. That kind of thing doesn't get better with age. We don't need a $10 million guy on IR.

3. Seems to me that his own coaches pulled him off the field a lot. If his own OC wants him on the sideline, what's that tell you.

Bottom Line: If he was a free agent, he might be worth going after. But the risk isn't worth 2 primo draft picks AND a monster contract.

Drafting WR's is a crapshoot. Just because we've swung and missed a couple of times doesn't mean the guy we draft this year couldn't be the real deal.... at about 1/4 of Boldin's price.

I agree with you and already stated my reasons on a previous blog on this site. The Ravens are positioned in the draft to end up with several quality receivers. Boldin is too expensive from several aspects.

Mike MacCrarry, Goose, Sam Adams, Shannon Sharp, Dilfer, all on the Superbowl team, none drafted by the Ravens. Once again your arguement does not hold water. Thr Ravens have built a foundation through the draft but they also add free agents where it is needed.

If the Ravens don't have to give up any additional players a 1st and 3rd is not a lot. The cost for Boldin is not an additional 8 million because you need to take into account the contracts for the draft picks. Also, after this season Mason, Clayton and Williams are free agents. This will ensure they have a pro bowl receiver (a missing piece) for years to come and have flexibility in 2010.

Also, wide receivers are a crap shoot, at no point as their been any mention of the Ravens taking a O-lineman in the first round.

Agreed...the Ravens should have signed a mid tier WR (Bryant Johnson) & draft one in Rnd 1 (Heyward Bey, Nicks or Britt). With the current group they have two of the above would create interesting competition heading into the season.

Trade Suggs and Clayton for Boldin. Draft Heyward-Bey (trade up from 26th). Then we'll have an offense to match our defense.

I kinda agree with you Mike. I think Bolden is quieter version of T.O. The talents there but the attitude is not. Bolden is a "I" type of player meaning he only thinks of himself. Harbaugh is trying to build a team that has a bunch of team players. Team players will win you games while "I" players will help only when they feel like it. The Ravens should get a receiver like Nicks or Heyward-Bey. Harvin should be bypassed because he is like a Mark Clayton. Britt if he is still available after the rest are gone should be considered before Harvin.

Like QBs, WRs are hard to see how they will turn out in the NFL. We have a terrible history of drafting WRs. Boldin is a proven tough WR. He runs great routes, strong and is a football player and has been since he came into the league. We need a #1 WR and we are going to be taking chances that these rookies will develop into a #1. Flacco could use the help now.

I don't see a problem with him wanting #1 WR money as he could go and be a #1 on the majority of teams in the NFL. The Cards have their #1 in Fitz and they are not will to do the same with Quan.

I hope that they strongly consider this move.

Any chance the Cards would take Heap and McGahee instead of a 1st rounder? Drafting a WR is a crapshoot - you have no idea whether they're going to pan out. You know what you're getting with Boldin. I think the real issue is whether we can get a new deal done with him, not whether he is worth the picks.

Mike: You are on the money with this blog. Boldin is a cancer, maybe not as deep as TO or 85 but a cancer none the less. Draft picks for him would be as pointless as having matched NE for A Thomas and NYJ for Scott, just not worth the return in investment.
1. Boldin did well because of a pass happy offense and L Fittzgerald taking the double teams. That would leave us with Mason and Clayton undoubled, not pretty.
2. Boldin is not the missing link for the Super Bowl as a previous writer mentioned in the list of acquired names. I problem last year was depth, age, and injury on the D, not so much the O, although it can stand to get better, our loss to Pitt was not stopping the drive and simply tackling Rothlisberger as opposed to trying to behead him.
3. A young RT to go with the rest of the young line and being taught by Willie ANderson is a much more logical choice, certainly not two draft picks.
4.Either keep the pick in round 1 and take the best player on the board, or trade for an early round 2 and some 3's and 4's.

Mike i agree, and you are Great on Fox 1370 am - keep it up !

OK, first of all: did someone actually compare the current version of Torry Holt to Anquan Boldin? Not even close, Holt can barely run at this point. Second of all, Boldin had at least one Pro Bowl season in AZ before Fitzgerald ever showed up.

Spot on Mike. Did I just say that?

BTW - Boldin had his breakout year in his rookie season...without Fitz

It's a no brainer trade in my opinion. The only hesitation should be in character. For the most part though, he's been with Arizona for quite a while and been agreeable/quiet until recently. I mean, c'mon, just about every good wideout has an attitude problem.

He's a top 10 WR in the league, and he's available immediately, and he's still under 30 years old. We don't need a cornerstone for the franchise here, we've got enough of them, we need a talent for a few years.

Mike,

I'm a big fan of yours but I have to disagree with you here. Maybe it's because I've always been a fan of Boldin's myself...

I just think Boldin is a great fit for the Ravens, he's tough and he's been productive his entire career.

I've never really understood why Larry gets all the props in Arizona. Look at the numbers.

Anyway, with our rate of success drafting recievers, why not get a proven commodity?

i disagree, we have never drafted a quality and franchise wr, boldin is one of the best out there and would greatly help the ravens in reaching the superbowl, i'd rather have a proven wr than a gamble out of the draft which is what we would get ot of the wr's in this years draft.

They should DEFINITELY try to include McGahee in the trade. This way they can save a 1st round draft pick, and possibly add 2 3rd round picks (this year and next). It's a win-win for both teams, because McClain and Rice are the future, and sufficient enough for this team. And the Cardinals desparately need a running back. I'd even say the Ravens should pick up about 3 of the 11 mill they owe McGay-hee just to get his salary off our shoulders. This deal would be a win-win.

IF Joe Flacco is the real deal he will make any receiver better, see marino, elway,brady. Draft the big kid from Rutgers if he's available. I love Boldoin, but injuries and attitude make giving up 1 and 3 for him to high a price. even though he's the type of beast we need in the red zone.

I agree, consistency from the top down is what makes an NFL franchise successfull these days. Despite what many say the Ravens operate in the top 1/4 of nfl eams as far as how they run their organization.

Don't get crazy and stick to what's been working for you so far. Free agents are important and good to have but they aren't worth giving up the bulk of your draft. Ozzie has done of excellent job of balancing that and I expect he'll continue to do so.

Why do we (the Ravens & their fans) alway have to wait until...

Why not pull the trigger once in a while?

Do the deal if it can be had!

Mike, I agree with you that a 1st and a 3rd is too steep for Boldin given the Ravens past draft success. BUT I do not think the Ravens should be going after a 1st round WR anyway!! Other 1st round WR we have taken have been a bust. The Ravens should do what the Ravens do best... draft at core positions like the line and defensive players that fit the system. Winning the game on the line of scrimmage (on both sides of the ball) is how you win Championship... not WR's!!!! If you are looking to have someone light up SportsCenter, then take a WR, if you are looking to win the Superbowl, draft at core positions!!!!

Anquan Boldin isn't the answer here.... what they need to do is stay with there picks and draft two WR.Look at Willis McGahee lost all thought picks for one good year! Ravens could lose a Britt (WR) & Louis Vasques (OG ) in this year draft alone.
Draft
1) Kenny Britt WR
2) Brian Robiskie WR
3) Louis Vasquez OG
4) Captain Munnerlyn CB
5) Victor Butler LB
6) Kyle Morre DE

No need for Boldin !

Uh, Mike. Those 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns also help the running game AND the defense. This a one of a kind posession reciever that no 1st and 3rd are going to duplicate or even come close to in thier respective 1st few years. You been hanging at too many Marley festivals.

Mike,

Didn't you just write a column on Tuesday about the Ravens' draft history and their varying degrees of sucess in different years? Why would you not give up a draft pick or two or three or whatever when you can get a "sure thing" like Boldin in return.

We just overpaid for Ray Lewis, but one of the reasons we did so was because of his positive externalities like being a locker room influence, on field motivator, etc. So that should allow us to take on chance on bad apples. Plus Boldin only started bitching because Fitzgerald was getting more burn (because he was better), but that will not be a problem here.

Please - just 1 question. How can we add $10 mil and be within the salary cap.

I agree with you Mike, in that you can't throw if you can't protect the quarterback.I would pick Alex Mack(who should be there at 26th) and have him beat out Yanda(which he would)at right guard.But most importantly learn the center position while playing next to him,that beening Matt Birx Just remember,if we don't grab Mack, the Steelers will,can you say Mike Webster?The Ravens do not need a stud receiver, they will do fine this year with Williams and Sypniewski coming back.One must always ponder,is it the throwing ability of the quarterback,or rather the all around skills of the receiver that's winning games.Now can you say Terry Bradshaw, and then Fran Tarkenton ?

That's a great idea Mike!

We do so well at drafting receivers....wait, we suck at drafting receivers!!

Another case of Preston's opinion being worth squat

A 1 and a 3 is the starting point. The price will escalate. With just 6 picks in the draft the Ravens can't part with 2 or 3 picks. Plus he'll be really expensive to sign. QB's are a gamble and the Ravens took one last year and hit. It's time to try again.

I only got through half the posts, but as Mike's collegue said yesterday, its almost a done deal. I think those saying its 8-10 million are exaggerating. Time and again, how many highly drafted WRs were a bust? Not just with the Ravens, but all teams? In Bolden, you have a known commodity. Not dismissing his personality, and that may be reason enough to not do the deal, IMO. But if you definitely desire a deep threat in WR, I would rather take a known quantity for a 1st and 3rd rather than take a 1st and 3rd in the draft. I LOVE DHB, and would love him to come to the Ravens, but standing back, I think this may be the smarter move.

How about Clayton and a 2nd round pick? For that matter how about a 3rd round pick for Steve Breaston instead, he'd help the return game tremendously (Go Blue!)
As much as I would like the hometown kid to play here, DHB has a rep for drops and lousy routes. I don't want the Ravens to get starry eyed looking at 40 times for DHB/Percy Harvin and forget you have to get open and catch the ball first. Especially on a team that takes a smaller amount of passing attempts than the average.
Personally I hope TE Brandon Pettigrew falls to us. He's supposed to be to be the real deal. Then trade up to the early part of the second and you can take Nicks/Britt/or some other WR. A first rounder shouldn't be a project.

There's something that seriously bothers me about a professional football player who melts down and throws a fit standing next to his offensive coordinator in the middle of the game.

I don't think he's Ravens or John Harbaugh material. He appears capable of being a poor man's T.O. in the locker room.

Preston,

I continue to utterly DISAGREE with your opinions. You continue to write things just because they stir things up. That is you job, great, and this article is wrong. You know it.

Offensive scheme, blocking, and quarterbacks have had a lot to do with the failure of past WR's. We need a tough, blue collar, hard working WR. Not a loud mouth trouble making big headed problem WR. Beef up the offensive line and find the right receiver in the draft. Parcells does not use the first round for receivers and he has done quite well. TEAM PLAYERS ONLY APPLY!!!!!!!!
.

get him. a late round 1st and late 3rd, that is practically a 2nd and 4th. This may not even get it done? but, maybe the interest isn't there to begin with and a 2nd and 3rd get it done?

much like everyone complaining two years ago about McGahee for a 3rd round pick (nothing has EVER come out of our third round picks) funny how entering last years draft, the Ravens had 0 3rds and ended up picking 3 times in the 3rd?

Wizard of OZ!

Boldin is in his prime. We are not building for the future right now. Enough said.

If a guy isn't happy on a Superbowl team what makes you think he'll be happy here?

Mike,
I rarely agree with you on many issues but 100% on board with you on this one. If I hear Anita Marks say " we need to go out and get this guy AB!" .I'll put her picture on my dart board. The NFL is all about value/evaluation and to over pay like those guys down 95 is recipe for disaster. You will need to give up a 1 and 3 plus a huge contract. Ozzie is the best at evaluating talent. Off the top of my head we have drafted Ray Lewis, Todd Heap and Ed Reed in the late 1st round. Signing Suggs is more important then Bolden. Trade down and pick up more draft choices and let Ozzie do his thing!

Take a look at what the beat writers that cover the AZ Cards say about Anquan:
from azcentral.com

one guy says:
"Trading Boldin would be a dramatic change for the Cardinals. Boldin, who turns 29 in October, has made the Pro Bowl three times in six seasons and is an iconic figure with the team.

For years, his leadership skills, work ethic and desire were lauded by team officials, and he commands a large amount of respect from his teammates."

here’s what the other writer says
"Trade Boldin, and the Cardinals could regret it for a long time."

There is also a link to a radio interview where “Q” sounds like an intelligent and community minded guy - not the “whiner” brat that he has been labeled lately.

In the offseason, he runs a big charity event called QFest that attracts over 30 other NFL stars to help send kids to college. Part of his training regimen includes boxing, even though his face is held together by steel plates from the nasty hit he endured - but came right back from to get in the game.

Anquan Boldin would be a Raven type man all the way. He’s tough, fearless, more team minded than perceived, and talented. Other teams would fear him and have to game plan and double cover. He’s the type of fighter that would love to knock heads with our foes in the AFC North.

Please trade the unproven picks, re-negotiate his contract, add a late round 2010 pick if you have to, just GO GET HIM!

i agree with you this time sir......he's had his face broken in so many places i don't think i could count that high......and he has to face our division rivals?.......get a younger, tougher, reciever that can catch......and hasn't been broken before.....

To all taken a wide receiver in the first round is not a good use of your draft choice there few receivers taken in the first round that have pan out. "See Detroit" Also, It takes about 3-4 seasons before a receiver develops. I would not give up two quality picks for Bolden. The draft will give you someone with which to develop. Stop looking for quick fixes to your offense and start looking to build a quality program where development is a part of the program and then will we be able to compete with the Steelers consistently

Dear Mike Preston, are you sure your not from Pittsburgh or Cleveland, because you never agree with anything the Ravens do, I don't know why you even got hired to write for the Baltimore Sun you should be writing for the Pttsburgh Post Gazzette. I don't think you have ever said anything positive about the Baltimore Ravens. WHY? Mr. Anti-Baltimore

Listen to me PEOPLE! Mike is right just as usual. Can you read what i wrote on the board-----Line Play Line Play. Control the scrimmage line and you win the game most often----now everybody give me a lap.............................

You've done it again, Mike! Congrats! You've once again proved why the Baltimore Sun continues to employ you. You're the Baltimore Sports version of Howard Stern. You're a "shock jock" writer who continues to spout nonsense just to attract attention (and advertisers). I'm ashamed to say that it works since I'm posting this.

Ozzie, go get AB!

Ozzie is the best at evaluating talent.
Off the top of my head we have drafted Ray Lewis, Todd Heap and Ed Reed in the late 1st round. Signing Suggs is more important then Bolden. Trade down and pick up more draft choices and let Ozzie do his thing!
Posted by: Brian Wilson
____________________________
Brian ,
I agree with you about Ozzie knowing what he is doing. Therefore if he wants to trade for Boldin why don’t you let him? Who do you think is pushing this deal? Is Ozzie some doormat who is trying to get Boldin because Anita Marks is whining about it? Or is he only smart when he agrees with you?
Furthermore notice anything about that list of great players the Ravens drafted? Any wide receivers? The best WR in modern Raven history (Super Bowl and after) is who? Masson. And how did we get him? Signed him from the Titans. Maybe after ten years of trying to draft WR’s Ozzie realizes there is more than one way to skin a cat. After all, if history is any guide the Ravens are headed for a losing season next year; so maybe Ozzie is trying to change the approach. This is the NFL, stand still and you fall behind.
However this turns out, you have to ask yourself is the objective to have lots of draft choices and feel all rosy about our bright future or to win the Super Bowl?
Philadelphia drafts very well and they are in the playoffs all the time but they never win the Super Bowl. Safe, Stable, Corporate. They are a good organization but not a great one. And where did Harbaugh cut his coaching teeth?
The Patriots are always full of older cast offs and washed up veterans but who has a better shot at winning a Super Bowl in the next few years, the Ravens or the Evil Kingdom? The Evil Kingdom takes sensible risks because they believe they can win. Anyone who seriously thinks Boldin is a divisive crybaby might notice that the Cardinals went to the Super Bowl and Fitzgerald became the best receiver in football. Do you suppose Fitzgerald got any benefit from the fact that defenders had to worry so much about Boldin and Breaston? Maybe just a little?
Draft choices don’t win Super Bowls, great coaches, great players, great organizations and great teams win Super Bowls. If you think you know more about the wisdom of this move than Ozzie why don’t you apply for the GM position after they fire Ozzie for trading for Boldin, especially after Preston told him not to. Who does Ozzie think he is anyway??
.

Trade Todd Heap and our 1 for Boldin and Arizona's 2.

I have to grudgingly agree here too. Although, adding Boldin to our team greatly improves our chances next year, I really think the Ravens should stick with their picks. I want to see a perennial competitive team, not a one and done team. Look at the Steelers and the Patriots. They grow their own for the most part. To me that just seems like the formula for success. There are other reasons concering Boldin himself. For one, he's injury prone and the second is you really have to wonder how much of his success can be contributed to Fitzgerald.

"ANY" team would be better with AB. The question becomes, w/salary cap ramifications, "other" position needs, and Ngata & Suggs needing to be resigned next year, priorities have to be set. Oz will get it done with a balanced approach with these parameters taken into consideration.

Build depth in the trenches through the draft with "more" picks. The WR position appears fairly deep in the draft this year. Don't count out some of our developmental receivers this year either. Still, I hope Pettigrew falls to us despite our obvious deep threat needs. I'd just assume go with a safe solid talent like him and gamble with a WR further down the draft board...
OZ will get it done, oh yeah, one more thing, the Ravens will remain competitive for a longgggg time regardless if we get that top WR or not in this draft. Raven's front office is building an even more quality team than we have enjoyed in the past. I am delighted with the direction of this franchise.

BOLDIN IS A STUD! BEST RAVEN"S RECIEVER EVER!!! WITH BAZOOKA JOE - LETS GO!!!!!!

GET IT DONE AND REJOICE!!!

Mike,
I am so sick of reading your negative crap. Go get a job in Cleveland or Pittsburgh.

I'm gonna have to agree with Ray on this one. I think if you can get Anquan for a first, third and sixth round pick, the trade makes complete sense. You really don't know what you're getting with a receiver in the draft and the chance of hitting on a 3rd round prospect is always a risk, regardless of position. The only problem with this trade would be his contract situation. The Ravens are tight for salary cap space is and their priority should be keeping Terrell Suggs a Raven for life (or at least till he get into his 30's). I think Anquan Boldin is one of the top 5 receivers in the NFL, but if they can't make the money work, there's no reason to make the trade.

Just don't give up Ray Rice in the deal. Todd Heap..yes because now that LJ Smith is here, the writing is clearly on the wall!

Posted by: Bacon | April 17, 2009 12:16 PM

Haha... saw this and had to say something. From an Eagles fan, there's a reason LJ Smith isn't in Philly anymore.

Confronting a coach on the sideline during a game speaks volumes about Boldens character,me, me, me!!!!

Takels last wideouts don't

What happens if joe cool get hurt ??? Troy will have to play!! Is this team still OK. no way ! A QB makes a wide receiver, not the other way. Joe will make a receiver better if the OL is OK. Just like the D-Line makes the LB's & secondary better. Keep your picks and your salary cap in check. It's a team game, 1 guy (AB) is not worth the gamble. What happens if T. Suggs gets hurt, McClain ? The Lineman on this TEAM is the most important element!!!!!!!!!( besides Cam )

Mike, I agree with you, keep building through the draft, they have a long track record in doing so. Giving up a 1st & 3rd pick is to costly, losing salary cap room in the future too. The ravens were burned when they got Elvis. Stay away from that approach, sign your own talent. Rolling the dice isn't the answer, they'll get diamonds in the rough. Go OZZIE!

Boldin does not have an attitude problem. He had an argument with Todd Haley. Todd Haley is a Tom Coughlin type of coach. Boldin has a disagreement with the Cardinals organization. That speaks for itself.

I'm a Cards fan and I want Boldin to stay in AZ. I believe his value is around three #1s and a utility player, and such a deal would still make me unhappy.

Boldin is a great player but I am against trading a 1st and a 3rd for him, plus the Ravens won't be able to give him the monster deal he wants so he'll end up having the same problem here as he did in Arizona. I know the draft can be a crap shoot and our history of drafting WR's isn't stellar, though lets be realistic about that the Ravens are still a YOUNG franchise, but there's a ton of depth at receiver this year and Ozzie's due to get it right.

As many of the more rationale commenters have pointed out, the Ravens haven't been entirely successful building a passing game through the draft, especially receivers. Are two top receivers in franchise history were free agent pickups Shannon Sharpe and Derrick Mason. If you want to develop receivers under Flacco, turn around. Demetrius Williams, Mark Clayton, they aren't old guys and they are developing, but Mason can't be Flacco's only consistent option. There are a lot of WRs in the draft that are good, but none are on level with Boldin. I would hardly call two draft picks mortgaging the future (we have a lot of young talent if you examine the roster because we haven't made all the FA moves we could have in previous years). I say go for it. If he's productive great. Line help? He's overstating the problem. We have a talented (AND YOUNG) line. PLease, Preston, stop writing this garbage.

Sign Holt, not Boldin (not worth the price). Draft a WR in the first round and OT in the second. Enough said.

This is a no brainer. DON'T DO IT!!!

Too much draft value and too much cap space for a 29 year old who doesn't get deep.

Why do we need a DIVA who is whining about "me first issues" in the middle of the play-offs?

do you ever think anything is a good idea mr. negative?

Right on Mike.
1) Boldin does not have the wheels the Ravens need.
2) We should be looking younger for someone to develop with Flacco.

Get him! He is entering in his prime and will be in his prime for the next 4 plus years. Game set match!

The Cards need running right? Why not offer McGahee and our number 1 for Boldin? That gives us more cap room to sign Suggs, the deep receiver we desperately need and the Cards get rid of someone that doesn't want to be there and get a running back that is an improvement over Hightower. I'm assuming James isn't coming back as he threatened.

As a longtime Cards fan I have seen Boldin up close for his career thus far. I have to say I would HATE to lose him to a trade. But that being said we can improve out overall team with a good running back. Boldin is a possesion receiver. He excels more in the middle of the field where he can move DBs around almost at will. He is a beast in the middle. He is the kind of saftey valve that a lot of QBs in the league lack. If the trade happens I would prefer Baltimore as it gets him out of the conference. That is how much i respect his talents. Good Luck he is worth it.