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April 25, 2009

Ravens trade up to pick Oher

The Ravens added a big brick to the wall around Joe Flacco with the deal that moved them up into the 23rd slot in the NFL draft and put them in position to draft Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher. He's a premier pass protector who can only aid in the further development of Flacco as a marquee quarterback.

Oher is a great story. He was "rescued" from homelessness by a family that steered him toward a college football career at Ole Miss. Now he's going to be a major player on a team that fell one game short of the Super Bowl last season.

"I'm just happy to be a part of the NFL,'' Oher said. "It's been a long journey. Baltimore got a great player and I'm not going to let them down. I can't wait to get started."

The Ravens are believed to have traded the Patriots a fifth-round pick to move up three slots to get Oher.

Posted by Peter Schmuck at 6:31 PM | | Comments (16)
Categories: Just football
        

Comments

Pretty sure this isn't a post about baseball Peter.

Unless this Oher fellow can pitch...

did you see adam jones attempt at a bunt in the first inning tonite? looks like he went to the luis matos school of bunting. it's amazing the lack of proper technique some player/most players have.

Mark Hendrickson wasn't a very good NBA player, but he was Michael Jordan compared to how he is as a pitcher. No reason for him to be part of the rotation at this point. Serves no purpose. I'd rather David Pauleyu get clobbered each outing.

Despite the great human interest angle, I think this was a bit of a reach. Every draft profile I've read on Oher mentions his learning disability, that he struggles to pick up complex blocking schemes and his lack of awareness picking up the blitz. Hope it works out, but I'd be surprised if he contributes much as a rookie. Sounds like he may need a year or two to adjust to the NFL game.

Ray--So, if need be, let Michael Oher adjust. You know how the game is always faster when you hit the prime time.

I don't see this pick as a reach. Oher will prove himself to be the real thing.

Stupid pick. How about we go after our most glaring weakness on the first day of the draft, instead of giving up a pick to take a retarded lineman? We are going to go into the season with the same wideouts as last year, and have the same results. Awesome. Another year of a team that can't stretch the field. Sweet pick.

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Pete's reply: I'm missing something here? Didn't the Ravens play in the AFC Championship Game last year. I understand the desire for a wide receiver, but the tone of your post is just way off the charts.

These comments remind me of those who said that Markakis couldn't play RF because his arm wasn't too weak.

This guy is a great talent. He's a hard working, and extremely motivated player. He may not be a scholar, but last time I checked 6'4 309lb. with a couple years of NCAA DI football under your belt is a little bit more useful in the NFL than a degree. He's got the heart, talent, and size for the job. Thats all the Ravens need to work with.

-Oher 6'4" 309lbs
-Gaither 6'9 350lbs.

They're 22 and 23 years old respectively. What good is a young WR when your QB can't stay upright long enough to make a play? This O-Line will be dominant for years to come.

good teams don't lose to the Rangers...lots of work to do fellas

First off, I missed you in football land Pete. Good to have you back - if only for a moment. I'm getting tired of all these other schmucks.

Though this is a bit of a fairy-tale, and one that could go well for Baltimore in the future, Oher doesn't impress me much. You have to be pretty intelligent to play in most NFL schemes, and though we have a kick-ass line coach, they'll be hard-pressed to lock Oher into a scheme right away.

Look for improvement in another season or two, I should think. But who knows, I've been wrong before. I get the giant lovable teddybear vibe from him though, so I really do hope he does well here, and that the organization respects his contributions *cough* sign Suggs *cough cough*

Meanwhile, however, I am in love with Kruger. He will help significantly.

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Pete's reply: Some people had Oher as the No. 10 player in the draft. Ravens got him at 23 and solidified their line in front of Flacco. I can't argue with it. If Demetrius Williams is healthy, he can stretch the field.

Well you don't have to be a rocket scientist to be an OL and knock someone on his ass.I'm a little dissappointed the Ravens didn't get a reciever but this isn't going to be a big passing offense anyway.I was hoping Bolton would be traded somewhere else so I don't have to hear Anita whining about it for another 6 months.

Hey Pete. While we're on the subject of the NFL draft, as a long-time Detroit Lions fan(I sure know how to pick 'em!) I don't think going with a QB as a 1st pick was a wise move. Det. needs help everywhere, especially def. so I was hoping fof Curry. Besides, we have a pretty bad track record with QBs(Ware, Harrington,etc) no to mention the 78 mill contract for Stafford.


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Pete's reply: They were stuck. Whoever they picked was going to get huge money and I don't think anybody was clamoring to move up to the top pick in this year's draft. Would have been nice if they could have traded into the middle of the round and gotten another second, but nobody was offering, I don't think.

Oher has heart, talent, and the physical tools needed to be a great OT for the Ravens, He's 6'4" 309 with a great work ethic and drive, and last time I checked that was more valuable in the NFL than a degree. He may have his difficulties, but he's a first-rounder for a reason. Oher + Gaither = Years of protection for Flacco. What good is drafting a WR if your QB can't stay upright long enough to throw to him? Flacco should have all-day in the pocket with these two book ending the line. Ozzie knows what he's doing.

Ray, I'm sure that whatever you read, the Ravens' personnel people have probably read more. From all I've seen, everyone within the organization is thrilled with this pick. You're right about this much: as with any draft pick, we'll see.

Ray,

A four year starter at Ole Miss, Oher is a physical monster. Watch some film on him, and you will see a tough, physical blocker, who was considered a top 10 talent. If you want to hear about a tough guy, then read more about Michael Oher. Human interest aside, this is a great football player, who managed to take Ole Miss from a joke to a legitimate contender in the SEC. He's played against some of the best lineman in the country for 4 years, and has excelled. 47 consecutive starts is nothing to scoff at either. This isn't a reach, it's a steal!

I wonder why Alec the Retard isn't our GM. He certainly seems to have a feel for the game. Do the math (It's simpe arithmetic, Alec the Retard, so don't worry): 6 OL (Jumbo Package) plus one TE and RB in to block, leaves us with 3 players to use for running routes. One of those players is Joe Flacco, so make that 2. Michael Oher could come in and make the need for the extra OL and TE unnecessary, meaning that we would then have 4 (that's four, Alec the Retard) players to use downfield in the passing game...Alec the Retard, you need to start paying more attention to what is actually happening on the field. You RETARD!

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About Peter Schmuck
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you.

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