I strongly disagree. This year's draft is deep in wide receivers and even into the third round the Ravens can pick up some excellent value. Bouldin will be 29 in October and has a lot of miles on him. The Ravens do not need to panic and mortgage the future, and also end up with a huge hit to the salary cap when they have to pay Boldin, who appears to be a malcontent.

We all agree that the Ravens don't seem to have any luck drafting receivers but this year I think they could end end up with a Boldin or a Marquis Colston in the middle rounds of the draft.

Don't do it, Ozzie.

Essentially this boils down simply to trading a third round pick in exchange for removing the risk from your first round pick. Most teams would do that every year if the could.

A malcontent? Come on. Dude is no different from anyone else in this league, and after nearly being decapitated early this past season, he certainly wants to have the future secure. I don't blame him. I normally don't care for these guys who want to be renegotiated every five games, but I believe in this guy.

Two words. Randy Moss. The Pats traded for him and went undefeated in the regualr season. The Ravens are only a couple of players away from a super bowl. A true weapon on offense will open it all up. As everyone has said a WR that can stretch the field will open up your running game and short passing game. Now your TE can become more a part of your offense especially now that the Oline is playing up to speed. A late 1st and a 3rd is ok if you can get a game breaker like AB.

The Ravens HAVE to make this trade work. It's true that there are a lot of recievers that could go in the first round, but why risk a first round pick on the chance of a complete bust or somebody who needs a couple of years to develop. The Ravens are in a postition to win now. They aren't a rebuilding team. Boldin is a proven talent, and makes this offense better instantly. Two great pass catchers like Boldin and Mason opens up stuff downfield for Clayton and Williams.

Two more words: Offensive Line. You can't throw when you can't protect. This is not the same situation as Randy Moss in New England...

How are they going to be able to pay him if they trade for them. TSizzle needs to come first. Ravens always take care of their own first.

Well, I think we will be ok with drafting a wider receiver in this years draft simply because of the Ravens did well with drafting Joe Flacco. I believe Ozzie got his draft swagger back and I believe he will suprise us and the league yet again.

i would do the trade
but it depends on the contract.

Oh My God! Has anyone else read the linked article from Arizona. 1st 3rd and Terrell Suggs. Holy Cow! Good god, did they change their colors to burgundy and gold?

This year's draft was considered to be a "depth" draft for the Ravens. Outside of WR, there really isn't a position where the Ravens aren't in good shape. This trade ensures that the one potential area of weakness is addressed by a proven star, not a hit-or-miss rookie. How is that not a good thing? Yes, a first and a third rounder is a steep price to pay, but how much would either of those draft picks contributed immediately to the Ravens cause? Marginally at best in my opinion.

I have a feeling that if nobody bites on Boldin, he will be able to be had on draft day for a 1st and 4th rounder and maybe a 6th next year. That gives us the option of drafting a right tackle or defensive end or maybe even a WR to mold into Mason's eventual replacement in the 2nd round and getting another quality player in the 3rd round as well. It makes our team an instant threat on offense and there is no rookie that we have a chance to draft in the late first round who gives us that assurance. Do the deal, Ozzie.

I know Right Tackle is a long term need, but Willie Anderson & Adam Terry are certainly adaquate. I'm not really sure where this whole "Flacco can't flourish if he doesn't get protected" mentality that I've seen on a few posts is coming from. The Ravens O-line last year wasn't great, but it was far from bad. We have two future pro bowlers on the left side of the line, a potential Hall of Famer at Center, a solid RG in Yanda, and a multiple pro bowler in Anderson at RT. Additionally, Chester proved last year that he is a starter-caliber player. What a luxury to have him coming off the bench.

My only concern is the contract angle. If we get Boldin and pay him, do we have to cut someone to clear space under the cap? I'd hate to see that.

Do it!!! Do it now!!! Win NOW while we have the pieces!!! Do it!!

Trade Suggs and Clayton for Anquan Boldin. Draft Heyward-Bey (trading up from 26th). Then we'll have an offense to match our defense. And we might just go undefeated next season....

I'm tired of seeing surly mouthy malcontents being rewarded for their selfishness. We need to freeze the Boldin and T.O. types out of professional sports. I hope that Boldin gets humiliated like Ray Lewis (The Mouth That Won't Stop) did this off-season. Character counts!

The only way the Ravens would consider trading Suggs for Boldin (let alone Clayton and Suggs for Boldin) would be if they were sure that Sizzle wasn't going to sign long term. If that was the sense, then I'd contemplate it. Otherwise, I wouldn't. Boldin is a good player, but he is two years older and, as tough of a guy as he is, has far more durability issues than Suggs.

I wouldnt trade Clayton and Suggs for Boldin. Leaves us with the same worries about WR depth. If it was Suggs even up for Boldin, we would actually gain salary cap room and could find our 4th starting linebacker in the 1st round.

The only way the Ravens would consider trading Suggs for Boldin (let alone Clayton and Suggs for Boldin) would be if they were sure that Sizzle wasn't going to sign long term. If that was the sense, then I'd contemplate it. Otherwise, I wouldn't. Boldin is a good player, but he is two years older and, as tough of a guy as he is, has far more durability issues than Suggs.

I wouldnt trade Clayton and Suggs for Boldin. Leaves us with the same worries about WR depth. If it was Suggs even up for Boldin, we would actually gain salary cap room and could find our 4th starting linebacker in the 1st round. I'd still only do it if management was sure Suggs would walk in the offseason. He is an elite player in this league and still probably has 5-6 years in his prime.

Yes I think Boldin, I Difftythink he pick up

The draft picks are one thing. That $10 million a year contract it another. And that's why I can't see them making this deal.

This is a no brainer, a slam dunk, and a grand slam all rolled into one. The Ravens MUST make this move. This is the missing piece of the puzzle that should put them into promised land.

The Ravens with a powerhouse offense! Hmmm!

we need to make this trade happen , there is not a reciever in the draft that will step in this year and put up the numbers Anquan will, recievers we have drafted in the past have been a flop, are we really willing to take the chance and have Pittsburgh beat us by 2 or 3 points again this year? Its a no brainer Anquan is proven... yes he is not the fastest reciever in the league but the most important thing he knows how to get open and can catch the ball, and gets yard after the catch , who wants a bunch of speedy guys who cant catch and run routes , Oz bring Boldin to Bmore 81 would sure look good in purple

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!

If Arizona wants Suggs, and our 1st and 3rd picks for Boldin, I say no way. A trade up between the two would be just fine, but we cant lose picks.

BILL: I AM INCLINED TO AGREE WITH YOU RE: BOLDIN TRADE ,BUT YOU USED THE WORD CHARACTER. VERY LITTLE IN THE N.F.L. I'M SURE YOU AGREE THAT IS NECESSARY IN ANYONE OZIE WOULD CONSIDER.RAVENS SEEM TO HAVE A GOOD BIT OF ON THEIR SQUAD.DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT BOLDIN'S C.

i say go for it. we are so close to super bowl form. some of the vet's dont have time to mold that missing receiver. the time is now, he's proven, experienced and a playmaker. give flacco his deepthreat and do what you can with the remainder of the draft.

Some of you need to think of a few things before trading for Boldin. How are we going to pay him? This guy wants top 5 WR money which would be overpaying and on top of that we still wouldnt have a deep threat just 3 posession recievers. The offensive line still needs to be upgraded. One of our best offensive weapons, Todd Heap, has to stay in to block most of the time. I agree that we need a WR and picking one late in the draft probably wont help us anytime soon. But giving up our future and then giving a 29 year old WR a huge contract will do more harm than good.

Trading Suggs for Boldin as a bad idea. He is the only player we have the has a consistent pass rush. He is generally double teamed and still gets 8.5 sacks. If we lose him we will have trouble getting pressure on opposing QB's this year and we have quite a few good ones on the schedule. Trading the draft picks is an option only if we can stay within the salary cap and sign Suggs to a long term deal.

This years draft is deep in WR's? Since when?

Couldn't disagree with you more, Bryan. Your statements are flawed in so many ways.

#1-Boldin is unquestionably a top 5 receiver. Outside of his teammate Fitzgerald, name one WR who is noticeably better at this point in their career...Randy Moss? Maybe. Although I think Boldin is actually a more consistent player. Brandon Marshall? Quite possibly, but still needs to show me one more year to make me consider him as elite. Steve Smith? Yea, he might be a hair better than Boldin, depending on who you ask. Reggie Wayne? He's good, but I think I'd prefer Boldin given the QBs being equal. Andre Johnson? I could buy that he is better than Boldin, but if he is, it's a close comparison. At worst, Boldin is the 6th or 7th best WR in the game today. And keep in mind that until Warner arrived, he built that reputation with the likes of Jeff Blake, Matt Leinart, and Josh McCown throwing him the football. His talent is so proven that even in 12 game seasons, he is still good for 80/1000/8 type seasons. That says alot about his productivity.

#2- You stated that "our offensive line needs to be upgraded". Unless you are blessed to land Jonathan Ogden, Jake Long, or Tony Boselli at the top of a draft, no rookie offensive tackle is going to be an immediate upgrade. If we were to draft any offensive lineman this year, they would be a backup. That goes for a first rounder as well. I just don't see a super bowl contending team benching someone like Willie Anderson in order to start a rookie. If you want to draft a rookie OT for depth purposes, okay, but don't think any late first round or 2nd round o-lineman is going to be an immediate upgrade.

#3- I'm not sure when Mark Clayton became a possession receiver. I think you have to at least have ten 6+ catch games in your career to even be mentioned as a "possession" receiver and I'm not sure Clayton has eclipsed six catches in a game more than a handful of times in four full seasons. He's the home run threat and a decent one in that role, but certainly no possession receiver.

#4- Trading a first rounder and potentially a 3rd rounder doesn't exactly constitute "giving up the future" of our proud organization. Boldin will be 29 in October. That is not old at all in WR years. Moss had one of the best years in NFL history at the age of 30. Jerry Rice had 1103 catches from the age of 29 until retirement. Tim Brown had 778 after the age of 29. Cris Carter had 774 of his 1101 catches after the age of 29. Keenan McCardell had 569 of his 883 after age 29. Even Derrick Mason has had 5 of his 7 1000 yard seasons after age 29. The Ravens signed him to a fairly big contract (at the time at least) when he was 31 and he has produced fairly well hasn't he? The common factor is that all the receivers above were RECEIVERS and not speed merchants who couldn't cut it once their athleticism waned. WR is the one position where elevated age has no correlation with performance. Well, WR and Kicker. There is no guarantee or track record with this franchise or any NFL franchise that suggests that if we pass on Boldin and draft Britt or Harvin or DHB or even Nicks that 4 years from now they will be any statistically better than Boldin will be at age 32. What is a virtual guarantee though is that Boldin will be a much surer investment in the short-term and possibly less risky long term as well.

Additionally, I think the case of grand larceny that we pulled in getting Jameel McClain as an undrafted Free Agent more than makes up for any draft pick we sacrifice in making this trade. The same was true with Bart Scott. Any time you bring someone into your organization without using a draft pick and they excel, that is your mulligan in the event that one pick bombs or has perpetual injury problems (ie Dan Cody). So if the Ravens have to give up their 3rd rounder this year in order to get Boldin, that loss is in some ways offset by the unexpected find of McClain last year. Based on what he displayed when given the opportunity last year, I would consider it safe to say that his potential level ranks equal or perhaps better to that of Gooden. Gooden was a 3rd rounder last year, so if you use that logic, it was almost as if the Ravens gained a 3rd round talent without having to pay for it last year, diminishing the damage of losing that equivalent pick this year. Any time you uncover a steal of a player like McClain or Scott as an UFA, you are playing with house money.

Here's a novel thought. Since the Ravens have had such little "luck" evaluating, drafting, & coaching WR's, why not spend a little more money luring away scouts & cross-checkers who have been able to evaluate & draft WR's with other teams ? The extra couple hundred grand spent that way would be miniscule to what they'll have to pay Boldin. And they'll be paying Boldin for what he did as a younger wide receiver (in the past) than the production that they'll be getting from him on the other side of 30 y.o. I like Boldin a lot, but not at the price; & the injuries are worrisome. Granted, he is a very tough guy, but in 6 seasons he's only played in 16 games twice.

One other thing, the Ravens might have more "luck" drafting a WR now because they actually have a QB.

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.

i think we should trade our picks for boldin. if we had him last season we would be the super bowl champions. it doesnt make sense to draft a receiver cause there's no telling how long it will take him to become a viable starter if that ever happens. boldin on the other hand gives us two one thousand yard receivers which is something we never had before.
the ravens need cornerback help but drafting one wont provide much help for next season so waiting one year to draft one wont hurt them much. I would go after a running back and offense line help so we can start using our tight ends in our offense. besides with boldin out there catching passes your going to need to ensure teams arent double teaming boldin.
Our running back situation worries me. Mcclain is fun to watch but he's not agile enough to be an every down back. McGahee is soft. McGahee looks soft whether he runs for 1 yard or 20. He's just not hungry enough to play football anymore. I even thing he fakes injuries cause he was hurt what seems like every game but ended up coming back in some compacity. Anyway the young kid (forgot his name) he runs hard, he's pretty agile and he's definitely hungry but he too small. i know the ravens owe mcgahee enough money that the only way they'll get a running back is in the draft so they need to do it with the draft picks they'll have left after getting boldin. last but not least they need offensive line help. i think getting boldin and offensive line help makes the ravens the team to beat next season. lets see if the ravens see it that way.

Well, the Iggles are out of the equation, after signing Jason Peters.
Let this thing go on until all the other suitors drop their flowers.....before the door actually opens.
I'd give up a #26 for a proven WR with good hands and breakaway moves. We've made one solid selection of WRs and that was Stokely. He couldn't stay healthy.
I'd still make the trade, even if we throw in Clayton or Heap. In a perfect world, we could make the trade on Draft Day.
"With the 26th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft.....Baltimore sends it's #26 pick to Arizona, in exchange for Anquan Boldin ....... a 2009 4th Round pick and a 2010 3rd Round pick.
Arizona is on the clock."

Duh? The Cardinals are desparate for a running back. Why don't we throw McGahee in the mix? That will take a big chunk of our salary off, and will make room for Boldin and resigning Suggs. With McGahee, I would not give up a 1st rounder. Possibly add a 2nd rounder and a 5th rounder, or 2 3rd rounders (one for next year).

Dont lose sight of the upcoming reality that Suggs is going to have to be paid at the end of the season,and the fact that they decided to franchise him 2 years in a row is not going to sit well with him.He is the cornerstone of the Ravens future,more important than Bolden or any other player they have.You can get Nicks who looks almost like a carbon copy of Bolden....or Britt who is a carbon copy of Marques Colston,...or Percy Harvin who is almost a carbon copy of Reggie Bush without giving up any pick.....and still use 88 on Cornelius Ingram a big solid talented tightend.who would only be there because he had a major Knee injury ....or the talented Shawn Nelson or Travis Beckum....or perhaps Mohamad Massaquoi if you used that first pick on big shutdown corner Sean Smith [a unique combination of size,speed and great ball skills ]or if they used 26 on a D lineman like Robert Ayers , Aaron Maybin,or Ziggy Hood .... then they would still have the freedom to use 55 on Tyrone Mckenzie, Gerald Mcrath,or Darry Beckwith to replace Bart Scott....the gap between Bolden and pick 26 combined with the fortification they can get at 88 is not enough to do this....it still translates into a step backwards in the teams overall progress.