Baltimore Ravens 2008 NFL Draft Team Needs
June 6, 2008
Owner Steve Bisciotti fired head coach Brian Billick after watching the Baltimore Ravens finish an injury-plagued 5-11 season. Eagles’ assistant John Harbaugh was hired to replace Billick after Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Jason Garrett turned down the job. This team has enough talent for Harbaugh to administer a quick turnaround, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Ravens’ offense was very predictable last season with the QB woes they had between Steve McNair and Kyle Boller. The Ravens have only drafted 1 Pro Bowl pick in the last 5 years, so it all starts with their 2008 NFL Draft if the Ravens are to be competitive this season.
2008 Baltimore Ravens Team Needs:
1.) Cornerback
The Ravens’ starting cornerbacks in Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle will both be over the age of 30 when the season starts. The depth behind these two veterans was exposed when each was injured last season. Rolle was diagnosed with epilepsy and each is a question mark heading into the season in how well they can recover from their injuries. It would be a major surprise if the Ravens didn’t add at least one starting cornerback in the offseason.
2.) Quarterback
Five years ago the Ravens traded an additional first-round pick to select Kyle Boller, who hasn’t even been an average starter in this league. They then traded for Steve McNair in 2006 and he had a successful first season, but injuries in ‘07 have made him questionable entering this year at best. No. 3 QB Troy Smith flashed some ability at the end of the season in mop-up work, but he’s also far from a sure thing. Even with many needs in other positions, the Ravens could address the QB spot early in the ‘08 NFL Draft.
3.) Offensive Tackle
Jonathan Ogden is expected to retire after a Hall of Fame career. Prospect Jared Gaither and fourth-year OT Adam Terry will compete to replace Ogden. The Ravens could use another option at this position either way. ORT Marshal Yanda is technically sound but is athletically inclined. These young tackles have impressed in certain games, but the Ravens will be looking for consistency and depth at this all-important position.
4.) Linebacker
Everyone in the league knows about how successful and intimidating the Ravens’ linebacking corps has been over the years. With Ray Lewis nearing the end of his career and Bart Scott needing to be pushed, the Ravens will look to add a young linebacker through the NFL Draft. Aggressive defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is back in the fold after interviewing for a couple different head-coaching positions. This positions remains a key for the Ravens “D” if they are to stop opponents on this side of the ball.
5.) Defensive End
The Ravens finished in the middle of the league in QB sack percentage last season. They are known for their ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with Ryan’s defensive scheme. DE-DT Trevor Pryce was injured for much of last season and wasn’t able to contribute with the Ravens pass rush. The Ravens will want to add one more speedster on the outside in the 2008 NFL Draft to increase their pass rush and get a few more sacks this season.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Cam Cameron’s scheme figures to fit the personnel the Ravens already have in hand. A passing offense with many short to intermediate routes will suit QB Steve McNair if he can stay healthy. WR’s Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton are the perfect guys to run these types of routes. This will be a ball-control offense and RB Willis McGahee couldn’t be in a better spot for Cameron’s style. OT Jeff Otah of Pittsburgh would be a good pick up for starters. QB Chad Henne of Michigan, WR Earl Bennett of Vandy, OT King Dunlap of Aubrn, QB Josh Johnson of San Diego and WR Lavelle Hawkins of Cal are just a few names you might hear the Ravens call out on Draft Day.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Ravens are one of the most aggressive defenses in the league. Their personnel best fit’s the 3-4 scheme, but they also use 4-3 and 4-6 looks on occasion. No matter which defense they choose to run, the Ravens D-Line has to tie up blockers and allow their instinctive linebackers to run around and make plays. Since the Ravens No. 1 Draft need is at cornerback, a good fit for them would be CB Leodis McKelvin of Troy State. DE Phillip Merling of Clemson, OLB Erin Anderson of Maryland, CB Aqib Talib of Kansas, DE Kendall Langford of Hampton and Lb Jameel McClain each have certain features the Ravens would love to have on the defensive side of the ball.
