Lets talk Draft

[helloharv]

What players do you think the Ravens will be looking at in this up coming Draft.

I don't know if should spend a top 7 pick on a QB when we have so many other holes to fill?

We need a CB / DE / QB / and of course we could use a Legit Number 1 WR that is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

[Sports Guy]

This was starting to be discussed in another thread.

We need a legit #1 WR...Problem is, the top QR in this draft are smaller guys...Can't see using a top 8-12 pick on one of them.

We don't need O-line.

We don't need safeties or D-Tackles early on.

We really don't need inside linebackers either.

The areas of need in this draft are clearly CB, QB, WR, speed pass rusher and speedy/versatile 3rd down back.

I would think with our first pick, we will be looking corner or speed pass rusher.

QB will probably be saved for a little later in the draft unless there is someone they really like that will be there with our initial pick.

[66-70-83-??]

This was starting to be discussed in another thread.

We need a legit #1 WR...Problem is, the top QR in this draft are smaller guys...Can't see using a top 8-12 pick on one of them.

We don't need O-line.

We don't need safeties or D-Tackles early on.

We really don't need inside linebackers either.

The areas of need in this draft are clearly CB, QB, WR, speed pass rusher and speedy/versatile 3rd down back.

I would think with our first pick, we will be looking corner or speed pass rusher.

QB will probably be saved for a little later in the draft unless there is someone they really like that will be there with our initial pick.

CB, WR and QB are big needs, but DE is a gaping wound that needs to be addressed big time.

If a franchise QB is available at our pick (or within reach at a reasonable cost to move up a few slots) then take him. Otherwise hopefully a DE is sitting there worthy of the pick. Although, the best player available approach has served us well.

In fact after FA/Draft we better come away with at least 2 each of DE, WR, CB/DB. Jared Allen (DE - KC) is an unrestricted FA I believe. And he is young. He would be a nice fit. I am ready to say good riddence to Suggs.

We could use a young OL or two (especially if Ogden/Flynn retire), and a couple of young LB's for depth. But, those aren't pressing needs.

[Sports Guy]

Chris Long(Howie's son from UVA...Terps fan remember him I am sure) would be a nice pick.

Here is a listing of all the top players, by position:

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/defensive_ends.htm

[BaltimoreTerp]

CB, WR and QB are big needs, but DE is a gaping wound that needs to be addressed big time.

If a franchise QB is available at our pick (or within reach at a reasonable cost to move up a few slots) then take him. Otherwise hopefully a DE is sitting there worthy of the pick. Although, the best player available approach has served us well.

In fact after FA/Draft we better come away with at least 2 each of DE, WR, CB/DB. Jared Allen (DE - KC) is an unrestricted FA I believe. And he is young. He would be a nice fit. I am ready to say good riddence to Suggs.

We could use a young OL or two (especially if Ogden/Flynn retire), and a couple of young LB's for depth. But, those aren't pressing needs.

Our defensive line + Allen - Suggs = same problems as this year.

[Elbren]

With such a horribly week class of FA QB's, I'd think you'd almost have to use that first pick on a QB. Adding a top WR or inproving the defense won't mean much if we don't have a long term solution at QB at least learning the position.

Does anyone know what the top FA options are DE, CB and WR?

[ChrisAF79]

Chris Long(Howie's son from UVA...Terps fan remember him I am sure) would be a nice pick.

Here is a listing of all the top players, by position:

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/defensive_ends.htm
I love the idea of drafting Chris Long, mostly because we share the same name. Haha.

[NewMarketSean]

Gotta pick a QB early on with this QB rich draft. If the OL is going to grow and get better, then get a QB to grow and get better with them. Then get some pass rushers and depth in the secondary.

[helloharv]

Gotta pick a QB early on with this QB rich draft. If the OL is going to grow and get better, then get a QB to grow and get better with them. Then get some pass rushers and depth in the secondary.

Another way to look at it is....with so many good college QB's we could get a good one in round 2

[helloharv]

Chris Long(Howie's son from UVA...Terps fan remember him I am sure) would be a nice pick.

Here is a listing of all the top players, by position:

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/defensive_ends.htm

Thanks for posting this link

[ccbird]

QB, CB or DE in the 1st round. I want the QB because I think we need a franchise QB bad. I love the QB talent in this draft and while I wouldn't mind risking passing on Brohm or Ryan for Ainge in the 2nd I just got a feeling Ainge won't be there in the 2nd and will move up into the 1st round by the time the draft rolls around. IMO, we have to get Brohm, Ryan or Ainge. I think all three will be very good NFL Qbs. If Brohm and Ryan are gone when we draft in the 1st we are looking probably at DE Cailus Cambell or possibly but unlikely Chris Long or CB Malcom Jenkings.


WR position is a luxury and not a need. I like our young receivers if we get a QB that can get them the ball, none are elite but Clayton and Williams are both solid. Besides, except for maybe Desean Jackson there is just no elite WR in this draft.


I wouldn't put it by Ozzie to draft BPA but I honestly think with as deep as the draft is in all three need positions we have at CB, QB and DE that he would look to trade out and pick up draft picks this year, especially if a team is willing to overpay.

[biggsy]

What players do you think the Ravens will be looking at in this up coming Draft.

I don't know if should spend a top 7 pick on a QB when we have so many other holes to fill?

We need a CB / DE / QB / and of course we could use a Legit Number 1 WR that is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.


It all depends on the workouts leading up to the draft. Brohm, Brennan, Ryan, Woodson, Henne, Booty, Ainge, Morelli or Keller could have killer workouts and move themselfs higher then they are rated now. If Brohm, Brennan, Woodson, or Ryan have great workouts then I'd say they are easily worth a top 10 pick or even a top 5 pick. However if a player like DeSean Jackson decides to come out I wouldn't be against taking him, he is crazy fast and already a very good WR and would bring you instant production on special teams as a return man. However players like Limas Sweed and Mario Manningham can probably be had in the 2nd-4th round range. The darkhorse could be Dennis Dixon, he probably will be available on the second day because of his injury and he is definitely worth the risk.

Honestly, if we do end up with a top 5 pick, I wouldn't be against taking McFadden if he were available. However once again a back like Justin Forsett can be taken in later rounds that would be a great 3rd down back option.

If your looking CB or DE your better off trading down a top pick and possibly picking up a 1st rounder next year or extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. At CB Malcom Jenkins from OSU will probably be rated the #1 but I'd much rather have Aqib Talib from Kansas if he decides to come out early, he's 6'1 and has amazing speed and quickness. Hell, I'd say if we have a chance at Glenn Dorsey from LSU we take it, that man is a beast as a DT and could possibly go as high as #1 or #2. You also have to remember Ozzie usually sticks to his guns and takes the BPA approach and it doesn't matter who is there, he won't reach like the Dolphins did with Ginn Jr. last year. You'll see him take a Kenny Phillips, a Jake Long or a James Laurinaitis even if we are deep or just simply don't need those positions currently. And honestly, I wouldn't be disappointed at all with any of those players.

[ccbird]

There are tons of draft sites out there. A couple others I really like below.


http://www.gbnreport.com/

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/

[ccbird]

It all depends on the workouts leading up to the draft. Brohm, Brennan, Ryan, Woodson, Henne, Booty, Ainge, Morelli or Keller could have killer workouts and move themselfs higher then they are rated now. If Brohm, Brennan, Woodson, or Ryan have great workouts then I'd say they are easily worth a top 10 pick or even a top 5 pick. However if a player like DeSean Jackson decides to come out I wouldn't be against taking him, he is crazy fast and already a very good WR and would bring you instant production on special teams as a return man. However players like Limas Sweed and Mario Manningham can probably be had in the 2nd-4th round range. The darkhorse could be Dennis Dixon, he probably will be available on the second day because of his injury and he is definitely worth the risk.

Honestly, if we do end up with a top 5 pick, I wouldn't be against taking McFadden if he were available. However once again a back like Justin Forsett can be taken in later rounds that would be a great 3rd down back option.

If your looking CB or DE your better off trading down a top pick and possibly picking up a 1st rounder next year or extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. At CB Malcom Jenkins from OSU will probably be rated the #1 but I'd much rather have Aqib Talib from Kansas if he decides to come out early, he's 6'1 and has amazing speed and quickness. Hell, I'd say if we have a chance at Glenn Dorsey from LSU we take it, that man is a beast as a DT and could possibly go as high as #1 or #2. You also have to remember Ozzie usually sticks to his guns and takes the BPA approach and it doesn't matter who is there, he won't reach like the Dolphins did with Ginn Jr. last year. You'll see him take a Kenny Phillips, a Jake Long or a James Laurinaitis even if we are deep or just simply don't need those positions currently. And honestly, I wouldn't be disappointed at all with any of those players.

Brennan is not even in the same breath as those other QB as far as possibly being a top 10 pick. Absolutely no way he moves into the top 10. Too many questions and even a great combine isn't going to push him that high. Right now he is a 3rd or 4th round pick and behind 5 or 6 other Qbs.

[DuffMan]

Honestly, if we do end up with a top 5 pick, I wouldn't be against taking McFadden if he were available. However once again a back like Justin Forsett can be taken in later rounds that would be a great 3rd down back option.



We just traded for McGahee this past off-season. No way we would take McFadden, we have some glaring weakspots that are more important than taking an RB.

I would like to see us take a QB. My pick would be Brohm.

[biggsy]

We just traded for McGahee this past off-season. No way we would take McFadden, we have some glaring weakspots that are more important than taking an RB.

I would like to see us take a QB. My pick would be Brohm.

I'd love to see a QB too, but if McFadden is taken I won't be mad. Were talking about a RB thats prototypical size with sprinter speed and runs with power. McGahee is great and I loved the trade to get him, but having McGahee and McFadden would be awesome. Hell, if we got him I'd say fire Billick and hire Shottenhiemer and lets play some Martyball. ha


Brennan is not even in the same breath as those other QB as far as possibly being a top 10 pick. Absolutely no way he moves into the top 10. Too many questions and even a great combine isn't going to push him that high. Right now he is a 3rd or 4th round pick and behind 5 or 6 other Qbs.

Not in the same breath ? How bout this:

1,051 Comp. 1,496 Att. 70% Comp.% 13,582 Yds. 9.1 YPA 126 TDs and only 39 INT for a 3:1 TD-INT ratio for his 3 year career. And a career record of 26-10, 7 of those losses in his first season as the starter.

So as of right now why shouldn't he be ? He holds the NCAA record for passing TD's in a career, he's got very good size, good speed and mobility, he's great in the pocket as well as outside it and has a great arm. Yes he benifits from a wide open shotgun offense and there will be a longer transition period from college to NFL for him but in no way does he fall to the 2nd day unless he completely bombs his workouts.

If Brennan has great workouts he is going mid to late 1st round or second round easliy. What did anyone know about Kyle Boller before he threw the ball through the uprights from one knee at the combine ?

If either Brohm or Ryan are there at our pick then I'd say take those two over him easily, if Ainge has a good workout then I'd say take him over him too, but after those three Brennan is easily the next pick. But as I said, you can hit the jackpot in later rounds with QBs like Woodson, Dixon, Morelli or even a darkhorse like Henne or Booty.

[Miller192]

Brennan plays in a very weak division just like Chang did when he was there. I think he's a 3rd round guy. He could move up depending on his combine but I think he carries that Hawaii stigma.

[Old#5fan]

It all depends on the workouts leading up to the draft. Brohm, Brennan, Ryan, Woodson, Henne, Booty, Ainge, Morelli or Keller could have killer workouts and move themselfs higher then they are rated now. If Brohm, Brennan, Woodson, or Ryan have great workouts then I'd say they are easily worth a top 10 pick or even a top 5 pick. However if a player like DeSean Jackson decides to come out I wouldn't be against taking him, he is crazy fast and already a very good WR and would bring you instant production on special teams as a return man. However players like Limas Sweed and Mario Manningham can probably be had in the 2nd-4th round range. The darkhorse could be Dennis Dixon, he probably will be available on the second day because of his injury and he is definitely worth the risk.

Honestly, if we do end up with a top 5 pick, I wouldn't be against taking McFadden if he were available. However once again a back like Justin Forsett can be taken in later rounds that would be a great 3rd down back option.

If your looking CB or DE your better off trading down a top pick and possibly picking up a 1st rounder next year or extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. At CB Malcom Jenkins from OSU will probably be rated the #1 but I'd much rather have Aqib Talib from Kansas if he decides to come out early, he's 6'1 and has amazing speed and quickness. Hell, I'd say if we have a chance at Glenn Dorsey from LSU we take it, that man is a beast as a DT and could possibly go as high as #1 or #2. You also have to remember Ozzie usually sticks to his guns and takes the BPA approach and it doesn't matter who is there, he won't reach like the Dolphins did with Ginn Jr. last year. You'll see him take a Kenny Phillips, a Jake Long or a James Laurinaitis even if we are deep or just simply don't need those positions currently. And honestly, I wouldn't be disappointed at all with any of those players.

I don't care what the other NFL teams do regarding rating a QB prospect higher based on a "workout," but I sure hope the Ravens have learned their lesson and don't draft another "workout warrior" like Boller who falls apart and looks like crap when he actually faces live action! You sure as hell cannot determine poise by watching a frigging workout! That would just torque me to no end if they made the same mistake twice!:mad:

[ccbird]

I'd love to see a QB too, but if McFadden is taken I won't be mad. Were talking about a RB thats prototypical size with sprinter speed and runs with power. McGahee is great and I loved the trade to get him, but having McGahee and McFadden would be awesome. Hell, if we got him I'd say fire Billick and hire Shottenhiemer and lets play some Martyball. ha



Not in the same breath ? How bout this:

1,051 Comp. 1,496 Att. 70% Comp.% 13,582 Yds. 9.1 YPA 126 TDs and only 39 INT for a 3:1 TD-INT ratio for his 3 year career. And a career record of 26-10, 7 of those losses in his first season as the starter.

So as of right now why shouldn't he be ? He holds the NCAA record for passing TD's in a career, he's got very good size, good speed and mobility, he's great in the pocket as well as outside it and has a great arm. Yes he benifits from a wide open shotgun offense and there will be a longer transition period from college to NFL for him but in no way does he fall to the 2nd day unless he completely bombs his workouts.

If Brennan has great workouts he is going mid to late 1st round or second round easliy. What did anyone know about Kyle Boller before he threw the ball through the uprights from one knee at the combine ?

If either Brohm or Ryan are there at our pick then I'd say take those two over him easily, if Ainge has a good workout then I'd say take him over him too, but after those three Brennan is easily the next pick. But as I said, you can hit the jackpot in later rounds with QBs like Woodson, Dixon, Morelli or even a darkhorse like Henne or Booty.

Hey, I'm just telling you what "experts" think of Brennan. I personally haven't watched him enough to form an opinion on how good he is. However, from everything I've read it would take an amazing workout just for him to have a sniff at getting into the 1st round.

[biggsy]

Hey, I'm just telling you what "experts" think of Brennan. I personally haven't watched him enough to form an opinion on how good he is. However, from everything I've read it would take an amazing workout just for him to have a sniff at getting into the 1st round.

The same experts that said Kyle Boller was a 1st rounder and consistantly drool over players that have amazing workouts made after they're college careers instead of the production they made during they're college careers. Mike Mamula was a "can't miss" freak of a prospect that was gonna take the league by storm according to those "experts".

He does carry the Hawaii/Texas-Tech stigma of a QB that benefitted from playing a wide open offense that rarely ran anything other then the shotgun and threw the ball 80% of the time.
But you don't break records and put up those kind of numbers without having any kind of skill or ability as a QB. He has ALL of the intangibles and doesn't fail under pressure. The only negatives he carries with him is the Hawaii stigma and a little bit of a low release as has a 3/4 kind of motion. Not too much of a problem as it seems to have worked for Tony Romo so far.

[BaltimoreTerp]

The same experts that said Kyle Boller was a 1st rounder and consistantly drool over players that have amazing workouts made after they're college careers instead of the production they made during they're college careers. Mike Mamula was a "can't miss" freak of a prospect that was gonna take the league by storm according to those "experts".

He does carry the Hawaii/Texas-Tech stigma of a QB that benefitted from playing a wide open offense that rarely ran anything other then the shotgun and threw the ball 80% of the time.
But you don't break records and put up those kind of numbers without having any kind of skill or ability as a QB. He has ALL of the intangibles and doesn't fail under pressure. The only negatives he carries with him is the Hawaii stigma and a little bit of a low release as has a 3/4 kind of motion. Not too much of a problem as it seems to have worked for Tony Romo so far.

Plus, he started at Colorado, so it isn't as though he was only brought in as a system quarterback. And he got his touchdown record in only three years.

[MikeAD]

I would like to see us take a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round. The chances of us getting a QB in the first round that we can both affford and will pan our are slim, I think.

Last year, I jinxed myself I guess, before the Ohio State Florida game last year I said if Ohio State lost the Ravens would take Smith in the 5th round, my friend ( a huge Ohio State fan blegh) gave me 10 to 1 odds, so I took it, and won myself 60 bucks, I was really unhappy with the selection and I didn't want to be right.

Likewise, I hope this team doesn't take a QB too late, especially not Joe Flacco, I don't think I could stomach watching him in a Ravens uniform.

That is all, sorry for the insignificant waste of a post, thought I would ramble.

[biggsy]

I would like to see us take a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round. The chances of us getting a QB in the first round that we can both affford and will pan our are slim, I think.

Last year, I jinxed myself I guess, before the Ohio State Florida game last year I said if Ohio State lost the Ravens would take Smith in the 5th round, my friend ( a huge Ohio State fan blegh) gave me 10 to 1 odds, so I took it, and won myself 60 bucks, I was really unhappy with the selection and I didn't want to be right.

Likewise, I hope this team doesn't take a QB too late, especially not Joe Flacco, I don't think I could stomach watching him in a Ravens uniform.

That is all, sorry for the insignificant waste of a post, thought I would ramble.


While I agree, I still feel with an early pick, if one of the "stud" QB prospects are there you gotta take one of them, I don't care if its Ryan, Brohm or Ainge. Then in the 4th-7th round range if you want to take a risk on a QB like Woodson if he's there, or Dennis Dixon then I'd be fine with that, seeing that we already have our QB of the future and can take the risk.

[MikeAD]

While I agree, I still feel with an early pick, if one of the "stud" QB prospects are there you gotta take one of them, I don't care if its Ryan, Brohm or Ainge. Then in the 4th-7th round range if you want to take a risk on a QB like Woodson if he's there, or Dennis Dixon then I'd be fine with that, seeing that we already have our QB of the future and can take the risk.

My only problem going early is we already have money commited to McNair and Boller, and to a lesser extent Smith, but we could cut him. Theres no need to be paying 3 NFL starter's salaries for the same positon.

I could be wrong here, so someone correct me.

IMO, we would be paying too much money for a QB that MIGHT pan out. In Baltimore the chances of him panning out are even less. I would be much happier taking a QB in the top 10 if we didn't have these two QBs on Salary.

[Dr. FLK]

The same experts that said Kyle Boller was a 1st rounder and consistantly drool over players that have amazing workouts made after they're college careers instead of the production they made during they're college careers. Mike Mamula was a "can't miss" freak of a prospect that was gonna take the league by storm according to those "experts".


So because they have been wrong before, they must always be wrong?

This one time, I was in a car that crashed. Therefore, it is safe to assume that every car I get in will crash!! Oh no!!

[Miller192]

My only problem going early is we already have money commited to McNair and Boller, and to a lesser extent Smith, but we could cut him. Theres no need to be paying 3 NFL starter's salaries for the same positon.

I could be wrong here, so someone correct me.

IMO, we would be paying too much money for a QB that MIGHT pan out. In Baltimore the chances of him panning out are even less. I would be much happier taking a QB in the top 10 if we didn't have these two QBs on Salary.

Well, there's really nothing you can do about that. Anytime you draft a player high, you are going to be paying that position a lot of money. Troy Smith is very cheap and Boller's salary isn't too bad. If McNair is cut, then yeah you have to pay the dead money on his prorated bonus. But there really is no way around that. We need to take a chance with a solid QB, it's worth the risk. Whether that's in the 1st or 2nd round, that's up to the Ravens.

[MikeAD]

Well, there's really nothing you can do about that. Anytime you draft a player high, you are going to be paying that position a lot of money. Troy Smith is very cheap and Boller's salary isn't too bad. If McNair is cut, then yeah you have to pay the dead money on his prorated bonus. But there really is no way around that. We need to take a chance with a solid QB, it's worth the risk. Whether that's in the 1st or 2nd round, that's up to the Ravens.

And I'll agree with you again, I just can't forsee McNair leaving this team unless its through his own choice.

[ccbird]

The same experts that said Kyle Boller was a 1st rounder and consistantly drool over players that have amazing workouts made after they're college careers instead of the production they made during they're college careers. Mike Mamula was a "can't miss" freak of a prospect that was gonna take the league by storm according to those "experts".
He does carry the Hawaii/Texas-Tech stigma of a QB that benefitted from playing a wide open offense that rarely ran anything other then the shotgun and threw the ball 80% of the time.
But you don't break records and put up those kind of numbers without having any kind of skill or ability as a QB. He has ALL of the intangibles and doesn't fail under pressure. The only negatives he carries with him is the Hawaii stigma and a little bit of a low release as has a 3/4 kind of motion. Not too much of a problem as it seems to have worked for Tony Romo so far.

I get your point but in this case the only way Brennan has a shot at getting into the 1st round is by being this workout warrior type you are talking about. Of course scouts miss and are wrong sometimes but more often than not they peg guys pretty accurately. There are reasons other than the Hawaii system why Brennan is considered 3rd or 4th round talent.

[ccbird]

My only problem going early is we already have money commited to McNair and Boller, and to a lesser extent Smith, but we could cut him. Theres no need to be paying 3 NFL starter's salaries for the same positon.

I could be wrong here, so someone correct me.

IMO, we would be paying too much money for a QB that MIGHT pan out. In Baltimore the chances of him panning out are even less. I would be much happier taking a QB in the top 10 if we didn't have these two QBs on Salary.

Only for next year would we have a good chunk of money tied up in QBs. By 2009 McNair certainly won't be here and Boller easily might not either. Boller's extension for next year I believe is closer to a backup Qbs salary anyway.

[Miller192]

And I'll agree with you again, I just can't forsee McNair leaving this team unless its through his own choice.

I think McNair being here next year has more to do with us being able to extend Suggs. If we extend him then it's going to be very tough to pay him and sign draft picks without dropping some significant salary.

[biggsy]

So because they have been wrong before, they must always be wrong?

This one time, I was in a car that crashed. Therefore, it is safe to assume that every car I get in will crash!! Oh no!!

Awesome, way to post a comment that has NOTHING at all to do with the topic on hand, but I'll bite, are you saying they're always right ? How many times do you hear the "experts" chirping about a player being the next great player of the generation just to see that player become nothing more then just a good player ? Listening to experts on the future of players entering the draft is like listening to your local weather report. Sometimes they'll call for an inch and you'll get a foot, sometimes they'll call for a foot and you'll get an inch, and sometimes they nail it right on the dot. Experts are 50-50 at best on they're assessments on players. If you wanna put all your stock into a player based ONLY on an observation that has a 50% chance to be right then you go right ahead. I'll just say this, how many times do you see a Ryan Leaf or an Eli Manning go #1 only to have a Tom Brady or a Drew Brees go in later rounds ?