Was just watching the Ravens/Titans game

[Devo12]

again on DVR while I was working out on the treadmill at home. I only watched the 2nd, and part of the 3rd quarter, but there were two deep throws during that time, that if the Ravens had a WR with 4.4/4.5 speed and could catch the ball (eliminating Figurs), they probably could have nailed the Titans on at least two bombs. First one was with about 5:30 minutes left in the first half, and was intended for Mason down the right sideline. Second one was for Mark Clayton down the middle at around the Titans 10 yard line, at around the 9:30 mark. On that throw, Flacco threw from the Ravens 30 but Clayton couldn't catch up to the pass. There have been other games with passes that also illustrate the need for a stretch the field player, but I was just watching this game, so it stood out to me.

I know with McAlister just getting received, people will be campaigning for someone like Alphonso Smith even more in the 1st round, but if Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Darrius Heyward-Bey are all sitting there at #26 and it's still the Ravens picking then, that's gonna be an interesting dillema. I follow the draft, but I'm not a total draftnick to the point of knowing what value will be there near the end of the 2nd round; wr vs. cornerback wise. If there's more depth with cornerbacks, it will be pretty tempting to snag one of the wide receivers in the first round. The combination of Clayton and Mason taking of the underneath stuff, and having two other WRs to handle stretching the field, would be a pretty awesome sight to see them all take advantage of Flacco's arm.

Of course, I'd like to see a free agent like Nate Washington signed too, to go along with drafting a WR in the early rounds.

Ahh, the NFL really has turned into a 12-month a year thing to follow with the combine, free agency, draft, OTAs, and then training camp. :) Thank God for the NFL Network! LOL

[DuffMan]

I know with McAlister just getting received, people will be campaigning for someone like Alphonso Smith even more in the 1st round, but if Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Darrius Heyward-Bey are all sitting there at #26 and it's still the Ravens picking then, that's gonna be an interesting dillema. I follow the draft, but I'm not a total draftnick to the point of knowing what value will be there near the end of the 2nd round; wr vs. cornerback wise. If there's more depth with cornerbacks, it will be pretty tempting to snag one of the wide receivers in the first round. The combination of Clayton and Mason taking of the underneath stuff, and having two other WRs to handle stretching the field, would be a pretty awesome sight to see them all take advantage of Flacco's arm.


This is a bit of a moot point as it's already been established that the Ravens will take the highest rated player available regardless of position. While we surely could use a WR or CB in the early rounds Ozzie won't pick them if there is someone higher up on his board that is still available.

[MikeAD]

I agree with you, but the timing between the WR and Flacco is only going to improve over time.

We do need a speedy wide reciever, but more importantly we just need a dominant deep threat.

Nate Washington is not the answer, if you rule out Figurs for lacking catching abilities, you have to do the same for Washington.

The one thing I agree with Steelers nation on is how overated Washington is by fans outside of Pitt.

We don't need another project, maybe he can put it all together at some point, but we need a project with a 2nd year QB. If we get someone it has to be a sure thing. I know this post seems outrageously biased, but this is just how I see it.

[Devo12]

Ideally, I'd prefer a trade of a 5th round pick or something for Chad Johnson, over signing Nate Washington. I just threw his name out there in case the money situation prevents the Ravens from pursuing a higher priced veteran in free agency. I think they need to bring in a veteran, in conjunction with drafting someone like Nicks, Heyward-Bey, Robiskie in the first two rounds. The days of receivers like Figurs and even Demetrius Williams (injuries) comfortably making the roster as receivers should be over.