LASTEST ESPN mock from Kiper.

[primetime]

I know there's so many smoke screens out this time of year, teams always trying to fake one another out and so on.

To add onto that, DaCosta was interviewed the other day, I don't have the exact quote but he said felt that the overall talent of the guys rated as first rounders was "average" and that they feel like there are a lot of quality guys in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Unless someone of unbelievable value tumbles to us and we simply can't pass them up, there's no way we're making a pick at 29.

I think Flash said it earlier, we have a lot of holes to fill and we could use more picks. I just have a feeling we're trading out of the 1st round.

[ccbird]

You need someone to trade with to make a trade. Most likely the Ravens will be interested in trading back but they can't give up value to do so. You can't trade back to the 2nd round if a team is only offering a 5th round pick.

[JohnnyK27]

You need someone to trade with to make a trade. Most likely the Ravens will be interested in trading back but they can't give up value to do so. You can't trade back to the 2nd round if a team is only offering a 5th round pick.

If Hightower's there and he could be I think they should take him!

[GoldGlove21]

You need someone to trade with to make a trade. Most likely the Ravens will be interested in trading back but they can't give up value to do so. You can't trade back to the 2nd round if a team is only offering a 5th round pick.

I do not want the Ravens falling back in the draft for a 4th round pick either. I might be willing to move a few spots for a #4 and a #5, but I would rather land a #3 pick in addition to the #2 you would take from a team. The Ravens have so many holes that there has to be someone they value there when they pick.

I think that player might be a WR, DE, G or LB. I think there is a chance that a player the Ravens covet will slip to them and I do think that the selection will shock a lot of folks. I think the Ravens could draft a DT or DE with that first round selection.

[GoldGlove21]

I know there's so many smoke screens out this time of year, teams always trying to fake one another out and so on.

To add onto that, DaCosta was interviewed the other day, I don't have the exact quote but he said felt that the overall talent of the guys rated as first rounders was "average" and that they feel like there are a lot of quality guys in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.

Unless someone of unbelievable value tumbles to us and we simply can't pass them up, there's no way we're making a pick at 29.

I think Flash said it earlier, we have a lot of holes to fill and we could use more picks. I just have a feeling we're trading out of the 1st round.

It's possible, but a lot of those holes are depth and you can grab depth by landing guys who never got drafted. I really do see the Ravens trying to maximize the number of quality guys that they bring in this offseason. There are real holes at G, T, LB, RB, C, DE, S, DB (depth) and WR. I believe that the Ravens would do themselves a big favor if they could land a quality WR and C/G in the first two rounds of the draft. I would like to see the team focus on depth at the DT, DE and S position as well.

[ccbird]

If Hightower's there and he could be I think they should take him!

I've said this before and Peter King actually mocked in in his draft in SI. I personally think the Ravens covet Hightower and wouldn't be surprised to see them move up to 23 ahead of the Steelers to draft him. On one hand, it doesn't make a lot of sense because the draft is supposed to be deep, the Ravens have a lot of holes to fill, and in a deep draft you want the Ravens having as many picks as possible. On the other hand if they have Hightower as a top 15 prospect, I believe they might, and can finally draft Ray's heir apparent then I have no problem with them going the other way and giving up their 3rd rounder to get him. It certainly will be interesting to see what they decide to do next Thursday.

[paulcoates]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nf...floyd-to-cincy

I'd be stunned if Upshaw fell this far, but if he did, I think I'd have to consider him over Hightower

24. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower

Memphis NT Dontari Poe will fall next Thursday because teams worry about his ability to make a year-one impact. While Poe would be a logical fit, the Steelers "waited" on their 2011 first-round pick (Cameron Heyward) and want more instant impact this year. Hightower is a thumping inside 'backer capable of destroying opposing lead blocks, and allowing Lawrence Timmons to run free.


28. Green Bay Packers -- Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw may lack long arms, ideal height, and edge-bending rush skills, but he can be a power player in the LaMarr Woodley mold. Packers GM Ted Thompson always stays true to his board. He'll have a high grade on Upshaw, who also fills a need area at outside linebacker in the 3-4.

29. Baltimore Ravens -- LSU WR Rueben Randle

Randle is a vertical wideout with prototype size, an impressive catch radius, and dangerous post-reception skills. While Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill possesses some of the same traits, Randle has superior tape and potential to be a better all-around receiver. Anquan Boldin is entering his age-32 season, and 2011 second-rounder Torrey Smith is more of a one-trick pony deep threat.

[Floater]

WR is so deep this year that I don't think a team should be using a late 1st for one unless you REALLY need it.

[primetime]

It's possible, but a lot of those holes are depth and you can grab depth by landing guys who never got drafted. I really do see the Ravens trying to maximize the number of quality guys that they bring in this offseason. There are real holes at G, T, LB, RB, C, DE, S, DB (depth) and WR. I believe that the Ravens would do themselves a big favor if they could land a quality WR and C/G in the first two rounds of the draft. I would like to see the team focus on depth at the DT, DE and S position as well.

I have to admit, I'm kind of on the fence about where this roster is at right now. We have a lot of younger guys that will be asked to step into larger roles; I hope they can all be the "next man up" but I'm just not sure how they'll perform.

I think we'll be fine at DT and CB, we have plenty of guys at those positions. I know we'd like to find a MLB but we'll have Siz, Kruger, McClain and Ellerbe to go along with Ray for this season. I'm sure Ozzie and Co. will find an undrafted gem or 2 at LB. I love Hightower but I just don't see him getting to us.

I think Pernell McPhee could be the answer at DE. He played inside on 3rd down last year and showed speed, strength and good pass rushing moves. I think his style would translate well to DE.

At DT, we have Ngata, Mt Cody and Arthur Jones so we could use a body or 2 there but that can happen later in the draft.

RB is another one that we can address later. The team seems confident in Anthony Allen to backup Rice, so it's not a pressing need in my mind.

For me, our biggest issues are OLine and WR. Obviously we're not sure what the plan is at G; I don't buy that Jah Reid is going to start there. Birk returned but he's on borrowed time and McKinnie is serviceable but not much more.

IMO, the hope is that Reid and/or Ramon Harewood can develop and one can step up to play LT in 2013 and beyond. Both players can physically handle the position but where are they technique-wise and mentally in regards to the position?

WR to me is a spot where we need to find an impact player. I love Torrey and Q; I like the projectability of Williams and Doss. However, and sorry to sound like a broken record, we need that 6'4"ish, 220ish WR that's a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries. Until we find that guy, this offense will continue to be inconsistent.

[jonesing4pie]

I'm starting to get real excited for this weekend. This year really is a mystery year. I really wish we could have sured up the OLine a little more with a guard signing (I know the organization is pushing Jah on us but he isn't a long term fit at guard IMO) but the cap has restricted us. That could of allowed us to go into this draft with more of an open mind. With our roster as is, I'd expect at least one Olineman in rounds 1-3. Every other need is really a luxury/depth/future need. Remember this team was one small play away from playing in the Super Bowl and the core has remained very much in tact.

[JohnnyK27]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nf...floyd-to-cincy

I'd be stunned if Upshaw fell this far, but if he did, I think I'd have to consider him over Hightower

24. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower

Memphis NT Dontari Poe will fall next Thursday because teams worry about his ability to make a year-one impact. While Poe would be a logical fit, the Steelers "waited" on their 2011 first-round pick (Cameron Heyward) and want more instant impact this year. Hightower is a thumping inside 'backer capable of destroying opposing lead blocks, and allowing Lawrence Timmons to run free.


28. Green Bay Packers -- Alabama LB Courtney Upshaw

Upshaw may lack long arms, ideal height, and edge-bending rush skills, but he can be a power player in the LaMarr Woodley mold. Packers GM Ted Thompson always stays true to his board. He'll have a high grade on Upshaw, who also fills a need area at outside linebacker in the 3-4.

29. Baltimore Ravens -- LSU WR Rueben Randle

Randle is a vertical wideout with prototype size, an impressive catch radius, and dangerous post-reception skills. While Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill possesses some of the same traits, Randle has superior tape and potential to be a better all-around receiver. Anquan Boldin is entering his age-32 season, and 2011 second-rounder Torrey Smith is more of a one-trick pony deep threat.

McShay speculates that Michael Brockers could fall to the Steelers and hes a top 15 talent. That would allow Hightower to fall farther toward us.

Scenario 2: Add Brockers, cashing in on a top-15 value falling down the board and bringing size and power to the defensive line.
Scenario 3: Fill a need at tackle with the best available player, in this case Adams.