Who will the Ravens draft #1

[rharris1986]

My guess is a wide receiver - Stephen Hill. They will wait for the later rounds to pick up a guard.

[Lee Van Cleef]

I reckon they'll probably end up trading out.

If not: Mark Barron

[Florida Art]

Konz (if he's there)

[Terpsfan82]

Inside linebacker

[ballhawk]

Konz is looking like the best bet if he is there. They can plug him in at LG his rookie year then let him take over at C in 2013. Steve B. Is getting ready to invest a TON of money into his franchise QB. Priority #1 needs to be keeping him upright. Sure, spending a 1st round pick on an interior lineman isn't as exciting as using it for a skill player...but you gotta build from the trenches out.

[Boulderraven]

WR Jeffreys
OL in 2nd or 3rd round.

[OhThePossibilities]

I'd say they end up with someone around #20-22 or so on their board. Someone who falls for whatever reason. My guesses:

Kendall Wright or Courtney Upshaw

Otherwise, I see them trading back and taking an interior OL in the early 2nd. If Konz is still there then, possibly Konz. Wouldn't be surprised if they take another G/C later in the draft too.

[alien bird]

Konz (if he's there)

I think the chance he is there increased a little when Jeff Saturday signed with the Green Bay Packers. The Packers may still take Konz as an understudy, but they certainly don't have the glaring need at center that they had earlier in the week. It's similar to the Ravens and Birk.

[Raven Maniac]

The O-Line needs the most help at the moment, with Guard and Center being the most glaring needs because of Birk's age and the vacancy left by Grubbs. So thinking in that vane Konz would be the logical choice, BUT... if Stephen Hill is still on the board I find him a hard prospect to pass up.

[cealex1223]

Hightower, if he slips to us. Alabama guy, ILB (a big need), and a year with Ray Ray. I like it.

[wickedsolo]

It's not going to be a WR unless Michael Floyd drops.

If (and it's a big IF) Courtney Upshaw drops, he'll be the pick.

Right now I'd have to say that it's going to be Konz or Hightower.

The reason why it won't be a WR is because there will be guys like Nick Toon, Marvin McNutt, Marvin Jones, Tommy Streeter, Brian Quick, Juron Criner, and Chris Givens who will be around in rounds 2-3.

[jaydee414]

It's not going to be a WR unless Michael Floyd drops.

If (and it's a big IF) Courtney Upshaw drops, he'll be the pick.

Right now I'd have to say that it's going to be Konz or Hightower.

The reason why it won't be a WR is because there will be guys like Nick Toon, Marvin McNutt, Marvin Jones, Tommy Streeter, Brian Quick, Juron Criner, and Chris Givens who will be around in rounds 2-3.

This

[wickedsolo]

You also have to look at it from this stance regarding a WR:

1. Cam doesn't use a lot of multiple WR sets, but he does use a lot of multiple TE sets. Thus getting a WR is a likely scenario for them, but why get a WR in round 1 when that kid is likely going to see limited reps given that (at best) he'd be the #3 receiver on the depth chart behind Boldin and Torrey. That's also assuming that he can beat out Tandon Doss and LaQuan Williams who have a year working in Cam's offense and with Flacco. You can coach a lot of things, but you can't coach experience.

2. Harbaugh obviously has an issue with playing young guys too quickly and only really does it out of necessity. This leads me to believe that their 1st pick is going to have to be someone that can contribute right away or sooner than Harbaugh would like to. So, the guys who will be there at pick 29 who are the most "pro-ready" will likely be a Peter Konz, Dont'a Hightower, Cordy Glenn, or possibly even Kevin Zeitler.

3. The OL really disappointed in the playoffs and as the season progressed it became evident that the OL wasn't nearly where it needed to be. Ray Rice has to be a focal point of the offense and the ground game has to be the bread-n-butter of this offense right now. Finally, the OL has to give Flacco time. He can't be running round and playing duck and dodge 2 seconds after he snaps the ball. A guy like Konz is going to be able to step in at LG instantly and eventually move over to center.


I'd love to see a WR like Alshon Jeffrey or Stephen Hill land on the Ravens' squad, but just going by how they draft and what will likely unfold at this year's draft I just don't see them going to a skill position early on unless someone like a Dre Kirkpatrick, Michael Floyd, or Trent Richardson fall that far, which is highly unlikely.

Nick Toon, Chris Givens, Tommy Streeter, Marvin McNutt, Mohammed Sanu, Juron Criner, or someone of that ilk in the 2nd or 3rd round? THAT is a much more likely scenario.

[ballhawk]

i'd be more than happy with Konz in the 1st. aside from that, i would like to see them go heavy on defense in the early rounds. with the loss of Lewis/Reed looming on the horizon, the defense will be going through a transition next few years. might as well infuse it with a bunch of young talent and see where that takes us. the team has a real need at safety and linebacker and could use another pass rusher or two.

the offense is young. the line needs to be addressed, but other than that, we can go a year without taking a WR early. we saw how much torrey smith progressed through his rookie year...now give him his first full offseason with the team and a year under his belt...he should quickly become a very reliable #1. also look for Pitta/Dickson to really build off last year and flourish in their 3rd year in the system.

not to mention we still have Cameron calling the plays, i might almost rather see them take a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round over WR....but spend most of those early picks on defense and i'll be happy.

[houstonravensfan]

Someone from Alabama or Iowa. And that does narrow it down, doesn't it? I'd like to see
1 -- ILB
2 -- C/G
3 -- WR
4 -- S
5 -- DE

[Raveninwoodlawn]

I think it will be one of Barron, Hightower, Konz or Hill.

I know some of you don't think there is any way they take a WR unless it's one of the top two guys, but I think Hill is a possibility because I've heard the FO talk about how they'd love to have gotten one of those 6-3 220 lb WR's who run fast, but they are always taken in the top of the draft.

I think Hill offers something so unique that they may feel like they won't get a chance to take a guy like that again...a guy with his measurables so late in the draft.

[Raven 555]

I think the Ravens will take Kontz first. When ever Oz does go after a WR, I hope Marvin McNutt is still available. Tall, fast, good hands and great attitude. :thumbup:

[baltimore_hokie]

Nick Perry, Courtney Upshaw, Kendall Wright, Donta Hightower, and Cordy Glenn are my top choices.

[Lime in the Coconut]

Nick Perry could be a sleeper IMO

[Florida Art]

I think it will be one of Barron, Hightower, Konz or Hill.

I know some of you don't think there is any way they take a WR unless it's one of the top two guys, but I think Hill is a possibility because I've heard the FO talk about how they'd love to have gotten one of those 6-3 220 lb WR's who run fast, but they are always taken in the top of the draft.

I think Hill offers something so unique that they may feel like they won't get a chance to take a guy like that again...a guy with his measurables so late in the draft.

Good points all. I can't disagree with any of that, though my personal preference is still Konz.

[Irish Raven]

Dont'a Hightower

[Ravenswintitle]

I also think it'll be Konz or Hightower but wouldn't be surprised to see them trade back

[Carey]

Everyone has pretty much been spot on, im looking at the roster as of now knowing that there likely wont be any more free agent signings, and if so it'll be something very minimal. I did a little Ravens mock, just spit balling here so dont kill it too much lol, but would you guys with a draft like this....

1. WR Stephen Hill-Deep threat, #3 in year one, future starter opposite Torrey, changes the way defenses defend the Ravens
2. OG Amini Silatolu-Physical road grader but has the feet and athleticism to be strong in pass pro, could also play RT
3. C Phillip Blake-Heir apparent at Center, another physical guy that can move well
4. OLB Terrell Manning-Outstanding coverage LB, undersized, good special teamer, fills much needed nickel role(Compensatory)
5. RB/KR Chris Rainey-Explosive returner, returns punts and kicks, possible 3rd down guy who could do damage in space
6. LB Miles Burris-Physical tackling machine, a bit undersized but has the room to add weight and the time to develop, good upside
7. DT J.R. Sweezy-High effort 5 tech, not alot of upside but could develop into a rotational end, could be a Justin Bannan type

[PrimeTime37]

Ozzie's first pick is never a blockbuster, so I'm saying Konz. Stephen Hill would be a huge surprise, but I don't see them taking a guy who supposedly can't catch. Ozzie has also never had much luck with receivers in the first round.

[Les Grossman Playas]

Everyone has pretty much been spot on, im looking at the roster as of now knowing that there likely wont be any more free agent signings, and if so it'll be something very minimal. I did a little Ravens mock, just spit balling here so dont kill it too much lol, but would you guys with a draft like this....

1. WR Stephen Hill-Deep threat, #3 in year one, future starter opposite Torrey, changes the way defenses defend the Ravens
2. OG Amini Silatolu-Physical road grader but has the feet and athleticism to be strong in pass pro, could also play RT
3. C Phillip Blake-Heir apparent at Center, another physical guy that can move well
4. OLB Terrell Manning-Outstanding coverage LB, undersized, good special teamer, fills much needed nickel role(Compensatory)
5. RB/KR Chris Rainey-Explosive returner, returns punts and kicks, possible 3rd down guy who could do damage in space
6. LB Miles Burris-Physical tackling machine, a bit undersized but has the room to add weight and the time to develop, good upside
7. DT J.R. Sweezy-High effort 5 tech, not alot of upside but could develop into a rotational end, could be a Justin Bannan type

I only did a three round prediction a few weeks ago for the Ravens, but I had two of the three players I predicted, were the same as you; Stephen Hill and Phillip Blake.

I have:

1st Round Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech- He just seems too dynamic, for the Ravens not to take him over other players like Konz. He would definitely be another weapon to help take the cover off the defense.

2nd Round Philip Blake, C, Baylor- Come draft day, not sure which round Blake and Martin will be projected to go. Maybe they'll flip flop from where I have it, but I like both of them, and they fill needs. Ravens need a young Center, and getting Blake in the 2nd or 3rd round will allow the Ravens to sort of balance out the money being spent across the line instead of investing TOO much money there, i.e. taking Konz in 1st.

3rd Round- Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma St.- I also like Martin as a solid safety prospect for the Ravens. They're gonna need someone to possibly replace Nakamura and Zibikowski on the roster. Martin didn't participate at combine because of a knee issue I believe, so maybe hopefully he'll slide to the end of 3rd round for Ravens.

[Carey]

Ozzie's first pick is never a blockbuster, so I'm saying Konz. Stephen Hill would be a huge surprise, but I don't see them taking a guy who supposedly can't catch. Ozzie has also never had much luck with receivers in the first round.

I've never heard cant catch associated with Hill, in fact i've heard and seen hands catcher alot

[Carey]

I only did a three round prediction a few weeks ago for the Ravens, but I had two of the three players I predicted, were the same as you; Stephen Hill and Phillip Blake.

I have:

1st Round Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech- He just seems too dynamic, for the Ravens not to take him over other players like Konz. He would definitely be another weapon to help take the cover off the defense.

2nd Round Philip Blake, C, Baylor- Come draft day, not sure which round Blake and Martin will be projected to go. Maybe they'll flip flop from where I have it, but I like both of them, and they fill needs. Ravens need a young Center, and getting Blake in the 2nd or 3rd round will allow the Ravens to sort of balance out the money being spent across the line instead of investing TOO much money there, i.e. taking Konz in 1st.

3rd Round- Markelle Martin, FS, Oklahoma St.- I also like Martin as a solid safety prospect for the Ravens. They're gonna need someone to possibly replace Nakamura and Zibikowski on the roster. Martin didn't participate at combine because of a knee issue I believe, so maybe hopefully he'll slide to the end of 3rd round for Ravens.

Would be happy with this, may have to switch Martin and Blake because i dont know if Martin gets to the late 3rd...he's one of my favorite players in this draft.

[The Fanatic]

I also think it'll be Konz or Hightower but wouldn't be surprised to see them trade back

That's pretty much what I'm thinking as well.

Interesting question to me would be what if both are still there (doubtful) when they pick?
Which way would they lean to the most?

If neither is there, then trading back is very likely if option 3 on their board is not there.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Ozzie's first pick is never a blockbuster, so I'm saying Konz. Stephen Hill would be a huge surprise, but I don't see them taking a guy who supposedly can't catch. Ozzie has also never had much luck with receivers in the first round.

Nobody has ever said the guy can't catch or has bad hands. In fact, everybody that has watched his tape and workouts says the guy has very good hands. Where are you getting your info from?

[leachisabeast]

1st- Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
Can start his first season at left guard, here he will learn from Brik all the NFL protection calls he will have to know when he moves over to center in 2013, and maybe even in the later part of 2012 with Birk being his age now. Konz has the size and strength to be an effective left guard in the NFL, the only thing that concerns me was his bench press score, only 18 reps for 225 lbs.

2nd- Brian Quick, WR, Applachian state
Brian Quick is a small school prospect who is 6 foot 4 and 220 lbs, so can be an end zone threat for us, aswell as stepping into the #3 or 4 reciever spot, or even move Boldin to the slot. Is a little raw and will need work.

3rd- Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama
Josh Chapman was an underrated player for Alabama in 2011, and can provide good depth for our defensive line that has lost Cory Redding, and likely to lose Brandon McKinnie. We will need someone to back Cody and Ngata up as we currently have zero back up defensive tackles. Was tempting to take a safety, but Josh Chapman will likely be the BPA.

[wickedsolo]

I don't think Brian Quick is worth a 2nd rounder. Maybe a 3rd.

He was really slow at the Senior Bowl, had a hard time gaining separation, dropped a lot of passes, and had a hard time running routes.


If they go WR in round 2 I'd much rather see them go for Juron Criner, Nick Toon, Tommy Streeter or someone like that.

[Carey]

I don't think Brian Quick is worth a 2nd rounder. Maybe a 3rd.

He was really slow at the Senior Bowl, had a hard time gaining separation, dropped a lot of passes, and had a hard time running routes.


If they go WR in round 2 I'd much rather see them go for Juron Criner, Nick Toon, Tommy Streeter or someone like that.

I need ur opinion on mine wicked mayock :happy:

[AirFlacco]

That's pretty much what I'm thinking as well.

Interesting question to me would be what if both are still there (doubtful) when they pick?
Which way would they lean to the most?




And that Sir, is why this thread is pointless. No one knows who will be there and more importantly who Ozzie rates the highest - Hightower, Konz or Hill.

All the boards wanted McCourty or the other CB who went to Jets and they were there. So was Cody whom many wanted like me. Belicheat gave him the chance to move up a spot for DEZ. Most of the boards freaked out when he didnt.

Ozzie traded down for Kindle which no one predicted and McCourty went to NE and helped beat us.

That said, it's still fun to guess so I'll say Konz if Hightower is gone. He
probably won't drop past Pissburgh.

[leachisabeast]

If Jonathan Martins stock is falling and he really does fall to us at 29, surely there is no way we can pass up on him? He could play guard his first year (like JO did) and then move over to left tackle once McKinnie's contract is up. J Martin is one of the 3 prospects in this NFL draft who have potential to be a starting left tackle in the NFL.

[Benny8444]

I dont think Hightower gets past PIT unless some amazing OL player or CB fell to them. If hightower gets past PIT i think he makes it to baltimore. Oz has to be careful if Konz and or Hightower is on the board that someone does not try to leapfrog them to take that player. I really do not see us trading up, I can totally see us moving back if there is a good deal out there meaning a player someone in the early 2nd really wants and would offer a good package. if not just take BPA or a player even if it is a small reach.

[CRZA938]

i'd be more than happy with Konz in the 1st. aside from that, i would like to see them go heavy on defense in the early rounds. with the loss of Lewis/Reed looming on the horizon, the defense will be going through a transition next few years. might as well infuse it with a bunch of young talent and see where that takes us. the team has a real need at safety and linebacker and could use another pass rusher or two.

the offense is young. the line needs to be addressed, but other than that, we can go a year without taking a WR early. we saw how much torrey smith progressed through his rookie year...now give him his first full offseason with the team and a year under his belt...he should quickly become a very reliable #1. also look for Pitta/Dickson to really build off last year and flourish in their 3rd year in the system.

not to mention we still have Cameron calling the plays, i might almost rather see them take a RB in the 2nd or 3rd round over WR....but spend most of those early picks on defense and i'll be happy.

I wholeheartedly agree with this.

[CRZA938]

And that Sir, is why this thread is pointless.

Do you really want to go through the exercise of evaluating how valid threads are? Isn't it kinda the point to have a little fun and talk Ravens even when there's nothing going on?

[sandiegosean]

Boller, Flacco Oher, and Jamal Lewis to name a few. If Konz isn't there i would love Jeffries if he falls, maybe Hill. Boldin is gone next year, and everyone else is unproven. I'm just go by the STOR, when Oz talked about receivers, and a new center. As Trap said, this is all just a guessing game, as none of us know who the scouts like, and FO feel the needs are. Thats why i'm going by Ozzie's last statements.
Ozzie's first pick is never a blockbuster, so I'm saying Konz. Stephen Hill would be a huge surprise, but I don't see them taking a guy who supposedly can't catch. Ozzie has also never had much luck with receivers in the first round.

[The Excellector]

I am really on board with WickedSolo. However, there are two exceptions to his WR idea that just give me a feeling that the Ravens are lurking. They are Kendall Wright and Stephen Hill.

I think that part of the reason why Cameron has not used many Three Wide formations is, because they've only had one true vertical threat at WR. His system requires two, plus a possible third at TE. If you noticed, in the AFC Championship Game, they used plenty of three WR sets, with Evans on the outside and Boldin in the slot.

Although Kendall Wright is the more pro ready of the two, I just don't know how enticing they find Stephen Hill as a prospect. Baltimore just might provide the best opportunity for a guy like Hill to succeed. That shows you how far the offense has come when I can say that about a WR. First, Hill excels at run blocking from his time at Georgia Tech, something all Ravens WRs have to do. Second, he has the size that front office desires and that Joe Flacco has been missing. Third, he has very reliable hands, something the front office has harped on since the AFC Championship Game. Fourth, the few routes that Hill is currently comfortable running are from the vertical area of the route tree, the same routes he would be running here. He seems to have a good character and work ethic, something the Ravens respect.

In a draft where prospects 15-40 could be interchangeable, it might make too much sense to take this young man while you have the chance.

The only player that I could honestly see them taking over him, unless they expect Hill to slide to the top of the second, and this would be only if he fell very far, would be Courtney Upshaw.

[Boulderraven]

Boller, Flacco Oher, and Jamal Lewis to name a few. If Konz isn't there i would love Jeffries if he falls, maybe Hill. Boldin is gone next year, and everyone else is unproven. I'm just go by the STOR, when Oz talked about receivers, and a new center. As Trap said, this is all just a guessing game, as none of us know who the scouts like, and FO feel the needs are. Thats why i'm going by Ozzie's last statements.

I hope Jeffreys falls. He has a rare burst when the ball is in the air and explosive reaction to the ball before he gets it and creates separation before the catch with size and instincts. Plus, he uses his body well to catch and has surprising burst after the catch. Doesn't have blazing straight line speed, but his HANDS are the best I've seen since Chris Carter. I coached Db's for years and played DB, Jeffreys is a nightmare. Because of his not breakneck speed won't be doubled. Also, TS is our deep missle. I see Jeffreys as a bigger, better Boldin with better hands and burst who can go over the middle and be great on 10 yard routes too. Hill to me is a gamble, maybe 1 trick pony- great combine- but didn't play that fast at Tech- makes me nervous, you can have great speed track style but doesn't make you a player. I think Jeffreys is a better compliment to TS than Hill, just my opinion. You don't need to put the ball on the $ with him
Him, just get it close he adjusts better than any WR in the draft. Ozzie has been wanting a big WR for two years now, this is his chance great in RZ too.

[AirFlacco]

Giants won SB with 3 great receivers - my boy Nicks, Cruz and of course
Mario Manningham whose great side line catch was the entire game.

We can grab Konz and still get a Torry Smith in the same 2d round or even
3rd where the great ones come from. As someone mentioned, WRs in the
first round are always risky for Ozzie.

[leachisabeast]

Everyone has pretty much been spot on, im looking at the roster as of now knowing that there likely wont be any more free agent signings, and if so it'll be something very minimal. I did a little Ravens mock, just spit balling here so dont kill it too much lol, but would you guys with a draft like this....

1. WR Stephen Hill-Deep threat, #3 in year one, future starter opposite Torrey, changes the way defenses defend the Ravens
2. OG Amini Silatolu-Physical road grader but has the feet and athleticism to be strong in pass pro, could also play RT
3. C Phillip Blake-Heir apparent at Center, another physical guy that can move well

Actually, these first three rounds would be amazing if it where to happen. I am a huge fan of Amini Silatolu, this guy is seriously an animal, and has that raw Polynesia strength. The guy played left tackle at a D2 school and just pancakes anyone who runs at him basically, could fill our void at left/right guard, may even offer depth at tackle too. I see a lot of Mike Iupati in him, and anyone who knows much about Iupati, you know that anybody like him is a can't miss prospect


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y1vMglvFlE

I like the Blake pick too, he could pretty much red shirt for us behind Birk in his first season, and then start for us in 2013 or even towards the later part of the 2012 season. Philip Blake is a road grader and a terrific pass blocker, likes to use his great base strength to pancake other players, at 6 foot 2 and 311 lbs he has elite size to be an elite center. The problem with the two players here is that both are better fits for power man blocking schemes rather than a ZBS, but they are players you cannot pass up on. I think we may need to move up in both second and third rounds to get both players though.

[Brtnder81]

BPA

[blah3]

It's not going to be a WR unless Michael Floyd drops.

If (and it's a big IF) Courtney Upshaw drops, he'll be the pick.

Right now I'd have to say that it's going to be Konz or Hightower.

The reason why it won't be a WR is because there will be guys like Nick Toon, Marvin McNutt, Marvin Jones, Tommy Streeter, Brian Quick, Juron Criner, and Chris Givens who will be around in rounds 2-3.

I really hope this is correct. Though I also wouldn't mind Barron either.

[wickedsolo]

I really hope this is correct. Though I also wouldn't mind Barron either.

I wouldn't mind Barron. Considering both Reed and Pollard are FA's next off-season that could make a lot of sense.

[blah3]

I wouldn't mind Barron. Considering both Reed and Pollard are FA's next off-season that could make a lot of sense.

I think he would be a big play maker. It would be a tough call they were all there. An anchor for the line, a real need for a solid run stuffing LB, or a playmaking safety.

[Dirt1]

Barron would be a great addition for the future, but the needs on the OL are so glaring that it's hard to not go with Konz if he is available.

[wickedsolo]

You know I like Barron a lot and he very well could be the pick, but I just don't see them getting out of the 1st round without a guy that they feel can start or contribute significantly right away.

To me, that almost undoubtedly is a guard/center type of prospect or a pass rusher.

[blah3]

You know I like Barron a lot and he very well could be the pick, but I just don't see them getting out of the 1st round without a guy that they feel can start or contribute significantly right away.

To me, that almost undoubtedly is a guard/center type of prospect or a pass rusher.

You really think that Barron wouldn't start? I think he replaces Pollard pretty quickly.

[Dirt1]

You really think that Barron wouldn't start? I think he replaces Pollard pretty quickly.

Isn't Barron a FS and Pollard a SS, or do I have that backwards? I would think that Barron would be a potential long-term replacement for Ed Reed.

[blah3]

Isn't Barron a FS and Pollard a SS, or do I have that backwards? I would think that Barron would be a potential long-term replacement for Ed Reed.

I believe he can play both. Everything I have heard is that he is great in run support.
There are mixed reviews if he is good in man coverage or not, but most seem to think he plays the pass well, because he has good football instincts.
Seems like a guy who plays strong safety first and then could move to free safety in later years. Sounds familiar doesn't it?

Of course I think he is long gone by 29,but some seem to think he could be there.

[wickedsolo]

Barron could play both, but ultimately I think he's more of a SS than a FS. He's better in coverage than Pollard is, but Pollard has a year in the Ravens' D and you can't coach experience. Maybe by the end of the year Barron would start over Pollard, but I don't think that would be the case initially.

[blah3]

Barron could play both, but ultimately I think he's more of a SS than a FS. He's better in coverage than Pollard is, but Pollard has a year in the Ravens' D and you can't coach experience. Maybe by the end of the year Barron would start over Pollard, but I don't think that would be the case initially.

That is possible, but IMO, he would replace Pollard by week 5 at the latest.
So, if a choice between him and Konz, I would take Barron, mainly because there are other Centers they could get later.

But hey, those are rich people problems. We can only dream of a scenario of both of them being there. I'd be happy with any of them.