Who Will the Ravens Take?

**nfldraft2010** · 01-31-2010, 12:35 PM

I know it's pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Ravens will take a receiver sometime in April's draft, but I'm not convinced it will be in the first round. Believe it or not, the Ravens have several other needs other than receiver, and it wouldn't shock me to see them take a tight end like Jermaine Gresham or defensive linemen like Brian Price with the 25th pick.

Even still, I expect them to address the receiver position sometime very early, and there are plenty of talented wide receivers to choose from. I'm not huge on Brandon Lafell, but I'm very high on Demaryius Thomas from Georgia Tech, and think he could work himself into the late first round with a good combine. I also like Dezmon Briscoe from Kansas in the 2nd-3rd round range. Arrelious Benn is also a strong possibility for the Ravens at 25, while I don't really see Golden Tate being a good fit.

Here's a look at my top 10 receivers in the draft, with analysis, and a few others to keep an eye on.

http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1981

And here's a closer look at Briscoe: http://www.pressboxonline.com/blog.cfm?ID=1985

**Jeremiah W** · 01-31-2010, 01:00 PM

I agree.

It looks like the top TE and some of the top DL and Cbs will be available.
I would like to see them take a chance on a Wr like Thomas or Benn, but not pass on a stud just because of need. They should always be able to trade up in the 2nd round if they need to to get the WR they want at the right value in the draft.

I think the Ravens would have to rank Williams and Price ahead of any WR on the board at 25. Gresham or one of the pass rushers as well should be a better gamble than a Jr Wr.

Tate looks a lot like Steve Smith from the Panthers to me, but they may be willing to give up the real thing for the 25th pick.

**nfldraft2010** · 01-31-2010, 01:12 PM

Thomas is going to be special. He's still raw and will take a couple years to develop, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to see him eventually become the second best receiver to come out of this draft class, and a Pro-Bowl level talent.

I'd be very surprised if they took a corner in the first round though, especially since there aren't really any "can't miss guys" after Joe Haden. Devin McCourty from Rutgers might be a good fit in the 3rd-4th round range.

And, Jared Odrick might be another defensive lineman option at 25.

**JoeCool5** · 01-31-2010, 05:13 PM

Here's hoping it's a guy like Brandon Graham (OLB/DE) from Michigan. We need someone to get to the QB, and prevent opposing offenses from double teaming Suggs. We can always find a receiver...

**nfldraft2010** · 01-31-2010, 06:57 PM

I wouldn't blame it on the outside linebackers as much as I would the defensive line. Outside linebacker is actually a relatively deep unit with Suggs, Jarrett Johnson, Antwan Barnes, Paul Kruger, and Jameel McClain - although none of them are elite pass rushers, with the possible exception of Suggs. Barnes also started to come on a little towards the end of the year.

But, the Ravens had no one on the defensive line capable of getting pressure and collapsing the pocket. Unless Kruger bulks up and moves back to end, expect that to be addressed at some point in the draft, and possibly as early as the first round.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 08:30 AM

I think we will take a 3-4 DE or WR, I also see trading down a possibilty as well, but i'd be shocked if its anything else unless someone unexpectedly falls.

**Thrall** · 02-01-2010, 08:51 AM

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by Thrall

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

I like this scenerio if Odrick falls, i'd go WR again in the 3rd in this scenerio tho, probably go corner in the 5th or trade up into the 4th for a corner if one we like falls, it's not like we need 6 or 7 players in this draft.

**baltimore_hokie** · 02-01-2010, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by Thrall

I'm really starting to like Odrick, him in the first, Bay Bay in the second would be aewsome. McCourtney in the third, and Colin Peek in the fourth, and I would be ecstatic.

Bay Bay won't be there in the second, but I'd take Carlton Mitchell there. I really think we should go with two WR's in the first two rounds (or 1 and a proven veteran acquired via trade).

We have seen how the league has shifted to one that encourages passing attacks, and Flacco needs two more weapons. If we could take D. Thomas in the first and C. Mitchell in the second, it would serve us better than a DT guy.

Thomas + Mitchell + Mason >>>> Mason + Clayton + Washington

whereas

Odrick ~ Dwan Edwards

**jonboy79** · 02-01-2010, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by baltimore_hokie

Bay Bay won't be there in the second, but I'd take Carlton Mitchell there. I really think we should go with two WR's in the first two rounds (or 1 and a proven veteran acquired via trade).

We have seen how the league has shifted to one that encourages passing attacks, and Flacco needs two more weapons. If we could take D. Thomas in the first and C. Mitchell in the second, it would serve us better than a DT guy.

Thomas + Mitchell + Mason >>>> Mason + Clayton + Washington

whereas

Odrick ~ Dwan Edwards

Odrick should be much better then Edwards, based on his first step alone... Beyond that he is a better athlete all around.

There is a LOT of mid round WR's I like, from Demaryus Thomas, Danario Alexander, Erick Decker, Riley Cooper, etc. We should come out of this draft with a kid that can get open AND catch the ball.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 11:51 AM

I think in the 3rd round there is gonna be some nice WR's left......Andre Roberts, Jacoby Ford, Jordan Shipley, Eric Decker and Dezmon Briscoe. Even Carlton Mitchell may still be there in the 3rd. Now they all wont be there but at least a couple will, i dont like not getting a DE in the first 2 rounds, the impact guys i like the most will be long gone by then, i'll have to research more and try to see how the 3rd and 4th rd picks look.

**Rxdoxx** · 02-01-2010, 12:43 PM

Just speculation at this time of year, but interesting fun nontheless.

Have to see what happens with Mason, I'm sure the FO will have a better handle on that before they go on the clock. Not saying that there isn't a need for a WR, but if Mason signs, there is always still Enron Riley to look at with a year of learning and getting a NFL body. Just saying there may not be a need to have to grab 2 WR if DMase returns.

I'm also wondering about trades this year. Specifically due to teams squeezed by Uncapped year restrictions. Teams like Saints who need DL, and may possibly be letting Grant go could be a trade partner for one of our DL. I think this would bypass FA signing restrictions and we could see something like a 3rd or 4th rounder coming our way for maybe T-vu. Saints could do far worse with that area of draft pick than getting someone who already has a year of pre-conditioning and was kept on the active roster by an NFL team, meaning some definite potential beyond the dice roll. I'm not saying definitely Kelly, just opening the thinking that we may see some different kinds of trades being made by restricted teams.

There are some interesting CBs who should be there in the 3rd, we did find Webb there, so I can see us going there if WR gets clearer.

I'd still like to see us cheaply bring in Myles Burnsides

Burnsides is a two-time All-American, a two-time Academic All-American and in 2008, was named the national defensive player of the year. His 294 career tackles are the most by a defensive back and eight-highest tally in program history. His 16 career interceptions are the third-most in Northwest history and two he returned for touchdowns. - Northwest Missouri State football

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/582164
See him as the Ellerbe at safety.

**baltimore_hokie** · 02-01-2010, 01:01 PM

Gene Atkins out of Georgia is supposed to be the best pass-rushing DT in the draft. He's around 280 lbs and seems to be ideal as a 3-4 DE. There are several other guys that would be in rounds 2 or 3 that people have mentioned.

My issue with taking Odrick (I like him a lot as a player) is that we NEED WR help BAD. We can't afford to go into next season without adding two viable weapons. I would not be happy with one mid-round WR pick in this draft, and I don't get how people think this offense will be any better.

Flacco needs weapons around him. This league is built for QB's to throw to win, and getting another DT (while filling a potential need in the future with a good football player) will not help us with that. A great D will get us in the playoffs most years, but we need several viable weapons on O to be able to compete with the elite teams in the NFL (see every game we played against a decent defense).

This obvious need can't go overlooked for another year. We need weapons this year, then go back to a defense-heavy draft next year. Lock up Edwards (who had a great year in 2009) since we can't add much via free agency.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by baltimore_hokie

Gene Atkins out of Georgia is supposed to be the best pass-rushing DT in the draft. He's around 280 lbs and seems to be ideal as a 3-4 DE. There are several other guys that would be in rounds 2 or 3 that people have mentioned.

My issue with taking Odrick (I like him a lot as a player) is that we NEED WR help BAD. We can't afford to go into next season without adding two viable weapons. I would not be happy with one mid-round WR pick in this draft, and I don't get how people think this offense will be any better.

Flacco needs weapons around him. This league is built for QB's to throw to win, and getting another DT (while filling a potential need in the future with a good football player) will not help us with that. A great D will get us in the playoffs most years, but we need several viable weapons on O to be able to compete with the elite teams in the NFL (see every game we played against a decent defense).

This obvious need can't go overlooked for another year. We need weapons this year, then go back to a defense-heavy draft next year. Lock up Edwards (who had a great year in 2009) since we can't add much via free agency.

Hokie i def. agree....for me i'd go Bay Bay in the first, or even trade down into the early 2nd if you are sure you can secure him there. I like Tyson Alualu or Mike Neal in the 2nd. I'd go WR again in the 3rd with one of the guys i listed above and grab Peek in the 4th. I really like Alualu, nice find scono! He was great in the senior bowl, great motor. Even if we trade up w/that 3rd round pick to make sure we get another good weapon at Wr. I've been one who's been very vocal about not settling at WR and i still feel that way but the D-Line is almost as important. The teams in the superbowl have key things in common, they can put up points in the passing game and they can get off the field on 3rd and long because they can pressure with 4 to 5 guys consistently. We had better get an upgrade their or our defense wont reach its full potential tho it still is very good.

**baltimore_hokie** · 02-01-2010, 01:16 PM

Originally Posted by Carey

Hokie i def. agree....for me i'd go Bay Bay in the first, or even trade down into the early 2nd if you are sure you can secure him there. I like Tyson Alualu or Mike Neal in the 2nd. I'd go WR again in the 3rd with one of the guys i listed above and grab Peek in the 4th. I really like Alualu, nice find scono! He was great in the senior bowl, great motor.

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

**BmoreBrawla** · 02-01-2010, 01:18 PM

Hopefully a CB, or we trade our pick for a top WR. I think the star DE/DTs are going to be taken high in the draft, and we need a WR to contribute now.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by baltimore_hokie

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

Agreed, even if Peek doesnt reach his full potential he's still a good #2 TE going forward and is a hell of a blocker, we could grab a more vertical threat down the road. We are def. on the same page, this team needs a infusion on talent in the passing game, no more standing pat, its time to be agressive and get this done. Alualu is guy who can start in the rotation and eventually start, relentless guy that will get to the QB.

**jonboy79** · 02-01-2010, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by baltimore_hokie

1st - D. Thomas (WR)
2nd - T. Alualu (DE)
3rd - C. Mitchell (WR)
4th - Peek (TE)

That adds three young weapons for Flacco, with two of those being massive WR's with speed. A value pick in the fourth that will be a #2 blocking TE, at worst, caps off the draft that changed the Ravens offense for the next decade. Add in a player at a position we need in the second round, and that looks like a great draft to me.

You forgot CB, probably our biggest need. It HAS to be drafted in the first two rounds. Starting caliber corners come almost exclusively from the top two rounds of the draft.

**baltimore_hokie** · 02-01-2010, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by jonboy79

You forgot CB, probably our biggest need. It HAS to be drafted in the first two rounds. Starting caliber corners come almost exclusively from the top two rounds of the draft.

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

**Carey** · 02-01-2010, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by baltimore_hokie

I disagree. I think we will be fine with Foxworth/Washington until Webb is ready to start. Those three are pretty solid as a group and are young as well, especially when you add Carr in as the fourth.

The play of the secondary down the stretch as very encouraging for the future. There is NO WAY that is a bigger need than WR.

I agree, i'd just grab some depth in the 5th maybe....The best thing for our secondary is a better pass rush and a offense that can stay on the field longer against good defense.