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Looking ahead to the draft – Who will the Ravens take?

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With just about a month to go before the 2013 NFL Draft, front offices across the league are now shaping their big boards and preparing for the biggest three days in the offseason.

For the Ravens, the draft comes this year after a wild free agency period. It is now time to continue to shape the future of Baltimore football.

The Ravens hold 12 draft picks this year including four compensatory picks, and a 6th rounder gained in the Anquan Boldin trade with San Francisco.

The needs this season are pretty scattered. Whether it is a backup offensive lineman, or a starting linebacker, Ozzie Newsome will have to zero-in on certain positions. Here are some of the areas the GM will be viewing on draft day:

Linebacker: With the retirement of Ray Lewis and departure of Dannell Ellerbe, a hole must be filled on the depth chart. Jameel McClain will have the starting job day one, but what about the leader beside him? Who will be lining up the first game of the regular season? (Which is on the road… if you haven’t heard…)

Many have had their eyes set on Kevin Minter from LSU or Manti Te’o of Notre Dame. While Minter seems to be the fit, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of passing on these two if another player is available.

I am very high on Josh Bynes and he proved that he could be the real deal. Filling in for the injured Ray Lewis, Bynes helped hold the glue together during the last stretch of the year. He racked up 23 tackles in the final three games, and showed great closing speed. He was known as a leader physically and emotionally during his tenure at Auburn and could be the rock that the future Ravens will need.

Don’t forget about Albert McClellan or Adrian Hamilton, who the coaches are very high on.

While I like the thought of Minter in the first round, I wouldn’t be upset if Ozzie passes for another player. There is a ton of talent to be had in later rounds. If this is the case, here are a few names to look for in rounds three, four, or even five: Kiki Alonso, Niko Johnson, or A.J Klein.

Safety: Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard became free-agent casualties this offseason, and replacing the back side of the secondary will not be easy.

James Ihedigbo was signed to a one-year deal, and should fill the place of Pollard very well. “The Grave Digger” reminds me a lot of Pollard, who has now found a home with the Titans.

Also, expect the Ravens to look to the draft to find the ultimate replacement of the great #20, Ed Reed. There might never be another like Ed, but there is a load of talent in this years’ class. I imagine that the first round might be a landing spot for a safety.

Arguably the best safety in the draft, Kenny Vaccaro, will most certainly be drafted at least ten picks before the Ravens select. While Ozzie Newsome could use some of his 12 picks to move up and solidify the secondary, it wouldn’t be in his best interest to do so.

Matt Elam out of Florida could be the man for the job. While he is only 5’10”, he is very athletic and plays physical. Drafting him for the rush defense might just make the Ravens the early favorites for the best run-stuffing D in the league.

Newsome may pass on Elam because of his size, so his next best option could come in the second round. Eric Reid from LSU will likely be available in the second round, and he fits the mold for a safety in Dean Pees’ defense. He is quick, a violent hitter, and can play very well in pass coverage.  Reid would be the perfect pick in round two. The only problem is that his stock may rise. Teams may jump for him in the second round and snatch him before the Ravens could get to him. While he still might fall, don’t count out the possibility of Ozzie Newsome trading a few late picks to move up and grab a star like Eric Reid.

Offensive Line: A coach told me a couple weeks ago that the team must protect Joe Flacco better. Even though the line had a great year last season, he said that they are targeting several big men up front.

The status of Bryant McKinnie is up in the air and the Ravens may need a player on the outside who can provide further depth to the position. I think Michael Oher has found a home at right tackle, and the team should be looking for a player to fill the left side.

Ramon Harewood was signed to a one-year deal, and he will certainly be competing for the job in training camp.

There are several tackle options in the first round, but they will undoubtedly be snatched in the top 10. I am certain that Newsome will not trade up that high, so we will have to look to day two or three to find a tackle who can compete.

Several options will be offered in the second round, and I can see Menelik Watson out of Florida State falling to the end of the round. Watson didn’t perform well at the NFL Scouting Combine, and teams may see his 8.31 time in the cone drill as poor enough to pass on him.

If Watson doesn’t fit in the second round, there is still plenty of talent to choose from. Names like Jordan Mills, David Quessenberry, and Reid Fragel could end up being selected by the Ravens if the organization decides to wait until later in the draft.

Wide Receiver: The departure of Anquan Boldin came as a shock all across Charm City. Boldin was Joe Flacco’s go-to guy last year, and he cannot be replaced.

Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones provide a very solid 1-2 punch, but the depth chart is very thin after that. Tandon Doss got some work in last season, but his drops during multiple crucial moments have some questioning his talents. Doss could turn into a great player, and may have a bright future; but there is no secret that further depth is needed.

LaQuan Williams has not proven that he is the answer, and I am concerned about his lack of playing time at this point. He could still turn out to be a good player, but I can’t see him being an impact player for years to come.

Tommy Streeter made the roster last season in his rookie year out of Miami. The 6’6” wideout could provide help deeper on the team, but his role will be limited.

For Ozzie Newsome, he will have to take a good look at every round for receivers. I don’t think round one is the spot to burn a pick on a slot guy. The first two rounds need to address the defense, but receiver needs to be next on the list as Flacco can never have too many targets. Look for Flacco to have a pretty good impact on who the Ravens grab at receiver. He influenced the Tandon Doss pick, and Newsome could look to #5 for help once again.

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