The Ravens got their quarterback of the future, Joe Flacco, after the Falcons
selected Matt Ryan. The looming retirement of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jonathan
Ogden has created a major void along the offensive line, which the team answered
in the fourth round with David Hale. Linebacker Tavares Gooden brings some
much-needed youth to an aging, but still talented, defense.
Round 1, Pick 18 (18) (From Texans) Joe Flacco QB 6'7" 236 Delaware
The Ravens get their quarterback in Flacco, who should compete for a starting
spot, with Steve McNair having retired. The Ravens traded down from the 8th spot
to the 26th, only to move back up again to nab Flacco with the 18th selection.
At 6-foot-6, Flacco's height and arm strength give him the potential to be the
best quarterback in this draft down the road.
Round 2, Pick 24 (55) (From Seahawks) Ray Rice RB 5'8" 199 Rutgers
Rice is an undersized back, but he doesn't play like it with his vision at the
line of scrimmage and willingness to take on tacklers. Rice could be a valuable
change of pace back for the Ravens and Willis McGahee
Round 3, Pick 8 (71)
(From Ravens through Bills and Jaguars) Tavares Gooden OLB 6'1" 233 Miami
The Ravens take a guy that may take some time to develop as a linebacker in the
NFL, but who will be a strong special teams player right away. He has great
athletic ability and gives the Ravens depth in a linebacker corps that is aging.
Round 3, Pick 23 (86) (From Seahawks) Tom Zbikowski FS 5'11" 210 Notre Dame
A hard-nosed safety who can hit and play strong in run support. Also a special
teams return man who can be a valuable contributor in the kicking game,
something new coach John Harbaugh will love in Baltimore.
Round 3, Pick 36 (99) (Compensatory selection) Oniel Cousins OG 6'4" 308 Texas-El Paso
He's a converted defensive tackle that has solid skills along the offensive line
and is a decent depth player at the pro level.
Round 4, Pick 7 (106) Marcus Smith WR 6'2" 221 New Mexico
The Ravens get a young target for their first-round pick Joe Flacco. Smith is a
good route-runner, but there are some questions about his ability to separate
from defenders.
Round 4, Pick 34 (133) (Compensatory selection) David Hale OT 6'6" 308 Weber State
He has the size to play at the next level, but lacks athleticism. Coming from
lesser competition, it could take a few years for him to develop.
Round 6, Pick 40 (206) (Compensatory selection) Haruki Nakamura FS 5'10" 190 Cincinnati
Not only is Nakamura a safety, he's a very good kick returner. He's small but
has quickness and speed.
Round 7, Pick 8 (215) Justin Harper WR 6'4" 198 Virginia Tech
Harper has excellent size and speed, but he played only about half the snaps at
Virginia Tech.
Round 7, Pick 33 (240) (Compensatory selection) Allen Patrick RB 6'1" 198 Oklahoma
Patrick replaced Adrian Peterson at Oklahoma. He's a steady player, not an
explosive player, but has polish and experience coming from an elite program.
Baltimore Ravens 2008 NFL Preview
There is just too much transition taking place for a team with this kind of quarterback
situation. We all await the arrival of the next savior in Joe Flacco. In the
meantime new head coach John Harbaugh has his work cut out for him
in changing the culture in Baltimore. This is a transition year so
he will get a chance to put things in place. He starts with a strong
defense to build around.
OFFENSE: You have to feel kind
of sorry for Willis McGahee as he may not make it through a season
with what might be 500 carries. It's that bad in Baltimore on
offense.
DEFENSE: Ray Lewis is getting older, but that
hasn't slowed the ferocious Baltimore defense down any at all. Last year
they were 6th in total yards allowed, and 2nd in rushing yards allowed.
The problems on defense are in the secondary as they finished 20th
against the pass. Fabian Washington brings secondary help and a healthy
Trevor Pryce will boost the pass rush.
OVERALL: Really it comes down to defense, no one expects a
winning season this year, but it will be important for Harbaugh to keep
the defense happy as they are beginning to feel like a completely
separate team. They
are going to be breaking in a new offensive system with a youthful line
and no matter who is at qb it is not going to be pretty.
