Now the picture’s shaping up for the Ravens’ 29th pick in the upcoming Draft in late April. They might even end up trading back that first-round selection to get more picks in later rounds.
One thing’s for sure: Ozzie Newsome sets up the draft by using free agency to fill needs first— then takes the best player available. (Last year was atypical of Oz’ classic pattern due to the lockout.) There is no way anyone can predict with accuracy whom the Ravens will take until after free agency acquisitions are concluded….which is soon enough. Should be interesting as usual!
A month ago many pundits were calling for the Ravens to draft Vontaze Burfict as a future replacement for ILB Ray Lewis. I don’t think that’s going to happen (at least not in the 1st round, or 2nd or 3rd!) as Burfict looked horrible at the Scouting Combine…and upon further review of his collegiate playing time last year, well, he kinda sucked…
Burfict will NOT be a Raven. First, the Ravens’ need on O-line is bigger, and they also want to draft a serious pass rusher. Burfict, as Mike Mayock pointed out, gets caught up in simple blocking schemes, and has some real head-case issues on and off the field. No way is he Ray’s replacement—that person will evolve, not be drafted and be expected to have those huge shoes to fill right away. It’s a lose-lose to pick a guy and say he’s the next Ray Lewis. Ozzie and the Ravens coaches know that, and it makes no sense to think they will annoint a rookie to step into the shadow of Ray Lewis.
Good value and quality interior O-linemen will be available from rounds 1-3. Personally I think that’s where the Ravens will be headed.
Mock drafts in the early stages (before Free Agency deadline has expired) are a joke, anyway. It all makes for some good conversation, thats all. There are so many things that will happen between now and draft day. Just for fun, save some of them and then go back and chuckle how off they were afterwards. I usually like to wait until about a week or so before the draft and save them, then see who did the best “guesswork”…It’s all still so far off, though. We have to deal with all the free agency stuff first… that’s how Oz sees it.
But for giggles, let’s look at some premature Mock Draft predictions for the Ravens 29th pick in the 1st Round…These were posted between Feb. 2 and Feb. 22, 2012…
ESPN, Mel Kiper
Posted Feb. 15.
C Peter Konz, Wisconsin
Junior; 6-foot-5, 348 pounds
“With Ray Lewis’ decision to come back for another year, the Ravens might be a little less desperate to find the next great linebacker, and can instead hit another big need. Matt Birk will need a replacement at center, and Konz is the best one in the draft. He’s like a good quarterback, picking up every blitz and stunt, and has the kind of smarts in calling out things that will really help the quarterback. The Ravens were a mess up front for portions of 2011 and will need to add help there.”
National Football Post, West Bunting
Posted Feb. 15
ILB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama
Junior; 6-4, 260; 3 sacks, 1 interception
“Hightower is a ‘plus’ run defender who can be used as a blitzer inside or a pass rusher off the edge. His versatility on third down gives the Ravens even more options in pressure situations.”
NFL.com, Chad Reuter
Posted Feb. 8
G Kelechi Osemele
Senior; 6-5, 337
“With center Matt Birk and guard Ben Grubbs both free agents, the Ravens will be looking to bolster the interior of their offensive line. Osemele’s massive 6-5, 350-pound frame, pure strength and tenacity should open holes for Ray Rice.”
WalterFootball.com
Posted Feb. 15
MLB Vontaze Burfict
“Ozzie Newsome indicated that he’ll be looking for Ray Lewis’ successor this upcoming April. Well, Vontaze Burfict makes sense for a number of reasons. He’s one of the best players available and fits the attitude of Baltimore’s defense. He can play next to Lewis right away, and Ozzie Newsome has taken chances on talented head-cases before.”
TheFootballExpert.com, Clint Clearwater
Posted Feb. 18
DE/OLB Nick Perry, USC
Junior; 6-3, 250; 54 tackles, 9.5 sacks
“The Ravens will probably be drafting the best player available this April. Nick Perry is a terrific pass rusher that will most likely go in the first round this April. He falls a little bit in this mock, but the Ravens won’t allow him to fall any further. They will be looking to add another pass rusher and Perry fits the bill. He’s big and surprisingly fast and has good technique. He has good value at number 29.”
If Walter turns out to be right about Burfict, I will fire myself…
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
