The NFL Scouting Combine is upon us…We don’t need a Draft Doctor to tell us a blue-chip cornerback would be what Ozzie ordered up…. and it’s looking more and more like Colorado’s Jimmy Smith is the focus of the 50 or so Ravens’ coaching and scouting personnel attending the Combine in Indianapolis…
It’s rare to see the Baltimore Ravens make a major mistake when it comes to player personnel, but their failure to address the cornerback position last offseason cost them dearly at times. Looking forward, Domonique Foxworth is coming off a major knee injury, Lardarius Webb hasn’t shown he’s anything more than a backup, while Fabian Washington, Chris Carr and safety Josh Wilson are all going to be free agents. When it comes to size and speed, few cornerbacks can match Colorado’s Jimmy Smith, who checks in at 6-2 and 205 pounds while running the 40 in the high-4.4 to low-4.5 range.
However, as good as Smith is, you have to think the Ravens would jump at the chance to unite Miami’s Brandon Harris with their other alums from “The U”, like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, if given the opportunity. Baltimore could also opt for a pass-rushing outside-linebacker, since Sergio Kindle’s future is up in the air, and Georgia’s Justin Houston would be an ideal fit in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme.
With Trevor Pryce now gone, the Ravens might be in the market for a young defensive end as well… so Cameron Heyward of Ohio State, Allen Bailey of Miami (FL) and Christian Ballard of Iowa could all receive some consideration. Don’t rule out a wide receiver, either —since Derrick Mason is 37-years-old, and both T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte’ Stallworth are free agents.
Welcome to the Combine…and trust me, the personal interviews and the Wonderlic intelligence tests will count just as much as the 40-yard run times and the agility drillls.
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