Countdown to Combine: Defensive backs

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http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2011/02/countdown_to_combine_defensive_backs.html

 

Where the Ravens stand: The Ravens will need to replace three of four starters from last year in the secondary. Their starting cornerbacks, Chris Carr and Josh Wilson, are expected to be free agents once the new collective bargaining agreement is reached. The same goes for strong safety Dawan Landry. The Ravens return Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed and nickel back Lardarius Webb. Domonique Foxworth, a starting corner in 2009, is expected to be fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him all of last season. Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura and Cary Williams all return.

 

Chances that the Ravens draft a DB in first three rounds: Moderate. Cornerback has been a need for the past couple of years, but the Ravens have refused to reach for them. They’ve only drafted one (Webb in 2009) in the past four drafts. So, it’s not a given that the Ravens will address that position this year. How the Ravens handle their safety position will be interesting. If they don’t re-sign Landry, they can fill his spot with Zbikowski or Nakamura. But the Ravens also have to think about who steps in for Reed when he decides to retire.

 

Possibly on Ravens radar: Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado), Brandon Harris (CB, Miami), Aaron Williams (CB, Texas), Ras-I Dowling (CB, Virginia), Rahim Moore (S, UCLA), Deunta Williams (S, North Carolina), DeAndre McDaniel (S, Clemson), Quinton Carter (S, Oklahoma).

 

Outlook: The Ravens just don’t need a cornerback; they need one with size. Smith (6 feet 1), Williams (6-0) and Dowling (6-1) all would bring much-needed height, but the Ravens have to determine whether they are first-round talents. Some believe there are only two cornerbacks (Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara) worthy of being drafted in the first round. As far as safeties, the top ones might start getting taken in the second round. Moore, Williams and McDaniel all have size and playmaking ability.