So what draft position will the Ravens be in? 14th pick

[tsylvester]

The problem with the "pay them early" philosophy is that most, perhaps some, want to taste free agency, the thrill of it. Others, want to see what they are worth as others in their positions get paid. Their agents encourage them to wait.

Sure, some will sign, they love the city, the team, but to assume a player at the top of their position is just gonna take what you offer or, not come back to the table a year later and want a new deal is foolhardy.

[oldno82]

I think it's getting harder to sign them early too. Their agents push them to free agency--more money for them if teams are bidding. Plus some players, maybe most, are motivated by taking the highest amount they can get. There's not a lot of loyalty up or down in the league.

But I like the idea of not being chained to the philosophy of BPA for all the teams. Sometimes you gotta draft for need.