A draft prediction

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http://www.draftcoun...ock-Draft-B.php

 

 

 

29 BALTIMORE RAVENS: MANTI TE'O, ILB, NOTRE DAME

 

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Scouting Report

 

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From top to bottom the Ravens have one of the leagues most stacked rosters, but even they aren’t without needs. With Ray Lewis nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career and neither Jameel McClain nor Dannell Ellerbe having established themselves as long-term starting material, it might be time to bring in a top inside linebacker. Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o was a highly-regarded recruit out of Punahou High School in Hawaii, which also happens to be the alma mater of President Barack Obama. A big, tough, aggressive ‘backer with superb intangibles and experience in both an even and odd front, Te’o would be a perfect apprentice for and eventual successor to Lewis. Baltimore could also use some reinforcements along the offensive line, where both Bryant McKinnie and Matt Birk are past their primes. GM Ozzie Newsome is always ready to pounce when a highly regarded talent unexpectedly falls into the Ravens laps so that is something to watch out for as well.

 

 

 

I am not enamored with the guy.

 

 

http://walterfootball.com/draft2012_1.php

Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama

Ozzie Newsome indicated that he'll be looking for Ray Lewis' successor this upcoming April. Well, Dont'a Hightower makes sense for a number of reasons. He's having a great year and happens to be the best player available. He can play next to Lewis right away. Oh, and the Ravens have had success drafting guys out of Alabama.

 

http://walterfootball.com/draft2012_2.php

 

Baltimore Ravens: Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB, West Virginia

As good as the Ravens' defense is, they only have one player who can consistently get to the quarterback. Bruce Irvin would be a nice insurance policy just in case Sergio Kindle can't get healthy.

 

http://walterfootball.com/draft2012_3.php

Baltimore Ravens: Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

The Ravens better hope Joe Flacco doesn't get injured anytime soon because the only other quarterback on the roster is the raw Tyrod Taylor. It might be worth it to grab Brandon Weeden as an insurance policy.

 

 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Peter-Schrager-Midseason-NFL-Mock-Draft-111411

24. Baltimore Ravens: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Fluker’s not as highly touted as some of the other left tackles in this year’s draft class, but the guy sure does road pave. At 6-6, 335, he’s shed a ton of weight over the past two years and has become a fleet-footed pass protector, too.

 

 

http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Mock-Draft

 

 

#31

Mike Adams

Ht/Wt: 6-8/320 lbs

Position: OT

School: Ohio State

Class: Senior

He was going against JJ Watt in this vid and looking solid.

[Dunno]

Given they way the D played when Ray was out, I just don't see ILB as a top need.

 

Sure, if a top pick at ILB drops to you (like Ray did way back) then by all means go for it, but otherwise, I would much rather go LT. Seems like a much more glaring long term need.

 

I also disagree with the assessment that only Suggs can get to the QB. Last year, yeah, he was the only one. But this year, both McPhee and Kruger have gotten to the QB often when you consider the amount of snaps they play. And particular in McPhee's case you have to think he will only get better next year assuming he stays healthy.

[RavenMad]

Te'o has stated that he is returning for his senior year.

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The way I would rank need is:

1)LT

2)ILB

3)OC-this can be done in the 3rd or 4th round and be in good shape.

4)FS

5)CB

[Dunno]

I don't see CB as a need at all, despite the show SD put on.

 

For that fifth spot I would take a TE who is more of a blocker than a receiver in the mold of Quinn Sypniewski.

 

RB is also a possibility depending on the status of Allen whom we haven't heard from since preseason.

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I was thinking a 4th-5th round CB. I agree a blocking TE is a need. That would be #4 for me now. That can be had in the 5th round or so.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1029767-2012-nfl-mock-draft-where-will-the-top-offensive-tackles-land

30. Baltimore Ravens—Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State

http://www.draftcountdown.com/sub/Mock-Draft-B.php

 

30 BALTIMORE RAVENS: VONTAZE BURFICT, ILB, ARIZONA ST.

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Scouting Report

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Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome is always ready to pounce when a highly regarded talent unexpectedly falls into the Ravens laps and this would be another classic example. Ray Lewis is nearing the end of his career and neither Jameel McClain nor Dannell Ellerbe have established themselves as long-term starting material, so Vontaze Burfict of Arizona St. would be an ideal apprentice and eventual successor. Burfict is a big, fast, athletic and violent ‘backer with a real nasty streak. Burfict plays out of control at times and must get a better handle on his emotions but you’d rather have to reign in a guys aggressiveness than vise versa. After all, Ndamukong Suh is among the dirtiest players in the league and who wouldn't want him on their team? It will be interesting to see how Burfict’s immaturity affects his draft stock but he is arguably more physically talented than Rolando McClain, who was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. Baltimore could also use some reinforcements along their offensive line, where both Bryant McKinnie and Matt Birk have seen better days, and a safety could be a possibility too.

http://www.drafttek.com/CMDRound1_17-32.asp

Vontaze Burfict

61 Baltimore

Zebrie Sanders

Florida State

LOT

Reach/Value: +8 Height:

6'5"

Weight:

307 Alternate Pick #1

Brandon Mosley

Alternate Pick #2

Bruce Irvin

After getting Burfict in the first round, Baltimore comes back and grabs an offensive lineman here. Joe Flacco was consistently getting pressured in the championship game and while a lot of it came up the middle, both Oher and McKinnie have struggled in pass protection all season, giving up seven sacks apiece this season as well as 24+ pressures. Oher struggles with speed off the edge and doesn't look like he'll develop into a left tackle so Baltimore grabs Zebrie Sanders here to develop into their left tackle of the future. Zebrie played on both sides of the line for Florida State. He played at a slim 307 in college but has the body type to put on a lot of weight and looks like he can be molded into a stud LT given a year or two to develop, something he'll have with McKinnie under contract for one year and Oher for two. - Eugene Stasak Gino's Draft Talk

 

92 Baltimore

Jonathan Massaquoi

Troy

OLB34

Reach/Value: +2 Height:

6'2"

Weight:

270 Alternate Pick #1

Brandon Lindsey

Alternate Pick #2

Trenton Robinson

 

http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/2012-nfl-mock-draft-1-25-12/

 

29. Baltimore, Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin Badgers

Bal team needs: OT, CB, SS, ILB

This isn’t the Ravens most pressing need, but imagine what Flacco could do pairing this rookie wideout with Anquan Boldin? There’d be a lot less Ray Rice screen patterns that’s for sure!

Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Badgers have emerged as an underrated hot-bed for NFL talent in the Midwest. The Badgers ability to develop professional talent peaked in 2011 when two of their alumni were drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, the Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt (11th overall) and the Chicago Bears OL Gabe Carimi (29th overall). Next in line for the Badgers in the NFL issenior wide-out Nick Toon. Just three games into the 2011 season, it appears imminent that Toon has the skills and big-play ability to become a main-stay on whateverNFL team calls his name in April of 2012.

 

http://www.sbnation.com/2012-nfl-draft/2012/1/17/2709580/2012-nfl-mock-draft-andrew-luck

 

30. Baltimore Ravens, Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Baltimore's line struggled against Houston's stout defensive front on Sunday. Matt Birk is getting older, and Ben Grubbs is set for free agency. Konz replenishes the interior line, making life easier for both Ray Rice and Joe Flacco.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock

29. BAL

Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2012/nflmockdraft.html

Baltimore - Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona St.

Burfict is a top ten talent based on his ability to impact a football game. He needs to mature, and there is no better place to do that, than a team with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on it.

http://www.thephinsider.com/2012/1/16/2709805/finheads-2012-nfl-mock-draft-version-2

*30) Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C: The Ravens need a center to take over for the aging Matt Birk. Konz, the best center in the class. If the Ravens can resign Ben Grubbs and draft Konz, they will have themselves one of the best interior lines in the NFL.

http://www.footballdraftnotebook.com/MockDraft2012-Part%202.html

http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Mock-Draft

Vontaze Burfict

http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-10/nfl-mock-draft/story/nfl-mock-draft-2012-andrew-luck-sweepstakes-could-involve-trade

29. Baltimore Ravens. Jerel Worthy*, DT, Michigan State

Ozzie Newsome isn't afraid to gamble on players with big upside. Worthy is a top-10 talent who but most play with more intensity.

 

 

 

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2011-10/nfl-mock-draft/story/nfl-mock-draft-2012-andrew-luck-sweepstakes-could-involve-trade#ixzz1kh274LjQ

[SpearSrai]

Assuming Burfict has the physical tools and is coachable, I'd say that's pretty much my dream scenario at #29. Replacing the intimidation of Ray Lewis with Vontaze Burfict is the defensive equivalent of the Colts replacing Peyton Manning with Andrew Luck.

 

Except we didn't have to go 2-14 to do it.

 

And our owner isn't trying to run Ray Lewis out of town to make room.

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You can have him and Ray in there at the same time.

[SpearSrai]

You can have him and Ray in there at the same time.

 

Yes, exactly - for a year or two. And then hopefully the MLB-in-training can lead the defense and carry on the intimidation legacy for another 10+ years.

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The way I see the needs on the Ravens I would draft them in the following order depending who is on the board at tthe time.

1 MLB alt pick OG or OT

2 Cent Alt pick MLB

3 FS Alt pick Cent

5 RB Alt pick OG

6 TE a blocker

7 OL

[Dunno]

The way I see the needs on the Ravens I would draft them in the following order depending who is on the board at tthe time.

1 MLB alt pick OG or OT

2 Cent Alt pick MLB

3 FS Alt pick Cent

5 RB Alt pick OG

6 TE a blocker

7 OL

 

Seems reasonable, but I just don't want another OG in the first round. For the amount of high draft picks invested in the O-line in recent years, the return seems mediocre at best. How many 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounders have the Patriots and Giants invested in their starting O-lines? Anyone know?

 

Depending on Kindle's status and JJ leaving, I could see OLB as well.

 

In the 7th, I would just take a chance on some speedster as a return guy or take a chance on a player who has suffered a severe injury. Either that or trade the pick for a 6th+ next year. 7th rounders generally speaking have not done well for the Ravens in recent years.

 

Also, compensatory draft pick projections have the Ravens gaining a 4th round pick.

[SpearSrai]

 

Seems reasonable, but I just don't want another OG in the first round. For the amount of high draft picks invested in the O-line in recent years, the return seems mediocre at best. How many 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounders have the Patriots and Giants invested in their starting O-lines? Anyone know?

 

Also, compensatory draft pick projections have the Ravens gaining a 4th round pick.

 

Who are we getting comp. picks for?

 

I know the Patriots have taken Nate Solder and Logan Mankins in the first in the past several years, and Matt Light was a 2nd rounder I think at one point. Without actually looking it up... the Pats do draft linemen.

[Dunno]

Who are we getting comp. picks for?

 

Dwan Landry

[SpearSrai]

 

Dwan Landry

 

Wow - that's the most we've got out of Dawan Landry in 5 years.

 

Sidenote... I hear we're looking at bringing in his brother to replace Ed Reed.

 

Thoughts?

 

(Yes I made this up. A guy can dream.)

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Yeah the Ravens signed way to many FA's to get comp picks.

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http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/2012nflmockdraftround2.html

Vontaze Burfict

#61) Baltimore Ravens- Harrison Smith (Safety Notre Dame) Ed Reed is very near the end, and aside him Bernard Pollard is also aging. Harrison Smith is the #2 Safety prospect in the draft, and while he wouldn't replace Reed as a ball-hawker, Smith would add a lot of stability to the secondary.

[Dunno]

Yeah the Ravens signed way to many FA's to get comp picks.

 

Baltimore -

• Lost: McClain (1 yr $1.5 million), Chester (4 yr $16 million), Wilson (3 yr $13.5 million), Landry (5 yr $27.5 million)
  
• Signed: Leach (3 yr $11 million), Williams (2 yr $2.6 million), Pollard (2 yr $2.75 million)
  

[RavenMad]

We signed a few guys that were cut so they don't count in the compensation calculation. Dunno's analysis is the correct one. Leach's contract is comparable to Chester's. Williams contract is comparable to McClain's. Pollard's is a lot less than Wilson so we might pick up a 7th for net loss their and then that leaves Landry's contract which people are predicting will equate to a 4th round pick.

 

I'm pretty sure Ozzie takes into consideration compensatory picks when he trades future picks for players. He lost the 4th rounder for Evans but picks up again in compensation picks. Nice work Ozzie.

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Baltimore -

• Lost: McClain (1 yr $1.5 million), Chester (4 yr $16 million), Wilson (3 yr $13.5 million), Landry (5 yr $27.5 million)
  
• Signed: Leach (3 yr $11 million), Williams (2 yr $2.6 million), Pollard (2 yr $2.75 million)
  

 

Add in Gerode and McKinney.

[Dunno]

Add in Gerode and McKinney.

 

Andre Gurode was cut by Dallas after he declined to rework his contract.

 

McKinnie was cut after showing up out of shape.

 

Neither will count when awarding compensatory draft picks.

[SpearSrai]

 

 

Add in Gerode and McKinney.

 

Don't count.

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OK.

[yagersports]

If the best center in the draft drops to the Ravens, I would take a center. Perhaps the 2nd best as well depending on what the dropoff in talent is. If no center is available, I would BPA either LB or S.

[SpearSrai]

If the best center in the draft drops to the Ravens, I would take a center. Perhaps the 2nd best as well depending on what the dropoff in talent is. If no center is available, I would BPA either LB or S.

 

You're talking about Mario Pouncey of Florida, the least-hyped of the Pouncey Tripletts. Guy needs to fire his publicist.