25 replies to this topic

[stm85]

Here is my monthly mock draft update. This one should be quite different from the last 2. This losing streak has really exposed our needs and this draft will focus on injecting youth into those need positions and getting great value while doing so. I am always open to constructive criticism and appreciate any feedback you may have. I have the Ravens slotted in the range of 21-25. I am guessing our compensatory picks will amount to a 4th, 2 5ths, and a 6th.

1st Round: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The offensive line is our biggest need and Matthews is a fantastic talent that is likely to fall. Joeckel and Lewan are the top 2 OTs on the board and often times the 3rd will fall, even in such a good draft for tackles. Matthews is the son of a hall of fame LT and despite playing RT in college he should have no problem shifting to the left side. He has good footwork and has a frame that looks like he could add 15 more pounds without sacrificing agility. This pick would also allow us to shift Oher to RT and Osemele to LG, a move that would solidify 3 spots with one pick. If he does not fall to us then we should add youth to the defense and take Aboushi in the 2nd.

2nd Round: Bennie Logan, DE/DT, LSU
We need to get a much better push from our defensive line. Arthur Jones has stepped his game up in recent weeks, but it looks like it might be time to move Ngata to NT while McPhee is best used as a situational pass rusher. Logan is a raw talent but has the athleticism and long arms to be a very, very good 5-tech. He is strong against the run and also provides a pass rush. Given that this is such a strong defensive line class, it is very likely that he will be there for us late in the 2nd round. He may decide to come back to school and in that case we could take Floyd from Florida instead.

3rd Round: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller has elite size, comes from an NFL DB factory, and possesses surprising speed and agility. In this day and age you can never have too many cover corners, especially with our injury issues. I don't expect Cary Williams to be back and this guy should make a solid trio of CBs with Webb and Smith.

4th Round: Andrew Jackson, ILB, Western Kentucky
This guy is a downhill player with a mean streak. He is very solid against the run and flat out plays like a Raven. McClain will likely not be back and Jackson will be more than adequate replacing him.

4th Round (comp): Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State
I've seen Thomas receive a lot of hype lately but I don't expect the combine to be kind to him. No problem; the kid has great instincts and is always around the ball. He has 8 ints on the year and has taken a couple back for 6. He looks like a perfect replacement for Ed Reed.

5th Round: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
Wilson is a headcase but his talent can't be denied. He is a complete steal in the 5th round and hopefully our veteran locker room will straighten him out.

5th Round (comp): Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
Freeman is a tough player who has the agility to excel in a zone blocking scheme. He and Gradkowski will compete for the starting spot at center.

5th Round (comp): Daniel McCullers, NT, Tennessee
Even with Ngata moving to NT we need more depth at the nose. McCullers is a complete monster and you can never have too many big bodies on the defensive line.

6th Round: Steve Greer, ILB, Virginia
Greer is a hard-nosed football player who will excel on special teams and could also help out on passing downs. I have watched him all year and he certainly plays like a Raven.

6th Round (comp): Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Williams is a great blocking TE and we all know Ozzie loves a 'Bama product. He will be the eventual replacement for Ed Dickson.

7th Round: Nathan Williams, OLB/DE, Ohio State
Williams is a high motor pass rusher who will add depth to a vital position in the likely event that we won't be able to afford to bring back Paul Kruger.

Edited by stm85, 17 December 2012 - 05:16 PM.

[bravensfan52]

I love it

[Bravens292]

i like this draft other than picks 2 and 3. i'm not very sold on Logan. i think S. Williams, Floyd, and J. Williams are all better than this guy. maybe in the 3rd but not worth a 2nd. also, i'm not as worried about corner as some people. hopefully, graham is in our long term plans and jimmy develops like he should (people forget he has started just 5 games). andrew jackson and philip thomas are 2 players that are REALLY good mid round options. love those picks except maybe thomas becomes a 3rd come draft time. we'll see.

[stm85]

i like this draft other than picks 2 and 3. i'm not very sold on Logan. i think S. Williams, Floyd, and J. Williams are all better than this guy. maybe in the 3rd but not worth a 2nd. also, i'm not as worried about corner as some people. hopefully, graham is in our long term plans and jimmy develops like he should (people forget he has started just 5 games). andrew jackson and philip thomas are 2 players that are REALLY good mid round options. love those picks except maybe thomas becomes a 3rd come draft time. we'll see.

I don't think Jesse Williams is a good enough pass rusher. He is a good fit at NT but I prefer Ngata there. Sylvester Williams is a good pass rushing option I am not sold on him as I think he lacks lower body strength. Floyd is great but Logan has higher upside and has lived up to his potential a bit more; however I wouldn't mind Floyd at all.

I agree corner isn't our biggest need, but Ozzie drafts BPA and Fuller is a talent. Plus with Williams gone we will need another 3rd CB. I like Graham but his upside is limited. Fuller is a rare player who is 6'+ and has the agility to play in the slot.

Edited by stm85, 17 December 2012 - 05:48 PM.

[Blackbird11]

I like this a lot, but I've never been sold on LSU DTs. Something about them...

[Miami Hurricane]

Here is my monthly mock draft update. This one should be quite different from the last 2. This losing streak has really exposed our needs and this draft will focus on injecting youth into those need positions and getting great value while doing so. I am always open to constructive criticism and appreciate any feedback you may have. I have the Ravens slotted in the range of 21-25. I am guessing our compensatory picks will amount to a 4th, 2 5ths, and a 6th.

1st Round: Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
The offensive line is our biggest need and Matthews is a fantastic talent that is likely to fall. Joeckel and Lewan are the top 2 OTs on the board and often times the 3rd will fall, even in such a good draft for tackles. Matthews is the son of a hall of fame LT and despite playing RT in college he should have no problem shifting to the left side. He has good footwork and has a frame that looks like he could add 15 more pounds without sacrificing agility. This pick would also allow us to shift Oher to RT and Osemele to LG, a move that would solidify 3 spots with one pick. If he does not fall to us then we should add youth to the defense and take Aboushi in the 2nd.

2nd Round: Bennie Logan, DE/DT, LSU
We need to get a much better push from our defensive line. Arthur Jones has stepped his game up in recent weeks, but it looks like it might be time to move Ngata to NT while McPhee is best used as a situational pass rusher. Logan is a raw talent but has the athleticism and long arms to be a very, very good 5-tech. He is strong against the run and also provides a pass rush. Given that this is such a strong defensive line class, it is very likely that he will be there for us late in the 2nd round. He may decide to come back to school and in that case we could take Floyd from Florida instead.

3rd Round: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Fuller has elite size, comes from an NFL DB factory, and possesses surprising speed and agility. In this day and age you can never have too many cover corners, especially with our injury issues. I don't expect Cary Williams to be back and this guy should make a solid trio of CBs with Webb and Smith.

4th Round: Andrew Jackson, ILB, Western Kentucky
This guy is a downhill player with a mean streak. He is very solid against the run and flat out plays like a Raven. McClain will likely not be back and Jackson will be more than adequate replacing him.

4th Round (comp): Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State
I've seen Thomas receive a lot of hype lately but I don't expect the combine to be kind to him. No problem; the kid has great instincts and is always around the ball. He has 8 ints on the year and has taken a couple back for 6. He looks like a perfect replacement for Ed Reed.

5th Round: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State
Wilson is a headcase but his talent can't be denied. He is a complete steal in the 5th round and hopefully our veteran locker room will straighten him out.

5th Round (comp): Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
Freeman is a tough player who has the agility to excel in a zone blocking scheme. He and Gradkowski will compete for the starting spot at center.

5th Round (comp): Daniel McCullers, NT, Tennessee
Even with Ngata moving to NT we need more depth at the nose. McCullers is a complete monster and you can never have too many big bodies on the defensive line.

6th Round: Steve Greer, ILB, Virginia
Greer is a hard-nosed football player who will excel on special teams and could also help out on passing downs. I have watched him all year and he certainly plays like a Raven.

6th Round (comp): Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Williams is a great blocking TE and we all know Ozzie loves a 'Bama product. He will be the eventual replacement for Ed Dickson.

7th Round: Nathan Williams, OLB/DE, Ohio State
Williams is a high motor pass rusher who will add depth to a vital position in the likely event that we won't be able to afford to bring back Paul Kruger.

If you had to go defense in the first who would you take? Also I assume you don't think Logan will be there in the mid third where you could possibly trade up and get him and take someone else in the second?

[ravefan52]

If Matthews fell to us in the first I might freak out.

[stm85]

If you had to go defense in the first who would you take? Also I assume you don't think Logan will be there in the mid third where you could possibly trade up and get him and take someone else in the second?

I'd go with Vaccaro or Sheldon Richardson. I do expect Logan to rise up draft boards as he should have an impressive combine but I would be open to trading up in the 3rd if that was possible. If we could go with Vaccaro, Aboushi, and then land Logan in the 3rd that would be ideal, I just don't see that happening.

[SecretAgentMan]

If Matthews fell to us in the first I might freak out.

I just crapped myself thinking about it.

[stm85]

If Matthews fell to us in the first I might freak out.

The way we are playing we are likely to be picking in the early 20s. Last year Riley Reiff was picked 23rd. He was considered the 2nd best OT prospect and was widely mocked in the top 10. It isn't a stretch that the 3rd rated OT will fall into the mid 20 range this year too, even given his talent level.

[redlobster]

I like this a lot, but I've never been sold on LSU DTs. Something about them...

Glenn Dorsey and tyson jackson come to mind (i believe both were DT's at LSU) and both have been tremendous busts. I'm with you as well, just not sold on almost any LSU players

[stm85]

Glenn Dorsey and tyson jackson come to mind (i believe both were DT's at LSU) and both have been tremendous busts. I'm with you as well, just not sold on almost any LSU players

Kyle Williams for the Bills is a DT out of LSU and he is a stud. Drake Nevis and Michael Brockers are both promising young players who were LSU DTs as well and Logan is a better college player than either of them. I wouldn't dismiss a player just because other guys were busts that preceded him. He has great tape and it would be a shame to ignore him just because Tyson Jackson and Glenn Dorsey couldn't cut it in Kansas City.

[kassaiscool]

Why would Matthews fall to us? hes projected top 10. We probably gonna pick from mid 23-32 I doubt he drops tho. Bennie Logan wouldn't fix anything. Hes 6'3 295, right now the ravens need someone who can plug the hole and do it effectively. Bennie is athletic for the position and has good upside, but as far as nose stuffer? in the nfl idk. If you think about the ravens will only have Terrence Cody and Haloti. We might have to re-draft that position because of mt cody. I like the blocking Tight end out of alabama. I have nfl game replay and re-watch a lot of ravens game, and all I can say about Cody is nothing good. He gets pushed out the way like no other by one player consistently, he tries to makes play in the back field and consistently fails. We need someone who can stuff the run.

Edited by kassaiscool, 17 December 2012 - 11:27 PM.

[stm85]

Why would Matthews fall to us? hes projected top 10. We probably gonna pick from mid 23-32 I doubt he drops tho. Bennie Logan wouldn't fix anything. Hes 6'3 295, right now the ravens need someone who can plug the hole and do it effectively. Bennie is athletic for the position and has good upside, but as far as nose stuffer? in the nfl idk. If you think about the ravens will only have Terrence Cody and Haloti. We might have to re-draft that position because of mt cody. I like the blocking Tight end out of alabama. I have nfl game replay and re-watch a lot of ravens game, and all I can say about Cody is nothing good. He gets pushed out the way like no other by one player consistently, he tries to makes play in the back field and consistently fails. We need someone who can stuff the run.

Read my previous posts explaining why I think Matthews will fall to us. I doubt seriously he is picked in the top 10, unless he jumps Joeckel or Lewan. A top tackle prospect falls almost every year. Oher was projected top 10 too, as was Reiff last year.

If we move Haloti to NT and start Jones at one DE spot then we have 2 good run stuffers in our 3-4 front. Those two, plus the 2 LBs I provided in the draft should vastly improve the run D. We really need someone who can rush the passer from the defensive line. McPhee is too small for the base defense, which is where Logan comes in. Cody would be a rotational player on run downs and would be pushed by McCullers even for that role.

[kassaiscool]

Read my previous posts explaining why I think Matthews will fall to us. I doubt seriously he is picked in the top 10, unless he jumps Joeckel or Lewan. A top tackle prospect falls almost every year. Oher was projected top 10 too, as was Reiff last year.

If we move Haloti to NT and start Jones at one DE spot then we have 2 good run stuffers in our 3-4 front. Those two, plus the 2 LBs I provided in the draft should vastly improve the run D. We really need someone who can rush the passer from the defensive line. McPhee is too small for the base defense, which is where Logan comes in. Cody would be a rotational player on run downs and would be pushed by McCullers even for that role.

Read my previous posts explaining why I think Matthews will fall to us. I doubt seriously he is picked in the top 10, unless he jumps Joeckel or Lewan. A top tackle prospect falls almost every year. Oher was projected top 10 too, as was Reiff last year.

If we move Haloti to NT and start Jones at one DE spot then we have 2 good run stuffers in our 3-4 front. Those two, plus the 2 LBs I provided in the draft should vastly improve the run D. We really need someone who can rush the passer from the defensive line. McPhee is too small for the base defense, which is where Logan comes in. Cody would be a rotational player on run downs and would be pushed by McCullers even for that role.

Lol I got Matthews confused with A&M's left tackle. I have to see if he would be there. I think we need to address something other than o-line man early. Defense is lacking on the the front line to stop the run and get after the passer consistently. I still don't think Logan would be that good of a fit. He has 2 sacks a JR, doesn't really show me anything that Art Jones can't do. We need a stout D-line man, because if a teams are able to run the ball at will without us stopping them play action becomes more dangerous. Peyton only 204 yards on 27 attempts last week. I would take mosley from Alabama in the first, then a DT in the second, and then, a pass rusher or safety in the third.

[T3hRaven]

We'd probably have to trade up for Matthews. I worry that he didn't play LT in college and is probably more of a mauler and run blocker than the technical pass blocker his compatriot is.

[Defence_Is_Salvation]

I like. But not sure on Matthews. I'd rather Wagner in the second.

[stm85]

We'd probably have to trade up for Matthews. I worry that he didn't play LT in college and is probably more of a mauler and run blocker than the technical pass blocker his compatriot is.

He would be the starting LT on any team other than A&M and Michigan. He is definitely more of a mauler than Joeckel but he is still great in pass protection. He certainly has both the physical talent and the bloodlines to play LT in the NFL.

[stm85]

Lol I got Matthews confused with A&M's left tackle. I have to see if he would be there. I think we need to address something other than o-line man early. Defense is lacking on the the front line to stop the run and get after the passer consistently. I still don't think Logan would be that good of a fit. He has 2 sacks a JR, doesn't really show me anything that Art Jones can't do. We need a stout D-line man, because if a teams are able to run the ball at will without us stopping them play action becomes more dangerous. Peyton only 204 yards on 27 attempts last week. I would take mosley from Alabama in the first, then a DT in the second, and then, a pass rusher or safety in the third.

How would you address our needs on the offensive line? I think it's our biggest need and it isn't even close. Flacco was hurried 15+ times against Denver last week and we couldn't run the ball. Our defense is banged up and while we need to fill some holes it still has a lot of talent. Our offensive line is seriously holding back our offense, which has a ton of talent at the skill positions but no time to get them the ball because our line is so bad.

[gabefergy]

Really really like it, but I doubt Matthews falls to us and I think Phillip Thomas will end up being a top 50 pick. I think Williams will go earlier too although I would still take him in the 5th.