Re-signings:
Joe Flacco, Quarterback - I think this question has been answered. I will be the first to admit, I was a serious doubter at one point but he has shown me he is stepping up to elite status. The reports on Cam Cameron are true, that guy was terrible at calling plays.
Dannell Ellerbe, Inside Linebacker - He has stepped up and been the Ravens best inside linebacker this year. Jameel McClain is not in Ellerbe's ball park. Ellerbe is a must resign with Ray Lewis deciding to retire.
Bryant McKinnie, Left Tackle - Michael Oher has proved to be much better suited for RT and McKinnie has done nicely coming in and starting at LT. He honestly does not have much left in the tank, but he should be signed to a low paying contract that is incentive based and of course a 1 year deal.
Let me say this, I would LOVE to have Kruger back but I just don't see us giving him the money he wants when he has been a much better situational pass rusher. It's going to crush me to watch him leave, but it will more than likely happen.
Free Agency:
Rolando McClain ILB, Oakland - The Ravens (especially after resigning Flacco) will simply not have the cap to go make any sort of big splash free agent signing. One place that I do believe they will take a chance is with McClain after he is released. With ILB being such a big need, Ozzie can sign a guy like McClain to a low paying contract that has is based solely off his on AND OFF the field performance. McClain will not be in high demand due to his off the field issues and will be forced to take a low paying contract that is incentive based. If he performs and cleans his act up, great.. pay the man next year. If he doesn't, cut his tail and be done with it. Very low risk and should be decided before the end of training camp.
Draft:
***Trade 1st round pick for early 2nd round pick and get an extra 4th and 5th round picks.
2nd Round - Matt Elam FS, Florida - He is my top safety prospect. He is a big hitter who does everything well. I am predicting Ed Reed will retire after this season (especially if we win the SB).
2nd Round - Datone Jones DE, UCLA - He has really surprised me at the Senior Bowl. Will most certainly be valued at the end of the 2nd round. Ravens need an upgrade on the DL and it starts with Jones.
***Trade our 3rd and 5th round picks for a higher 3rd round pick.
3rd Round - Brandon Williams NT, Missouri State - This big guy has been my man crush of the draft (or, at least one of them). He is extremely under appreciated at this point and I do think he could come in and be an instant starter. He is the next piece of the puzzle in upgrading our defensive line.
4th Round - Terron Armstead OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff - I have loved watching this guy over the last few weeks. He has really come on and I believe he could be just the guy we need to develop into our left tackle of the future. He is a warrior and he battles every play. Ozzie finds another small school standout in the 4th.
4th Round - Tyranne Mathieu CB, LSU - With Cary Williams leaving via FA, the Ravens will need to go ahead and add a corner in the middle rounds this year. A lot of people have the Ravens taking Mathieu and I could very well see him being a good option so he could come in and develop behind our strong group of corners.
5th Round (high 5th due to 1st trade) - Ace Sanders WR, South Carolina - I, for one, was thrilled when this guy declared for the draft. He has excellent speed and agility and would compliment our receivers nicely. We have the big receivers, we need another speed guy with Torrey.
6th Round - Michael Mauti ILB, Penn State - Mauti was once considered a solid prospect who could've went as high as the 2nd round. He had an injury that has killed his draft stock, but I believe he will regain old form. Rolando McClain will be signed to start, but they need an insurance policy in case he continues to be a head case. If Ro McClain must be released and Mauti isn't ready this season, the team can just try to get by with Ellerbe and Jameel (which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world).
7th Round - Michael Williams TE, Alabama - Watching him at the Senior Bowl, he has been less than impressive and moves more stiff than some of the OL. He will fall because of this, but he will be the PERFECT blocking TE to compliment Pitta and could be used instead of bringing in an extra OL and Williams actually is a threat to run a route out of that formation. In the 7th, he would be the perfect pick.
Undrafted Free Agents:
Quinton Dial DE, Alabama - I think he will be one of those guys to get brought into camp and stick. He is a bit raw but has a ton of potential. Would be solid DL depth.
Tom Wort ILB, Oklahoma - Don't get me wrong, I realize I already have us taking two ILBs but McClain is a huge question mark and Mauti might need time. At least bring this guy in for a camp body.
Zach Line RB/FB, SMU - I see this guy as a practice squad stash away. Leach is a freaking stud but he won't last forever. Line doesn't have the blocking ability that Leach does but he could prove to be versatile and develop into a solid fullback in this league.
Quanterus Smith OLB, Western Kentucky - Was a solid pass rusher, but with his injury he could go undrafted. Could be added to see if he develops.
Now, one problem with my mock already is who is going to replace the production that Kruger is leaving behind? Well, I think Suggs will be back to regular form and dominating again and I believe Courtney Upshaw will be taking the next step as well. He has been an amazing edge setter thus far and I think he will continue to develop his pass rush skills. Also, I am very curious to see how Adrian Hamilton and Quanterus Smith come on and I hope they can add some to the pass rush.
Edited by ClintLB8, 23 January 2013 - 09:43 PM.
