[News] Late For Work 10/22: Chances Of Ravens Getting No. 1 Overall Draft Pick?

[RavensInNC]

All of the games we lost we could have won if 1 or 2 calls by the refs went the other way. Week 1, call the PI in the end zone that ended with an interception. Week 2 don't call the PI and we get the interception to win the game. Browns game, don't call the Roughing the passer and we get the interception.

We haven't lost by much each game even though we are completely banged up on both sides of the ball. We have a chance to win the next 10 games but we need a little luck from the Football Gods.

[budman]

Nothing is unfathomable in the NFL. You may be on the top one day and rock bottom the next. The Ravens picking first? Why would that be unfathomable? Sure, the team has to suck first to get there - but there are no guarantees in the NFL. No team is ammune to having rough patches. The difference is how and how quickly teams get out of those. Some organizations like the Jags, the Browns or the Bucs seem to never be able to really get out of the funk, while other ones, like the Colts, the Falcons - and hopefully the Ravens... - use that rock bottom as a plaform to bounce back and leap even higher than before. Sure, you have to get a little lucky to suck when you can get the perfect solution as a compensation (like the Colts "sucked for Luck" - they had the best young QB of the decade to take right when they were about to lose the best QB of the previous decade...) - but a high draft position can never hurt - if yo got the right personnal to take advantage of it. And I believe we have.

Arrow up times 100. Truth!

[TheRavengers]

I hope you're not saying that with a straight face! I love my Ravens and will root for them this Sunday and the Sunday after that but when I look at the 2015 Ravens the last thing I see is talent. smh

I don't know, making people scream in frustration and hurl their remotes across the room while being on the West Coast would count as a talent to me.

[fusuymada]

I listened to former Ravens player personnel head Phil Savage on the radio talking about the Ravens draft and he said something that made me wonder. He pointed out that when he was here through coaches Marchibroda and Billick, the coaches had little or no input into personnel decisions regarding the draft. Ozzie and his player personnel and scouts assembled the team and then the coaches coached. Now he said, Harbaugh has a lot of input, wants to know how players will be on special teams if they are drafted and basically is heavily involved in the drafting and free agent processes now. Harbaugh came in 2008. His first draft that he had a lot of input into was 2009. You know what I am going to say next. The Ravens have had only one pro bowl draft pick from 2009 to present, the entire time Harbaugh has been here and that has been 7 years. Prior to Harbaugh, the Ravens averaged one pro bowl pick every two years and never went more than 3 years without one. We have now gone 8 with only one. I think it is time for Bisciotti to step in, like he said he would do if we continued to fail, and delineate responsibilities again and lets have our coaches concentrate on coaching especially when we have time management issues, time out issues, play issues, talent evaluation issues, etc... Lets get back to coaches coaching and personnel people making personnel decisions and see if it makes a difference. The Ravens are high on analytics and data and that data tells me it is time for Bisciotti to make a change and for Ozzie to take back control of ALL personnel decisions.

Edited October 22, 2015 by fusuymada

[Purple Hazard]

It doesn't really matter if we go 1st or let's say 7th overall. We need more playmakers and the next offseason will be crucial.

[The Greek]

#1 pick is jinxed. i will take 2-5. need to draft impact players likes ogden r.lewis reed j. lewis, suggs, ngata type guys and please play arthur brown so we can see what he can do. use juice on short yardage with gilmore as the lead blocker. get creative

Edited October 22, 2015 by The Greek

[thieverycorporation]

I'm starting to believe that Flacco may not be able to thread the needle going across the middle. Nice deep ball most of the time. But crossing patterns aren't installed for a reason. When his receiver finally gets open Flacco may scramble to hit him. Just not as a planned attack. Givens and Ross should offer those options going forth. I truly hope the organization gives us at least two picks via the draft. They should be high ones as well. They certainly will have the ammon with the comp picks. If the front office continues to turn a blind eye/deaf ear to this need they will lose games, money, time, players, fans base and just have hope and few of us left in the stands/tv.

[EmpireState_Blackbird42]

Hindsight? You didn't need to be a genious to see that Diggs was a steal pass the 3rd round. The sad part is realizing that the year before we missed out on Jarvis Landry also. The fans seem to see the talent, I dont know how our guys seem to miss out. I have no doubts about Perriman, he got injured it's part of the game. But front office dropped the ball with not backing him up with another playmaker knowing that SSR's time is running out.

[Arch Mage]

It is nice to list the players we have drafted, but how about listing the staff who drafted them....  Something has shifted in our selection process, and it has not been a change for the better.  I am glad the article pointed out something I have been "saying" here for a while, that the Ravens are getting most of their impact players as free agents.

Most of the people who talk on TV are so clueless, spouting off the Baltimore rep rather than reality.  They talk to other pundits rather than doing ANY research. (But news has become that everywhere.) "Ravens = defense and great drafting" is the story, now becoming a myth.

Obviously it can be turned around: teams do it all the time.  But the front office will not reveal is own introspection, and John Harbaugh's press conferences will become more and more annoying because we didn't care what he said while we were winning.  We are now a.500 team since the Super Bowl and since Ray, Ed, and Q left.

Edited October 22, 2015 by Arch Mage

[Corvus]

It's pretty simple talking heads, Pitta will be used as a slot receiver to create mismatches once he is back on the actual game field, I said this after we drafted Williams and Boyle. Both are already better blockers than Dennis ever will be amd with Crockett leading the group, we don't need another TE. But what we do need are reliable receivers and Pitta has always been just that when he is healthy.

[MYTH420]

Ozzie really needs to reconsider drafting from these small schools. Ever since he got lucky with Webb, he's gone back to the small school well again and again. I know it's not all on Ozzie, that we have a whole team of scouts, but Oz has to put his foot down. If we get a high draft pick, then be safe. Don't take chances, at least not until the latter rounds. Needs are: CB, OLB, WR, FS. For most of those positions, we need multiple picks. We might want to get a WR through FA, considering on draft history (we might need two depending on how Perriman turns out). But CB and OLB need multiple picks, and we need a playmaking FS with range. This will be one draft Ozzie can't afford to get wrong.

[ellicottraven]

I don't know what it is we do with a #1 draft pick. There is no Andrew Luck type prospects in 2016 and I highly doubt we'll ever get the top pick. At best we'll get a top 5 pick and more likely a top 10 pick when all is said and done. I expect the Ravens to either close out with a 5-11 at worst or 7-9 record at best. We will win at least 4 games out of the 10 that are left guaranteed. If we don't, then it is time for a serious overhaul of personnel and coaches.

[salamander]

Never thought I'd see an article where there was even a conversation regarding the Ravens being close to a #1 draft pick, much less a top 10 pick. Prior to the past month or so, I would have that it was inconceivable.

[The Mom Gene]

Ozzie really needs to reconsider drafting from these small schools. Ever since he got lucky with Webb, he's gone back to the small school well again and again. I know it's not all on Ozzie, that we have a whole team of scouts, but Oz has to put his foot down. If we get a high draft pick, then be safe. Don't take chances, at least not until the latter rounds. Needs are: CB, OLB, WR, FS. For most of those positions, we need multiple picks. We might want to get a WR through FA, considering on draft history (we might need two depending on how Perriman turns out). But CB and OLB need multiple picks, and we need a playmaking FS with range. This will be one draft Ozzie can't afford to get wrong.

Flacco and Boyle came from Delaware... and you can tell Boyle is going to be good too...  They're both from small a school... 

There's nothing wrong with small schools if the guys are performers.

 

If memory serves me correctly, he doesn't go by school....  Ozzie drafts Best on the board...  BPA 

[drillem]

The organization is broken. Stuff is happening that never happened before. The play looks sloppy. Decision making and time management look faulty. Every Raven needs to step up a notch. In short the team looks complacent. They seem to be taking things for granted. That stuff Harbaugh keeps saying about sure we're going to win again is what I'm talking about. Maybe the team shouldn't be so sure. Maybe they need to play like their lives depended upon it.

[Bohica5]

Chances are above par that we get the 1st draft pick......Looking at the schedule i don't see us winning another game this year...and Pitta should be given the chance to play for a contender just like SSS so we should explore that option for a future draft pick(joe should be shopped also) rather have him get banged up for a 1-15 team.....

[Bohica5]

Before Perriman got hurt, he dominated OTA's and mini camp, no one could cover him, i doubt there is anyone more frustrated than him....Once he gets on the field he will lite it up...JMO....

you are delusional sir.........i doubt he will ever make an impact with any nfl team......but handing out towels....He's got that down!!

[ellicottraven]

The thing about Ray Lewis interviews are that you are so engrossed in the facial expressions and the delivery of Ray's message, that you really cannot make sense of what he is really saying but after it is said, you feel like you must acknowledge it made total sense if you are around him!

[balfan23]

Cannot compare our situation with Indy and the "Suck for Luck" campaign. It was easy for them to tank, without real fear of lingering turmoil ... it was all about the loss of 1 player to injury (Peyton) and his abysmal replacement (Painter).

 

For us to suck that bad - with Flacco (whether you like it or not - our franchise QB) still taking snaps and with a number of young players who are supposed to be our future - that would have the potential of having long term damage.

 

Yes, having the #1 pick sounds enticing, but that is not what we want.

[Arch Mage]

To be fair, when we usually pick in the first round it's usually way down the draft chart, that's why Oz likes to trade out and double dip in the 2nd, as late first rounders are tweeners between first and 2nd round picks....Hard to hit home runs with late first round picks....But Oz usually kills it from the 3rd round down....JMO...

If it were just Oz, then maybe we would be better.

I suppose we can say the Patriots are all about their QB and coaching. but they usually draft after the Ravens, and we know how well they stay at the top.

[steelcityraven]

We have a solid core of guys : QB Flacco RB Forsett TE (3 good young prospects) OL: a very good OL with some depth DL BWilliams, Timmy and CDavis make a solid core group but need to add a dynamic DE.... OL... Suggs, Doom and Upshaw as solid but aging and we may lose Upshaw but ZSmth has shown some promise... Still need to add a solid pass rusher off of the edge. ILB is as good as any in the NFL with CJ and DSmith would love to see ABrown take over beside CJ for next season! CB... Jimmy is good / Webb and Arrington could add solid depth but we need another legit CB. S Will Hill is the real deal but Elam , Brooks and KLewis need to take the next step. The biggest position in question is WR... especially is SSS really does retire. We have talent in Perriman but a lot of unknown. We need to add another legit WR and I am saying two more! IDK what Waller can become but I don't think that Marlon or Kamar are much more then depth on a roster!

[ALSKAN RAVEN FAN]

I know if we want a receiving core next season Oz is going to have to use a draft pick to trade for a top guy. No one knows what Perriman can do or if he will be able to even make it threw a 16 game season. The rest of the WRs are not starting caliber. Then I think we need some new blood in the defensive backfield too.

[BmoreB]

All of the games we lost we could have won if 1 or 2 calls by the refs went the other way. Week 1, call the PI in the end zone that ended with an interception. Week 2 don't call the PI and we get the interception to win the game. Browns game, don't call the Roughing the passer and we get the interception. We haven't lost by much each game even though we are completely banged up on both sides of the ball. We have a chance to win the next 10 games but we need a little luck from the Football Gods.

I'm totally on board with this. The sky is not falling as most would suggest. We will win Monday night and then talk about the next game and not the freaking draft in freaking October. I will say though, it sure would help make our case if they bench Marlon Brown.

[Minionhunter]

Diggs would have been (or better) to Perriman like Jacoby Jones was to Torry. The problem was only one reciever with top end speed after letting two go.

[balfan23]

There is no doubt our drafts between 2010 and 2013 have been shaky. Certainly we hit on a few, but not nearly enough. I can only count 2 players in each of these years that are worthy of keeping on a roster (with the exception of 2011, where there were 3). In some cases, ones that were worth keeping are starter worthy, but by no means are stars in this league. The jury is still out on 2013-2014 .. but the preliminary results are mixed as well. 

 

That's not good enough to sustain success. 

 

There are places where we have aging vets and the guys we drafted to be their heir apparent aren't playable. That's an issue and it is coming home to roost.

 

This situation is going to make it hard to prevent the current downturn from being a 1-year bump in the road.

[BallsoHard622]

I could comment on this arrival all day long. I wanted sighs from Maryland because we didn't have any speed at wr other than perriman I thought that would've been a no brainer to draft him but nope we get a corner that won't be ready for three years. It looks like we we definitely be picking in the top ten regardless of who's getting healthy. Flacco definitely needs to stop turning the ball over because our defense isn't good enough to stop anyone. Pitta needs to play so we can see what's the deal with him, he's costing to much to be on the bench. Next year is our year with the cap money we will have an the high draft picks along with the players we already have.

[steelcityraven]

Everyone is all of a sudden down on Ozzies drafts? He has drafted Yanda (4x probowler), Suggs (former DPOY), BWilliams (probable probowler this year), CJ (probowler), Wagner, Tucker (actually found as an UDFA), Koch, Jimmy, Webb, Upshaw, FLacco (former Super Bowl MVP), Timmy and CDavis, KO (potential pro bowler) and Pitta Those are some of the starters on this team that he has drafted. But we also need to look around the league and take a look at many other players that he drafted who are playing with other teams (Haloti Ngata, McPhee, Tyrod Taylor, Ellerbee, BPierce, Torrey Smith, Benn Grubbs, Bobby Rainey, Ed Dickson, Paul Krueger,Art Jones, Chris Chester, Antwan Barnes, Josh Bynes, Jon Simon and more) many of these players are making their marks with other teams (some having more of an impact then others but that is a lot of talent in the NFL found and drafted by Ozzie and CO and that don't count RAY RICE.... who nobody is giving a chance (absurd) but we cannot really know Ozzie.... on his draft stuff... it just a matter of keeping the right people and being able to keep people. Ontop of having a good nose for talent... Ozzie has brought in some big time FA's over the years from MASE, to BOldin, to SSS, Will Hill, Doom, Canty, DSmith, Zuttah, Forsett, Cary Williams, etc. Not sure how we knock Ozzie... not every draft hits the jackpot and we cannot predict injuries (Kindle, Perriman, Elam, Brooks, Urban, KLM,Campanaro, Webb) but that stuff happens. It just sux when it all happens at once! Ozzie has the track record! He will right the ship... and we have the nucleus to do it!

[steelcityraven]

I am thinking that Marcus Peters looks like he would have been a very good 1st round pick for us! The kid looks great in KC right now! and we sure could use some good young talent in our DB.... Draft Do over 1st Round : Marcus Peters Round 2. Jalen Strong Round 3. Carl Davis Round 4. Stefon Diggs

[WNC-Raven]

Flacco and Boyle came from Delaware... and you can tell Boyle is going to be good too...  They're both from small a school... 

There's nothing wrong with small schools if the guys are performers.

 

If memory serves me correctly, he doesn't go by school....  Ozzie drafts Best on the board...  BPA 

While that is what we always hear about the Ravens draft strategy I am not so sure they have been holding to it the past few years. Was Perriman, Elam, Upshaw, Kindle, Oher the BPA? I cant remember if they all rated really high at the time but I know they have not preformed like top picks. Nobody is perfect and we cant expect every draft to work out but it feels like they could have chosen better. I think Ozzie does a better job picking in rounds 3,4,5 then anyone but those top 2 rounds seem to elude him sometimes.

[Purple&Black]

I hadn't realized we passed on diggs. Oh man! I would say it makes sense to pass on him because of all the injuries, but we took perriman in the first who also has an injury history