Editorial Research..

[ravensgirlx88]

Okay, so. It was requested that I write an "Editorial" about the Ravens and this upcoming off-season.
I need to look ahead to the 2009 NFL draft, and speculate who Baltimore should target among this year's incoming rookie class. Following the team

[mjccia]

they need a #3 receiver. Crabtree is a monster the next Andre Johnson type 6' 3" 210, or Heyward-Bey fits the same type. We would have to do some serious trading up to get crabtree but Heyward-Bey is definitely attainable.

[Canes21]

well our biggest needs right now are WR and CB. both could have been helpful against the steelers since our passing game was terrible and our recievers couldnt get open. and on defense our depleted secondary let up alot of 3rd and longs.

in the free agency i think we should target CBs Phillip Buchanon or Dunta Robinson.

in the 1st round of the draft we need to target WR jeremy Maclin from missouri or darrious hayward-bey from maryland

or for CB Dj moore from vanderbilt or vontae davis from illinois

[theFRANCHISE]

In your case, rather than speculate on WHO, you should look moreso at WHAT this team needs. The draft is a tricky thing, and throwing names out there is a risky proposition because you never know who will pan out. Simply put, there is no such thing as a sure-fire draft prospect.

With that said, let's take this one thing at a time:

1) The Ravens' biggest needs (in no particular order; you can decide) are: Cornerback, Wide Receiver, Offensive Line, and possibly Linebacker if deals are unable to be reached with Suggs/Scott/Lewis.

2) The positional players that the Ravens could've used in the playoff loss to the Steelers were an impact WR, and a healthier defensive backfield. Arguably, the offensive line could also be thrown in there, but really, protection was serviceable at times against the Steelers, because there were plenty of dropbacks where Flacco had time but receivers just dropped balls that could've gone for big gains. And with the way Santonio Holmes and Heath Miller gashed the defensive secondary, a healthier defensive backfield would have spoken for itself.

3) The positions that would be easier to fill in the draft than free agency would be WR and LB. Simply put, there are better WRs in the draft than on the free agent market, though that entails a bigger risk/reward ratio. As for LBs, this is simply a deep LB class, and LBs have arguably the highest succcess ratio as rookie starters in the NFL. Offensive linemen would be better served drafted than signed as free agents, but the Ravens don't have glaring needs on the line and therefore can afford to sign veterans as stopgaps and backups to the strong core that is already in place in Baltimore. CB may be a need that is easier to fill in a trade, as there is a relatively thin CB draft class this season (though, I haven't paid as much attention to them, so I could be wrong). However, it is RECOMMENDED that Baltimore draft a CB as oppose to trade for one, as they would likely have more success grooming a player than taking a financial risk on a veteran that may not live up to the hype. Trades for defensive backs have not nearly been as successful as trades for players at offensive skill positions.

[RavenFan626]

just something quick. Here is a site that has list the seniors the Ravens have looked at so far that are playing the the Senior Bowl. I don't think it means much but it might help you to have at least some kind of source of reference to show.

[url="http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/SeniorBowl/reports/Observations/Tuesday.php"]http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Sen...ons/Tuesday.php[/url]

[the_PICKle]

Draft Needs...

1- A young physical corner. Number one need.
2- Another WR. Williams will be back and has shown alot of upside, if DHB is around when we draft, I say take him. He could have impact right away in the redzone, as well as it would be nice to have a hometown boy on the squad. Just think about how much Jermaine Lewis was loved. Otherwise take one in round 2.
3- DE/pass rusher. Price isn't getting any younger, and while he can still play at a pretty high level its time to groom the future.

[Sub-Zero]

Our biggest need is D-coord. Whether we promote on of our coaches, or snag him elsewhere, who knows. But if we decide to change philosophies on defense then it will change our approach on the draft at least on the defensive side of the ball.

As far as WR goes, we need one Flacco's size because apparently he thinks Mason and Clayton are 7 feet tall! Rameses Barden, im looking at you!

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='Sub-Zero' post='142813' date='Jan 20 2009, 11:16 PM'][i]Our biggest need is D-coord.[/i] Whether we promote on of our coaches, or snag him elsewhere, who knows. But if we decide to change philosophies on defense then it will change our approach on the draft at least on the defensive side of the ball.

As far as WR goes, we need one Flacco's size because apparently he thinks Mason and Clayton are 7 feet tall! Rameses Barden, im looking at you![/quote]

Good one, I was so wrapped up in the Players I forgot about our coaching staff!

[ravensgirlx88]

I really think we can only aquire a great WR through a trade. I have a strong feeling we'll pick up Boldin.

[Tighthead420]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='142959' date='Jan 21 2009, 09:39 AM']I really think we can only aquire a great WR through a trade. I have a strong feeling we'll pick up Boldin.[/quote]


Possible...I have heard this rumor many times as well. I agree...I think getting a WR through trade is the better option. Drafting WR's is always hit or miss. However the Raven's can get a quality corner in the first round without question. Many folks think the O-line needs to be addressed (I think they did fine...but could improve in some areas), but I think that will have to be put off until next season with the CB/WR issues. First thing is first though...get a new D coordinator. Will they continue with the 3-4?? That is a big if in the player equation.

[bce086]

Boldin is the only WR id like to see us pick up through FA... If we cant get him then I want Maclin or DHB. DHB would be more probably based on our pick and the fact he is a MD boy adds more appeal

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='Tighthead420' post='142974' date='Jan 21 2009, 10:52 AM']Possible...I have heard this rumor many times as well. I agree...I think getting a WR through trade is the better option. Drafting WR's is always hit or miss. However the Raven's can get a quality corner in the first round without question. Many folks think the O-line needs to be addressed (I think they did fine...but could improve in some areas), but I think that will have to be put off until next season with the CB/WR issues. First thing is first though...[b]get a new D coordinator.[/b] Will they continue with the 3-4?? That is a big if in the player equation.[/quote]

I agree, I have faith in Harbs to make a good decision with the DC, I don't think we have any problems o-line wise either, especially if we can let brown remain. Tj would be a good WR in FA but I'm not sure he's the "deep threat" the Ravens are looking for. As well as Clayton plays sometimes, he's NOT a guranteed WR. He's hands arent always the greatest. I think someone like Boldin would fit perfectly here.

[Mishel]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='142979' date='Jan 21 2009, 09:57 AM']I agree, I have faith in Harbs to make a good decision with the DC, I don't think we have any problems o-line wise either, especially if we can let brown remain. Tj would be a good WR in FA but I'm not sure he's the "deep threat" the Ravens are looking for. As well as Clayton plays sometimes, he's NOT a guranteed WR. He's hands arent always the greatest. I think someone like Boldin would fit perfectly here.[/quote]

We are also losing our Linebackers coach too, correct?

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='Mishel' post='142998' date='Jan 21 2009, 10:34 AM']We are also losing our Linebackers coach too, correct?[/quote]


I thought we were looking to him as possiably the next DC? I've also heard rumors that he could be going with Rex.. Ah!! So many stories! I have no idea...

[PuRock]

[quote name='bce086' post='142975' date='Jan 21 2009, 09:52 AM']Boldin is the only WR id like to see us pick up through FA... If we cant get him then I want Maclin or DHB. DHB would be more probably based on our pick and the fact he is a MD boy adds more appeal[/quote]

Not a free agent. They would need to trade him. The Cardinals already have made it clear that they will not be trading Boldin.

[Mishel]

[quote name='PuRock' post='143000' date='Jan 21 2009, 10:37 AM']Not a free agent. They would need to trade him. The Cardinals already have made it clear that they will not be trading Boldin.[/quote]

Wasn't he the one making a big huff about wanting out of AZ? Am I thinking of the right player?

[bce086]

yep that was him

[the_PICKle]

[quote name='Mishel' post='143015' date='Jan 21 2009, 11:05 AM']Wasn't he the one making a big huff about wanting out of AZ? Am I thinking of the right player?[/quote]


And blowing up on the sideline in the NFC Championship game when Fitzgerald was getting all the looks.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

1 cornerback
2 widereciever
3 tight end
4 defensive end
5 right tackle
6 linebacker

[LongLiveBillick]

Like everyone else has said, they need a cornerback and receiver. The only problem with drafting these positions is that it usually takes a little bit of time for these players to develop in the NFL.

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='LongLiveBillick' post='143072' date='Jan 21 2009, 12:19 PM']Like everyone else has said, they need a cornerback and receiver. The only problem with drafting these positions is that it usually takes a little bit of time for these players to develop in the NFL.[/quote]


And we need one NOW.

[3Zach21]

Can't we not actually start signing FA's until March 1? And when can we start trading??

[BmoreLAT52]

Cornerbacks yea, but good enough rookie recievers can make noise early

[WACKO4FLACC0]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='142732' date='Jan 20 2009, 10:09 PM']Okay, so. It was requested that I write an "Editorial" about the Ravens and this upcoming off-season.
I need to look ahead to the 2009 NFL draft, and speculate who Baltimore should target among this year's incoming rookie class. Following the team

[WACKO4FLACC0]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='143075' date='Jan 21 2009, 12:21 PM']And we need one NOW.[/quote]
We could try for Boldin who is unhappy at Cards. and is a great WR, contract is up this year.

[ravensfan160]

[quote name='WACKO4FLACC0' post='143761' date='Jan 22 2009, 04:00 PM']We could try for Boldin who is unhappy at Cards. and is a great WR, contract is up this year.[/quote]
No he's under contract. We would need to trade for him. I'm a little hesitant to do that too. He's not the young receiver that can grow along with Flacco that I would like and its out now that he isn't a team player. That wouldn't mesh with coach Harbaugh. So for those two reasons plus that fact that we'd have to pay a lot to get him I say we're better of getting a receiver throught the draft or just going with the guys we have. I honestly really like our receiving corp for next year assuming we resign D Williams (Mason, Clayton, Williams, Smith) I think with a more experienced Flacco we can make some noise with that group.

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='3Zach21' post='143077' date='Jan 21 2009, 01:22 PM']Can't we not actually start signing FA's until March 1? And when can we start trading??[/quote]

I thought FA started Feb. 27th?

[ravensgirlx88]

[quote name='ravensfan160' post='143764' date='Jan 22 2009, 05:04 PM']No he's under contract. We would need to trade for him. I'm a little hesitant to do that too. He's not the young receiver that can grow along with Flacco that I would like and its out now that he isn't a team player. That wouldn't mesh with coach Harbaugh. So for those two reasons plus that fact that we'd have to pay a lot to get him I say we're better of getting a receiver throught the draft or just going with the guys we have. I honestly really like our receiving corp for next year assuming we resign D Williams (Mason, Clayton, Williams, Smith) I think with a more experienced Flacco we can make some noise with that group.[/quote]


I heard Boldin is just unhappy in AZ because he's not making enough $$$. Im curious to know how much he's making now, if he want's too much he's not worth it.

[bce086]

[quote name='ravensgirlx88' post='143769' date='Jan 22 2009, 04:06 PM']I heard Boldin is just unhappy in AZ because he's not making enough $$$. Im curious to know how much he's making now, if he want's too much he's not worth it.[/quote]


He wants Fittzgerald money. Fittzgerald got $7 million this year

[url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/salaries/2008/all.html"]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...s/2008/all.html[/url]

[bce086]

And looks like Boldin's salary is $4.5 million.

I'd say thats about right...

[url="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/salaries/2008/all.html"]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/...s/2008/all.html[/url]