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2009 NFL Draft Projections: Baltimore Ravens

Written March 25, 2009 by Black Widow

baltimore-draft-needs After a disastrous 2007, it looked like 2008 could be a rebuilding year for the Baltimore Ravens. But that proved to be far from the case, as this team reloaded and made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. The defense remains loaded, and the offense is on the right track thanks to QB Joe Flacco and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. The players really seem to fight for head coach Jim Harbaugh as well as he brought great motivation to his team in his first year on the job. Let’s take a look at the team needs for Baltimore and offer up some of our draft projections on who they might end up taking. Also, if you plan on betting the NFL this fall take a look at BetUS, where a $500 deposit will get you a $500 signup bonus!

1.) Inside Linebacker – With Bart Scott gone to the Jets, this leaves a void in the linebacking corps. Re-signing Ray Lewis was huge and they put the franchise tag on Terrell Suggs so he’ll be back as well. But Lewis will be 34 in May and the Ravens would love to groom some young reinforcements as they learn from Lewis this upcoming season. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: ILB Jasper Brinkley (South Carolina).

2.) Cornerback -This position could undergo and overhaul in Baltimore. Chris McAlister clashed with Harbaugh before suffering a season-ending knee injury last year and could be cut. Samari Rolle might retire, and even if he’s back he will be 33 in August. Ex-Raider Fabian Washington emerged as the team’s top cover corner, but he’s only signed through 2009. The Ravens have some big decisions to make with free-agent Corey Ivy and Frank Walker, who is only signed for one more season and was inconsistent in his first year in Baltimore. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: CB Sean Smith (Utah), CB Sherrod Martin (Troy).

3.) Outside Linebacker – The Ravens put the Franchise Tag on ROLB Terrell Suggs, but that only ensures he’ll be back for one season. He is one of the game’s top pass rushers, but still the Ravens feel they need to bolster the pressure it generates from this position. LOLB Jarret Johnson is a solid all-around player but is not a good pass rusher. Baltimore will have to decide if they have faith in young OLB’s Jameel McClain and Antwan Barnes. McClain showed potential last year, but Barnes’ progress was stagnant to say the least. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OLB Clint Sintim (Virginia), OLB Cody Brown (UConn).

4.) Defensive Linemen – The Ravens will likely be looking for a replacement for DT-DE Trevor Price in this year’s draft. Price, who turns 34 in August, could play in 2009 but it’s clear is career is winding down. Price won’t be easy to replace, but the Ravens could also use an eventual replacement for NT Kelly Gregg as well. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Fili Moala (USC).

5.) Wide Receiver – The Ravens have been in the market for receivers for quite some time. Now more than ever since Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, the team’s top two wideouts, will be free agents after the 2009 season. 35-year-old Mason is remarkably productive year after year, but he’s bound to lose a step and slow down at some point. The Ravens don’t have an ideal replacement for Mason on their roster, and Clayton is talented but way too inconsistent. Baltimore will have to decide if they want to sign Clayton to a second contract with the team, or to move on after getting mixed results to this point. This position has been a nemesis for Baltimore as they have had trouble drafting and developing receiver in the club’s history. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State), WR Brandon Gibson (Washington State). The Baltimore Beatdown is recommending a big, strong, fast guy and not someone like Percy Harvin.

If you get off to a bad start in trying to beat the NFL spreads this fall, check back to see who our handicappers are taking each week with their NFL expert picks. They have proven to be winners season after season with their football betting picks and can help you turn a profit as well.

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1 Comment

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One Response to “2009 NFL Draft Projections: Baltimore Ravens”

Harbaugh on March 27th, 2009 3:11 pm

That was a horrible “article” (I have no idea what to really call it). It seems like more of an ad for BetUS than analysis for the Ravens.

There is no way that they will take a linebacker, inside or outside, in this draft. Ravens are known for grooming young guys that they drafted or signed as UFAs and there are a few really impressive young guys on the team: Tavares Gooden, Jameel McClain, and Antwan Barnes.

Also, they just signed Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr, so cornerback will probably wait until the fourth or fifth round and that will just be a depth guy.

It’s almost become fact that they will go for a WR with their first rounder.

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