2011 Baltimore Ravens Draft Needs
Written by Steve Janus
The Baltimore Ravens were once again on the cusp of a Super Bowl run in 2010, but after an impressive win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs their season was ended at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baltimore finished tied with Pittsburgh at 12-4 in the AFC North, but were the No. 5 seed instead of the No. 2 seed due to the Steelers having a better division record. The difference in playing at home and on the road is likely what kept the Ravens from making a deep playoff run.
The Ravens 2010 draft class took a big hit with the injury to outside linebacker Sergio Kindle before training camp even started. Kindle is expected to be back on the field in 2011, which should be a big boost to a defense that managed just 27 sacks. Baltimore also expects to get more out of second round defensive tackle Terrence Cody and third round tight end Ed Dickson.
Baltimore doesn’t have a ton of holes heading into the 2011 season, but there are a few spots they need to fill and add some depth. Here is a look at the five positions I feel the Ravens should address in the draft. Find out who we have the Ravens taking in the first round in our 2011 NFL Mock draft.
Cornerback: As good as the Ravens defense was in 2010, they ranked just 21st against the pass. Domonique Foxworth will be back to hold down one of the starting spots, but Chris Carr and Josh Wilson are both free agents. Two options that figure to be on the board when the Ravens select in the first round are Miami’s Brandon Harris and Colorado’s Jimmy Smith.
Wide Receiver: I really liked the addition of Anquan Boldin last offseason, but he doesn’t pose much of a deep threat. It’s unclear whether veterans Derrick Mason or T.J. Houshmandzadeh will be back. Depth must be added here for the Ravens to contend. Look for the Ravens to take someone who can spread the defense with their speed. If Maryland’s Torrey Smith or Boise State’s Titus Young are still around in the second, I think Baltimore will jump on the opportunity.
Center: Matt Birk turns 35 in July, and it’s hard to expect a full season out of the veteran after having to have his knee drained at least once a week in 2010. Baltimore needs to have a suitable backup that is capable of stepping in getting the job done. If there isn’t a tackle or corner worth taking in the first round, Baltimore might be inclined to take Florida’s Mike Pouncey after watching his brother Maurkice turn in a Pro Bowl season as a rookie for the Steelers last year.
Offensive Line: Starting left tackle Jared Gaither missed all of last season forcing Michael Oher to move from his more natural right tackle position to the left side. Marshal Yanda and Chris Chester both spent time holding down the vacated right tackle spot, but Gaither, Yanda, and Chester are all free agents. If the Ravens don’t feel like they will be able to bring back Gaither, don’t be surprised to see them take a tackle with their first round pick. If Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi falls to them at No. 26, it will be hard for Baltimore to pass him up. Benjamin Ijalana out of Villanova is also an option in the second round.
Safety: Starting strong safety Dawan Landry is a free agent. Veteran free safety Ed Reed only has a couple years left and is a consistent threat to go down with a season-ending injury. With that the Ravens need to start thinking about the future and take a safety at some point in the draft. They could reach for UCLA’s Rahim Moore with their first round pick, but I think they are more likely to wait and take a shot on someone like Tyler Sash out of Iowa in the fourth.
Individual NFL Team Mock Drafts
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