ON THE CLOCK-BALTIMORE RAVENS

Dr. Donovan

With the 26th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select……………

The Ravens had a better than expected season last year. They plugged in a rookie QB with a makeshift wide receiving core and an aging defense and made it to the AFC Championship game. The Ravens made a ton of changes this off-season losing a few key members of their defense starting with the defensive coordinator and guru Rex Ryan. They also lost the mad-backer Bart Scott and veteran CB Chris McAllister who have both been a big part of their defensive success. The 2 biggest moves for the Ravens however came in the signings of their own players. They re-signed LB Ray Lewis, who looks to finish his career in purple and black, and they franchised LB Terrell Suggs to keep the core of the defense in tact.

The Ravens haven’t had a solid #1 receiver since they came into the league. The WR position is always an option especially now that QB Joe Flacco seems to be their guy for a number of years. Personally I don’t think this is a vital need for them in the 1st round especially how deep this year’s WR core is. I think the best option for the Ravens is a DE or a LB to fill Bart Scott's position. A young LB, to learn for a couple of years under one of the decade’s best linebackers and leaders, would be the best move for the team. Someone like James Laurinaitis or Aaron Maybin from Penn State would fit well with the Ravens game plan. If the Ravens decide to go with a defensive end, Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech is an athletic specimen and reminds me a lot of Jason Taylor. WR Percy Harvin from Florida is moving up the draft board after his pro day and the Ravens might not be able to resist if the Dolphins pass him by and he’s still there at pick 26.

With the 25th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select……………