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2007 NFL
Draft Predictions2007
NFL Draft Predictions for Baltimore
Get ready for the season with our
2008 Baltimore Ravens NFL
Predictions!
Experts thought Baltimore would be the team to beat in the postseason last
year with its nasty defense, but Indianapolis was the nastier team in the
playoffs, holding the Ravens to just 6 points. They had Steve McNair at
quarterback, a position that needed improvement for many seasons now. He played
great during the regular season, leading the Ravens to numerous victories in the
clutch. He just couldn't get it done in the playoffs.
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General Manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach Brian Billick don't have to
panic. They have McNair, Ray Lewis, Chris McAlister and Ed Reed all returning.
Adalius Thomas decided to move on to the Patriots, so there is now a void at the
outside linebacker position that needs filled.
The Ravens have to address the running back position. Jamal Lewis is a far cry
from the 2003 season where he rushed for 2,066 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per
carry. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2006 and seems to dance around
defenders rather than run through them like he should be doing. Mike Anderson is
a proven veteran, but he is going to be 34 years old this season and nothing
more than a back-up. Musa Smith is another good back-up, but will never be a
starter in this league.
Baltimore is almost certain to miss out on Adrian Peterson
and Marshwan Lynch from California, but that doesn't mean the list of
potential running backs stops there. Louisville's Michael Bush, Penn State's
Tony Hunt and Auburn's Kenny Irons are three likely prospects. Hunt was
named MVP of the Senior Bowl. He lacks breakaway speed, but the 220-pounder
has great quickness and delivers a punishing hit at the end of his runs.
Bush is listed at 247 pounds, but is much faster than you could ever imagine
for his weight and finishes off his runs well. Irons is probably a bit too
small for the Ravens' system at 5-11 195 pounds.
Billick constantly addresses offensive needs and his offensive line needs
some work. Keydrick Vincent and Jason Brown are only average as starters at
the Guard positions. A Guard in the draft is a must for the Ravens and
possibly a Center to replace 33-year old Mike Flynn. Tony Hunt is their
likely first round pick, but if there is a linebacker out there to replace
Thomas, the Ravens just might give it the green light. Ray Lewis is aging
and sooner than later the Ravens won't be quite the defense they have been
in recent years. Running Backs, Offensive Line, and Linebackers will be the
Ravens' #1 priority for 2007.
Updated April 25th, 2007
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