2008 Baltimore Ravens NFL Draft Needs

It's clear that the Baltimore Ravens would like to draft a franchise-caliber QB to build toward an offense which compliments a solid defense. Baltimore will likely try to trade up to grab Boston College's Matt Ryan to be their QB of the future. If they can't get a deal done, they will likely go with a top cornerback prospect or offensive lineman with their first round pick. Jimmy takes a more in depth look at this team as he examines the 2008 Baltimore Ravens Draft needs.

#1 Quarterback

The Ravens have three QBs on their roster, but none of those three guys are stars who can lead the Black Birds to the Super Bowl. GM Ozzie Newsome would like to hit a homerun at this spot in 2008 because all this position has been good for in the past in managing a game. Even if they can't get a deal done to allow them to trade for Matt Ryan, Tennessee's Erik Ainge or USC's John David Booty should still be available in the second round.

#2 Cornerback

After a marvelous 2006, age and injuries caught up with the Baltimore defense last season, especially at the cornerback spot. Baltimore must get a high quality prospect in the mix now – one that can cover man-to-man and one that can blitz in the Ravens' scheme. South Florida's Mike Jenkins and Troy's Leodis Mckelvin would both fit the description.

#3 Offensive Tackle

The Ravens already have some young prospects in house in Jared Gaither and Adam Terry, but both players are still considered "not ready". With Jonathan Ogden's retirement inevitable in the near future, the Ravens are going to deep a player which can step right into the left tackle slot and fill his big shoes. If the Ravens decide to address this need with their first pick, they'll hope Michigan's Jake Long is still on the board. If they choose to wait, they will look toward Vandy's Chris Williams and USC's Sam Baker.

#4 Inside Linebacker

The linebacker spot has been Baltimore's strength, but now its age is starting to show. Vets Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are both in the last years of contracts, meaning the team will likely start grooming replacements rather than resign old legs. The Ravens has a couple young prospects in house in Prescott Burgess and Edgar Jones, but another one won't hurt. They'll wait to take a linebacker and see who's still around.

#5 Defensive End

This is another spot where Baltimore would like to add some depth and begin to groom new talent. Because Baltimore does so much shifting up front, making ends and tackles interchangeable, they will need more power than speed if they can't get both. Trevor Pryce's injury problems last year and the slow progress of backup Dwan Edwards will likely have the Ravens looking at defensive ends in later rounds.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

March 25th, 2008