Originally Posted by
LukeDaniel
I know I've mentioned Michael Brewster since my first day joining here a few months ago. He's the most polished, starter-ready C in the draft. However, Peter Konz out of Wisconsin might be the better prospect. Konz is massively strong for a C (6-4/315) and, although his technique isn't as polished as Brewster, he seems to be the type of player who is so physically advanced that he can still be dominant while his technique is developing.
Burfict is falling fairly steadily. He seemed a lock to be a top 8 pick entering the season, but a lot of mock drafts I'm seeing now have him in that 14-16. It's not crazy to think he could be around in the late first round. That having been said, I'm not sure I wouldn't rather have Teo or Hightower even up anyways. I think in terms of consistency, attitude, and showing to play every game, they might be the safer pick anyways. I've watched Burfict play twice this year and he seems to take plays off now and then. Someone said that Burfict is the best true LB prospect since Willis. I don't think he's nearly as good as Rolando McClain from the 2010 draft.
Don't sleep on Zach Brown (LB, North Carolina) either for our 1st round pick. He is rising fast and might be viewed as the superior LB prospect above Teo and Hightower.
As far as 2nd rounders go, I'd salivate at the thought of Mark Barron slipping to us. He is everything you want to see from a player who figures to be Reed's eventual replacement . He's physical, runs well, is a good leader, and very heady. If Barron isn't around, I wouldn't mind us looking S with the pick and select either Markelle Martin (Ok. St) or TJ McDonald (USC).
I can also see us double dipping on the D-line this draft, like we did at CB and WR last year. We only have 4 true D-linemen under contract for next year (Jones, Ngata, Cody, McPhee). I guess it's possible that one out of Redding/McKinney might be back, but that still gives us room for two draftees. If we use that 2nd round pick on a D-linemen, I'd love to see Jared Crick be there when we draft in the late 2nd round, however that might be a stretch. A more realistic target might be Josh Chapman (NT, Alabama---Cody's replacement) or Alameda Ta' Amu (Washington). I also have heard good things about Cam Johnson (DE, Virginia) Vinny Curry (DE/OLB, Marshall) or Brandon Lindsey (DE/OLB, Pitt). I think Johnson is truer D-lineman than the other two, so he would be my preference, especially since we have Kruger/Kindle as the rush LB type player now anyways.
As good as JJ is at setting the edge and making heady plays all over the field, I see less and less of a chance he returns with each passing week. He really deteriorated down the 2nd half of the year last year and his play seems to be heading the same direction this year.
If the Ravens don't go with Konz/Brewster in the first round, Ben Jones (C, Georgia) is likely to be available with their 2nd round pick. He isn't as big of a slam dunk type prospect as the other two, but should be a starter-caliber player from day one and does have a decent upside.