Draft Prospects

**Iscull** · 11-17-2011, 08:46 AM

It's never too early to start talking about some of the prospects coming up in this year's draft. Who are some guys you are looking at and want to be in a Ravens Uni (Realistically).

For me I love Michael Brewster, C out of Ohio State. He can run block and pass block very well. Can get into the 2nd level very quickly and has been a 4 year starter at OSU. Late 1st, Early 2nd Round grade due to the center position lacking real value in the draft.

Also, besides when we traded up for Oher, Ozzie hasn't really had to move up for anyone special IIRC. If Vontaze Burfict falls past 15, I have a feeling we would need to move up. Probably one of the best LB prospects to come out of college since Willis.

Thoughts?

**Iscull** · 11-17-2011, 08:50 AM

Dwight Jones is another guy I'm keeping my eye on. Having a 1-2 punch of Torrey Smith and Dwight Jones with Boldin in the slot would be dangerous.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Iscull

It's never too early to start talking about some of the prospects coming up in this year's draft. Who are some guys you are looking at and want to be in a Ravens Uni (Realistically).

For me I love Michael Brewster, C out of Ohio State. He can run block and pass block very well. Can get into the 2nd level very quickly and has been a 4 year starter at OSU. Late 1st, Early 2nd Round grade due to the center position lacking real value in the draft.

Also, besides when we traded up for Oher, Ozzie hasn't really had to move up for anyone special IIRC. If Vontaze Burfict falls past 15, I have a feeling we would need to move up. Probably one of the best LB prospects to come out of college since Willis.

Thoughts?

With the way the draft system is now and 1st round picks not costing nearly as much as they used to, I think you'll start seeing a lot less trades in round 1.

Plus, I can't see any way that Vontaze Burfict falls out of the top 12 picks.

If the Ravens want to use a rd 1 pick on an ILB they're going to be looking at guys like Manti T'eo and Dont'a Hightower because that is who will be around when the Ravens pick towards the bottom of round 1. There is a slight chance that Luke Kuechly could fall...I doubt it though. He and Burfict are top notch prospects.

**JAB1985** · 11-17-2011, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

With the way the draft system is now and 1st round picks not costing nearly as much as they used to, I think you'll start seeing a lot less trades in round 1.

Id have to disagree. I think youll see more trades in the top 10 with the picks not being so risky. Bad teams will still trade down for more picksand good teams will still trade up for that one player they think theyre missing. You probably wont see much of a change in quantity of trades overall but I bet people move around in the Top 10 a lot more than in years past.

Do we go OL or ILB seems to be the question. I can see getting one more year out of McKinnie and Oher, but if Grubbs goes i have to think 1st or 2nd will address that. I dont follow college at all but Im hearing theres a decent class of ILB as opposed to last year which had none. I think Ray might be retiring after this year, win or lose, so if that happens I can easily see an ILB with the first and OL with the second and maybe another WR with the 3rd if Evans is let go. I know that seems like drafting for needs which Oz doesnt do, but im just trying to value our needs. Im sure Oz will draft wherever he gets the best value/BPA.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Id have to disagree. I think youll see more trades in the top 10 with the picks not being so risky. Bad teams will still trade down for more picksand good teams will still trade up for that one player they think theyre missing. You probably wont see much of a change in quantity of trades overall but I bet people move around in the Top 10 a lot more than in years past.

I can certainly see your point on this. I just think that now because the top 10 picks are not as much of a financial and contractual burden you won't see so many teams trying to trade out of the top 10. 3 years ago whoever had the #1 pick had a hell of a time trying to determine if the guy they wanted as their top pick was worth THAT kind of money. Now, it's a lot more reasonable to deal with.

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Do we go OL or ILB seems to be the question. I can see getting one more year out of McKinnie and Oher, but if Grubbs goes i have to think 1st or 2nd will address that. I dont follow college at all but Im hearing theres a decent class of ILB as opposed to last year which had none. I think Ray might be retiring after this year, win or lose, so if that happens I can easily see an ILB with the first and OL with the second and maybe another WR with the 3rd if Evans is let go. I know that seems like drafting for needs which Oz doesnt do, but im just trying to value our needs. Im sure Oz will draft wherever he gets the best value/BPA.

Well, I think that Ozzie has gotten a close up look at what this OL is like with Grubbs out of the picture and it isn't pretty at all. Grubbs is a must stay. McKinnie can stick around for that option year on his current deal with the Ravens and relatively speaking, he's pretty inexpensive and he's done a decent job this year. Not great, but decent. Better than Oher on the left side. The only other option - to me - that makes sense here it so shuffle Oher to LG and start Jah Reid next year at RT. That's a worst-case-scenario in that they can't re-sign Grubbs.

I really think that the Ravens are going to be looking at LT prospects, C prospects, and pass rushers in next year's draft. At least early on in the draft.

Courtney Upshaw is a good pick prediction. He's comfortable in a 3-4 scheme as an OLB, has a great size/speed combo (6'2" 260lbs), and has a lot of pass rushing "moves". With the number of teams running a 3-4 right now and looking for that hybrid DE/OLB type of player, Upshaw is going to be a popular choice and highly sought after.

However, with the way Kruger has been playing and the fact that they kept McAdoo and still have Kindle on the books, I think they'll hold off on a pass rusher right away.

I really feel like the Ravens are going to be looking for that LT in this draft.

Keep your eyes on Barrett Jones from Alabama (6'5" 315lbs) and Mike Adams from Ohio State (6'8" 320lbs).

**JimZipCode** · 11-17-2011, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

I really think that the Ravens are going to be looking at LT prospects, C prospects, and pass rushers in next year's draft. ...
However, with the way Kruger has been playing and the fact that they kept McAdoo and still have Kindle on the books, I think they'll hold off on a pass rusher right away. ...
Keep your eyes on Barrett Jones from Alabama (6'5" 315lbs) and Mike Adams from Ohio State (6'8" 320lbs).

I forgot about McAdoo, good call.

Would love to see the Ravens grab a LT early, and/or a Center. You know Ozzie is well aware of all the Alabama guys.

**BcRaven** · 11-17-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by JimZipCode

Would love to see the Ravens grab a LT early, and/or a Center. You know Ozzie is well aware of all the Alabama guys.

You guys know more about the 2012 draft than I do, but my feeling is that if it's between LT and C, I'd surely go LT (all things being equal). Don't know if a solid LT will drop as far as where the Ravens will pick, but I think Gurode may be our starting Center in 2012/13. After McKinnie there doesn't seem to be any real depth (I am discounting Oher at this point). Otherwise, Brewster wouldn't be a bad choice... Bc

**JAB1985** · 11-17-2011, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Well, I think that Ozzie has gotten a close up look at what this OL is like with Grubbs out of the picture and it isn't pretty at all. Grubbs is a must stay. McKinnie can stick around for that option year on his current deal with the Ravens and relatively speaking, he's pretty inexpensive and he's done a decent job this year. Not great, but decent. Better than Oher on the left side. The only other option - to me - that makes sense here it so shuffle Oher to LG and start Jah Reid next year at RT. That's a worst-case-scenario in that they can't re-sign Grubbs.

I really think that the Ravens are going to be looking at LT prospects, C prospects, and pass rushers in next year's draft. At least early on in the draft.

Courtney Upshaw is a good pick prediction. He's comfortable in a 3-4 scheme as an OLB, has a great size/speed combo (6'2" 260lbs), and has a lot of pass rushing "moves". With the number of teams running a 3-4 right now and looking for that hybrid DE/OLB type of player, Upshaw is going to be a popular choice and highly sought after.

However, with the way Kruger has been playing and the fact that they kept McAdoo and still have Kindle on the books, I think they'll hold off on a pass rusher right away.

I really feel like the Ravens are going to be looking for that LT in this draft.

Keep your eyes on Barrett Jones from Alabama (6'5" 315lbs) and Mike Adams from Ohio State (6'8" 320lbs).

I agree, perfect world Grubbs is back here. I think Center although a very tough position is rarely worthy of an early pick, but could be warranted here. most of the best centers are late and undrafted guys currently. seems to be a lot of value later in the draft for those guys, but i agree well need one if we dont resign gurode to take over for birk.

as far as pass rushers, you can never have enough i guess but with McAdoo and Kindle already here, JJ i have to assume gets re-signed (i believe hes up) because he is one of our better LBs and our ability to lure UDFAs I just dont see a real "need" there more than any other year. ILB on the other hand is a glowing need even more so if Ray does retire and if the draft is exceptionally strong there, that means we can get great value (like WR last year or TE the year before where we double dipped each). I like Ellerbe over McClain personally but neither are really exceptional.

we like our large OL. so i think its possible we go LT, as its obviously a future need and were pretty strong depth wise across the board otherwise. really depends on money available i think if we plan on re-signing some guys or making it a point to address that during the draft. I trust Ozzie and company regardless to make the right choice. I wouldnt be surprised if we take a big time WR if one falls either. I think we would have taken Dez if he didnt have character issues but they dont fall to far to often.

**Gabe** · 11-17-2011, 02:59 PM

To Wicked Solo: You have great faith my friend. To have the ravens pick 31st means they lost the super bowl and after watching their 3 clunkers I am not sure that is now possible. Cinncy and SF look very formidable at this point. I hope you are right. By the way, I always enjoy your posts as they are always informative.

**]<ing** · 11-17-2011, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Id have to disagree. I think youll see more trades in the top 10 with the picks not being so risky. Bad teams will still trade down for more picksand good teams will still trade up for that one player they think theyre missing. You probably wont see much of a change in quantity of trades overall but I bet people move around in the Top 10 a lot more than in years past.

Do we go OL or ILB seems to be the question. I can see getting one more year out of McKinnie and Oher, but if Grubbs goes i have to think 1st or 2nd will address that. I dont follow college at all but Im hearing theres a decent class of ILB as opposed to last year which had none. I think Ray might be retiring after this year, win or lose, so if that happens I can easily see an ILB with the first and OL with the second and maybe another WR with the 3rd if Evans is let go. I know that seems like drafting for needs which Oz doesnt do, but im just trying to value our needs. Im sure Oz will draft wherever he gets the best value/BPA.

Agreed.

High first-rounders are no longer a huge risk, which will allow for far more movement around the draft board.

**GreatWhiteNorthRaven** · 04-25-2012, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

With the way the draft system is now and 1st round picks not costing nearly as much as they used to, I think you'll start seeing a lot less trades in round 1.

Plus, I can't see any way that Vontaze Burfict falls out of the top 12 picks.

If the Ravens want to use a rd 1 pick on an ILB they're going to be looking at guys like Manti T'eo and Dont'a Hightower because that is who will be around when the Ravens pick towards the bottom of round 1. There is a slight chance that Luke Kuechly could fall...I doubt it though. He and Burfict are top notch prospects.

hahahahaha, sorry had to throw this out there. this is on the first page of this thread. It blowssss my mind how far Burcift dropped. Not to pick on ya Wicked, we all thought the same thing, just funny though hahaha

**JAB1985** · 04-25-2012, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by runrayrun27

hahahahaha, sorry had to throw this out there. this is on the first page of this thread. It blowssss my mind how far Burcift dropped. Not to pick on ya Wicked, we all thought the same thing, just funny though hahaha

Hahaha... Sorry wicked but thats funny. I never was high on burfict for the very reasons hes proven to be true. The highlight reel is awesome though.

I hope nobody starts pulling up my old posts, who knows what ive said.