AFC North | AFC South | AFC East | AFC West | NFC North | NFC South | NFC East | NFC West
Baltimore Ravens
TEAM NEEDS: Wide receiver, offensive tackle, defensive end, tight end, kicker.
WR -- The Ravens have an adequate group with Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. But all three are scheduled to become free agents after this season. This is the time when the Ravens need to restock their receiving corps and find a weapon that can grow with quarterback Joe Flacco. Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey and Rutgers' Kenny Britt would instantly improve the Ravens' size at receiver.
OT -- The Ravens looked at Orlando Pace and Marvel Smith in free agency, which shows that they are not comfortable with Willie Anderson at right tackle. This has been the weakest spot on the Ravens' offensive line for the past decade. Baltimore has tried stopgaps in the past with Anderson, Orlando Brown and Harry Swayne. The Ravens view this offensive tackle class as one of the deepest in the draft and could take one early.
DE -- It's important that the Ravens look for an heir apparent to Trevor Pryce, who might only have one season left in him. Pryce showed signs of decline last season, and the Ravens' pass rush suffered. The Ravens need to find a young offensive lineman who can complement nose tackle Haloti Ngata.
TE -- The Ravens' top two tight ends -- Todd Heap and L.J. Smith -- have a history of injuries. The Ravens have to add a young tight end that can be groomed for one season before becoming a starter the next. Even when healthy, Heap never clicked in Cam Cameron's scheme.
PK -- With Matt Stover not in the Ravens' immediate plans, they want to bring in competition for Steven Hauschka, last season's kickoff specialist. The Ravens could draft a kicker (they found punter Sam Koch in the sixth round) or add a journeyman like Nick Novak (University of Maryland), Billy Cundiff or Justin Medlock after the draft.
You must be a Huddle Member to continue reading this article or feature.
|
|