Here are links to a couple of NFL Mock Drafts from National Football Post, and Pro Football Weekly.
National Football Post
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2010-NFL-mock-draft-Take-One.html
25. Baltimore Ravens: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
“LaFell is the type of playmaker who can help generate yards down the field in the pass game.”
Pro Football Weekly
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/01/30/mock-draft-defensive-tackles-dominate
25. Baltimore Ravens: WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
“The Ravens sorely need some offensive playmakers around Joe Flacco, and GM Ozzie Newsome will not be deterred by the declining production of an injured Benn in what was a struggling, stale Illinois offense.”
While I think WR’s like LaFell, Benn, Georgia Tech’s Demaryius Thomas, and Notre Dame’s Golden Tate are names to keep in-mind, I think it would be a mistake to think the Ravens will be locked into a WR.
If the Ravens do add a weapon for Flacco in the 1st-round, I think there is a good chance it is in the form of a TE. The two names you hear most often are Aaron Hernandez from Florida, and Jermaine Gresham from Oklahoma.
However, Ravens fans should remember there are other things to consider.
Jared Gaither is a Restricted Free Agent. If some team gives him an extremely high-tender, will the Ravens match the offer? I hope they do, and believe extending Gaither should be a priority. However, I think there is some reason to believe the Ravens would not. If that were to happen, and you lose Gaither; obviously Oher moves to LT full-time. That leaves a glaring weakness at RT – would Baltimore again look towards the draft to fill that hole?
What about CB? Fabian Washington is also a RFA, but his ACL injury will probably prevent others from making offers. While he should be able to return, there has to be some question in the Ravens minds about relying on him as a Nickleback, or even as a starter until Lardarius Webb returns. Webb suffered his ACL injury so late in the year, that his return for Training Camp is in-doubt. You can not go into a season, with questionable CB depth. Even if the Ravens do not address CB in the 1st round, it is a foregone conclusion in my-mind that they will take one in the first 3 rounds.
What about the DL? Does Trevor Pryce want to return? With a 2010 contract of $4.5M, I would assume he does. Do you want to pay him that much to be the backup?
Dwan Edwards only had 1 sack, but played well in-place of Pryce once installed as the starter. Will the Ravens attempt to resign the Unrestricted FA?
It seems likely that the Ravens will not be able to retain Justin Bannan. Between Kelly Gregg’s age, and the fact that Ngata has not been signed long-term, I would think the Ravens would have to consider adding a DT early.
To me, here are the leading Draft Needs for Baltimore:
1) A long-term pass-catching weapon WR or TE for Flacco.
2) If Gaither leaves, a starting RT. (Bruce Campbell, Maryland?)
3) DL help. I think you can make the case for either a DT, or a rusher off the edge.
4) CB depth. I think even if Reed decided to retire, the Ravens would be comfortable with their safeties. Obviously that changes if Nakamura is not healing on schedule, or if Dawan Landry were to leave as a RFA.
5) I am sure the Ravens will not lose both Yanda and Chester (both are RFA’s), but they figure to lose one. I expect that the Ravens will draft a player they can groom behind Birk at Center, and provide depth at RG.
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