Here are some links to some of the early NFL Mock Drafts:
WalterFootball.com
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011_1.php
Ravens Selection: Titus Young, WR Boise State
Mocking The Draft (SB Nation)
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/1/19/1943500/2011-nfl-mock-draft-vol-2
Ravens Selection: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
NFL Draft Dog
http://www.nfldraftdog.com/Mock-Drafts/2011-nfl-mock-part-2.html
Ravens Selection: Jremy Beal, OLB/DE Oklahoma
Sports Illustrated:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/01/27/2011-nfl-mock-draft/index.html
Ravens Selection: Brandon Harris, CB Miami
Draft King:
http://www.draftking.com/nfl/2011/mockdraft.shtml
Ravens Selection: Aaron Williams, CB Texas
Draft Breakdown:
http://draftbreakdown.com/category/mock-drafts
Ravens Selections: Justin Houston, OLB Georgia & JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin
National Football Post:
http://www.nationalfootballpost.co/scouting_department.html
Ravens Selection:Torrey Smith, WR Maryland
CBS Sports:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock
Ravens Selections: Torrey Smith, WR Maryland & Mike Pouncey, OG Florida
Thoughts:
The names and rankings will change a lot between now and the draft, especially after the NFL Combine. Clearly these prognosticators as a group think the Ravens biggest needs are WR, CB, and DE.
I think you see Smith currently linked to Maryland because he is looked at as a late 1st round pick right now, and went to College Park. Smith is very good after the catch, and was excellent as a return man prior to the ankle issues he dealt with this past year. I would be somewhat surprised to see the Ravens draft him though.
After selecting Kruger and Kindle the last two years, I agree with the idea that the Ravens could yet again select another OLB/DE. It is imperative for Baltimore to establish a pass rush opposite of Suggs. I’ll be interested to read more about Houston, and Beal. My early thoughts have been that a pure DE would be my favorite. Prior to the Mock Drafts above, I had seen Cameron Heyward (Ohio State) around the Ravens selection and he has been who I have had my eye on. I’ll be looking to find out more about Watt.
I think Pouncey is an interesting name to follow. ESPN’s Mel Kiper believes he is not as talented as his brother, but that he is a 1st round talent. He also believes he is more of Guard than a Center. For the Ravens to take him; they are going to have to believe he can eventually replace Birk.
We will see what happens with the Secondary. If the Ravens go into the draft having retained Wilson, and have good reports on the return to health of Foxworth; will a CB still be a target? Wilson, Foxworth, and Webb (not to mention Carr, again if back) is a pretty solid group. The Ravens have previously stated they believe lock-down corners need to be selected in the 1st round, so if they feel either Harris, or Williams (or other) fits that bill; I’m sure they will be high on the Ravens board. I think it is worth noting that Williams has far better size than Harris.
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