I caught the replay of Nestor’s appearance with Coach Brian Billick, and the Ravens’ Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta last-night at Padonia Station.
Some interesting information provided by all three, and certainly a glimpse into the thinking of the organization as they head towards the draft.
I was struck by a several comments by DeCosta, which seemed to indicate a slight deviation from strategy of past drafts.
First, DeCosta was asked by Billick on his thoughts on 3 Wide-outs… Heyward-Bey, Nicks, and Britt.
While his evaluation of each was interesting, it was what he said about all receivers which was more illuminating.
“We have looked back at the past 10 drafts, at teams selecting in our general range… graded the selections of all picks… and wideouts have the highest percentages of failures.”
Ok… so what does that mean? As a franchise, the Ravens have consistently taken who they have graded as the best available talent on their board.
Does that mean that if the Ravens hold on to their pick at 26th… and one of those receivers (also Percy Harvin) are available… that they will move away from their board, and look to positions that have higher-rates of success?
Secondly, DeCosta made the point that he believes you can obtain receivers at later points in the draft that can produce. Ok, fair enough point… certainly are numerous examples of that. I have not done the research on this, so I put this out there as a legitimate question… If wideouts selected in the mid 20’s overall in the 1st round have the highest degree of failure … would not receivers selected after those players have an even greater chance at ‘failure’?
I think the answer is obviously yes… the retort would be that the risk is lower, with lower picks…
Third, DeCosta made the point in agreement with Billick that wideouts can take time to develop…. ok, again a fair enough point. If that is the case, that should be even more incentive to take a WR in 2009… when you consider Mason’s existing age, and contract status.
Fourth, DeCosta said he used to be consumed with his draft-board… and that is no longer the case… that he wants ‘Raven’ players… I think the team has always targeted ‘Raven’ players… but the idea that they are working away from their board is interesting.
Lastly, it was clear that DeCosta believes Heyward-Bey will be a mid-1st round pick due to his athleticism… and that DeCosta questions his hands… it was clear that the team would love a chance to select Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew…. and that the team feels you have to address CB in the 1st round.
After listening to that interview, I think Nestor was clearly right with what he has heard from the organization. They feel they can never have enough CB’s… even with Foxworth, Washington, Rolle, Carr, and Walker… with that in-mind, I think the Ravens will probably take the size and speed combination of Vontae Davis if he is available.
If the Ravens have both Davis and Pettigrew available to them… it would be interesting to see who wins out.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.