The old adage in football, is that you build teams through the lines.
If that is correct, than the selection of Michael Oher is not shocking.
I went into today, believing that the Ravens would select TE Brandon Pettigrew if available with the 26th pick, and CB Vontae Davis if he was not.
I had hoped that Heyward-Bey would be available, and once he was off the board – I had hoped the Ravens would select WR Kenny Britt.
I am surprised to see the Ravens trade up to the 23rd pick to take Oher, but not shocked.
In the AFC North, the Ravens are going to face Pittsburgh and their pass-rush twice a year, every year. You need to be able to protect the franchise – Joe Flacco.
With Gaither, Grubbs, Birk, Chester/Yanda, and Oher… Baltimore has a talented line, that can be together for a lot of years.
I would guess this means that Willie Anderson will not be back in 2009… but that bears watching…
With Terry, Chester/Yanda, Cousins, and Hale in reserve… this is a really deep unit.
Watching Michael Oher’s story this morning on ESPN, of dealing with being homeless as a teenager, and how he overcame that adversity was really inspiring.
Watching his interview after the selection, and seeing his hunger… it was clear to understand why he was identified as a ‘Raven’ type of player.
The Ravens can make this a really strong draft, if they are now willing to move their 2nd round pick for Boldin…
I am hoping for DE (Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St ?) help in the 2nd round, unless Chase Coffman TE Missouri is still available.
I am interested to see what the Ravens traded NE to move up.
Here are a couple of profiles on Oher:
http://nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=52538&PT=7&PR=2&type=scoutingreport&type=scouting#scouting
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Oher
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/michael-oher?id=71419
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.