(Sports Network) - The Ravens head into the draft with less depth than last
season's squad that finished an eyelash of reaching the Super Bowl following
the free-agent defections of three valued starters -- left guard Ben Grubbs,
outside linebacker Jarret Johnson and end Cory Redding -- as well as a few key
reserves. While the team is confident that Paul Kruger and second-year find
Pernell McPhee can thrive in increased roles and offset the losses of Johnson
and Redding, there's little behind the regulars on the defensive line at the
moment. Grubbs' spot may be tougher to fill, as 2011 third-round pick Jah Reid
may be best suited to being a swing tackle than a starting guard, while
stalwart center Matt Birk has hinted he may retire after this season and there
isn't a viable successor currently in place. Georgia guard Cordy Glenn and
Wisconsin center Peter Konz are two names often linked to Baltimore's No. 29
overall pick, and either would make sense if they're still on the board. The
Ravens will also be on the lookout for a skilled young receiver than can man
the slot and further open up the passing game, as well as a running back that
can compete with raw sophomore Anthony Allen to fill the void left by Ricky
Williams' retirement.
2011 Record: 12-4
Top Needs: OL, WR, DL
First Three Picks: No. 29, No. 60, No. 91
Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2011 - Jimmy Smith (CB, Colorado); 2010 - none;
2009 - Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss); 2008 - Joe Flacco (QB, Delaware); 2007 -
Ben Grubbs (G, Auburn); 2006 - Haloti Ngata (DT, Oregon); 2005 - Mark Clayton
(WR, Oklahoma); 2004 - none; 2003 - Terrell Suggs (DE, Arizona State), Kyle
Boller (QB, California); 2002 - Ed Reed (S, Miami- Florida).
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