Though the Baltimore Ravens finished 13-3 last season, the memories of most fans are fixated on the January 14th loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the playoffs. In that game, Steve McNair threw no touchdown passes. In that game, Jamal Lewis ran for 53 yards. In that game, Derrick Mason caught two passes for 16 yards. In that game, the team had six penalties and four turnovers—and no one in a purple jersey crossed the goal line.
Yes, Baltimore fans are worried about McNair's longevity, and know the team needs to replace Adalius Thomas and Ovie Mughelli. But more than anything, we want to get back to the playoffs—and to show Peyton Manning and those evil Colts that we've learned from our mistakes.
In that spirit, the Ravens faithful looked to the 2007 draft as a chance to address the problems that became apparent in the 2006 postseason. Given the team's track record of draft-day success, fans should be fairly pleased with the way things turned out.
Recognizing their needs on the offensive live, the Ravens selected guard Ben Grubbs with the 29th overall pick in the first round. Grubbs was an elite performer in college, and should be able to open holes for newly acquired running back Willis McGahee.
Next up was Yamon Figurs, a wide receiver and punt returner from Kansas State picked 74th overall. Though he's small and has unreliable hands, Figurs' speed makes him a strong candidate to take over for B.J. Sams as the Ravens' return man. Last season, Figurs returned 48 punts for 533 yards and two touchdowns for Kansas State.
The Ravens helped themselves again on the offensive line by selecting Marshall Yanda with the 86th overall pick. The best news about Yanda is that he has great potential, and could be the surprise of this year's Ravens draft class. He needs to get bigger and stronger to compete in the NFL—but that's true of just about every college player. More importantly, Yanda is known for playing with a mean streak, which could help the Baltimore offense keep pace with Ray Lewis' nasty defense.
The Ravens sought to lessen the sting of Adalius Thomas' departure by taking Antwan Barnes with the 134th pick. As an outside linebacker for Florida International, Barnes set a school record with 23 sacks—and is heralded for his strength in pursuit of the ball.
With the 137th pick, the Ravens chose LeRon McClain, a fullback from Alabama. McClain is an impressive blocker with particular skill in clearing the middle—a plus for the Ravens' running game. He proved his versatility with 405 receiving yards last year.
Prescott Burgess, a linebacker from Michigan, was the Ravens' final choice. At 6'3' and 240 pounds, Burgess needs to get a little bigger—but is considered to be a very athletic player with what scouts have called a "nonstop motor."
And oh by the way: Sandwiched between McClain and Burgess was the Ravens' fifth round choice. He's a 6'1' quarterback form Ohio State...and his name is Troy Smith.
Maybe you've heard of him?
The Heisman Trophy winner gives the Ravens their first shot at developing a franchise QB. After watching countless signal callers come and go over the years (including universal retread Vinny Testaverde), Ravens fans have got to be thrilled to see Smith on the roster.
Teams passed on Smith because he's not terribly big and doesn't have great field vision. Still, he'll be looking to stick it to his critics after falling to the fifth round, and is sure to benefit from the tutelage of Steve McNair.
The Ravens lost a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick when they traded for McNair (last season) and McGahee (this season), and still have holes to fill at safety and tight end. According to the Baltimore Sun, they'll be active in the free agent market...but in the meantime they've addressed their biggest concerns, and shown fans and experts alike that they're serious about contending for a championship in 2007.
Odds and ends: The average weight of the Ravens' choices is 248.14 pounds...The only player to have attended college on the East Coast is Antwan Barnes (Florida International)...The Ravens didn't get further west than Iowa in making their picks...5 out of 7 draftees attended schools in regions whose harsh winters are comparable to those in Baltimore...Except for Smith and Burgess, every Ravens pick was the highest drafted player from his respective college.
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about 1 year ago
You guys sure did get a steal with Troy Smith. He is going to be a Pro Bowl quarterback... the greatest in your franchise's short but excellent history. Not that it's hard to top Trent Dilfer, but still, Troy is going to be a stud.
about 1 year ago
Why didn't the Ravens trade up a few spots and draft Brady Quinn? This team has never been that committed to the QB position, and that would have been a huge statement.
Was Troy a steal? Yes, I think he was. But Brady at #20 or so would have been a huge move and would have cost them a 2nd rounder.
about 1 year ago
According to the NFL.com coverage, they were actually trying to trade up to get Quinn and even called him to reassure that they were working on it. Next pick: Cleveland nabs him.
about 1 year ago
Don't think you can go wrong drafting Ferentz's Hawkeyes. They continue to overachieve in on Sundays. Clark and Sanders have rings, Kampman and Kaeding pro bowlers. Chandler was a great get for SD. Hopefully Greenway can bounce back from that freak injury. I think there's a list of 30+ Hawks active in the league, and I would be willing to bet most are exceeding expectations.
about 1 year ago
Always sad to see when the Heisman Trophy winner is the SEVENTH player picked from his own school. This is a no-lose pick by the Ravens, but I just don't see this guy having much of a pro career.
I read the same thing about Brady almost going to the Ravens - boy, would that have really stuck it to Browns fans.
about 1 year ago
Although the Ravens have a history of drafting well, Troy Smith is an on-the-fence choice. A little too short, might not be athletic enough, but you never know.
More power to him.
about 1 year ago
Unreliable hands and punt returner in the same sentence tends to equal intense fan hatred. I'll keep my eye on that one.
I lost all interest in Smith as a prospect after watching him in the NC game. He threw every ball off his back foot in the face of pressure (kills his accuracy) and has average mobility - I feel it's a common misconception that Troy Smith is an excellent athlete.
about 1 year ago
After reading many reports and watching fil on both guys i would have to say i think smith wil eventually turn out to be a great back-up but might never start.
Figurs jad questionable hands last year but actually caught the ball well last year. And suposedly he almost NEVER fumbles.
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