So the Baltimore Ravens selected Joe Flacco, QB from the University of Delaware, and Ray Rice, RB from Rutgers University. Could this be the backfield of the future for the Ravens?
The Ravens definitely needed a QB in this draft considering Steve McNair's recent retirement, Kyle Boller's inconsistancy, and Troy Smith's lack of experience. There has also been talk of Jonathon Ogden retiring within the next year or two; that means there will be a pressing need at OT. The Ravens may have selected Jonathon Ogden's successor in Jared Gaither last year during the supplemental draft, so offensive tackle is not as glaring a need as some people think.
All of that considered, I believe the Ravens did a great job during the first day of this years draft. There was no need to stay at #8 since the greatest need was a QB and the #1 QB was off the board (Matt Ryan). The Ravens made the smart move by trading out of #8 to stockpile draft picks.
I think Joe Flacco will play the same role that Troy Smith did this past season. Of course the fans will want Flacco to play right away, but the smart thing to do would be to let him stay in a backup role and learn the new system under John Harbaugh. Flacco wil certainly see some time, but not much this season.
On the other hand, Ray Rice will see action every game this season. When you look at a lot of the playoff teams in the past few years, you notice that they have dual running back threats. For as long as the Ravens have been around, they have only had one feature back at a time (except Chester Taylor and Jamal Lewis). Dallas, Chicago in 2007, Minnesota, the Giants, and others, have all deployed the 2 back system. It is about time the Ravens follow suit. Ray Rice will spell Willis McGahee as a third down back and gain experience running the football in the NFL. Considering the career of and NFL running back is about 6 years, it will be nice to have an up-and-coming back in the Ravens system.
Hopefully Joe Flacco and Ray Rice will be franchise players for the Baltimore Ravens. They both have enough potential to be great NFL players, and may contribute right away.
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5 months ago
Could happen. I think if it is to happen, things have to go down like you said. Flacco can't be the starter next year and Rice needs to see playing time and get comfortable in the big leagues. Should Flacco be able to sit back and learn, he could become the answer to Baltimore's signal caller situation. Good take, i think you may be right. Great article.
5 months ago
Nice article, I agree that Rice will get to play pretty much right away, and will be a nice 3rd down/short yardage back in relief of Mcgahee. Not to menton Mcgahee has also been often injured missing some time here and there, so maybe Rice will get even more action. Flacco I just dont know about this kid, maybe he is the real deal, maybe not he just kinda reminds me of Ryan Leaf for some reason? but maybe im being to hard on him lol.Boller stinks Troy is not a every down starter so maybe by mid-season Flacco will be under center? only time will tell...
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