2012 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens' Top Three Potential Selections

Most people in Baltimore still can't believe Lee Evans didn't catch that pass.

They still can't believe Billy Cundiff didn't make that kick.

The last thing many fans are thinking about is the draft.

But in less than three months the 2012 NFL Draft will commence.

There are so many variables that can and will affect where the Ravens select in a given round.

Will they trade up?

Will they trade down?

Will one of their top-rated players have a run-in with the law between now and the draft?

The Ravens are like the Patriots and Packers, in that they are extremely sound and prepared when it comes to the draft. They know who they want and they know the value of each player.

Furthermore, those teams are perennially in contention for the Super Bowl, giving them the luxury of not having to reach for a pick and being able to trade down to acquire more selections.

Right now, the Ravens have the #29 selection in the first round.

Who will they pick?

Here is my take.

Vontaze Burfict, MLB, Arizona State

From 1996 (first year of the Ravens' franchise) to 2010 (excluding this year's rookies), the Ravens have selected 13 players who would eventually be named to the NFL's All-Pro (first or second) team.

15 years. 13 All-Pros. Seven defensive players, six offensive players.

That is a good track record.

There are two clear needs for the Ravens: middle linebacker and center.

Ray Lewis and Matt Birk may both play next year, but the chances of them both playing in 2013 aren't good.

Indications are that Birk is closer to retiring than is Lewis, but the Ravens ought to insure the middle of their defense sooner rather than later.

Hybrid linebacker Courtney Upshaw is likely to be gone by this point, as is Luke Kuechly, this year's Bronko Nagurski award winner (nation's top defensive player).

That leaves Vontaze Burfict and Dont'a Hightower as the remaining top prospects at middle linebacker.

With the Eagles (#15) being the only team that really needs help at linebacker, and the fact that other teams will probably select from the depth of defensive backs and offensive lineman, the Ravens should have their shot at either one of these guys.

Although Hightower is probably the best all-around linebacker prospect (talent, experience, intellect, instinct, versatility) in the draft, he did miss most of 2009 with a torn ACL in his left knee.

The Ravens would be well served if they took either one of these players.

From all I've heard and read, Burfict is a better prospect than Hightower.

Burfict's aggression and relentless motor makes him a perfect fit for the rugged AFC North.

Losing Ray Lewis is one thing. Finding a player to match his production is almost impossible.

When you think of one word to describe both Lewis and Burfict, it would be: intensity.

I'd imagine that adding Burfict to the roster after Lewis has already declared he will be back for at least one more season is something Ozzie Newsome would be very happy about.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Center is more of a need than running back, but as a friend told me recently, Ozzie Newsome rarely makes draft decisions based on need. Newsome usually takes the best player available.

When the Ravens make their second round pick, LaMichael James could be the best player available.

If they don't select Peter Konz with their first pick, the Ravens will probably wait until the third round (or later) to select their center of the future.

James would be an interesting compliment to Ray Rice. Both are smaller, quick backs, with Rice being the stronger runner and James being the faster runner.

Both can also catch and run well.

Now that Joe Flacco has proven he can out-play any quarterback in the league and assuming Torrey Smith keeps improving, this pick would create even more nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators.

Another upside to Baltimore selecting James is him being able to return punts (one of the Ravens' few weaknesses).

Ben Jones, C, Georgia

Finally the Ravens select their center of the future in Ben Jones.

Jones (6'3", 318 lbs.) started in 48 of his career 52 games at Georgia.

In 2011, he won the Vince Dooley (team MVP) award and was the team captain.

Jones also won awards for strength and conditioning and leadership.

48 starts in the SEC, and those credentials, in the third round?

What more could you ask for?

Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens could also use help at (sigh) kicker, left tackle and safety.

Although they also finally have a strong group of young cornerbacks, they may target another one in this year's draft (maybe a cornerback who can also return kicks).

Whatever happens, it will be very interesting.

For a team that was seconds away from a Super Bowl, there's no telling how their roster will look come Week 1.