Baltimore Ravens: Building the Perfect 2012 NFL Mock Draft

The Ravens got closer to the Super Bowl than they have ever been in the Joe Flacco-era last year.

Rookie WR Torrey Smith was a big part of that, and the team will be looking to add an impact rookie that could finally get them back to the top of the heap in the AFC. How could the draft shake out ideally for them?

Round 1, No. 29

Plan A: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

A simple and perfect match of need and value as starting center.

Matt Birk is a free agent who is in the twliight of his career. Even if the team re-signs Birk, Konz would instantly provide valuable depth or even start at guard if Ben Grubbs leaves in free agency.

Plan B: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

Adams' play isn't ideal for left tackle, but his frame is, so the Ravens would have to count on being able to develop his game to keep him on the left side.

The pick would run the risk of giving them a third young offensive tackle who is probably best suited to playing on the right side of the line.

Round 2, No. 61

Plan A: Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

With Jarret Johnson likely gone in free agency, McClellin looks like the kind of player who is cut out for that role in the defense.

Paul Kruger might be the answer, but McClellin gives them insurance and depth.

Plan B: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

If another team beats the Ravens to the punch on McClellin, Lewis is a fine fall-back plan.

The depth at rush/strongside LB is good enough that the Ravens late-second-round pick represents another good intersection of need and value.

Round 3, No. 92

Plan A: Janzen Jackson, FS, McNeese State

Character issues aside, Jackson has the aggressive game and range to adequately play Ed Reed's center-field playmaker role in the future.

Plan B: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

Criner is a perfect possession WR, who is big and rugged enough to provide a reliable target on intermediate routes while Torrey Smith stretches the defense with his deep routes.

Round 5, No. 156

Plan A: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin

Tyrod Taylor may develop into a quality backup QB, but it's important to continue to cultivate competition and depth at the crucial position even though Flacco is very durable.

Plan B: Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

Datko has the movement skills and frame to be a left tackle, but he also has medical questions about his shoulder that could cause him to fall this far in the draft.

Round 6, No. 188

Plan A: Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee

Anthony Allen and Damien Berry are set to battle it out in camp to back up Ray Rice, but Poole and a few other backs that should be available in the sixth round might be better than either of them.

Plan B: Rishard Matthews, WR, Nevada

Matthews is a bit unpolished, but he could also be developed as the possession No. 2 wide receiver behind Boldin.

Round 7, No. 220

Plan A: Randy Bullock, PK, Texas A&M

The last we saw of Billy Cundiff, he shockingly ended the Ravens season with a missed chip-shot field goal. Competition is good for his and the team's confidence.

Plan B: Jamie Blatnick, DE/OLB, Oklahoma State

Blatnick has some versatility and a bit of nastiness to his game that would fit nicely in the Ravens' defense.