Looking at the Players the Baltimore Ravens Lined Up for Pre-Draft Visits

Heading into this month's NFL draft, teams can meet with up to 30 players in order to interview them and determine whether they'd be a good fit. Some of these players are among those the team is sure to target, while others are on the bubble and a private meeting helps determine their positioning on their draft boards.

Here, I take a look at all the players who have visited or will be visiting the Baltimore Ravens, according to Pro Football Talk's well-curated list.

Ron Brooks, CB, LSU

Brooks wasn't a full-time starter at LSU, but the versatile and athletic player has been on the field as a starter in practically every defensive back position on the team. That means he can play cornerback including on nickel and dime packages, as well as safety. But the main reason the Ravens are likely interested in Brooks is his punt coverage skills.

He's the best gunner in this draft class and makes his tackles every time, beating everyone else down the field while he's at it. If the Ravens bring him on, he may do enough to get time on the field as a defender this year, but it's the boost he'd give to their special teams coverage that really has them interested.

Gino Gradkowski, OG/C, Delaware

The Ravens need a starting guard this year to replace Ben Grubbs and will ultimately need to groom a center to replace Matt Birk in a season or two. Gino Gradkowski (brother of quarterback Bruce) may not be the former, but he could be the latter. Meeting with him is the Ravens doing their due diligence to see if they can get a steal in the later rounds.

Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

It's not inconceivable that the Ravens target a wide receiver in the first round considering that quarterback Joe Flacco needs another weapon at his disposal this season.

Hill is big and fast and would be a great complementary receiver to Torrey Smith.

He may be off the board by the 29th pick, but if not, the Ravens might be compelled to grab him even if a bigger need can still be filled with another player.

Buddy Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh

Much like Brooks, Pittsburgh's Buddy Jackson would be brought on to boost the Ravens' special teams coverage unit. He's extremely fast—he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at his pro day—so you can see why they'd give him some pre-draft attention.

A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

The Ravens aren't too likely to get a receiver early on, considering their other draft needs, despite their clear interest in Hill. The team brought in Illinois' A.J. Jenkins for a visit as he's projected to be a mid-round pick, just the optimum spot for the Ravens to pick up someone at the position.

Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

Cam Johnson would be another potential middle-round pickup for the Ravens, and would serve primarily as depth at defensive end or linebacker, considering they've lost both Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding in free agency. He could become a starter eventually.

Peter Konz, OG/C, Wisconsin

Peter Konz is someone I believe the Ravens are seriously considering drafting in the first round. He could start immediately in the guard spot vacated by Ben Grubbs and move to center upon the retirement of Matt Birk.

Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati

The Ravens need to add a running back this year, considering the team doesn't have a clear-cut No. 2 for Ray Rice. Anthony Allen and Damien Berry could compete for that backup spot, but the Ravens haven't shown much confidence in the two and may bring on a third back in the draft to make sure they have their guy.

Pead might be a second-rounder, however, and I don't see the Ravens going running back with that pick.

Josh Robinson, CB, Central Florida

Cornerback Josh Robinson had the fastest 40 yard dash time at the Scouting Combine, which means this is likely another player they're looking at for punt and kick coverage duties. He's also versatile and could fit in a number of defensive back assignments.

Nelson Rosario, WR, UCLA

Nelson Rosario may ultimately end up a later-round pick or undrafted free agent acquisition for the Ravens. He's got questions surrounding his skill set, but he's big and averaged 18.1 yards per reception in 2011.

Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse

The Ravens lost two backup safeties to free agency this year—both of whom contributed on special teams—and there's not a lot of draft depth at the position. Expect Phillip Thomas to be one of a number of safeties the Ravens meet with prior to the draft; they're almost certain to pick one up this year.

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