Baltimore Ravens Draft Preview 2009

Ravens Draft Preview 2009

If you would ask any casual NFL fan to describe what the Baltimore Ravens' strengths are, they would most likely mention the defense and that they usually draft well.

In 2008, the Ravens struck gold once again with the addition of first round pick Joe Flacco and second round pick Ray Rice. Both were key cogs in getting the Ravens to a surprising spot in the AFC Championship game. Their success makes this year's draft key in filling holes left by free agency and hoping they select the player that will put them over the top against their black and gold rivals in Western PA.

Round One

Needs: CB, LB, WR

With the release of Chris McAlister, the Ravens should draft what they hope will be a shutdown cornerback. With Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State as the No. 1 CB on most draft boards, he will likely be gone by the Ravens' turn, so look for Baltimore to draft CB Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest as their first pick.

He seems like a good fit for Baltimore's defense, physical and a bit cocky. Smith's only drawback is lack of size; he's only 5'9" but has a great vertical leap.

Round Two

Needs: LB, WR

For most teams, the departure of a talent like Bart Scott would cause immediate concern. However, the Ravens are not like most teams. They have lost talent in the past (Ed Hartwell, Adalius Thomas) and have not skipped a beat.

The Ravens will draft LB Clint Sintim from Virginia in the second round. He's durable (started 37 straight games in college) and has good size (6'3", 256). He has some speed issues, but a move to ILB should help with that. Sintim also led all ACC linebackers in QB sacks last year.

Round Three

Needs: WR, OL, K

Derrick Mason had his typical under the radar efficient season for the Ravens, but he is getting long in the tooth. Flacco and Mark Clayton seemed to gel on the long ball last year, so the Ravens should invest in a possession WR in the third round.

Baltimore will draft WR Aaron Kelly from Clemson in the third round. He led the ACC in TDs for a WR and also showed versatility by returning kicks and punts. Kelly is 6'5", and the only knock on him is speed, but his size should be an inviting target for Flacco.

The Ravens and their fans have high expectations for 2009. With the offense no longer being an afterthought, they hope to have the right balance in place to once again be in the elite of the NFL.