Small Personnel Holes Create Draft-Day Flexibility for Baltimore Ravens

When it comes to the first round of the NFL Draft, there are few with a better track record than Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome.

After taking over the position in 2002, Newsome made University of Miami safety Ed Reed his first draft choice. He followed with the selections of Arizona State linebacker Terrell Suggs (2003), Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (2006), Auburn guard Ben Grubbs (2007), and Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco (2008).

As days pass and the draft grows closer, it appears the Ravens' most glaring need is at the wide receiver position. Derrick Mason is 35 years old, and Mark Clayton will need a tag-team partner once Mason hangs up his cleats.

Maryland wideout Darrius Heyward-Bey has been a popular name in Baltimore, and for good reason. Heyward-Bey possesses top-notch speed and the ability to stretch the field for Flacco. Heyward-Bey would be an ideal match for Clayton and could be ready to step in for Mason when he retires.

Florida's Percy Harvin isn't the type of player Baltimore should be going after. Though Harvin has top-tier speed and could potentially be a great kick returner, Harvin's style of play doesn't fit Baltimore's offense. Heyward-Bey, however, does. If it comes down to Harvin and Heyward-Bey, the local product is the clear choice.

There are also some dark-horse candidates for the 26th pick. With the departure of Bart Scott, there is a hole next to the aging Ray Lewis at middle linebacker. There may be no better man to fill the spot than Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, whose slip down the boards can be attributed to poor combine times and not lack of talent.

With Todd Heap's steep drop-off last season, Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew may also be a player to keep an eye on.

Though one of the three aforementioned players should be available, the Ravens may be in a bit of a bind should all three come off the board before their time on the clock begins.

Cornerback Samari Rolle returned to Baltimore after being cut earlier this offseason, but the position still couldn't be considered a strength. Players such as Connecticut's Darius Butler or Wake Forest's Alphonso Smith could get a look, if available.

Depth is an issue at some positions for the Ravens, a problem Newsome and company will likely address in the later rounds of the draft.

Aside from needs at wide receiver and cornerback, Baltimore must address the lack of depth at tight end, linebacker, defensive end, and offensive tackle. None of those positions are needs requiring immediate and swift attention, but without being addressed in the draft, that could change.