2011 NFL Draft: Baltimore Ravens 2011 NFL Mock Draft (4 Rounds)

As the Baltimore Ravens enter another offseason following a disappointing Divisional Round loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Ravens' third straight trip to the postseason, the Ravens will turn their focus to the draft to continue to be one of the more consistent and model franchises of the NFL.

This is one of the more crucial drafts for the Ravens in recent memory as they attempt to inject younger talent into aging positions on the team and try to get over the hump to reach their ultimate goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of next season.

First Pick: Round 2, Pick 34 (Acquired from BUF)—Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois

Yes, the Ravens will follow suit with last year's plan of trading out of the first round to garner more picks for Ozzie Newsome. The Ravens trade their 26th overall selection to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for their 34th overall selection in the second round along with their 99th overall selection in the fourth round.

With the 34th overall selection the Baltimore Ravens select Martez Wilson (6'4", 250 lbs.) the highest rated inside linebacker in the draft after recently declaring.

Jameel McClain has been too inconsistent all year long, often playing too out of position, and Dannell Ellerbe hasn't seen much playing time because of his behavior and his poor coverage skills. In Martez Wilson the Ravens get a vocal leader, a talented overall linebacker who is good against the pass, the run and is an effective blitzer and one who has only scratched the surface of his talent.

Wilson will eventually be Ray Lewis' heir apparent.

Second Pick: Round 2, Pick 58—Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

5'10", 5'10", 5'11", and 5'9": Those are the heights of the cornerbacks that the Baltimore Ravens currently have on their roster.

At 6'2" and 205 lbs., Ras-I Dowling will provide the Baltimore Ravens with something they haven't had since Chris McAlister was in Baltimore: a big, physical cornerback.

Many pundits ponder whether he has the speed to be a cornerback; however, many are convinced that he can be. That said, the beauty of the Ravens drafting Dowling is that he is versatile enough to play safety to replace Dawan Landry, who has struggled immensely since he suffered a spinal cord injury that prematurely ended his season several years ago.

Dowling is a great value pick at this position of the draft. 

Third Pick: Round 3, Pick 90—Titus Young, WR, Boise State

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LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Titus Young #1 of the Boise State Broncos runs for yardage around Chad Manis #18 and Justin Taplin-Ross #33 of the Utah Utes during the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise St

It was evident in the Baltimore Ravens' 2010 Divisional Round playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that they lacked a downfield threat who was capable of stretching the field to loosen up underneath coverage for Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason.

Titus Young (5'11", 180 lbs.) has mid 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and is fully capable of making the big play downfield and certainly isn't afraid to go across the middle to take the big hit.

Young won't run over many guys; however, he has great ball carrier vision and is dangerous in the open field. He will provide Joe Flacco with a receiver he can grow with throughout his career.

Fourth Pick: Round 4, Pick 99 (from BUF)—Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn

The Ravens' average yards per carry dropped from 4.8 from a season ago to 3.9 this past season. That is almost a yard difference, and considering that more than half of the Ravens offense is run plays, that is a huge factor in why the offense failed to live up to expectations.

Jared Gaither's back injury hurt this team more than many had predicted, and it is still not clear whether the Ravens will resign Gaither to a one-year contract for the veteran league minimum. I anticipate that the Ravens will go to free agency to find a quality veteran tackle, but if they don't, the selection is Lee Ziemba (6'8", 319 lbs.).

With this selection the Ravens could immediately insert Ziemba at the right tackle position, which will in turn allow guard Marshall Yanda to move back to his original position of right guard, and he has all the makings to be a Pro Bowler at that position.

This selection will help the Ravens get that yards per carry average up to where it should be, around 4.8, and in turn will make this offense much more effective than it was this past year.

Fifth Pick: Round 4, Pick 122—Tim Barnes, C, Missouri

Current Ravens center Matt Birk will be 35 years old by the time the 2011 NFL season rolls around, and it will be interesting to see whether he will choose to retire this offseason or not.

Regardless of what Birk decides to do, the Ravens could stand to get younger at that position, as Birk struggled with knee issues throughout this past season despite not missing a game. With their fifth pick the Ravens select Tim Barnes (6'4", 300 lbs.) out of Missouri.

If Birk decides to play one more year, Barnes can learn under Birk's tutelage as a multiple Pro Bowler and will be prepared to take over the starting center position when Birk decides to hang them up.