2007 Mock Draft Trends

[ExiledRaven]

Updated the wild night before the draft!


I started with "week 1" this includes a list of mocks that have been updated since January 1, 2007
Week 2 is occurring now and ends Sunday night or Monday morning, then I'll tabulate the sites and add to the trend lines
I have two separate charts, one with all players with 2+ votes, the other with the top 5-6 players projected for our slot
please check out my excel sheet and give some guidance as to mock sites to add to the list or really bad mocks to remove


Thanks for the interest. Any any rate here we go

Mocks used:
Bengal's zone, condraft, D & J nfl mock draft, draft class, draft connection, draft daddy, draft king, draft notebook, draft studio, draft tx.com, draftace.com, draftseason (lup), draftseason (outhouse), drufantasyfootball.com, east coast sports, fantasttailgate.com, fantasy football extreme, fantasy football jungle, ffcheatsheets.com, fflivewire (lukin), FFT toolbox.com (matt monaghan), fftoolbox.com (dave thompson), dftoolbox.com (ricky dimon), football futures, footballminds.com, great blue north draft report, hailredskins.com (akh & becky), hailredskins.com (fent's mock), hailredskins.com (lavar703), hailredskins.com (skins lady's mock), hailredskins.com (winnipeg's mock), heard's football report, huddle geeks, inside the eagles, junkyard jake, mock draft city, MT's 2007 nfl mock draft, NFC north draft board, nfl daily.com, nfl draft countdown, nfl draft dirt, nfl draft forecast (DJ boyer), nfl draft forecast (jeremy osborne), nfl draft forecast (michael coyne), nfl draft site blog, nfl report, nflanswers.com (chad thompson), nflanswers.com (kevin alvidera), northwest scouting, Q.I. Sports, saintsreport.com, saturdays2sundays.com, seminole chiefs nfl zone, sportscentral, thecaptainsdeck.net, thefootballexpert.com, uwbadger mock, Walter's football site, war room draft guide.

There are other mocks included with time, but that is a general idea.


















All Votes
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o313/ubershaum/week152.jpg

Top 6
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o313/ubershaum/week15top.jpg



Please please feel free to give me suggestions or improvements to the presentation and I'm happy to add or subtract mock sites as all of you suggest.

Hope that you enjoy this. I'll keep it up to date until draft day when we can all laugh at this :kewl:

Don't know anything about a player? Just click here! (http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/qb.html) or here (http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles)

Feel free to PM me and I can email you the spreadsheet if you'd like to check it out

Player receiving the majority of votes each week:
Week 0: Troy Smith
Week 1: Justin Blalock ~ reason for change...OSU gets dominated by Florida in the BCS title game
Week 2: Justin Blalock steady #1, Michael Bush and Troy Smith picking up support
Week 3: Blalock's solid lead, Bush keeping pace ~ no one seems to be judging D prospects well
Week 4: People like Blalock or Bush, have no clue who else might be there (over 30 different players selected this week)
Week 5: Blalock is steady, Bush gained an additional selection, still about 30 different players....
Week 6: Blalock's losing his dominance on the projected pick with many of his lost votes appearing to go to vote grabbing machine Arron Sears on Tennessee
Week 7: Blalock recovers somewhat, in part because mockers still seem to think he can play tackle. Arron Sears continues his rise, while Michael Bush and Troy Smith continue to fall. Antony Spencer makes a surge coming from nowhere. This seems to be the knee jerk reaction from losing AD with Spencer turning a respectable 4.7 in the 40 yard dash.
Week 8: Suddenly mockers realize the Ravens would like to improve their O-line, others try to find the best AD replacement. Result: um...oh, Blalock is good.
Week 9: Blalock is the popular O-line choice, but Kalil, Staley, and Grubbs remain quite popular as well. Mockers can't decide on the which AD-replacement to give the Ravens, but the reality is that the team isn't drafting to replace players, a common problem I have with mock drafts.
Week 10: Seems like word of Staley's numbers are getting around as Sears is stuck low and Staley gains grounds on Blalock.
Week 11: It took 11 weeks, but Blalock is now the #2 most popular pic, surpassed by uber athlete Joe Staley from Central Michigan.
Week 12: Blalock and Staley dominate the projections by astounding margins.
Week 13: Blalock is back on top, still far out in front with Staley. \
Week 14: Blalock is still up there, but there is growing doubt about the availability of the two most popular linemen (Blalock and Staley) at 29, so there is a big surge of the "second-tier" popular picks such as Ryan Kalil, Ben Grubbs, et al.
Week 15: They thought they had a clue...Ben Grubbs sneaks into the top slot over Kalil

Exiled's Take on Draft 'Eve:
Mockers seem to be realizing that Grubbs is a more highly regarded guard in actual draft circles (supposedly), then afterwards Kalil as formerly popular pick Staley is widely thought to be gone. Anthony Spencer is running up at the top defensive selection at 29.

[PurpleRulz]

Thanks ER. According to a scout article from the Senior Bowl, team are asking Justin Blalock about his injury.

[darb72]

I doubt the Ravens take Blalock in the first.

Troy Smith sucks in a big, big way.

I like Irons, but I don't think the Ravens are intrested in a first round RB. The talen level just isn't there this year.

As for the rest I don't know enough about them yet to make a call.

[PurpleRulz]

I doubt the Ravens take Blalock in the first.

Troy Smith sucks in a big, big way.

I like Irons, but I don't think the Ravens are intrested in a first round RB. The talen level just isn't there this year.

As for the rest I don't know enough about them yet to make a call.

Go here and get some scouting reports on these 2007 draft prospects.
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/qb.html

[ExiledRaven]

Same, this is more an exercise is us being able to rip on everyone and watch how mocks fluctuate all over the place with very little in terms of information flow.

This should be really fun with Senior Bowl and then the combine. Call in Mr. Burns. (alright alright, I spent too much time as an economics research assistant before professional school...)

Great link PR, i'll drop it in the first post.

[PurpleRulz]

Same, this is more an exercise is us being able to rip on everyone and watch how mocks fluctuate all over the place with very little in terms of information flow.

This should be really fun with Senior Bowl and then the combine. Call in Mr. Burns. (alright alright, I spent too much time as an economics research assistant before professional school...)

Great link PR, i'll drop it in the first post.

When is the Senior Bowl game and on what channel?

[Sephy]

Senior Bowl is on NFLN next Saturday. 5pm?
First day practice results have Troy Smith looking the best QB by far.

[UKRavenStockers]

Saw North practices today on NFL Network and whilst it's not a position of need and we won't have a shot, I just have to gush about Brandon Mebane - WOW! Awesome power got some great bullrushes and used good technique, not just relying on his tremendous natural talents, certainly showed well yesterday.

Corner wise I spoted Josh Wilson go too heavily on to his back foot in a drop back and consequently was out of the play and Aundrae Allison was able to turn up field and get past him. (I think it was Wilson, may have been David Irons, no must have been Wilson, it was North practice)

We made observations yesterday on:

Ken Darby - RB Alabama (South)
Aaron Ross - CB Texas (South)

Kevin Kolb apparently stood out from the crowd in the South practices yesterday at QB.

[TL24x7]

Nice effort Exile. As we close in on the draft (say the March time frame) perhaps we could do a feature piece on the content side of the site. We will also be holding a contest to be our co-host on GAMETIME with prizes to the winner and a few consolation prizes. When we feature draft discussions, perhaps you might want to join us.

FYI, Eric Decosta will be joining us soon in studio for an entire show....the tentative date is Feb 2. Will confirm shortly.

Again, very nice effort. I would make one suggestion, to try to increase the size of the diamonds. On my screen at least, it's difficult to discern the differences in color.

RAVE ON!:thumbup:

[ladyraven127]

Thanks for you hard work :thumbup: Looks great.

[ExiledRaven]

Thanks for the compliments.

I'll get the sizes changed later this afternoon.

Also, feel free to DL the Excel Sheet and to let me know about other mocks sites that should be included in the survey.

[festivus]

What a great addition to the forum.

Concerning Blalock's injury - the Ravens took Jamal coming off a bad knee injury in college (torn ACL?). Hopefully they will make the right call again.

[ExiledRaven]

Thanks for the compliment Festivus, I'll be trying to add some Media mocks as well

Adding the following tonight to the list and I'll repost the charts and results:
cbssportsline, don banks, sports network, yahoo, usa today, new york times, fox sports, TSN, and About.

I'd add Mel Kiper in too, but I don't have a subscription... ;)

[RavenScallywag]

If the right QB falls, it could very well be QB in the first...McNair is playing on borrowed time and Boller is in the final year of his contract. we just need to hope we can actually develop a QB right...

RB would probably be out, just because we don't draft for need. Rather get a solid, all around player to groom than a "jump in this year to fit this particular running style"

OL is possible. We could use another OG as the "heir apparent" to Mulitalo, and we may need a RT, but we've got Terry, Chester, and Brown, who are looking like the futures at LT, C, and RG. If Pashos is re-signed, we don't need RT for a couple years. Plus a first round lineman is "safer" than a QB or RB.

on Defense, I can only see us going for a CB or OLB. But, you figure we're hoping Pittman or Martin can step it up at CB, and we've still got Dan Cody at OLB.

[UKRavenStockers]

At the moment (can't believe I'm actually talking about draft projections this far in advance) I'd say possibly my favourites for rounds one and two are Aaron Ross in round one and Kevin Kolb in round two.

Kolb and Ross are two guys I really like and for the Blalock crowd, I'm on board but I just don't like the idea of drafting guards in round one. Sure he's gonna be good but interior OL is all about coaching in my opinion and you can get similar output from a lower round pick in my opinion.

[festivus]

A CB and a QB? You've probably written it elsewhere, but what do you see the Ravens doing about the running game? PJ Daniels & MA? Or resign Musa? Restructure Jamal?

[UKRavenStockers]

RBs I haven't seen a great deal of so not gonna say who I want us to go after when it'd just be a stab in the dark.

I can't see anyway we keep Jamal, we can't afford to give him whatever it is he's owed this year $11million? and quite frankly I wouldn't bother re-structuring him either, just cut our losses and go after someone younger. This RB crop doesn't seem as good as last year's crop but I think Mike Anderson combined with PJ Daniels or a 3rd round back possibly would be decent enough. Pretty much what we need in this offense (in my opinion) is a back who will just square his shoulders and power for a crease. I don't see any great changes in the O-line next year in terms of bringing in road graders, McNair will be our QB so once again the priority will be to keep him upright. Consequently we aren't gonna get big holes appearing in the run game any time soon, consequently a back who looks for big plays isn't for us, we just need a back who'll just drive for a hole, not sure who that could be right now but I'll be keeping my eyes open.

[ExiledRaven]

I think we're going to see Mike Anderson and a shifty 3rd downish back that can do a lot of the screen pass, etc type of stuff

So who that will be? good question

[festivus]

I don't have any problem going with MA & PJ Daniels, assuming the coaching staff is confident PJ can get it done. I wonder if we will see Cory Ross line up at RB at all; as I recall he was listed there on the depth chart.

I agree about Jamal. He's given a lot to the Ravens, but the Ravens have given a lot to him, too. I've made my peace & am prepared to say goodbye.

[copenhaggard]

I am kind of thinking we are going to be looking for some new blood at the LB position. Ray has maybe 2 years left, with ADs contract situation, and Cody's health or lack of playing time, I think LB is going to be a large concern this year.

We might draft a LB that can step in and play outside backer for a year or so, and then we Ray hangs up the cleats, have the body type, mental skills, leadership, and toughness to take over a position that has been the heart of this Baltimore team since it existed. I am excited to see what type of player can possibly fill this role.

I don't think we take a RB this year, because as other posters have already said, the talent isn't there for a 1st rounder, and we have other positions of need also.

[ExiledRaven]

I was messing around a bit tonight and, surprise, I think there is a going to be a fair amount of shakeup this next round.

Seems we'll have some new faces, mostly corners....

update will be here Monday evening, have to help my mother's parents move into their new place....north of indy...over the weekend. Well, it's actually back into the old one, but that's a long story for another day.

Good thing I'm not a terrorist :nerd:

[ExiledRaven]

Updated Monday 1-29

[darb72]

Thanks for the hard work.:thumbup:

Is it just me or did we actually manage to pick up more votes for Troy Smith?

I like Bush in the second.

Just say no to guards in the first.

[ExiledRaven]

No kidding, it makes no sense to me.

I don't see how we'd pick Blalock, Bush, or Troy Smith in the first....none of them really fit....Blalock only if he'd play tackle, and then you'd think we'd get Arron Sears or Levi Brown perhaps.

Bush and Irons really are more second round guys, Irons with his injury history and Bush...well, with that whole broken leg thing.

It's really funny how this time last year, I was sure we'd try to get Ngata and the year before I really really hoped we could get Clayton.

Right now, I have no idea who to wish for at the moment. I need to read up on the linebackers and corners more....but the 'backers don't look that great at the moment.

As far as legit potentials...
Quentin Moses, Jarvis Moss, Marcus McCauley, Aaron Ross, Jon Beason, Paul Posluszny, Patrick Willis...I'll have to mess around more

[PurpleRulz]

I can't wait for the SB and Pro Bowl to be over so that draft talk can pick up more steam.

[PurpleRulz]

No kidding, it makes no sense to me.

I don't see how we'd pick Blalock, Bush, or Troy Smith in the first....none of them really fit....Blalock only if he'd play tackle, and then you'd think we'd get Arron Sears or Levi Brown perhaps.

Bush and Irons really are more second round guys, Irons with his injury history and Bush...well, with that whole broken leg thing.

It's really funny how this time last year, I was sure we'd try to get Ngata and the year before I really really hoped we could get Clayton.

Right now, I have no idea who to wish for at the moment. I need to read up on the linebackers and corners more....but the 'backers don't look that great at the moment.

As far as legit potentials...
Quentin Moses, Jarvis Moss, Marcus McCauley, Aaron Ross, Jon Beason, Paul Posluszny, Patrick Willis...I'll have to mess around more

This is why trading down into the top of the second round and picking up more first day picks is probably the best course of action. It seems the talent between our pick at 29 and 35 pick is about the same.

[ExiledRaven]

I'll have this updated Monday morning.

Right now, I'm really hoping we can get Willis to fall....looked really good, but he'll probably go around 20 as opposed to 29. Seems a defensive player is going to be the best thing for us in that pick if we don't move down.

Of course, that might all change. If Bush is 100% ready to go and rocks the combine, there is a chance he's worth that #29, we just have no idea right now.

[ExiledRaven]

updated Monday 2/5/07

[Fanman]

If there is a great value at RB in the first round then I would pull the trigger on that...but I would rather see them go after Dominic Rhodes or Michael Turner. I also see several mocks that have us picking this Ryan Kalil kid from USC...a center.

FM

[ExiledRaven]

Yup, Kalil has been showing up more and more.

Four of the 'database' mocks had him as our pick, perhaps showing that no one knows the real status of Chester as the center of the future or the fact that Brown played center in college.

I don't think there is chance in hell at getting turner, the guy isn't worth the 1st and 3rd rounders. Only thing that would be close is to trade players for him, but I can't see how trying to swing an AD tag and trade is going to interest San Diego in the slightest if we can even afford to tag AD.

Rhodes is going to be overvalued as all big time performers in each year's "ultimate game" are and isn't worth the cash.

If you're holding out for RB hope, I think here are your two bests shots for early runningback. Lynch somehow falls and we make a play to get him which I highly doubt, or Bush comes to the combine and proceeds to be a monster. If Bush is the monster, he's easily worth the pick, a converted QB he can run the trick play, and has good hands. Running Bush and Anderson roughly equally isn't a bad plan if bush comes out playing as well as his highlights indicate.

A humiliatingly large amount of mocks have Troy Smith or Blalock as our pick. Smith isn't a 1st round prospect period and may not even be 1st day. Blalock will likely go in the 1st. Someone will take him, but the FO seems to shy away from taking interior lineman really early outside of Chester in the second. Brown, Mulitalo being 4th rounders are more the norm. Plus, we've got Edwin back, along with Rimpf recovered from his season ending injury. ....so the line's pretty set outside of a backup Tackle if JO retires.

That's part of what makes this interesting to see. So many people make the mocks having no real idea of the backup plans in place on teams.

Who do we pick? I certainly wouldn't mind Bush if he comes out like a monster. Willis would also be unreal. I'm just not really sold on anyone else in the 1st round. A guy like Michael Griffon might be interesting (talk of him converting to corner) or Quentin Moses (DE-OLB hybrid), Aaron Ross (mold of c-mac just a bit slower), Hughes seems good but all reports on him indicate he's more of a zone coverage corner and we're probably one of the most demanding teams in terms of man coverage ability.

Come on combine, give us some light.

[Bikeboy]

Hey One and All,

First time user, long time listener. I'd love for them to get a quick-fast-speedy RB, but something tells me they're gonna go LB help. Cody might not be back. AD probably won't be back. Can't see Willis falling anywhere NEAR us, he's too good. I wouldn't under-rate Troy Smith. Folks had alotta questions about Vince (accuracy, decision-making)Young too. Thanks for the mock draft updates. Even though they're often wrong, I love hearing that stuff.......it bridges the gap.

[ExiledRaven]

I'm with you on Willis. Lots of people think he's headed to buffalo.

LB I also agree is a big possibility. We lack depth pretty severely, but it really seems there isn't consensus on the ability of the OLBs. Most of them are being knocked pretty hard in comparison to the ILB guys. DE-OLB hybrids are a possibility with guys like Jarvis Moss or Quentin Moses.

Victor Abiamiri might also be something that happens as well if we look to the line at all.

I agree with you on Smith, I think he'll be gone by the end of the third.

Lord knows about Cody, I feel terrible for the guy, but what are we going to do? Same for Musa Smith.

No problem, please let me know if there are any other features you'd like to see on this post and I can always add them!

[festivus]

Excellent first post, welcome.


Even though they're often wrong, I love hearing that stuff.......it bridges the gap.

The absolute truth.

[Gwaihir]

:iagree: :thumbup:

[ExiledRaven]

As long as you guys like it, I'll keep this going and we can rip on the all of the clearly impossible mocks :thumbup:

[Ravens0587]

http://www.fantasyfootballjungle.com/y/nfl-draft/teams/index.php?steam=Bal

[ExiledRaven]

Yeah, that site has a big mock draft message board and tons of randoms post mocks there. I don't try to keep track of but a couple of their featured ones.

Nice link

[Fanman]

I like this mock draft thread...good job.

I see many sites have us picking the center from USC...Kalil.

FM

[ExiledRaven]

updated.

[Gwaihir]

I'm glad to see the Troy Smith drop. I would absolutely crap myself if we took him with our first pick! That would be the worst thing they could do!

[Fanman]

There is NO way the Ravens would take a QB w/ their 1st round pick. They will go BPA...and I think it will be OL, RB or LB.

FM

[ExiledRaven]

updated 2/18.

[ExiledRaven]

updated 2-25

[darb72]

I like the trend of us taking Sears, if it's the same guy I'm thinking of from Tennesse.

He went to Russellville High, which is one of the recruiting hot beds around here. He can play multiple posistions on the line and is just one of those big corn-fed country boys.

[UKRavenStockers]

I like the trend of us taking Sears, if it's the same guy I'm thinking of from Tennesse.

He went to Russellville High, which is one of the recruiting hot beds around here. He can play multiple posistions on the line and is just one of those big corn-fed country boys.

Agreed, like his versatility and would far rather take him than Blalock as he's actually shown the versatility to play outside rather than showing he's strictly an inside guy.

[ExiledRaven]

updated 3-4

edit: I also like Sears, I think he would step in to being RT just fine.

[donnaj]

I agree with the interest in Sears. I think he would be a great fit immediately into our system. He has the versatility to play Guard or Tackle and has experience playing both right and left. I think he is the best fit for our line. I like Blaylock, but think that since we have Brown, Chester and we still have Vincent on the roster Blaylock would would be more of the same type of player that we have. I would like to look at a quality QB if one is avaialbel in the draft. I stress the word quality there, there are only a few on the list of eligibles that I would look at with a 2nd , 3rd, or 4th round pick. I know sometimes great QB' can be found later in the draft ( Brady was a 6th, right) but this year I think the strongest candidates will go by the end of the 4th.

[ExiledRaven]

updated.

I swear, this thing getting funnier and funnier every week.

[ravens-maniac]

I think blalock is a lock since he can play both guard & tackle, the ravens love players that can play more than one position, would not be surprise if they trade down and try to get two o-linemen

[UKRavenStockers]

I think blalock is a lock since he can play both guard & tackle, the ravens love players that can play more than one position, would not be surprise if they trade down and try to get two o-linemen

Disagree. If anything Blalock showed he can't play tackle except in an absolute absolute emergency when there's no other realistic option.

Arron Sears showed some versatility for guard/tackle. But I'm not a fan of either as I don't like guards stepping out to tackle to 'do a job'. Superior athletes play tackle and the ability to step inside to guard, I don't think guards stepping out to tackle is a very good way to go, particularly with a first round pick.

[ravenwoman]

I think the Ravens will go Best Player Available , since it is so hard to predict what will be left at number 29. If at 29, the best player available is a position that the Ravens don't need (like tight end), then I think they will trade down and try to pick up additional draft picks. The Ravens trust their board and will not pick at 29 for the sake of taking a player they don't need or a player that can be had in the second or third round. Another criteria this year that I have heard is that they want players in the high rounds to be able to come in and play immediately. Players like Dwan Edwards and David Pittman who are "projects" with talent aren't going to be taken in the early rounds this year. Other than that, I have no idea who the Ravens will draft.

[ExiledRaven]

Updated.

Of course the team will go BPA. This is an exercise in...mocking...mocks.

The primary problem with internet mock drafts is that every one of them tries to fill by "need" or "replacement"

IE: why else is Michael Bush very popular and McGahee is signed and Bush drops off the face of the earth? Why did all of the O-lineman get popular the week Pashos left and McGahee came to the team? Why are all of the popular defensive players "AD-replacements" and not corners or lineman?

It's pretty interesting to see how just by their process most mocks render themselves worthless

[hurting]

It looks like Joe Stalye's stock is rising as well. He recently ran a 4.8 in the 40 at his pro-day.


STALEY BLAZES IN PRO DAY
Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley, who was expected to be a star of the scouting combine but who didn't work out due to a hamstring injury, made up for his absence during his Pro Day workout, cranking out a 4.79 in the 40-yard dash.


the rest is about 8 postings down the page at Prof0otballtalk.com

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

I don't want the Ravens to take another workout warrior. But I would like to see them take an O-lineman. I just hope there is a game-proven Tackle or Guard available at 29.



Why are all of the popular defensive players "AD-replacements" and not corners or lineman?


Exactly. But, based on need I think the Ravens are thinner at DB than LB/DL

[ExiledRaven]

I believe I said this somewhere else, but it simply comes down to one question:

Could Staley start at RT for the Ravens at some point in 2007 if needed?

If the answer is yes, then you almost certainly need to think long and hard about the alternatives, because this type of ability at the tackle position is huge.

If not, then he's probably not a guy for the 1st round, even with the ridiculous numbers.

The scouts have done their work...it's still far too long to draft day :grbac:

[jonboy79]

Exactly. But, based on need I think the Ravens are thinner at DB than LB/DL

I strongly Disagree. Behind CMAC and Rolle you have Ivey, Prude, Pittman Ogelsby and Martin, who may move to S. If Sapp is re-signed he would be with Martin behind Reed and Landry. As Ozzie shoed last year a ready to play solid S can be found on the second day, as he picked a near DROY in rd 5. I don't understand how having it laid out like that and with only two day 1 picks how ANYONE could think that was a day 1 need by any means.

Instead look at DT. Behind Ngata and Gregg, we have Bannan and Edwards. I think a day 2 prospect can be added here.

At DE though, we have Dwan Edwards as Pryce's only backup and JJ and Cody as Suggs backup JJ is slated to start at SAM. That is one THINB position with an AGING though excellent Pryce, and Suggs who is currently only signed through THIS YEAR. That is really only 2 backups on the DLINE's 4 spots, plus two guys who are the top of the depthchart at SAM... YIKES.

Now at LB, at the topo you have Ray and Scott, with the aforementioned Cody and JJ platooning. Then you add in Mike Smith, Dennis Haley and Tim Johnson as backups. OUCH. So that's three hybrid guy, one who has to start, and 2 provide backup to two positions. Johnson is mostly a ST'er and likely to be Scott's backup, though he is not fast enough to be suitable there.

So we are very thin at real DE depth, as well as WiLL and Mike backups, and none of our Hybrid guys have really proven that they are capable of filling the role that is asked of them. Do you still agree with your comment? If so, I'm confused, please explain.

[jonboy79]

Could Staley start at RT for the Ravens at some point in 2007 if needed?
:grbac:


If he is drafted, I certainly hope so, but I have more then my fair share of doubts. I think the guy would be THOUROUGHLY EMBARRASSED at the POA on the RT spot. I think a guy like Strahan would put him on his back all game. He is a project at LT, not a day 1 starter at RT, IMO.

I am worried enough about Terry starting at RT and he was a seemingly "stronger" prospect at hte time he was drafted and has had 2 full offseasons to bulk up an dwork on his technique. I would be mroe then svared if Staley was on the field in that role. I'd much rather Ugoh, Marten or Otto, as a RT prospect, and I see Terry as our LT whenever called upon.

[donnaj]

I think Staley would be capable at starting but would have to beat out Terry for start at Right Tackle.

As to the needs on the defense.. I agree that we are thin at DE and at ILB. There are some great prospects from Michigan, Penn State, and a few other schools

Take a look below:
For ILB:
Patrick Willis 6'1" 240 MISSISSIPPI
Brandon Siler 6'1" 238 FLORIDA
David Harris 6'2" 239 MICHIGAN
Buster Davis 5'9" 244 FLORIDA STATE
Jon Abbate 5'11" 243 WAKE FOREST

Since we do not have a third round pick, we may have to consider using a 2nd round on one of the upper tier ILB'ers like:Willis or Siler, but with a 4th , 5th or 6th we should be able to pick up one of the second tier LB's like Miller, Davis, or Abbate. I have seen some great things from Miller. He is said to be quick, versatile, agile, plays aggressively and is known to create a lot of turnovers. Abbate has a great tenacious demeanor, hard-worker, is extremely strong and hard-hitting tackler, and really strong character.

[UKRavenStockers]

Willis - We won't have a shot at with the 29th, we'd need to trade up into the top half of the first to get him, which we wont.

The others are realistic options though, but I don't see them as a need in all honesty.

[jonboy79]

Yeah, Willis is fringe top 10... SF or Buffalo could easily pick him in the first.

[hurting]

So we are very thin at real DE depth, as well as WiLL and Mike backups, and none of our Hybrid guys have really proven that they are capable of filling the role that is asked of them. Do you still agree with your comment? If so, I'm confused, please explain.


I am by no means a Samari Role basher, but he is getting long in the tooth. although the guys you mention look good as nickle and dime alternates, I haven't been impressed with either of them to step in and fill Role's shoes if he goes down or has lost another step. (I may be way off base here, but I just haven't seen enough of the other guys)

My point with the LB position is that the front office always seems to find diamonds in the rough at LB in the later rounds and I have confidence they can do that agian this year.

If we morph back into a 4-3, as you have stated we have Ray and Bart and I am assuming JJ will step up and start at OLB. Going with a 3-4 don't forget about Suggs in the mix and maybe Cody can stay healthy. Then we have a couple of servicable backups. Adding a few late round gems should fill out the LB position.

As far as 'real' DE I think you are right on. McCrary was the last high level DE that I can recall and he was undersized. I really liked Weaver and thought he was a good player, but never showed that outside dominance.

[jonboy79]

I know that i am higher on Rolle then most. I think he is a borderline number one, meaning a top 20-30 CB. For the number two on the number one defense, that makes him a bit of a liability, as basically every other starter last year was top 10 at their position. CB's are made to look like weaknesses on every team. That's how the rules are.
Not to mention that Rolle is handcuffed to this team Salary cap wise. He will be starting this year, and on the team next year. I see more potential in the young guys. I think Ogelsby or Prude could have started in a pinch last year, and been a step down, but been solid by NFL standards, not Raven's standerads, think Baxter.

Because of that, and the LB/DE post above, it's how I think right or wrong.

[UKRavenStockers]

I know that i am higher on Rolle then most. I think he is a borderline number one, meaning a top 20-30 CB. For the number two on the number one defense, that makes him a bit of a liability, as basically every other starter last year was top 10 at their position. CB's are made to look like weaknesses on every team. That's how the rules are.
Not to mention that Rolle is handcuffed to this team Salary cap wise. He will be starting this year, and on the team next year. I see more potential in the young guys. I think Ogelsby or Prude could have started in a pinch last year, and been a step down, but been solid by NFL standards, not Raven's standerads, think Baxter.

Because of that, and the LB/DE post above, it's how I think right or wrong.

If he was that good then he wouldn't have been shown up as much as he was last year. He's not a bad #2 but he's also not a borderline #1 either. He's not got top end speed for tracking guys deep (Braylon Edwards destroyed him last year for one), he doesn't have good recovery speed on double moves if he gets beat and he's not particularly good at bumping guys of routes. He's adequate at everything, but is also beatable in almost every part of his game and someone that I don't think will be starting in 2008 and will only start this year because those behind him are merely nickels and he's just about passable for this year.

For the top 20/30 CB claim, I'm bored and looking to avoid doing reading for my dissertation so here goes, 30 CBs I'd have above Rolle:

1) Nnamdi Asomogha
2) Champ Bailey
3) Ronde Barber
4) Leigh Bodden
5) Sheldon Brown
6) Nate Clements
7) DeAngelo Hall
8) Al Harris
9) Quentin Jammer
10) Adam Jones (On field, obviously wouldn't have him cos he's a jailbird)
11) Brian Kelly
12) Ken Lucas
13) Richard Marshall
14) Rashean Mathis
15) Chris McAllister
16) Terrence McGee
17) Mike McKenzie
18) Terrence Newman
19) Dunta Robinson
20) Asante Samuel
21) Lito Shepperd
22) Marcus Trufant
23) Nathan Vasher
24) Fabian Washington
25) Antoine Winfield
26) Charles Tillman

Hmmmm, actually, that's only 26 (off the top of my head), but it doesn't include guys like Antonio Cromartie and Carlos Rogers etc. who played at a similar level to Rolle this year but are only going to get better from here rather than slower and worse. In addition I wouldn't call all of those guys #1's either, calling Samari Rolle a borderline #1 is beyond a stretch IMO.

[jonboy79]

You obviously put no credence into the position we put our corners in. We tended to have them both in man coverage with Ed Reed freelancing all over the place. They still helped the Raven's to the 6th best pass defense in yards and touchdowns, yet you have McCallister at 15 and Rolle behind PENALTY MACHINE Carlos Rogers. If you watched more then a couple of Skins games with a skins fan, you would have heard them cursing at the TV at him EVERY GAME. The kid looked lost. To me, Rolle looked no worse then what I saw from the bottom 5 or 6 on your list, but I certainly wouldn't disagree with one in the "top" 20. I stand by my POV, you are welcome to stand on yours obviously as well, but your inclusion of Rogers as an "alternate" makes me inclined to think that if we saw all 16 games of these other guys we would feel blessed to have the guys we do.

[UKRavenStockers]

Rogers is a stretch but he's got the physical talents to get better (deep speed, recovery speed). Rolle doesn't, Rolle's has all but lost his top end speed and losing his closing speed.

That list isn't in order either, it's alphabetical for the most part.

[ExiledRaven]

Bump for the weekly updates.

Please let me know if there is still interest in following this. If not, I can just do it for myself and no post. Thanks :)

[festivus]

I'm following it, ER. Thanks for the work you put in on it.

[UKRavenStockers]

Blalock still the most popular which I hate with a passion.

Kalil I'm liking more and more as a pick though.

[ExiledRaven]

Blalock still the most popular which I hate with a passion.

Kalil I'm liking more and more as a pick though.


I'm actually with you. Chester could move to guard if we wanted, so if that's the way to go, it's not all bad. Tackle depth is scary though.

Festivus, thanks. I'll keep this going...I find it pretty interesting myself.

[jonboy79]

I read it too.
I think Blalock or Beekman are much better fits for the greater good ofo our OLine then Staley or Kalil. I don't want more dainty passblockers, I want some mean roadgraders for the right side of our line.

[ExiledRaven]

I was doing the daily perusal of web sources and a few things concern me.

New England appears to have a desire to pick a right Tackle so appears like they may snap up whatever tackle prospect the Ravens may use whether that be Staley or Blalock. NE's front office is also fairly good so that really really concerns me.

Big rumors about Tampa trading up in the draft (ie with detroit) to make sure they can grab CJ. Now Detroit needs to pull a San Diego with the Vick-Tomlinson swap and grab some picks in return. Wait, it's Matt Millen. Those picks won't amount to anything.

[UKRavenStockers]

LINK (http://www.nfldraftforecast.com/mock/boyer/round1.shtml)

Above is a link to mock draft I've found backing up my theory that Levi Brown could fall to #29. If this happened I'd absolutely love it and the DJ Boyer isn't just some draft hack who's created his own website and thinks he knows what he's talking about. He's worked as an NFL Scout with a bunch of teams and hits the scouting trail every year with NFL scouts.

I still think this is a very real possibility of happening, the biggest hurdle being Kansas City at #23 who need tackles worse than we needed WRs a couple of years ago.

[ExiledRaven]

Yup, I actually include that particular mock in my pooling. Levi Brown actually received "votes" in two mock this week and that has roughly been his average throughout the tallying I have been doing.

Levi Brown would be a coup if he plays close to the potential listed though it seems that some might view him as boom or bust, whatever that means. I think it's just someone making an excuse about being completely unsure how a player will react to the NFL.

I'd be very excited if something like that were to happen and if the Ravens are that high on him, they may go up and grab him. That's happened several times in draft history when the team considers later players a big drop off in talent.

Trades up include Anthony Weaver and Haloti Ngata.

[jonboy79]

LINK (http://www.nfldraftforecast.com/mock/boyer/round1.shtml)
I still think this is a very real possibility of happening, the biggest hurdle being Kansas City at #23 who need tackles worse than we needed WRs a couple of years ago.

If he fell to 19 with Tennessee I'd be interested in trading up. Our first and 2nd for their 1st and third wouldn't be so bad. I'd even throw in our 5th.

[Gwaihir]

If he fell to 19 with Tennessee I'd be interested in trading up. Our first and 2nd for their 1st and third wouldn't be so bad. I'd even throw in our 5th.

:iagree: Considering our Comp Picks, I would do that in a heartbeat! 10 spots in the First Round would be a pretty big jump!

[ExiledRaven]

Problem with that is we're running out of picks to trade!

This year we have no third (buffalo) or fourth (tennessee). So that leaves us with second and fifth round picks. Ok, so what about picks next year? That's rough considering a pick the following years is relatively devalued.

Is it worth giving up the second round pick? That's tough, we only have one first day pick this year if that's the case. :nerd:

But would Levi Brown be worth that? Good chance he might be that good and the depth at the interior of the line goes well into the second day.

[ExiledRaven]

Well...now check this out!

I actually went to the Ravens website and found this (http://baltimoreravens.com/news/article.jsp?id=17035)

Is it as thorough? No.
Same conceptual idea? Yup.

I'm laughing. Not gonna lie.

[ExiledRaven]

updated 4/1. No jokes, promise!

[jonboy79]

Ahhhhh uninformed mockers beware. I hate the Staley pick. We don't need a LT, why does every mock seem to think he is who we are replacing. We replaced him 2 years ago, in advance with Adam Terry. For some reason, we didn't plan for RT after Orlando Brown. Pashos was not expected to be as good as he was, but now he is gone. THAT is who we are replacing. Blalock is a much better first choice, IMO as he replaces Vincent, who has struggled and will aid Pashos' replacement in providing a solid right side. Pashos replacement can be found later in the weekend. I think in the first round you pick the player that you feel will help the team the most, of who is available over the course of the next DECADE. In Blalock, I see a perrennial all-pro RT Guard that could be that mauling Run blocker that allows the Ravens to consistently run the ball, year in and year out. And who knows, maybe he can play RT??

[ExiledRaven]

I see what you're talking about ....but

What if Terry plays well on the right side? If that's the case, you can bring in a left tackle.

A first round interior lineman outside of Kalil doesn't make sense to me, and Kalil only because then Chester gets shifted over to RG instead of playing C.

Either way, the mocks are fun to laugh at, we like to think we have a clue...but we don't. Eg. Donte Whitner "20s" and turns out 3-4 teams had him in the top 13.

I thought it was pretty cool the consensus #1 selection finally changed for the first time. It makes tracking this more interesting.

[UKRavenStockers]

Is Rouse a new one this week? What egit 'draftnik' suggested that?

[ExiledRaven]

http://www.northwestscouting.com/whats_new_2.html

I just noticed that, I was a bit hungover this morning. Rouse is the round 2 pick.

Past history is:
Jan 1-21: Michael Bush
Jan 22-28: Levi Brown
Jan 29-Feb4: Levi Brown
Feb5-Feb11: Justin Blalock
Feb12-Feb18: Justin Blalock
Feb19-Feb25: Justin Blalock
Feb26-Mar4: Tank Tyler
Mar5-Mar11: Justin Blalock
Mar12-mar19: Justin Blalock
Mar20-Mar25: Justin Blalock
Mar26-Apr1: Justin Blalock

Let me know if you think it's awful and I can remove it outside of my error.

I am updating the front page now.

[jonboy79]

What if Terry plays well on the right side? If that's the case, you can bring in a left tackle..
You could, but then I promise that if you want to keep Terry, you will be paying him as the Highest paid RT ever until he left. He will paid as a LT here or elsewhere. Since I believe he is already at least an average LT, it might as well be here playing the position that I feel he can be an ProBowler at, rather then one he plays well at. So we can pay him top dollar to be an animal on the Left(though a step from Ogden of course), or you can pay him top dollar to play well, at a less important position. It's how I see it, right or wrong.


A first round interior lineman outside of Kalil doesn't make sense to me, and Kalil only because then Chester gets shifted over to RG instead of playing C..

I couldn't disagree more. If there is one player I feel is even less of a fit on this team then Staley it's Kalil. It's not a know to either of them, I just DO NOT WANT them on the Raven's. I don't think they fit at all. Kalil would mean we have three undersized, weak POA young Centers, plus Flynn. Kalil is a weaker, smaller, more experienced Chester... Only Chester started a couple of NFL games, and didn't embarrass himself. To me, he did show however that RG will nto be his best position. He simply did not get enough push. Brown was underwhelming as well. Both Guys were excellent pass blockers, and did surroung Flynn, the human turnstyle. I believe they will improve at the POA, but neither is likely to ever put in a Larry Allen in his prime like performance in the Run Game. Blalock, I believe can, and that is precisely what this team is missing, IMO.


Eg. Donte Whitner "20s" and turns out 3-4 teams had him in the top 13.

I thought it was pretty cool the consensus #1 selection finally changed for the first time. It makes tracking this more interesting.

Believe it or not, by the time the draft came, I was happy with the thoguht that the Ravens would be left with Whitner at 13. I had visions of Ernie Sims and Ngata being gone, leaving Whitner as Need adjsuted BPA.

my top 13 was along the lines of:
Bush
Cutler
Leinart
Williams
Huff
Ngata
Young
Brick
Hawk
Sims
Whitner
Winston Justice
Vernon Davis


I agree that dynamic dissention among Mocks is precisely what makes them interesting. It is what makes them discussion worthy. I find it very intersting to see draft boards change in the offseason. I am certain that a teams board changes far less then Mocks do.

[ExiledRaven]

Oh, yeah, team boards probably don't change much at all. They're spending time disseminating information while fans are sitting around and trying to sort through disinformation and media hype without meat and potatoes film or numbers.

I see the point about run blocking and being physically imposing on the line.

Boil it down and it basically amounts to me being afraid of a 1 dimensional players. If there were a one-dimensional line, I'd want it to be a pass-protecting line. You can always run short outs, screens, and delayed draws. But you'll have trouble running unless the Browns don't learn how to tackle.

Difference of opinion, but your points do make sense. It's just a matter of approach. Draft day will tell a lot about the future...

[jonboy79]

.

Boil it down and it basically amounts to me being afraid of a 1 dimensional players. If there were a one-dimensional line, I'd want it to be a pass-protecting line. You can always run short outs, screens, and delayed draws. But you'll have trouble running unless the Browns don't learn how to tackle.
...


True... I don'tt hink that Blalock is one dimensional, btu he is CERTAINLY better in the run game then the pass. The other thing I'd say, is if OLINE players are rone dimmensional, it better be run right and pass left. A line of Terry-Brown-Chester-Blalock-Ugoh would certainly follow that philosophy. Terry and Brown thus far have been weak in the run game,and Blalock and Ugoh are expected to be weaker in pass -pro and Maulers. At least Stevie Mac can see the rush develop on that side. I certainly am not looking to get back to the '03 style line where they move anything in front of them, btu let stuff slip through the cracks like it's their job.
If we had Peyton or Carson I would be all over Kalil and Staley. We could have a truly elite PassPro line then. Mac can't throw the deep out, can't rifle one in the seem to Heap before the safety comes over. Well, he either can't throw it, or is afreid to. Because we can't fully attack a D though the air, we need to establish a consistent and strong run game. Last year that was not the case.

[UKRavenStockers]

Going on round 2 and just using this for general draft chat:

- Rick Neuheisel attended Trent Edwards' pro day at Stanford and reportedly came away very impressed.

Edwards I like as a project QB to sit behind McNair if we're giving up on Boller. I wouldn't expressedly 'want' to get him, but I'd not be fussed if we did pick him up.

[jonboy79]

Going on round 2 and just using this for general draft chat:

- Rick Neuheisel attended Trent Edwards' pro day at Stanford and reportedly came away very impressed.

Edwards I like as a project QB to sit behind McNair if we're giving up on Boller. I wouldn't expressedly 'want' to get him, but I'd not be fussed if we did pick him up.

I agree with your thoughts on thsi matter. I'd put him around the same area as Kolb, behind Stanton, and Beck. If Stanton drops in the 2nd that is our Best chance to get a real Franchise QB, but I think we have bigger needs then QB in the second rd. Unfortunately I doubt Stanton makes it to the 4th, so I hope we get Beck, or Edwards I guess.

[ExiledRaven]

Yes, I wouldn't be averse to Kolb, Edwards, or Beck in the 4th if that ends up happening.

We'll see. I'm very interested to see what happens of this friendly debate over o-lineman type (ie blalock-beekman type compared to grubbs-kalil-staley).

Time will tell. Be nice to get some DT/DE depth in later rounds as well.

[jonboy79]

We'll see. I'm very interested to see what happens of this friendly debate over o-lineman type (ie blalock-beekman type compared to grubbs-kalil-staley)..

I agree, as long as Oline is addressed I will be happy. Despite my ramblings, if we drafted Kalil and Staly, cringe, I would be happy, as at least it were addressed heavily early, and we would have a CLEAR picture of the team going forward. Grubbs, I think Fits right in the middle, as does Ugoh. Coincidentally I liek them both.




Time will tell. Be nice to get some DT/DE depth in later rounds as well.

I agree, btu it's not something thought of often enough. I think a FUll Size DE on day one would not be a bad idea. If we don't see an extension for Suggs before camp, I don't expect to see him next year. It may not be the worst thing in the world, as he will fetch $10m per year with more then $20m up front. He is young, jsut entering his prime, but DAMN, that's a LOT of money. I, personally would pay it, but I'm not sure Ozzie will.

[ExiledRaven]

Suggs is important, but I was thinking about a 3-4 DE that might be able to play 4-3 DT or DE....ie, someone like Pryce.

and yes, Grubb and Ugoh are in the middle. Ugoh is a big stretch at 29, Grubbs may be as well, but he's more worthy than Beekman, Sears, etc by far.

I may be the only one in the athletic motion focused offensive line club. That's ok though. :)

[UKRavenStockers]

I've been saying DT/DE on day one since the start and specifically remember saying a month or two back that Baraka Atkins was my main target in the draft to get in round 2. Tremendous talent and was always the man I saw doubled on Miami's line.

Any-one of Atkins, Ray McDonald (Florida) or IkaIka Aliama Francis would be ideal IMO. But it all depends upon what defensive front we're going to, 3-4 or 4-3. Not sure we've got the guys in reserve to stick with the versatility for much longer so I think we need to take the top talent now to set our stall out for what front we're sticking with.

[festivus]

But it all depends upon what defensive front we're going to, 3-4 or 4-3.
I would guess, to put the horse in front of the cart, the right front depends on the personnel. So drafting a stud DT might suggest to Rex a 4-3, rather than Rex suggesting a 4-3 so the FO hopes there's a stud DT there in round 2.

:2c:

[UKRavenStockers]

I would guess, to put the horse in front of the cart, the right front depends on the personnel. So drafting a stud DT might suggest to Rex a 4-3, rather than Rex suggesting a 4-3 so the FO hopes there's a stud DT there in round 2.

:2c:

This is very true. But with drafting Ngata and Gregg not going anywhere soon (I hope, knock on wood etc.) that we'll be going 4-3. In which case we'll need two new ends in short order (a year or two) because we have zilch behind Pryce and I'm just paranoid about how long he can kick that nasty injury habit for before he needs his fix again (this was his first injury free season for yonks) and as mentioned just above, Suggs may not be long for the Charm City, though I think a franchise tag may be headed in his direction.

[PurpleRulz]

On PFT, they have their fifth mock up and it is through two rounds. In round 1 (29), they have us taking Ryan Kalil, and in the second round, they have us taking Drew Stanton. I like the Kalil pick, but dislike the Stanton pick. I challenge the credibility of this mock, because they have Justin Blalock falling all the way to the lower second round.

[UKRavenStockers]

Just looking at that PFT mock now and my thoughts:

- Bowe at 9 is absolutely disgusting.
- Meacham at 14 would be an entirely unnecessary reach for the Panthers.
- Brown at 17 would make zero sense for the Jags when they have Barnes and just threw money at Pashos.
- Wright at 19 for the Titans would make no sense after the trouble the Titans just got into with their last high talent, zero character corner.
- Alan Branch to 21 seems unlikely, though not unreasonable.
- Carriker at 24 I can't see happening in a million years, if he fell to 20 and I were Ozzie I'd be chomping at the bit to trade up and get him.
- Chris Henry in the 2nd for the Titans seems unlikely with the fact that they're currently negotiating a contract with Michael Turner and banging out compensation with the Chargers if reports are true.
- Stanton I just wouldn't particularly like but wouldn't be especially bothered by. With Carr going to Carolina though, I now get the feeling Boller ain't going anywhere and will be the next starter after Steve McNair in Baltimore.

Seems some absolutely ridiculous picks in there..

[Art-Florida]

Those people had to have been sniffing glue or something. (is that still done these days?)

Their site worsens. Aside from the endless 'nicknames' they invent and no one cares about, the random popup ads are getting more and more obnoxious. PFT is a sophomoric site that is growing less useful daily.

[ExiledRaven]

updated.

[ExiledRaven]

updated

[festivus]

ER, thanks for keeping it updated. Could you bump down the OP, so the graphics on the right hand side don't obstruct the key to the first graph?

Thanks.

[ExiledRaven]

Sure thing.

I've got a feeling that neither blalock nor staley will be here. Time will tell.

[UKRavenStockers]

Staley I don't think will be, dude's climbing high, mobility and footwork are superb and has very good upside. Brown's mobility and footwork are limited, he could start falling? I'm hoping.

Not too bothered about Blalock really, don't value guards in the first round.

Did a quick run through of my dream mock on another site earlier, here's what I came up with:

Round 1 - Levi Brown would be ideal and could fall, but doubt he will get past the Giants or Chiefs. Saving that Ryan Kalil is my dream, locks up the centre spot for a decade.

Round 2 - Baraka Atkins - Really really like this guy, size, speed, strength. Won't see the double teams in the pros that he saw in college and could flourish backing up Trevor Pryce and succeeding him when the injury bug bites again.

4th (Comp 1) - Mike Walker - WR - UCF - Not particularly a need but I had him in my fantasy team this year and just really think he's a very good prospect from watching him a couple of times and reading up on him. Comparable to Brandon Marshall and favourably so IMO.

4th (Comp 2) - Stephon Heyer - OT - Maryland - Token Terp, extremely solid this year, wingspan of a 747, giant of a man and can be a decent stop gap at RT if we can't find anytyhing better.

5th - Rory Johnson - LB - Ole' Miss - Played next to Willis for the Rebels and looked damned good in there, may have made plays off of Willis but that'll remain to be seen, looked like a solid prospect that I saw.

5th (Comp) - Garrett Wolfe - RB - Northern Illinois - Size? Yes but he's got an awesomely fast cut and decent speed, plus he's my boy.

6th - Samson Satele - G/C - Strength at point of attack, versatility inside.

6th (Comp) - Tim Castille - FB - Alabama - 'bama connection for Ozzie, with Ovie gone we need some competition for Justin Green at FB.


EDIT - Possibly exchange Matt Moore for Samson Satele.

[GreenWave52]

Thanks ER for putting this together.

I think it is interesting that the top 5 most frequent choices are all o-line: Blalock, Staley, Kalil, Grubbs, and Sears. I don't ever recall one area ever recieving so much attention in mock drafts.

I've already said good bye to Staley, but I'm going to be pretty crushed if Blalock goes before us. I just don't love any of the other 3 guys at 29.

[ExiledRaven]

Yes, crazy stuff with Staley, rumors about the Falcons at #10? Dear lord.

I don't see Levi Brown falling far enough and if he falls to 28, the pats will take him almost certainly.

On principle, I do the "just say no to first round guards".

Funny how there isn't one player that i went into the draft hoping would fall or be available and was fairly certain would be there...one of the benefits of having a well-rounded team...generally.

I actually like Staley a lot, but not trading up 10 slots to get him.

[ExiledRaven]

updated.

The last update will be done this Friday afternoon. It's almost that time.

[UKRavenStockers]

Staley taking a drop because he just isn't going to be there at #29, top 15 pick now in all likelihood.

Kalil taking a rise I like, he's my favourite option right now.

[ExiledRaven]

Yup, Staley is going as high as Atlanta in some mocks. Completely insane. Blalock is also appearing to be going in many mocks (often to the pats).

It's going to be a "who is left on the board when it's the Ravens' turn". There may be a real gem sitting there a la Todd Heap, Ed Reed, or Ray Lewis. It'll be an exciting week.

[UKRavenStockers]

Yup, Staley is going as high as Atlanta in some mocks. Completely insane. Blalock is also appearing to be going in many mocks (often to the pats).

It's going to be a "who is left on the board when it's the Ravens' turn". There may be a real gem sitting there a la Todd Heap, Ed Reed, or Ray Lewis. It'll be an exciting week.

I don't think it's insane at all. Staley has the sort of footspeed and mobility and upside that teams kill for at LT, and particularly in a mobile scheme like Atlanta run he's a premium talent. He's unproven, but he's got excellent raw skills. He's elevated by the likes of Sam Baker and Jake Long staying in school. Even Gaither, who though he was pretty bang average this year still has awesome skills and will go high when he comes out.

[ExiledRaven]

I just think top 10 is a big risk. The natural ability is certainly there but the question is can he develop into the complete package

[UKRavenStockers]

Another thing that makes these mocks even more of an utter crap shoot is teams trading from the top of the 2nd to the bottom of the 1st that you can't really call. I'm confident that of the teams ahead of us, Kalil will fall to us. But the Raiders currently have Jake 'Absolutely terrible/woeful/awful' Grove at centre and could very easily jump ahead of us to take Kalil.

There's a rumour bouncing around that we might jump up to #20 with the Giants to take Spencer, not sure what that'd cost but it's doing the rounds.

[darb72]

All I know is that I'll cuss the first round pick like I do every year. Seems that the more I hate the pick, the better they wind up being

[ExiledRaven]

Updated on 'draft 'eve.

Enjoy everyone

[UKRavenStockers]

Grubbs makes the late rise, intriguing to see where this goes.

[ExiledRaven]

Well, it was wrong the entire time...up until the night before where it was barely right :)

[ExiledRaven]

Figured I'd bump this up. I was interested, and surprised to see the last second change, much less to have it actually be correct.