Homepage > NFL - Baltimore Ravens

NFL


Baltimore Ravens 2008 NFL Draft Review

(Sports Network) -

1 - Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware (6-6, 236); 2 - Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers (5-8, 199); 3 - Tavares Gooden, LB, Miami-Florida (6-1, 234); 3 - Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame (5-11, 211); 3 - Oniel Cousins, OL, UTEP (6-4, 309); 4 - Marcus Smith, WR, New Mexico (6-1, 221); 4 - Dave Hale, T, Weber State (6-6, 314); 6 - Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati (5-10, 203); 7 - Justin Harper, WR, Virginia Tech (6-3, 220); 7 - Allen Patrick, RB, Oklahoma (6-1, 198)

Analysis: The Ravens moved down from No. 8 to No. 26 at the eleventh hour thanks to an enticing deal from the Jaguars (two third-round picks, a fourth- rounder, and an exchange of firsts), then moved up from No. 26 to No. 18 in order to select Delaware's Joe Flacco. Flacco was a bit of a reach and doesn't look to be game-ready, but Baltimore obviously rated him above of the likes of Brian Brohm and Chad Henne. Rice was drafted in order to take pressure off of Willis McGahee, and will have to prove he can withstand an NFL pounding. Gooden and Zbikowski are not immediate defensive starters, but will contribute on special teams and get a chance to learn from the best. Cousins and Hale offer much-needed o-line depth. In all, the team drafted five skill players in an effort to create some competition for the flagging offense, but the areas of cornerback and pass rush went begging.

Bottom Line: There are some capable players here, but Flacco's ability to develop will ultimately determine the success of this Draft.

Grade: C+


Sports E-News

Sign up to receive daily sports headlines.
 


Links We Like
Try these ten great decorating tips that can help you stay cool in your home and save you money at the same time. More

Besieged by nagging aches and pains? You might have fibromyalgia. Learn more about the signs and symptoms here. More

If you’re feeling like an outsider at your new job you’re not alone. Learn how you can more easily adjust to life as the new guy at your office. More

Despite the rise in gas prices there are several things you can do to keep your insurance costs down and save money on the road. More

Like online video? Then you'll love Now See This.

Links We Like includes a selection of information, tools and resources from our partners and sponsors.

Sponsored Links