NFL Draft

Baltimore Ravens Team Needs

March 21, 2007 @ 16:00:00

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

2006 Finish: 13-3 (First place - AFC North), Playoff team

2007 Draft Pick: 29th Overall

Key Positional Needs: QB, OL, WR, LB, CB

Head Coach: Brian Billick

Offensive Coordinator: Rick Neuheisel

Defensive Coordinator: Rex Ryan

Free Agent(s): LB Adalius Thomas (UFA - New England Patriots), OT Tony Pashos (UFA - Jacksonville Jaguars), Jamal Lewis (UFA - Cleveland Browns), FB Ovie Mughelli (UFA - Atlanta Falcons), DE Jarret Johnson (UFA - re-signed), CB B.J. Sams (RFA), OG Edwin Mulitalo (released), RB Musa Smith (UFA - re-signed), DT Aubrayo Franklin (UFA - San Francisco 49ers), FS Gerome Sapp (UFA), LB Tim Johnson (UFA), WR Clarence Moore (RFA), WR Alex Bannister (UFA), FB Nick Luchey (UFA), WR Devard Darling (RFA), RB Cory Ross (ERFA), OG Ike Ndukwe (ERFA), OG Brian Rimpf (ERFA - re-signed), OT Mike Kracalik (ERFA), DL Atiyyah Ellison (ERFA), DL Matt Katula (ERFA), LB Dennis Haley (ERFA), LB Mike Smith (ERFA), CB Evan Oglesby (ERFA), CB Ronnie Prude (ERFA), CB Jamaine Winborne (ERFA), FS B.J. Ward (UFA - Oakland Raiders)

NFL Europa Allocations: QB Drew Olson (Amsterdam Admirals), TE Rob Abiamiri, OT Dan Oliphant, DL Kenny King (Frankfurt Galaxy), LB Jimmy Cottrell

POSITION ANALYSIS - OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS

The Ravens brought in quarterback Steve McNair from the Tennessee Titans prior to last season in the hopes he would be able to run an efficient offense, which was all they really needed with their stellar defense. Well that is what they received from McNair but little else. During the regular season, he put up decent numbers but they won games, which overshadowed any shortcomings he may have had. However, once the playoffs came around, he was exposed as the Indianapolis Colts held the Ravens to just six points in their AFC Divisional Round win. The question remains, however, of whether or not McNair failed because of a lack of ability or a lack of playmakers around him.

For the season, McNair started all 16 games for the Ravens. He completed 295 of his 468 passes (63 percent) for 3,050 yards. He also threw only 16 touchdowns compared to 12 interceptions. What is not evident in these numbers is the lack of arm strength and accuracy that was on display, most prominently in the playoff loss. In all likelihood, McNair will enter 2007 as the starter, but at 34 years old, the Ravens will have to begin looking for their quarterback of the future.

Quarterback Kyle Boller will have to show the Ravens something this season as his rookie contract will expire after the 2007 season. The former first-round pick made it into just five games last season, throwing for 485 yards, five touchdowns and just two interceptions. It is his presence behind center, however, that the team is unsure of. With McNair in the game, the team surrounding him seemed to play with more confidence (likely due to his reputation and experience). This is a big year for Boller and if he can show to be capable of replacing McNair down the road, he could be on the roster come 2008. He will likely begin the season as McNair's backup.

The team could draft a quarterback, although if they do so it likely won't be until a later round. They still have Boller, who for all his failures still has potential. This team is built to win this year, which means any quarterback acquired is likely going to be a veteran backup (if Boller struggles with the pressure) or a project quarterback.

RUNNING BACKS

It looked as though the running back would be one of the Ravens' needs heading into the draft, however, just one day after they lost 2006 starting tailback Jamal Lewis to the Browns, they acquired running back Willis McGahee from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for three draft picks. Just one day after that they signed him to a seven-year contract extension worth $40 million ($15 million of which is guaranteed).

Regardless of whether or not you think McGahee is a top back in the league (he still considers himself the best in the league), he represents an upgrade over Lewis at running back. While not possessing breakaway speed, he has more speed than Lewis and is also a better outside runner. He does not have the power that Lewis had (few did/do) but is still a more explosive runner. He also has better after-the-catch and receiving skills than Lewis. Last year was a poor season for him as he rushed for only 990 yards on 259 carries. He also only has 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons and just eight runs of 20-plus yards. His career yards-per-carry average is also a lowly 3.9.

Nevertheless, McGahee was also stuck in a poor offense in Buffalo and ran behind one of the league's worst offensive lines. The Ravens' own offensive line has undergone some changes this offseason with the loss of right tackle Tony Pashos, left guard Edwin Mulitalo and possibly left tackle Jonathan Ogden, who may still opt for retirement. The offense is still an upgrade over the Bills', which means McGahee will likely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark again in 2007.

Fullback Justin Green (neck) played in 12 games last season (starting three). He did not receive one carry; however, he did have four receptions for 17 yards. His primary role was on special teams, where he picked up five tackles. He is the only fullback currently on the roster, and it is unlikely the team will go into the season with just him. Green also finished the season on the Injured Reserve as a neck injury shut him down in early December.

Running back Mike Anderson will serve as McGahee's primary backup this season. Anderson, a powerful run at 6-foot, 230 pounds, ran for only 183 yards on 39 carries last season. It was a great comedown from his 2005 season in Denver when he carried the ball 239 for 1,014 yards and 12 touchdowns. Expect about the same amount of carries from Anderson this season as McGahee will see more of the time.

Running back Musa Smith (neck) was re-signed to a one-year deal and will likely be the team's third-down back this season. He had only 36 carries for 153 yards last season but caught 22 balls for 135 yards. Smith also finished the season on the Injured Reserve with a neck injury. Running back P.J. Daniels, a fifth-round draft pick out of the University of Georgia, is listed as fourth on the depth chart and will not likely see much time this season.

With McGahee only 25 years old and locked up for the next seven years, the team will not be looking for any more running backs. They will likely bring in a fullback to compete with Green for the starting job.

WWIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

With McNair signed, the team was hoping wide receiver Derrick Mason would re-ignite some of the chemistry the two had when Mason caught 95 balls for 1,303 yards and eight touchdowns in 2003. That was no the case, however, as he had his lowest yardage output since 1999. Starting 15 of the team's 16 games in 2006, Mason caught 68 passes for 750 yards and two touchdowns. Entering his 11th season and at the age of 33, Mason has lost a step but with his experience and past connection with McNair, he has the potential to put up a solid season.

Starting opposite Mason is wide receiver Mark Clayton. Clayton, a former first-round pick, will be entering his third season with the Ravens, typically the year that things finally begin to "click" for receivers. He showed progress last year as he increased his receiving yard totals from 471 to 939 and touchdowns from two to five. He is not a big receiver, but he has elusive speed and can be explosive after the catch. With him entering his third year, this could be a big season for Clayton, and the Ravens will need it if they want to make up for their shortcomings on offense.

By Ravens standards, wide receiver Demetrius Williams had a decent season. Coming out of the University of Oregon, Williams played in all 16 games last season, catching 22 passes for 396 yards and two touchdowns. His long catch of the year was 77 yards, which was also the Ravens' longest reception. He has good size (6-foot-2, 197 pounds) but will need to bulk up a bit if he wants to make it to the next level. For his size, he also has good speed and good hands. Williams is likely another couple years away from really making an impact for the Ravens.

Tight end Todd Heap followed up his Pro Bowl season in 2005 with another solid year. He caught 73 passes for 75 yards and six touchdowns. His size (6-foot-5, 252 pounds) and speed, he is the best offensive weapon the Ravens have as well as being one of the toughest matchups in the division. He also possesses great hands and is a solid blocker, meaning he rarely has to take a play off. He creates the greatest mismatches over short-to-intermediate routes. At just 26 years of age, he will likely be in Ravens purple and black until at least the end of the decade.

Backing up Heap is tight end Daniel Wilcox. He is an athletic receiver, but he lacks the great blocking ability you would like from a backup tight end. Last season he finished with 20 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns. He came into the league late and at 29 is only in his fourth season. He will likely see most of his time spelling off Heap when he needs a breather.

The team is set at tight end with Heap; however, they could look for another wide receiver as Mason is definitely beginning to show his age. If Williams and Clayton fail to progress, they would be left without a true No. 1 starter at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Offensive Tackles

This is one position the Ravens will have to upgrade in the offseason as they lost offensive tackle Tony Pashos to the Jaguars, and All-Pro tackle Jonathan Ogden is contemplating retirement. While the team is giving Ogden all the time to make his decision, they will still likely draft at least one tackle or look to a few free agents. Offensive tackle Adam Terry is listed as the starting right tackle, but he is likely a few years away from starting, if he ever reaches that level.

Centers

Center Mike Flynn is a solid and dependable center. While not dominant by any means, he is a smart center who will be called upon to make sure the new additions to the offensive line mesh well. The team will likely bring him back for another year, especially as Ogden would like to see him return.

Offensive Guards

The team released guard Edwin Mulitalo leaving them with just guard Ike Ndukwe as the team's left guard they will most certainly bring in some competition at the position. At right guard, the team has Keydrick Vincent could be asked to restructure his contract and moved into a backup role with the team. Offensive guard Chris Chester replaced Vincent at times last year, and the explosive guard could step into a starting role this year.

The Ravens will almost certainly be drafting some offensive line help while also bringing in free agents. This is the area of most concern on their team and will definitely be addressed.

POSITION ANALYSIS - DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE

The team runs a 4-3 base defense; however, because of the versatility of right defensive end Terrell Suggs, they are able to him up as a linebacker without losing too much. Suggs finished last season with 83 tackles (65 solo), 9.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. He is one of the top hybrid lineman/linebackers in the league and will be starting for the Ravens this year.

The Ravens brought in defensive end Trevor Pryce from the Broncos during last year's offseason, and he had a solid year replacing Anthony Weaver, who left to the Browns. Moving to Baltimore appeared rejuvenate the former Clemson Tiger, as he finished the season with 56 solo tackles and 13 sacks, his best numbers this decade.

The team hit a home run with drafting defensive tackle Haloti N'gata in 2006. The mammoth defensive tackle did just what you want a tackle to do, occupying blocks and drawing double teams. His impact was also another key to allowing the Ravens to switch between a 4-3 and 3-4 defense. Ngata even chipped in with one interception last season to go along with his 49 tackles and one sack. At 23 years old, he will likely anchor the line for years to come.

Partnering Ngata was defensive tackle Kelly Gregg who continued to be a strong starter for the Ravens. He finished this season with 83 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He is a savvy and experienced player who should be a good mentor to Ngata.

The Ravens have high hopes for defensive lineman Jarret Johnson, who they will use as a linebacker this year. The hope is that he can function in a role similar to that of departed linebacker Adalius Johnson (Patriots). Last season he finished with 24 tackles (19 solo) and 1.5 sacks. Another backup was lineman Justin Bannan, who had 17 tackles (12 solo) in 14 games. The club will also have to replace backup Aubrayo Franklin, who left for to join the 49ers.

LINEBACKERS

Although he is beginning to show his age, linebacker Ray Lewis is still the leader of this team, both on and off the field. Last season was no different as he led the team in tackles with 126 (103 solo), five sacks, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. He might have lost a step or two from when his prime, but he still has great playmaking ability. Injuries have also bothered him in the past few seasons, last year being his back.

Linebacker Bart Scott broke out last season, compiling 128 total tackles (103 solo) and 9.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions during the season and played in his first Pro Bowl, albeit as an injury replacement player. Scott is also only 26 years old, so he is still on the upside of his career.

As stated above, Johnson will be moving into the role replacing Thomas' production. He just signed a six-year so the Ravens obviously feel he has potential to grow into a good player. He is a competitive player who has good quickness, although he lacks some strength. Johnson will have a tall task replacing Thomas, but with the talent surrounding him, it should make his job easier.

Due to the versatility of the line, not many other linebackers made it on to the field. Linebacker Dennis Haley played in nine games, totaling 14 tackles (nine solo) while linebackers Tim Johnson and Mike Smith were mainly special teams contributors. Some new players might be brought in to this position to provide some depth, but with the talent they have it is not likely any will crack the starting lineup.

SECONDARY

The secondary is led by former NFL Defensive Player of the Year strong safety Ed Reed. Reed has a habit of being in the right place at the right time. Last season he finished with 68 tackles (60 solo), one fumble recovery, five interceptions and one touchdown. At 28, he is now one of the leaders on the Ravens defense and when he is on, he is one of the top players in the league.

Cornerback Chris McAlister is widely considered to be one of the top defensive backs in the league. McAlister finished last season with 51 total tackles (47 solo), two fumble recoveries and six interceptions. He also finished with two touchdowns.

On the opposite of McAlister is cornerback Samari Rolle. The former Tennessee Titan has performed well since joining the Ravens, although he has been on a bit of a decline the past few years. No longer an All-Pro cornerback, Rolle finished last season with 56 tackles (52 solo), one sack and three interceptions. He is likely entering the downside of his career but is still an above-average cornerback.

Partnering Reed in the defensive backfield is free safety Dawan Landry. Landry is a solid defender who is stronger against the run than the pass. In his first season with the Ravens last year, Landry racked up 89 tackles (68 solo), three sacks, five interceptions and one touchdown.

Cornerback Corey Ivy functioned as the team's nickel back for most of last year. He ended the season with 16 tackles (15 solo), two sacks and one interception. He will be brought back next year. Free safety Gerome Sapp was also used extensively, playing in 15 of the team's 16 games. He finished the season with 11 tackles (10 solo).

The Ravens are pretty well set in their secondary and will not likely look to upgrade aside from maybe some depth defensive backs.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place kicker Matt Stover joined the team in 1991 when they were the Cleveland Browns and will return for his 17th season this year. As good as career as he has had, last season was his best percentage-wise as he connected on 28 of his 30 field goal attempts. His leg strength appears to be on the decline as he has only hit one 50-plus field goal in the past two years but from inside the 50-yard line, he is money. He has not missed an extra point since 1996.

Punter Sam Koch was playing in his first full season as a punter for the Ravens and averaged a respectable 43.0 yards per kick. His long for the year was 61 while he was able to pin 34.9 percent of his punts inside the 20. That number put him at eighth in the league. He allowed a net average of 37.6 yards per kick and will have to work on increasing his hang time in order to move into the next tier of punters.

Cornerback B.J. Sams (ankle) was the team's leading kick returner last season. He averaged 25.7 yards per return, which ranked him 10th in the league. He will likely be back next season after suffering a broken ankle late last season. He is on schedule to be ready for training camp. Sams was also the team's leading punt returner, averaging 10.6 yards per return. Despite 59 attempts, Sams never returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown but he did give the team a solid return man and will likely be back in both positions next season.

Center Matt Katula should return as the team's long snapper. He needs to bulk up (6-foot-6, 272 pounds) so he can get a better push, but he snaps the ball with velocity and at 24 years old still has room to grow.

Author Bio

Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.