AFC Draft In Review

Baltimore Ravens

Picks: QB Joe Flacco(1), RB Ray Rice(2), ILB Tavares Gooden(3), S Tom Zbikowski(3), OG Oniel Cousins(3), WR Marcus Smith(4), OT David Hale(4), S Haruki Nakamura(6), WR Justin Harper(7), RB Allen Patrick(7)

Best Pick: QB Joe Flacco

Analysis: B: Some may question whether or not the Ravens paniced a bit when the Falcons sleected Matt Ryan #3.  The move down with Jacksonville was a shred one for Ozzie Newsome, but to give most of it away to get back in the Top-20 for Flacco had some scratching their heads.  It is obvious the Ravens had Flacco graded significantly higher than Brian Brohm and Chad Henne.  Flacco does possess the best "NFL-Arm" in the draft, but time will tell whether or not playing at Delaware prepared him for the rigors of the AFC North.  The Ravens also took advantage of having 7 total picks in the Top 4 rounds, with Rice, Gooden and Zbikowski set to play significant roles as early as 2008.  For a team desparate for a shot in the arm after the Brian Billeck era, John Harbaugh and Co. did a solid job. more...