If Matt Ryan's Gone, Ravens Could Trade Down and Take Chad Henne ... 10th Overall

Filed under: Ravens, NFL Draft, NFL Fans, NFL RumorsThat the Ravens could be in the business for a quarterback is hardly news; in fact, it would be more of a story if they finally settled on someone who could hold down the job for more than a year. The position becomes more of an immediate need now that Steve McNair has retired, although Kyle Boller was just as (in)competent filling in for McNair for parts of last season. Baltimore used a second-day pick on Troy Smith a year ago, but no one would be surprised if the team drafted Matt Ryan with the eighth-overall pick should he still be hanging around the Aaron Rodgers Memorial Green Room. But ESPN's John Clayton writes that should Ryan be off the board, the Ravens will probably trade down and try to grab Chad Henne later on Day 1. Sounds about right until you read this: Most draft experts believe Henne should go in the bottom of the first or the top of the second round, but it's not out of the question for the Ravens to consider him as high as the 10th pick. Number 10. Hmm. Two things: first the Ravens have a pretty spotless track record when it comes to evaluating talent, and it's hard to criticize their personnel decisions; second, their evaluative powers are rendered useless when it comes to drafting quarterbacks. I can't imagine this actually happens, but if it does, look for Baltimore to re-draft Kyle Boller in the second round and then make a trade for Chris Redman. It would be only slightly less ludicrous than taking Henne tenth overall, I think.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments more...