Right Off Russell

Most often, as a Ravens fan, it is hard not to be excited right after the draft.  The Ravens and Ozzie Newsome have a successful draft history hitting many home runs with their first round picks and also finding starters and pro bowlers in the late rounds.  The Raven, like many other teams, also do a good job of talking up their draftees strengths and getting fans excited about why the club feels strongly why each pick fits what it means to be a Raven.

This year is no different  Ozzie and the boys came a away with players in the first 2 rounds that many thought would be drafted much higher in Michael Oher and Paul Kruger.  In Oher and Kruger, as well as, 5th round pick Jason Phillips, the Ravens 3 very tough and physical football players.  High motor guys who have a bit of nasty to them.

I was surprised by the pick of Ladarius Webb out of Nicholls St. in the 3rd round.  I had not heard much mentioned about him heading into the draft, because he is from a smaller school and it seems like the Ravens have their share of small speedy corners.  Webb, however does bring loads of toughness, speed and versatility.   The Ravens think Webb will not only help at corner and in the return game, but that he could also see some time at safety because he is a physical hitter despite his small frame.

In TE Davon Drew and RB Cedric Peerman the Ravens picked up players with good upside while building depth in need positions.  Both could see time on special teams to start and with Willis McGahee likely gone after next season and an aging Todd Heap their roles could expand in the years to come.

So what negatives can we take away from this draft?  Obviously, the Ravens did nothing to address needs at the WR position.  Though the argument could be made that there were no WR worth drafting when the Ravens picked and that any receiver brought in as a rookie will have little impact in ‘09.  It still leads us to wonder if this weakness will bite the Ravens again next season. 

I guess that is the question: does the acquisition of Oher and a hopefully stronger O-line allow the Ravens to send more player down-field as opposed to keeping ends and backs in to help pick up the pass rush?   Any other thoughts on this draft?