Breaking Down the Draft: Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have been among the best in the NFL at drafting under General Manager Ozzie Newsome. Their ‘08 draft is no different.

Pick 18: QB Joe Flacco, Delaware (Scouting Report )
Scout It: Flacco has the big arm and body type favored by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. Cameron’s offense will feature a lot of quick hits, but also a heavy emphasis on pushing the ball vertically. Flacco will be playing a lot from under center, something new for him, and in an offense which requires quick reads of the safeties. Flacco must adjust to first taking the snap, but will also be asked to learn how to read the safety before the cornerback.

Pick 55: RB Ray Rice, Rutgers (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Rice has the speed to pull away from defenders, but is best known for his power between the tackles and vision. Head coach John Harbaugh is coming from a system in Philadelphia which placed emphasis on the running backs being able to run, catch and block. Rice will enter the season as a third-down option behind Willis McGahee, but must be able to step in quickly. Rice will play often, as Cameron favors a two-back system and even a fullback. Expect Rice to see playing time once he learns the blocking scheme, and no sooner.

Pick 71: ILB Tavares Gooden, Miami (FL) (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Much can be said about the Ravens versatile 3-4 defense under Rex Ryan. The team likes to put their linebackers in a position to make tackles by plugging gaps with their defensive linemen. Gooden will need to learn to play through some traffic, as nose tackle Kelly Gregg will not be commanding a triple team. At least one guard will release on most runs to either inside linebacker. Gooden is being groomed to take over for Ray Lewis.

Pick 86: SS Tom Zbikowski, Notre Dame (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Baltimore needs a strong safety who can step up to support the run and also intimidate receivers running free behind their linebackers. Ed Reed at free safety is a centerfielder, someone taking away the deep thirds. Baltimore runs a lot of man coverage, as much as any team in the league, which puts pressure on the safeties to help over the top when not locked up with a tight end or third receiver. Zbikowski’s lack of coverage skills could hurt him here.

Pick 99: OG Oniel Cousins, UTEP

Scout It: The Ravens have aimed for big bodies on the offensive line under Ozzie Newsome’s charge. Cousins will be another college offensive tackle who is being moved inside to guard. The team likes to move their linemen around, centers will play guard and guards can play tackle.

Pick 106: WR Marcus Smith, New Mexico

Scout It: Cam Cameron’s scheme isn’t that complicated. Receivers have never faired well in his system, though. Smith is a speed receiver, something Cameron did not have in San Diego or Miami. Receivers run a lot of deep routes in this set, with the tight end primarily running underneath and stretching the seam.

Pick 133: OT David Hale, Weber State

Scout It: Another tackle in the same mold as supplemental draft pick Jared Gaither. Hale is very big, very strong and not very mobile. Baltimore puts more emphasis on their run game, which becomes the top priority for blockers.

Pick 206: SS Haruki Nakamura, Cincinnati

Scout It: His punishing tackling skills will fit in nicely in Baltimore. The Ravens like to put safeties on kick off and punt duties, a place Nakamura can excel as he develops in to more than a tackling-monster. YouTube him if you get time, it’s amazing.

Pick 215: WR Justin Harper, Virginia Tech

Scout It: Another solidly built receiver with good speed. Harper gives the Ravens good height and enough to speed to stretch defenses. He has some ability as a kick returner.

Pick 240: RB Allen Patrick, Oklahoma (Scouting Report)
Scout It: Patrick is a good athlete, and much stronger than his size. He has good power and vision, but not much speed or agility. He’s best running inside (gaps A-B) and lowering his shoulder. A former safety who loves contact.