The Baltimore Ravens were on the fast track to Super Bowl . Up 21-7 on the Pittsburgh Steelers at half time of the AFC Divisional Round game when Joe Flacco and company turned the ball over the three times in the second half leading to a 31-24 loss at the hands of their divisional rival.
2011 NFL Draft Team Needs: Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco needs get over the hump for the Ravens to be a force in the AFC. He has never beaten Ben Roethlisberger in his career. Until he does, Baltimore will not win a Super Bowl.
However, Flacco is not the only piece of this Ravens team that needs to improve. Flacco’s wide receivers truly let him down in that playoff game. It is apparent that Baltimore needs a down field threat at the wideout position. The secondary could also be an issue with a number of players for heading into free agency. Both lines could also use upgrades.
Baltimore is in a position to make a Super Bowl run if they are able to sure up a few holes in their lineup.
1. Cornerback - Baltimore's secondary ranked 21st in the league this season allowing 225 passing yards per game. TO add insult to injury, Chris Carr, Josh Wilson, and Fabian Washington are all free agents this offseason. The Ravens will undoubtably be looking for a starting cornerback early in the 2011 NFL Draft. Luck for them, the 2011 draft class is deep at corner. Brandon Harris, Aaron Williams, Ras-I-Dowling, and Kendric Burney all fit within Baltimore's draft range during the first three rounds.
2. Wide Receiver - Despite the addition of Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh last offseason, Baltimore is in need of an upgrade at wideout once again this year. Both Boldin and Houshmandzadeh play a possession game and are not capable of stretching the field. Not to mention, neither showed up for the playoff game against the Steelers. A burner like Titus Young or Randall Cobb would be a nice round two selection for the Ravens.
3. Front Seven - Both the defensive end and linebacker positions need to be addressed. Corry Redding was average, but could definitely be upgraded. Also, Ray Lewis is 36 years old and Baltimore needs to start planning for life without their superstar linebacker. The Ravens have a tremendous defense, but need to keep it fresh with young talent.
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