Jamison Hensley has been a reporter at The Sun since 1999. He has covered the Ravens for the past four seasons.
Larry, Baltimore: Who do you think the Ravens' first pick will be and why?
Jamison Hensley: Looking into my Mel Kiper-approved crystal ball, the Ravens' first pick will be (in order of likelihood) is a defensive back, defensive lineman, offensive lineman or receiver. The player they would love to be at that spot is Iowa safety Bob Sanders. His height (5 feet 8) keeps him out of the first round but he has Raven-type qualities in that he loves to run to the football and hit.
Jason, Baltimore:Are the Ravens going to really stick to their "best player available" policy in the early rounds of this year's draft or will they reach a little to grab a receiver? I know they've stated that they are sticking to the aforementioned policy, but is that just a little pre-draft smoke to mask true intentions?
Jamison Hensley: General manager Ozzie Newsome has one of the best poker faces in the league but he's not bluffing this time. The Ravens believe they can get better value at wide receiver in the third or fourth round.
Chris, Atlanta: Do you think that there is any chance of the Ravens trading up this year to get a receiver or will they stay put and draft the best player available?
Jamison Hensley: It's a unpopular response to a popular question: Trading up for a receiver is not an option. The only way I see the Ravens moving up - and it wouldn't be very far - is to take a defensive back or defensive lineman. My bet is they stay put in the second round.
Edward, Ocean Pines: Will the Ravens be looking to pick a third string RB in the later rounds if Lewis isn't available for the regular season?
Jamison Hensley: If the Ravens select a running back late, it will be to address depth on special teams and not Jamal Lewis' situation. The Ravens remain confident that Lewis will be starting for them this season. Two things you can't question about the Ravens franchise: its success in drafting and its loyalty to players in crisis.
Joe, Appleton, Wis.: It appears that the most successful free agency strategy in the NFL today is to first make an effort to retain your own key contributors before attempting to sign players from other teams. In light of this and the Ravens' favorable salary cap position, are the Ravens attempting to sign some of its young defensive talents (i.e. Ed Hartwell and Gary Baxter) to extensions before they hit free agency?
