Soon after the regular season ended, there were a number of possibilities surrounding the Ravens' first-round draft pick. They needed a running back, outside linebacker, offensive tackle or cornerback. Now, the needs appear to be narrowed down to two, cornerback and offensive tackle.
The Ravens have always said they will take the highest-rated player on the board when they pick (29th overall this year), and it'll be a stretch if they can get a player at one of those two positions.
The Ravens' draft scenario started to become clearer a few weeks ago when they re-signed outside linebacker Jarret Johnson to replace Adalius Thomas. The Ravens also traded for former Buffalo Bills running back Willis McGahee to replace Jamal Lewis. There are few other gaping holes.
Even at cornerback, the Ravens still have veteran Samari Rolle, who might be savvy enough to make it through another season, but the offensive line situation is murkier.
Sometime before the draft, Pro Bowl left tackle Jonathan Ogden will announce whether he plans to retire. Regardless, the Ravens should still draft a tackle if one is available because Ogden is going to play only one, two or maybe three years at best, and they might also need a replacement at right tackle if Adam Terry struggles this season.
The Ravens made a really smart move last offseason when they brought in a second offensive line coach, Greg Roman, to work with Chris Foerster. During training camp, Roman worked with young players such as guard Jason Brown and center Chris Chester, and it paid off because both had to play for injured players last season.
It could pay off again if they draft a tackle like Penn State's Levi Brown or Central Michigan's Joe Staley.
The lack of a running game last season significantly hurt the Ravens' chances for playoff success. But the Ravens believe the addition of McGahee will help improve one of the NFL's worst rushing offenses. The next step, then, is obvious: Improve the offensive line.
Everything else seems to be in place. Quarterback Steve McNair is back, and so are his receivers. The defense might not be as good as last season, but the Ravens will still be in the top five. With an improved running game, they can rest their defense while taking pressure off McNair.
What tackle is available for the Ravens in the first round?
