Mock Draft

The 2012 NFL draft is three weeks away, and though most teams have solidified their draft boards barring a few tweaks after prospects visit, the “silly season” of draft rumors is really starting to heat up. Need an example? How about the rumblings that the Colts are undecided about the first pick? But hey, I love mock drafts as much as you do, so allow me to contribute to the silly season with my third mock draft of the offseason.

As the clock ticks down to the 2012 NFL draft -- Round 1 is the night of April 26 -- let's take a look at which college prospects the Ravens are being paired up with in recent mock drafts from five national analysts. --- Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin : “The Ravens must address their interior offensive line with Ben Grubbs departing and Matt Birk nearing the end of his career. Konz is capable of playing offensive guard or center , and his rugged style is an ideal fit in Baltimore's power-based offense.” Vensel's take: Even with Birk returning in 2012 (and perhaps beyond?

As we head into Week Four of free agency, it's probably a good time to point out that the Ravens are currently just $1.75 million under the salary cap, which is probably right around the amount of money that they're going to need to pay their draft picks. There are certainly ways to gain financial flexibility. Signing quarterback Joe Flacco or running back Ray Rice or even cornerback Lardarius Webb to long-term contract extensions would help immensely. Restructuring a couple of contracts, like perhaps Ed Reed's deal, would also provide relief, though Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has said on several occasions that he prefers not to resort to those measures.

The Ravens lost former Notre Dame safety Tom Zbikowski to the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Could they replace him with another Golden Domer? ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay certainly thinks so. In his latest mock draft, McShay projects the Ravens to select safety Harrison Smith with the 29th overall pick in April 26th's first round. I do know that the Ravens really like Smith, who had 309 tackles and seven interceptions (all in his junior season) during his career at Notre Dame, and is considered the second-best safety in the draft behind Alabama's Mark Barron.

Sophomore Terrell Stoglin, the Atlantic Coast Conference's leading scorer, hasn't finalized his decision to return to Maryland next season, and his father said the family would at least look at NBA draft options. "We haven't determined any of that yet," Joe Stoglin said. "Right now, his goal is to come back and play his junior season. We want to see him come back and have a big junior season and make the NCAA tournament. " Joe Stoglin said the family would pay attention to possible NBA draft scenarios.

The 2012 NFL scouting combine wrapped up on Tuesday, which means that many draftniks throughout the blogosphere promptly released their revised mock drafts on Wednesday. The looming free agent period, which starts in two weeks, will shake up these mock drafts even more. But in the meantime, here is a quick roundup of the NFL prospects the Ravens are being linked to in these post-combine first round projections. --- Peter Schrager, FOX Sports: Peter Konz, C/G, Wisconsin. “With Ben Grubbs' future unknown, the Ravens could have a bit of work to do on their offensive line this offseason.

Several months ago, Josh Selby was talking on the phone to mentor Carmelo Anthony. It was just a friendly conversation between two men who know exactly what it feels like to be a basketball prodigy from inner city Baltimore. Anthony, a four-time NBA all-star who now plays for the New York Knicks, tried to give Selby some advice as he prepared for the upcoming NBA draft, which takes place tonight in New York City. You're going to hear a lot of criticism, Anthony said. Your game is going to be picked apart, and you're going to be worn down by what feels like a never-ending cycle of workouts and interviews.