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The Rave

Apr 29, 2008 Apr 29, 2008 1 1

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Ravens Draft Review

Round 1:
QB Joe Flacco (Delaware)- I think that Joe Flacco is exactly what the Ravens need to build this solid franchise around. At 6'6", 230 lbs, Flacco has the size to see above any defense in the league. In his college career he put up very solid number after he transferred from Pitt to pursue a school where he could get more playing time. Delaware was the perfect school for Flacco to show what he really has in store for the NFL. When looking at his stats from the 2007 season, Flacco put up some very impressive numbers. He threw 331/521, which equals out to a 63.5 completion percentage. This is almost unheard of in college football. Along with this he threw 23 TD's with only 5 INT's. Some people might say that since he went to Division 1-A Delaware that he will not be able to accelerate at the pro level. At the senior bowl, Flacco proved that he has the strongest arm in this years draft. With all of this said, I think that he has what it takes to be a premier QB in the NFL! Overall Grade: A-

Round 2:
RB Ray Rice (Rutgers)- With the 55th overall pick in the draft, the Ravens selected Ray Rice, a running back out of Rutgers. At 5'8", 200lbs, Rice may not have the size to be a premier back in the NFL. With this said i would like to draw your attention to a former pro-bolwer of his size. Priest Holmes, a former RB for the Ravens, was only 5'9", 213 lbs, and he did great for his size. During the 2007 season, Rice rushed 380 times for 2,012 yds and 24 TD's. Coming out of the Big-East Conference, these are great numbers for a RB. Rice will be a good 3rd down back for the Ravens this year, as he is playing behind Willis McGahee. With all of this said I think that Ray will see ample playing time this year. Overall Grade: B

Round 3:
LB Tavares Gooden (Miami, FL)- With the first of their three 3rd round picks, the Ravens selected Tavares Gooden, a LB out of the University of Miami. Gooden has great size for a LB at 6'2", 238 lbs. During the 2007 season, Gooden collected 100 tackles as a senior for the Canes. He has average size and busts his ass until the whistle blows. With his exceptional speed, he will have no problem being a premier run stopper in the NFL. Overall Grade: B+

S Tom Zbikowski (Notre Dame)- The Ravens chose S Tom Zbikowski with their second pick in the 3rd round (86th Overall). Along with being a pro boxer, he is one hell of a pass defender. At 6'0", 200 lbs, Zbikowski has the ideal size for a defensive back in the NFL. With the age of the Ravens secondary getting up there in the years, this was in my opinion the best pick up for where he was drafted. With tremendous speed and agility, Tom Zbikowski will be a great member of the Ravens secondary for many years to come. Overall Grade: A

OT Oniel Cousins (UTEP)- With their third and final pick of the 3rd round, the Ravens selected Oniel Cousins, a big OT from UTEP. At 6'5", 300 lbs, Cousins will be a force on the Ravens Offensive Line. The age of their starting tackle right now, Jonathon Ogden, is going up quickly. With all of this said, Cousins was a great pick for the Ravens, and he will someday be the starting tackle for the Ravens! Overall Grade: B-

Trade:  The trade for Fabian Washington, in my opinion was a great move.  With Rolle and McAllister both being over the age of 30, we now have depth in the secondary for many years to come.  BTW, you cant dispute a Big-Ten defensive back!

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