With the NFL Draft coming up in late April, BaltimoreRavens.com takes a sweep around the Web to look at who others are saying the Ravens will select with their 25th pick.
So far, most pundits are convinced that the Ravens will take a receiving threat to boost the passing game and help quarterback Joe Flacco. Here are their projections:
ESPN, Mel Kiper(Posted on Jan. 20)
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, Tight EndSenior; 6-6, 261; 2008: 66 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns
"Gresham is so good that while he sat out his junior year, I left him on the Big Board the whole time. Now healthy, he's a great find this late in the first round and a perfect target for Joe Flacco as an heir to Todd Heap. At a hair over 6-6 and 262 pounds, he's the total package at TE."
ESPN, Todd McShay(Posted on Dec. 15)
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State, Wide ReceiverJunior; 6-2, 210; 17 receptions, 323 yards, 4 touchdowns
"Baltimore needs to give 2008 first-round pick and franchise QB Joe Flacco a playmaker at receiver. Bryant was ruled ineligible by the NCAA earlier this season, but teams have seen more than enough to know he can stretch the field."
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**Fox Sports, Peter Schrager**
(Posted on Jan. 27)
Syd'Quan Thompson, California, CornerbackSenior; 5-9, 191; 48 tackles, 1 interception
"The Ravens have been passing on drafting receivers in the first round for years. Don't expect that to change this year. With a deep wideout class (there will be solid WR options in rounds 2 and 3 available), look for Baltimore to pick up a young, ready-to-play right away cornerback here. Thompson had an outstanding junior season, returned for his senior year and was a top Pac-10 performer for Cal in '09. Though undersized at just 5-9, Thompson has a knack for the ball and is currently having a hell of a week at the Senior Bowl. A four-year regular at Cal, he could start opening day for the Ravens."
Draft Ace, Mike Band(Posted on Jan. 20)
Brandon LaFell, LSU, Wide ReceiverSenior; 6-3, 206; 57 receptions, 792 yards, 11 touchdowns
"The only Ravens receiver currently under contract for 2010 is Justin Harper, so it's safe to say the Ravens will be in the market for some new targets for Joe Flacco this offseason. LaFell isn't a game-breaker like Dez Bryant but is a polished receiver who is ready to make an impact immediately. LaFell reminds me of Hines Ward. Like Ward, he lacks elite speed but is a physical possession receiver and contributes to the run game as an elite blocker."
The Football Expert, Michael Abromowitz(Posted on Jan. 24)
Golden Tate, Notre Dame, Wide ReceiverJunior; 5-11, 195; 93 receptions, 1,496 yards, 15 touchdowns
"Derrick Mason looks to be finally retired and outside of Mark Clayton, this receiving corps is far from impressive. The Ravens should have their choice of receiver at this pick and for now I have the Golden one as the second best receiver after Dez Bryant. By draft time, Arrelious Benn, Brandon Lafell or Damian Williams could wrestle that position from him, but for now I say the Ravens go Golden."
Football’s Future, Robert Davis(Posted on Jan. 21)
Golden Tate, Notre Dame, Wide ReceiverJunior; 5-11, 195; 93 receptions, 1,496 yards, 15 touchdowns
"Joe Flacco needs more weapons, plain and simple. The Ravens have done a nice job accumulating talent around him, except at the receiver spot. Tate gives them a big playmaker that plays bigger than his size."
Draft Countdown, Scott Wright(Posted on Jan. 22)
Arrelious Benn, Illinois, Wide ReceiverJunior; 6-2, 220; 38 receptions, 490 yards, 2 touchdowns
"A prized recruit who Ron Zook somewhat surprisingly lured to the Illini, Arrelious Benn is a great athlete with an ideal blend of size (6-2, 220) and speed (4.40) who has the ability to be a vertical threat and create in space. Benn didn't have the big junior season everyone was expecting but for the most part that can be attributed to lackluster quarterback play and it certainly isn't an indictment of his talent."
Draft King, Lou Pickney(Posted on Jan. 16)
Brandon LaFell, LSU, Wide ReceiverSenior; 6-3, 206; 57 receptions, 792 yards, 11 touchdowns
"LaFell is a superb wideout who has thrived in the spotlight in Baton Rouge. Derrick Mason teased retirement before coming back for 2009, but regardless on Mason's plans for 2010, the Ravens would be wise to bring in a player of LaFell's caliber."
Consensus Draft Services(Posted on Jan. 4)
Brandon Spikes, Florida, LinebackerSenior; 6-3, 256; 52 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions
"Brandon Spikes at #22 represents excellent value and would give the Ravens their ready-made successor for when Ray Lewis eventually decides to call it a career. Sure, the Ravens have other needs, but keeping together a solid defense has always been key for Baltimore and I don't see that changing here."
WalterFootball.com(Posted on Jan. 27)
Damian Williams, USC, Wide ReceiverJunior; 6-1, 190; 70 receptions, 1,010 yards, 6 touchdowns
"If available, Jermaine Gresham is an option because Todd Heap is unreliable. However, Mark Clayton has been so inconsistent that he would force my hand anyway. If Derrick Mason retires, Joe Flacco will have absolutely no one to work with. Cornerback is also an option if Donovan Warren falls."
NFLDraftScout.com, Rob Rang & Chad Reuter(Posted on Jan. 19)
Brandon LaFell, LSU, Wide ReceiverSenior; 6-3, 206; 57 receptions, 792 yards, 11 touchdowns.
