Baltimore Ravens Team Needs

By: Greg Davis

Quarterback
Steve McNair, the oft-injured quarterback, once again found himself on the injured reserve list last season. Given his age (35) and injury history, the team has to consider the possibility that another quarterback will be needed at some point in the upcoming season and after McNair is gone. While Kyle Boller has been signed to remain with the team, there is a lack of confidence in his ability to be a true number one heading forward. And third-string quarterback Troy Smith might also fail to be much more than a bench player. The Ravens have to figure out how they want to address these concerns. If Boller and Smith aren’t going to be given a shot at starting, then the draft is the place to acquire a quarterback option that could work out in the future.

Cornerback
Defensively, the cornerback position was a significant problem area for Baltimore during the 2007 season. Samari Rolle was inconsistent at best, being beaten in coverage far too often for big plays, and his poor play couple with injuries in the secondary exposed the lack of depth at the position. Overall, Baltimore finished 20th in passing yards allowed, a relatively disappointing statistic for such a highly regarded defense. For the sake of depth with talent and Rolle’s possible replacement, the team will head into the draft looking for a cornerback who fits the bill.

Defensive Line
At defensive end, Trevor Pryce is aging and battling injuries. The position could also use another talent to build the bridge between Pryce and the future. If a young end can come in and take some of the load off of Pryce’s shoulders, it might extend Pryce’s career while also developing the career of the young player. Baltimore would put themselves in an improved position here.

Offensive Line
On the offensive line, the question everyone wants an answer to is whether or not Jonathan Ogden is going to return. The Ravens have been told to proceed as if Ogden won’t be back and the team has no other option but to do as such. Ogden’s absence will provide Jared Gaither an opportunity to earn a starting role, but if the Ravens feel that he isn’t the right player going forward, the team could spend a draft pick on a player who might be. Even if the team is confident in their current line bunch, they’ll need to address depth at the position during the draft.