AFC North
RAVENS REVIEW - The Baltimore Ravens 2007 Draft Report
By Randy Setterberg
May 31, 2007, 00:49

1st Round (29th overall) Ben Grubbs, G, Auburn

One word describes the status of Baltimore’s offensive line: antiquated. Any more vintage on these guys would warrant a Rust-Oleum commercial. Flynn, Odgen, and Vincent are either sniffing 30 or well beyond it, and former second rounder Adam Terry, the junior of the bunch, has started just two games in two years. Grubbs in an immediate upgrade over would-be starter Jason Brown, who will be relegated to the bench after starting 12 games in 2006.

Grubbs is athletic, pulls well, can block in space, and is strong enough to road grade inside for Willis McGahee. The Ravens were criticized for passing on OT Tony Ugoh, but Baltimore wants to improve now, while McNair is still semi-healthy and McGahee’s mind is right. The Ravens have a legitimate shot at landing in Arizona next February, and Grubbs will be in intricate part of that game plan.

3rd Round (74th overall) Yamon Figurs, WR, Kansas State

The Ravens consider Figurs a Devin Hester clone; they’d better be right, because they passed on Washington State’s Jason Hill (WR), Stanford’s Trent Edwards (QB), Northern Illinois’ Garrett Wolfe (RB), and California’s Daymeion Hughes (CB) - players at need positions who could contribute immediately and be groomed as future starters.

Figurs is lightening fast and was drafted specifically to be “the man” in the return game. Baltimore already has a proven return guy in B.J. Sams, but he’s coming off a serious ankle injury, and a full recovery is in doubt. While his breakaway speed is an asset, his route running needs polish, and he’ll need extra work to see the field as a #4 wideout.

3rd Round (86th overall) Marshal Yanda, OT, Iowa

After passing on Ugoh, then failing to move up to nab either Boston College’s James Martin or Notre Dame’s, Baltimore settled on Yanda, considered the “best of the rest” offensive tackles available. This pick stinks, especially when they ultimately traded up with Denver (through Jacksonville) to the 86th overall slot to get him.

This junior college transfer was targeted by pundits as a moderate day two draft pick; Baltimore obviously felt different. The plan is for Yanda to get some tutoring and replace Jonathan Ogden in a couple of years. Fat chance; right now he’s buried second on the depth chart - at guard behind holdover Keydrick Vincent.

4th Round (134th overall) Antwan Barnes, OLB, Florida Int.

Known as a pass rusher, Barnes is really more of a ‘tweener type that will not likely find much playing time in 2007. He wooed the scouts -and apparently, Raven management - with an impressive 40 time at the combine, but lacks the size, strength, and explosiveness off the edge to be much of a difference-maker. This workout warrior is more athlete than football player, and will find his future (if he has one) exclusively on special teams.

4th Round (137th overall) Le'Ron McClain, FB, Alabama

McClain is a solid lead blocker who’ll mix it up with anybody. He also catches the ball fairly well out of the backfield. Having said that, he’s not explosive, lacks speed, and is limited in formations. Again, what was Baltimore thinking?

In the right backfield (San Diego, for example) McClain could be a Pro Bowler for years. But all he’ll do here is get in McGahee’s way - at least, that’s the way Willis will tell it. He’ll probably beat out Justin Green for the starting job, but who cares? Neither guy will see enough snaps to make a difference in Baltimore’s revamped offensive scheme.

5th Round (174th overall) Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State

Again, too little, too late. Smith surfaced from the abyss after the cream of the quarterback crop had already been drafted. The Ravens really like his intangibles: he’s a take-charge guy, is mentally tough, and has character and leadership skills. However, he’s wildly inaccurate, displays poor footwork, and telegraphs his passes with a deliberate Byron Leftwich-type delivery. Why not draft a Jordan Palmer, who’s just as inaccurate but has more arm strength, is five inches taller, and played in a pro-style offense for four years? Baltimore will groom Smith as McNair’s heir apparent, but they will be greatly disappointed.

6th Round (207th overall) Prescott Burgess, OLB, Michigan

Has the biggest heart among all Raven picks. What he lacks in talent, burgess makes up for in desire. He has great instincts; he reads and reacts in a blink of an eye. His coverage needs work, but he’ll hone his craft while excelling on special teams.

Burgess is smart, versatile, and refuses to be outworked. He needs to add about ten pounds, as he has a tendency to wear down as the season progresses. Currently slated to back up Dan Cody, Burgess could find increased playing time in 2007 if everything falls right.

RECAP:

Baltimore had a chance to solidify a run for the Super Bowl in this draft; instead, they simply missed the mark. Instead of addressing areas of need with quality players still available, they reached with Figurs, Yanda, and Barnes. McClain - a legit talent - was a wasted selection, since the FB doesn’t play a prominent role in their offense. And Smith was more of a PR pick than a developmental prospect. Other than Grubbs, who will start immediately, and Burgess, who will surprise given time, the Ravens could have stayed home and mailed in their selections. Judging by the outcome, maybe Ozzie and the boys did exactly that.

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