Okay maybe ESPN doesn't know all because I honestly totally disagree with who they and that dude from the Baltimore Sun projected to be drafted... Matt Ryan. However, their assumption is based on two situations that I do not believe will happen, such as:

1. The Falcons and Dolphins passing on Ryan.
2. The Patriots do not trade down.

It is hard to deny that if Matt Ryan is available at the 8 pick, the Ravens won't draft him. But I highly doubt that both the Dolphins and Falcons will pass on Ryan. Last year, I would probably say that the Falcons QB situation was a little bit worst than the Ravens. The Falcons disparately need to franchise QB after the Michael Vick situation and last year's performance.

I still believe that come September, Steve McNair will be the Baltimore Raven's starting QB. When McNair is healthy the man can still play football. Look at his first season (in 2006) with the Ravens, they went 13-3. Unlike in 2007, McNair had a solid O-line to actually protect him. He wasn't forced to leave the pocket as much as he did in 2007, where for some God unknown reason couldn't hold on to the ball to save his life. However, after a whole season to recover I believe McNair's only competition will be from Troy Smith. Ozzie Newsome really fell in love with Troy Smith and believes in his potential. He cautioned Brian Billick not to rush Smith and start him like they did with Kyle Boller (drafted #1 by Ravens). Newsome wants Smith to develop and mature under McNair and is viewed as an long term investment.


Even if Ryan is available and drafted by the Ravens , he will not start this year. The Ravens are still looking at possibly a sub-par 2008 season, unlikely to make the playoffs. The Ravens need to draft defense and arguably really need to get younger at CB. Chris Mcalister who will be 31 this year, got absolutely burned last year. He bit on too many routes by the WR and just got smoked. At times he looked absolutely sloppy and unfocused. Rolle was out more than half of the season with epilespy. And Cori Ivy? Common he was more suited for nickel or dime package, not opposite of Mcalister.

Let Smith develop for one to two more seasons, he showed positive signs and his potential in the last couple games of the season. They have more pressing needs on defense and the Raven's organization and philosophy has always been defense.

Labels: Football