There has been much change in Baltimore since Mock Draft Monitor 3.0. There's a new face in the receiving corps, a familiar one decided to return and two big contributors on the defensive line have departed.
Thus, with the Ravens' new needs in mind, let's stop in and see who draft prognosticators are saying Baltimore will take with its 25th pick in the first round.
Many mock drafts previously had the Ravens taking a wide receiver with their first selection. Now many see them selecting either a tight end or going on the defensive side.
Here are the mock drafts that have been updated since Feb. 23.
ESPN, Mel Kiper
(Updated on March 11; Last Pick: WR Arrelious Benn)
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, Tight EndSenior; 6-6, 258; 2008: 66 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns)
*"The Ravens aren't finished in their mission to find weapons for Joe Flacco. Gresham is the best pure tight end in the draft and answered physical questions in Indy. The heir to Todd Heap is the perfect weapon for a young passer."
ESPN, Todd McShay
(Updated on March 11; Last Pick: CB Kyle Wilson)
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, Tight EndSenior; 6-6, 258; 2008: 66 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns)
*"Baltimore addressed its wide receiver need by trading for Anquan Boldin and signing unrestricted free agent Donte' Stallworth. Gresham is the best pass-catching tight end on the board and would be a great addition to an already upgraded receiving corps."
**NFL.com, Pat Kirwan**
(Updated on March 16; Last Pick: CB Patrick Robinson)
Patrick Robinson, Florida State, CornerbackSenior; 5-11, 193; 46 tackles, 0 interceptions
"The Ravens solved their wide receiver issues by trading for Anquan Boldin, re-signing Derrick Mason and picking up Donte' Stallworth . They need a corner, and Robinson is the best left on the board."
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Sports Illustrated, Don Banks
(Updated on March 16; Last Pick: WR Dez Bryant)
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, Tight EndSenior; 6-6, 258; 2008: 66 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns)
*"The Ravens' trade for Anquan Boldin means they're looking at either cornerback or tight end in the first round. Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty is intriguing, but Gresham's draft grade might be too high to ignore. And we know, Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome always stays true to his board."*
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National Football Post, Wes Bunting
(Updated on March 10; Last Pick: WR Brandon LaFell)
Aaron Hernandez, Florida, Tight EndJunior; 6-2, 250; 68 receptions, 850 yards, 5 touchdowns
"I don't think there's a wideout on the draft board worthy of this slot, so a potential dynamic tight end who can make plays and create mismatches in the pass game makes a lot of sense."
CBS Sports, Rob Rang
(Updated on March 17)
Jared Odrick, Penn State, Defensive TackleSenior; 6-5, 306; 43 tackles, 7 sacks
"The Ravens finally found a No. 1 wide receiver -- trading for Anquan Boldin -- but lost valuable depth along their defensive line with Justin Bannan already and are likely to lose Dwan Edwards, as well. Jared Odrick has the size, strength and good technique to fit in and contribute immediately."*
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CBS Sports, Chad Reuter
(Updated on March 16)
Earl Thomas, Texas, Cornerback/Safety
Sophomore; 5-10, 197; 63 tackles, 8 interceptions, 2 touchdowns
"Ed Reed hasn't ruled out retirement yet, and even if he sticks around, the Ravens could use Thomas as a nickel back or even move him to corner if injuries knock down their depth there again in 2010."
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**AOL Fanhouse, Chris Burke**
(Updated on March 8; Last Pick: WR Golden Tate)
Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, Tight EndSenior; 6-6, 258; 2008: 66 receptions, 950 yards, 14 touchdowns)
*"Back in the golden days, the Ravens could count on elite TE production from Todd Heap. Even though Heap is still with the team, multiple injuries have sapped much of his ability and value. As the best TE prospect in the draft and one of the best playmaking tight ends to come out in recent years, Gresham should be a hot commodity come draft day."
Scout.com, Mock Draft Muncher
(Munched on March 16)
Jared Odrick, Penn State, Defensive TackleSenior; 6-5, 306; 43 tackles, 7 sacks
Football’s Future, Robert Davis
(Updated on March 5; Previous Pick: Golden Tate)
Kyle Wilson, Boise State, CornerbackSenior; 5-10, 186; 42 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 touchdowns
"After making a move for Anquan Boldin, WR drops down on the list of needs. Upgrading the secondary may jump to the front, and landing a playmaker like Wilson would be excellent value here."
WalterFootball.com
(Updated on March 16; Previous Pick: TE Jermaine Gresham)
Jared Odrick, Penn State, Defensive TackleSenior; 6-5, 306; 43 tackles, 7 sacks
"To steal something from my 2011 NFL Mock Draft , Dwan Edwards is currently a free agent, while Justin Bannan signed with the Broncos. Suddenly, Baltimore's defensive line is a little thin. Jared Odrick is one of the top players available and would be a great fit in the Ravens' defense."
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Draft Countdown, Scott Wright
(Updated March 15; Last Pick: WR Arrelious Benn)
Kyle Wilson, Boise State, CornerbackSenior; 5-10, 186; 42 tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 touchdowns
*"After about a decade of mostly futile attempts to upgrade the wide receiver position the Ravens finally solved that problem by trading for Anquan Boldin. Now they are free to look in another direction with this pick. Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens are notorious for pouncing on talented players who unexpectedly drop into their laps so that is always something to watch out for. However, based on value and need a cornerback probably makes the most sense for Baltimore. Dominique Foxworth had an up and down season after signing a big free agent deal and the secondary as a whole was very disappointing in 2009. To top it off both Fabian Washington and Lardarius Webb are coming off of serious knee injuries and there is little or no depth to speak of. Boise State's Kyle Wilson is a tad undersized but he plays big, has excellent speed and athleticism and is a true playmaker in the secondary. It might be time to start thinking about an eventual successor for Todd Heap at tight end too and it would be just like the Ravens to steal a top talent like Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham late in round one. Baltimore might also want to start getting younger along their defensive line so Jared Odrick of Penn State and Dan Williams of Tennessee, who are both good fits for their scheme, could be possibilities as well. Don't rule out Florida's Maurkice Pouncey as a value pick and long-term answer at center / guard either."
