2007 NFL Draft News - Team Needs: Baltimore Ravens

Team Needs: Baltimore Ravens

By Jake Russell | Category: 2007 NFL Draft News
Originally Posted: 2007-04-10

Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams' off-season needs. Up next is the team with the 29th overall pick in the draft, the Baltimore Ravens.

2006 Results: 13-3, 1st in AFC North
2007 Projected Cap Status: $98,400.000 ($10.6 million under as of March. 10.)

2006 Season Recap:

The Ravens' season seemed to turn around right about the time head coach Brian Billick fired offense coordinator and close friend Jim Fassel and took over the play-calling duties. One of the franchise’s achilles heels was the lack of talent under center but that all changed with the acquisition of veteran quarterback Steve McNair. McNair seems to have been the missing piece, and his presence resulted in the Ravens' playoff run in 2006. The Ravens defense lived up to it’s usual standard and finished 1st in the NFL in total defense.

Team Needs:

1. Offensive Line – Unrestricted Free Agent tackle Tony Pashos, who came into his own in 2006, decided to leave for Jacksonville. Depth could also be added at guard and center.

2. Outside Linebacker – Pro Bowler Adalius Thomas headed north to New England and has yet to have been replaced.

3. Wide Receiver - Baltimore currently has three wide receivers still available in the free agent market. Starter Derrick Mason voiced his unhappiness towards the organization following the team's Divisional Playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

2007 Draft Picks:
1st Round – 29th Overall
2nd Round – 61st Overall
3rd Round – No Pick
4th Round – No Pick
5th Round – 156th Overall
6th Round – 188th Overall
7th Round – No Pick

Free agency status:

Players Acquired:
RB Willis McGahee (Bills) - Via Trade

Players Retained:
RB Musa Smith
DE Jarret Johnson
OG Brian Rimpf
OG Ikechuku Nduwke

Players Lost:
RB Jamal Lews (Browns)
OLB Adalius Thomas (Patriots)
OG Edwin Mulitalo (Lions)
FB Ovie Mughelli (Falcons)
T Tony Pashos (Jaguars)
DT Aubrayo Franklin (49ers)

UFA:
ILB Tim Johnson
FB Nick Luchey
DB Gerome Sapp
WR Alex Bannister

RFA:
WR Devard Darling
WR Clarence Moore
RB-RS B.J. Sams

Check out more at THN's exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.

This article was released on 2007-04-10.

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