Any But Chad Henne

There’s a lot of discussion going around about the Baltimore Ravens and who they will select with the eighth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft this Saturday. Perhaps the Ravens need that much help, because the grapevine is screaming everything from quarterback, to cornerback, and linemen on both sides of the ball.

The Ravens should be fortunate that they can operate with the scrutiny of which direction they will draft in, but without the pressure of finding the next big NFL superstar. They can draft a bust and get away clean, with the only criticism being which position they draft for rather than the team’s ability to evaluate talent.

With that being said, the Ravens will be good taking the pick of the litter on either side of the ball.

As long as they don’t take Chad Henne.

They can’t take this dude, and it’s not Henne’s fault. He had a decent career at Michigan and could full well become the jewel of the draft. But for the Baltimore Ravens, he’s built too much like the QBs of past and present. Skittish in the pocket, and a short-order chef in big game situations.

If four years in the Big Ten couldn’t cure him, doses of AFC North competition aren’t going to be good for what ails him.

The Ravens have an enviable position coming off a bad season, a new head coach and questions with key veterans and key skill positions. They can draft nearly anybody and be received warmly by when they explain the pick. But Chad Henne left Michigan with more questions than he did answers, and there’s no reason to bring more uncertainty to Charm City.