Day 1 Draft Recap

Sorry about last night, I didn’t post this recap because my computer died.  I like what the Ravens did on Day 1.  Michael Oher is an absolute beast, and was one of my favorite players in the draft.  I had read the book about him (The Blind Side by Michael Lewis), and he couldn’t deserve this more.  Growing up in the Memphis ghetto, with gang fights around him every day, he went to a very white private school with his friend because of his size and how it could project to the football field.  He was basically adopted by this family associated with the school who pretty much saved his life.  He was offered scholarships to almost every big program, but as an act of respect/kindness to the family, he went to their alma mater, Ole Miss.  I suggest that you read that book, it is great.

Now, on the football side of things, Oher is a giant tackle with great footwork.  Before the playoffs, he was projected in a lot of top 5’s in mock drafts.  He should be ready to take over for Willie Anderson at right tackle, or could upend Jared Gaither, and Gaither would move to the right.  Now with Oher and Gaither, the Ravens probably have the best or one of the best young lines in the league.  Gaither–Grubbs–Chester–Terry–Oher: that is a great line to keep together for 5 years or more that can develop with Joe Flacco.

And this guy Paul Kruger, the defensive end from Utah, I had never heard of before yesterday.  He’s 6’5″, 265 lbs. and will add more weight.  He was once a QB and converted to DE after a 2-year mormon mission.  According to scouting reports, he is great against the run, but needs to develop his pass-rushing.  Most sites say he has great potential.

I will be keeping the draft diary going for Day 2, so check that out.