With the 25th Pick in the NFL Draft…

Just like the best way to get over a chick is to find a new one, the only way Ravens fans will get over Saturday night’s loss to Indy will be focusing on next season. I would recommend looking forward to Orioles baseball, but c’mon lets be serious.

Between pulling for Rex Ryan to further his success with classic Ravens’ style football (and a handful of our former players) and waiting for free agency, there will be the draft. One of the most important, drawn out, and speculated upon processes of this game will be one of our main focuses here at EB for the next few months.

So let’s talk about the Ravens’ most notable off-season issue. Even if Ozzie Newsome is able to bring in a true number one wide receiver via free agency or trade; with four free agents at the position and Derrick Mason again flirting with retirement, this is a position that must be addressed in the draft. We’ve had our eye on a few potential round one and two prospects, and we’ve ranked them as follows.

1. Dez Bryant (Oklahoma State)

6’2” 215

Even after sitting out for nearly the entire college football season for his alleged relationship with Deion Sanders, Bryant is the clear-cut number one receiver prospect this year. With that being said, he’ll probably be gone when the Ravens pick at 25, but there’s always the off chance he could fall. We aren’t banking on it though.

2. Golden Tate (Notre Dame)

5’11” 195

Here’s a guy that could very well be available. Fans may scream “Mark Clayton” here, as they did about Percy Harvin, but you can’t let former draft busts influence future decisions. Just look at Detroit, Matt Stafford may be just coming off his rookie year, but already I’m certain he will find much more success than Joey Harrington.

Tate is built like a running back and brings added value as a kick/punt returner. This could be beneficial, as I’d like to see Lardarius Webb stick to cornerback only after that injury.

Coming out of Notre Dame he is a pretty polished route runner and is familiar with pro-style offenses. Probably better suited a slot receiver. A bit slower and less explosive than Percy Harvin, who many have been comparing him to.

3. Arrelious Benn (Illinois)

6’1” 220

Prior to the college football season Benn was projected as a top 10 pick. After an ankle injury during his first game against Missouri, he was never really the same.

Benn could potentially be the steal of this draft if he can get fully healthy and return to 2008 form. He’s a strong, physical receiver that is a solid run blocker. Sounds like a potential Ravens’ wide out to me.

4. Brandon LaFell

6’2” 205

Another round one option, many compare him to former LSU first round pick Dwayne Bowe, but he is a bit smaller. Is just as physically aggressive however.

More of a possession receiver than anything else.  He won’t impress any one with his forty time, but despite what Al Davis thinks that doesn’t always translate to future NFL success.

5. Damian Williams (USC)

6’0” 190

Projected as a mid-late second round pick right now but that could change. Has been very productive as USC and had a great performance in the Emerald Bowl. Probably would have been even more productive if Sanchez had stayed.

Average size and speed but good hands and a good router. Reminds me a bit of Derrick Mason, does well in man-to-man coverage and is able to separate from defenders consistently.

6. Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

6’3” 225

Easily the most athletically gifted wide receiver in this class. With that being said he could be gone when the Raiders pick at 8 (half joking/half serious).

What is concerning is the offense he has played in, lots of options and gimmicks. May have trouble adjusting to the NFL game but has a huge upside. Ceiling is Calvin Johnson, floor is Demtrius Williams.

Best of the rest:

7. Mardy Gilyard (Cincinnati)

5’11” 180

8. Jordan Shipley (Texas)

5’11” 190

9. Danario Alexander (Missouri)

6’4” 205

10. Eric Decker (Minnesota)

6’3” 205

Questions/commets? Let us know.