Ravens Draft Defense Over Offense, Possible Trade Targets

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) knocks the ball away from New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) in the second quarter during the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Ravens news and notes from around the web. Today we look at the Ravens draft tendencies, some possible trade targets, a corner who would be a perfect bookend for Jimmy Smith, and the delicacy of negotiations with Haloti Ngata.

Ravens Draft Defense, at Least Lately

Defensive players have gained in value over the last several years, particularly pass rushers and corners. And even though many pundits expect the Ravens to draft a wide receiver or running back in the first round of this year’s draft, in reality the team hasn’t taken an offensive player in the opening round since Michael Oher in 2009.

A Perfect Bookend for Jimmy Smith?

Washington corner Marcus Peters has the on field talent to make him an easy first round pick, even a top ten one. His off field issues, including getting kicked off the Huskies last season, could easily cause him to drop. A lot hinges on his pre-draft interviews and how teams view his character, but no doubt his ability makes him a potentially great fit next to Jimmy Smith.

Haloti Ngata Negotiations are Delicate

Ngata had a great bounce back season, minus his four game suspension of course. Which is not to say that the team doesn’t have an heir apparent in Timmy Jernigan, who flashed some serious talent in his rookie season. The Ravens will obviously try to keep Ngata on board anyway, but his $16 million cap number is too prohibitive to bear. But you can’t blame Ngata for feeling like he is worth the money.

Draft Trade Options For the Ravens

I don’t personally think the Ravens would trade up in the first round of the draft, but I suppose anything is possible. With the team mighty close to contending for another Super Bowl title, would they trade up if there is a player they feel could put them over the top?

Next: Will the Ravens Pick Todd Gurley if he Falls to 26?

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