Ravens draft outlook
**This articles was done before the McGahee trade**
An in-depth look at the Ravens' needs heading into the 2007 draft:
1. Running back. Jamal Lewis, the team's 2006 starter, is hesitant and no longer is able to break tackles. He may not return after being released. Backup Mike Anderson still has some juice but isn't a full-time back. The team might still land a free agent such as the Colts' Dominic Rhodes or the Titans' Chris Brown, but it also could turn to the draft. The Ravens' power running game might be a nice fit for Louisville's Michael Bush, even though he broke his leg and missed most of the 2006 season. The injury could push Bush into the second round. Two other backs who might draw Baltimore's interest are California's Marshawn Lynch -- a likely first-rounder -- and Nebraska's Brandon Jackson.
2. Cornerback. Because Samari Rolle has become a liability in coverage and is better suited now as a nickel back, the Ravens need a starter. They have young players, such as 2006 rookies David Pittman and Ronnie Prude, but Pittman was a disappointment and Prude is too stiff. The team conducted lengthy interviews with Texas' Aaron Ross at the Senior Bowl.
3. Offensive tackle. The team will draft a tackle at some point. Left tackle Jonathan Ogden might retire, and right tackle Tony Pashos left for Jacksonville as a free agent. Although Adam Terry is a solid backup, he can't dominate like Ogden, and no one else on the roster can muscle opponents like Pashos. It's not a good year for front-line tackles -- Wisconsin's Joe Thomas is about it -- but the team could land Penn State's Levi Brown or Florida A&M's Daniel Parrish, who at least could match the size that was lost with Pashos.
4. Outside linebacker. The Ravens like versatile players at this position, and they had two in Adalius Thomas and Terrell Suggs. But Thomas left for New England as a free agent, and Suggs' contract will expire after 2007. If they don't land a free-agent replacement for Thomas (the Colts' Cato June?) the Ravens will need to look for an end/outside linebacker hybrid in the draft. There are a couple of good ones in Michigan's LaMarr Woodley and Purdue's Anthony Spencer. Also, keep an eye on Oklahoma's Rufus Alexander.
5. Inside linebacker. Ray Lewis, who will turn 32 in May, is battling to maintain his elite playing level. The Ravens need to groom a successor. They thought they had an answer with Mike Smith, but he's too slow and small to play inside. It will be hard to find a Lewis clone drafting so late, but Texas A&M's Justin Warren and Oklahoma's Zach Latimer have Lewis' size and can be had in a middle round.
6. Quarterback. Steve McNair has one good year left; he'll be lucky to play two more. Kyle Boller has played enough to prove he isn't the answer, so the Ravens need to find a young player who can learn from McNair. The Ravens like 2006 rookie free agent Drew Olson but would like to have another young arm in training camp.
OUTLOOK
The Ravens believe an improved running game can take them deeper into the playoffs, but Lewis isn't the only problem. They also need help along the offensive line, especially at tackle. Overall, there are not a lot of holes to fill, even as cap issues raise questions about an aging linebacker unit. Look for the team to continue with its "best player available" approach, regardless of position.
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Ravens draft outlook
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