Unfounded Rumor,...or is it?

by Rexx on Mar 4, 2008 9:42 AM EST in News

A friend of mine called yesterday to ask me if I heard of the rumor that the Ravens were trading their second round pick in the draft to the Atlanta Falcons for disgruntled cornerback DeAngelo Hall. I have checked all over the web and have not seen anthing that even remotely suggests or even makes note of this information. So unless my good friend has insider information straight from GM Ozzie Newsome's War Room, my guess is that it is more of a dream than reality. Even with the disgruntled part, Hall would be a great complement to All Pro Chris McAlister and certainly an upgrade over the aging veteran Samari Rolle.

Trading their #2 pick would only leave the Ravens with their current first round pick (#8) and then they would sit, watch and wait until the fourth round, as they traded their third round pick to Buffalo as part of the Willis McGahee trade prior to last season. While picking up someone of the caliber of DeAngelo Hall would immediately solve the urgent need at cornerback, the loss of the second round pick would make it even more crucial that their 1st round selection immediately fill one of the many other voids in their starting lineup.

As I've repeatedly said, if by some chance Boston COllege QB Matt Ryan fell to them at #8, they should snatch him up. However, that is looking more and more unlikely as the draft approaches. More than likely, Ozzie Newsome will stick to his philosophy of drafting best available talent, regardless of position and team need. At the same time, he could hit the mother lode no matter what position he picks, as the Ravens have needs at virtually every starting position, other than safety and running back. Whether they go for an offensive or defensive lineman, they can't go wrong, as there stands to be guys who could step in immediately and contribute on both sides of the ball.

As the second tier level of free agents begin to sign and the trades begin to take place, the draft needs of not only the Ravens but the rest of the league will begin to take shape. Until then, rumors such as the DeAngelo Hall trade, will remain only that- rumors.

Poll

Would you trade the Ravens 2nd round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for CB DeAngelo Hall?

Yes

56 votes

No

37 votes

93 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Hall

A second for Hall would be great, but we'll have better luck just signing him next year, and by then we most likely won't need to. I doubt the Falcons would trade him for anything less than extortion.

The Ravens pick at an awkward spot this draft. I only really sense Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Chris Long, Vernon Gholston, and Jake Long as elite prospects. Most likely, all seven will be gone before our pick. That leaves us with the pick of the lower tier prospects. Leodis McKelvin wouldn't be a bad choice. Phillip Merling, Brian Brohm, and Ryan Clady are all possibilities, but they all feel like reaches at the spot. If we get lucky, we can trade down and get a player of equal quality plus a pick.

by mathgeek on Mar 4, 2008 10:53 AM EST reply actions

Only for a fourth round pick

DeAngelo Hall is a bit overrated. He has yet to become that shutdown corner most people thought he would be coming out of Virginia Tech. He's disgruntled and has an ego problem. I would only give up a fourth round draft choice. There are plenty of corners in the draft, like Leodis McKelvin, Justin King, and Mike Jenkins. The Ravens should keep their second round pick. Let's say that McFadden starts falling and he's still on the board when the Ravens pick, if I were Ozzie Newsome, I'd be on the phone with Jerry Jones, asking for his two first round picks. If that trade happens, then I'd trade for DeAngelo Hall. Why not trade Boller and a Fourth round pick for DeAngelo Hall? It works out well for both clubs.

by E ROC on Mar 4, 2008 1:59 PM EST reply actions