Who do the Ravens take in the 2nd Round?

by Rexx on Mar 30, 2009 1:40 PM EDT Comment 39 comments

We've seen a ton of mock drafts that predict who the Baltimore Ravens will take in the first round of next month's NFL Draft, but little on what might happen beyond the 26th overall pick. Many of the posters here on the Beatdown have speculated as to what we will need to draft later on in the draft, but not too many have gotten specific as to who we might specifically target, much less what will be available in the second round.

Therefore, I took a tour around the internet and found a few Mock Drafts that went into the second round and thought it would stimulate debate on who these drafts had the Ravens taking with their second round pick. Here are a few of the lesser known guys (in no particular order) projected to be on Baltimore's radar and a little nugget or two about them:

William Moore, SS (Missouri)- 6', 220 pounds, Moore was rated the second best out of 144 strong safeties in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He had eight interceptions this past season and returned four of his eleven career picks for TD's.

Phil Loadholt, OT (Oklahoma)- 6'8", 332 pounds, a huge guy, Loadholt was rated the 8th best out of 184 tackles reviewed.

Max Unger, C (Oregon)- 6'5", 309 pounds, Unger was rated second out of 87 centers and was a Sports Illustrated First Team All American. He is also a versatile lineman, as he started 25 consecutive gamesin his freshman and sophomore years at left tackle before switching to center for his final two years.

Jairus Byrd, CB (Oregon)- 5'11", 200 pounds for this First Team All PAC-10 corner and Defensive MVP of the 2008 Holiday Bowl. Byrd led the conference in interceptions and is also the son of a former NFL cornerback, Gill Byrd, who played for the San Diego Chargers.

Fili Moala, DT/DE (USC)- 6'4", 305 pounds (and reportedly still growing) and rated 6th of 164 DT's reviewed. Some of the Baltimore Beatdown readers may recall his name, as he is the cousin of current Ravens DT, Haloti Ngata. Moala had 30 tackles in 2008, including 10 for losses and 4.5 sacks. Wouldn't he look great next to his cuz?

I now there are a lot more players that could easily be on this list, but it is based on who will still be there and what the Ravens Big Board might look like, compared to what Mel Kiper or Todd McShay's best players available lists will look like. Furthermore, it is also based on whether or not the Ravens decide to go with the BPA or try to strengthen a specific position, to which we leave that up to our draft guru, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome. In Oz we trust!

0 recs | Comment 39 comments | Share

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Loadhoalt I like a lot. He’d be a great pickup, as would Fili Moala.

Brian Robiskie would also be a great pick in the second. This draft has a lot of depth in the 2nd round area. We should be able to get a really good player.

by math_geek on Mar 30, 2009 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would really like to get Moala

Not only is he a monster, but he is Haloti’s cousin. And if you have some Haloti Ngata blood in you, I think I’ll take you on my team.

And the thing that would be great about Moala is that he is a an all around D-Lineman. It would benefit us very much to get another DE on the first day, as our best Def. End is 34 years old (Trevor Pryce). It is really a position that has been overlooked simply because of the Suggs signing. But getting a pure pass rush guy to line up in front of T-Sizzle and also someone in Haloti’s family would be amazing.

All for that pick.

I am not sure about the Safety pick though. Moore is a monster, I think the best Safety in the draft, but we got Ruki and Zbi now. I saw on Pat Kirwans mock draft that he had us getting Patrick Chung, S, out of Oregon.

Most likely going offensive with the first pick with a WR, I would think we go DE, CB, TE in the second round, disregarding BPA, which is unlikely.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 30, 2009 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I also like Byrd

He has some crazy nickname like “hardhitting” or something like that. He is very physical and would also be a great 2nd round pick up.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 30, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely!

Personally, I feel like this guy is the most underrated guy in the draft. It’s amazing that most people don’t have him as a first round prospect. He didn’t have alot of production in college, but he wasn’t in a system that spotlighted the defensive tackles. The linebackers were the play-makers at USC… much like our system. Look at Haloti. His numbers aren’t gaudy, but he’s still considered one of the most dominate players at his position in the NFL.

If we draft him in the second round, it would be the STEAL of the century, and we would have something similar to Minnesota’s Williams wall with Ngata and Moala.

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 30, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would love to see Moala at DE

The only pure edge pass rusher we have is really Pryce, or at least one that makes an impact on every play.

Moala is a big body and I think if he some Ngata in his blood, which he does, that he will be an amazing athlete and be able to be the edge pass rusher playing in front of Suggs.

This really would be the steal of the century, BAL_Hawk.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 30, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moala would excel at DE...

…in a 3-4 defense like the Ravens. A 3-4 DE needs to be able to get after the QB, but it’s also important for them to be stout against the run. Moala isn’t as strong as Ngata in the run game, but he’s a better penetrator. He has to be one of the most athletic defensive lineman coming out of college, and would be the perfect guy to take over for Pryce (when he’s done).

Tyson Jackson would be another great prospect to take over for Pryce, but I actually think that Jackson and Moala are very comparable talents. We could get Jackson in the first, but getting Moala in the second round would be way too good.

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 31, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Rexx, I didn't see your story when I put up mine.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 30, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

MaLoR

I “hid” your story and will re=post it tomorrow. At that time, would you be kind enough to update the date and time so that it appears as March 31st? Thanks.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 30, 2009 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yea, no problem. Just hope no one writes a similar one in the fan posts.

I was wondering why it just disappeared like that.

Wasnt trying to steal any of your fire either.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 30, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

draft

What does everyone think of this mock draft?http://fanzak.com/fzrants/Mock_Draft_10___Wrapping_Up_The_First_Round

by duke9295 on Mar 30, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Hakeem Nicks wasn't gone in the earlier picks

I’ll take him over Kenny Britt any day and so will the Ravens. Check out my earlier posting about Nicks, and you’ll understand while that comparison is a no-brainer.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 30, 2009 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Britt a lot, even more than Nicks

so I’m happy with that, although I’d have taken Pettigrew

by math_geek on Mar 30, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

I think Britt will be the best WR out of this draft in 2 or 3 years

THE MEXICAN RAVEN

by JORGE NITALES on Mar 30, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You guys need to see the write-up

I did in an earlier post about Nicks with some videos of him in game action. Read and watch, then you’ll change your opinion about liking Britt over Nicks.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 31, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Britt is a C+ player

Nicks is A -

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 31, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Britt isn't that bad.

He just isn’t worth the 26th pick overall… If Nicks is an A-, than I’d give Britt a solid B.

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 31, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would love to get Nicks/DHB and Ramses Barden

The WR out of Cal-Poly. The man is 6’6" about 230 and they said he has about 11 inch long hands. And for someone his size, he ran in the sub 4.5 time in the 40.

Now I know guys, you see that size and immediately think of Clarence Moore. But Barden is tough. He would be a great fit for us with a 1st round guy, maybe snatch him up in the beginning of the 2nd day or maybe at the end of the 3rd.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 31, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Britt is an awesome wideout...

…but, again, I’m not so sure he plays like a Raven. He doesn’t fight for yardage like Nicks. That’s what I love about Nicks and why I think the Ravens will want him too.

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 30, 2009 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amazing depth

The rookie pay scale forced a lot of underclassmen to come out of college this year in order to try a get the big-time payday that will only exist for the Top 10 draftee’s after 2009. This year’s draft is one of the deepest in history, but is particularly deep at the OL position. We could pass on drafting an OL until the 3rd or 4th round, but the second round will probably go to the defense, assuming we draft the receiver we like in the first-round. I like Fili Moala, or filling out the depth of the LB corps, seeing as there is a big drop-off in talent from the 3rd-5th round.

by King Raven on Mar 30, 2009 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually the number of underclassmen who came out for this draft was not all that much more then those who come out on any other given year. Goodell came out and said next draft won’t have a rokkie salary cap either so a lot of people stayed in.

by archon095 on Mar 30, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

there are 4

they need a Fb in order to keep McClain at Rb also they need 2 Wo and a pass rusher De to replace the pryce

by 2000 ravens on Mar 30, 2009 11:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not sure if we carry a fullback on the active roster

I think it depends on our TE situation. McClain will most likely see time at FB and RB, since they will want him on the field with Rice or McGahee, to get more weapons om the field at once.

by DT711 on Mar 31, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The guy from LSU

Forget his name, but I have heard he is a pretty decent Fullback.

We need to bring Lorenzo back, just so we can get one more year to figure out who our lead blocker will be.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 31, 2009 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Ravens might not play a FB

based on the TE and o-line progression at run blocking. That is why they won’t pay the bucks for Neal and will draft a late round, cheap FB.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 31, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max Unger would be a steal in 2nd round

Of those names, I think Max Unger would be the best pick/best value. He is just the type of player the Ravens love. Tough. Athletic. Versatile. We definitely need some O-line depth and a center for the future. if Unger were to slip this far, he would be a steal!

by Fandemonium on Mar 31, 2009 7:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

CB Mike Mickens Cincinnati

I think that Mike Mickens will turn out to be one of the better corners from this draft and would be another steal if we could get him in the second round. He is excellent in man coverage and plays with an attitude. Here’s what NFLDraftScout.com had to say about him:

Positives:
Legitimate cover corner. … Possesses the quick feet and smooth hip turn to change direction and blanket his assignment. … Often forces the quarterback to go to his second option. … Reads the action quickly and gets an excellent break on the ball. … Cognizant defender. … Experienced in man and zone coverage with the combination of athleticism and instincts to play in either scheme at the next level. … Has a second gear to close and uses his long arms well to deflect passes. … Physical enough to make a big hit after his man makes the catch. … Improved hands for the interception in 2007 and has 14 picks and 44 pass breakups over his career. … Natural with the ball in his hands, returning two of his six interceptions for touchdowns last season. … Quick to come up in run support, even when pressing in man coverage, and flashes physicality that belies his frame. … Coachable. … Very confident in his ability. … Plays with attitude, will not back down from any receiver. … Leads by example on the field.

Negatives:
Feasts on hastily thrown passes in zone coverage behind a dominant pass rush. … Must improve his ability to beat running back blocks when on the blitz. … A bit tall and stiff in his backpedal, which can make it hard for him to recover when the receiver runs a quick out. … While physical, Mickens has a tendency to lead with his shoulder when making a big hit, instead of wrapping up securely.

By the way, Haruki Nakamura also came from Cincinnati. I’m not sure if they were team-mates.

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 31, 2009 8:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, they were

Just that ’ruki was a year ahead of him and played safety while Mickens is a corner.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 31, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd round pick

This is going to be a more interesting pick for the Ravens. I always thought they would go tightend with this pick, like Shawn Nelson out of Southern Miss. How ever Connor Barwin out of Cincinnati will more then likely be available at that spot. He is rated higher on a lot of draft boards, but the problem is were would you put him, OLB, DE, or TE? He would be a good value pick and I don’t think the Ravens will have a problem finding a spot for him. The Ravens could go Corner to, or just trade down.

by Ravens92 on Mar 31, 2009 8:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lots of TE's in this draft

we can easily wait and get a decent one on the second day, like the Terps Dan Gronkowski, who is a beast of a blocker, which is what we’ll need with Heap and now LJ Smith doing the pass catching from that position.

Rexx

by Rexx on Mar 31, 2009 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watching Gronowski at UMD

He definitely has potential, although it never really materialized on the field to the extent it should of. Some of that should be attributed to Chris Turner (See DHB lack of production) and some to injuries. I thought he was going to break out last year as the man has some legit skills and should be on a NFL roster for years to come due to his size, surprising athleticism, solid hands, and blocking skills. While that didn’t really happen, Gronk has the skill set to surprise a lot of people with his receiving skills, since his blocking is already well though of. I’d be good with using a 4th or 5th on him.

Best case, maybe a taller version of another UMD alum, Frank Wycheck?

by DT711 on Mar 31, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or Vernon Davis???

Except we may be able to “WIN WITH HIM!”

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Mar 31, 2009 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A 5th round pick for Gronowski would be good. I don’t think he’s worth much more than that. He has great hands, but is very slow getting down-field. Obviously, he’s a phenomenal blocker, but that makes him very one-dimensional. We already have quick lineman that we can convert to tight-end (Chris Chester).

by BAL_Hawk on Mar 31, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs