No "Jared Gaither's" in Today's NFL Supplemental Draft

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 15, 2010 9:51 AM EDT in News

Just a few short years ago, the Baltimore Ravens were the only team to put a NFL Supplemental Draft bid in for a relatively unknown offensive tackle named Jared Gaither from the University of Maryland who had barely played one season in college. In doing so, the Ravens forfeited a 5th round draft pick the following year, a cheap price to pay for a guy who would en up playing a lot quicker than anyone, including himself, planned, as the team had future Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden firmly entrenched at the spot. However, Ogden suffered a nagging and painful toe injury, forcing Gaither to learn on the fly and he made a huge leap for such a young man.

Many thought Gaither would become the next great Ravens left tackle, but an injury-marred 2009 season gave the team the chance to see rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher in action protecting QB Joe Flacco's "blind side" and now the players have switched positions.

Today is the 2010 version of the NFL's Supplemental Draft, and while there are no "Jared Gaither's" that stand out as prospects, there are some intriguing options out there for teams looking for a cheap upgrade.

Click here to see the SB Nation story on today's NFL Supplemental Draft.

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Comments

I like Gaither, but I sure hope he doesn't become a distraction this year

I understand he can’t be to happy about being switched to RT. Especially on a contract year. He’s not going to want to stay here for RT money when he knows most of the other teams would be willing to pay him LT money. We’ve already seen him skip out on some of the early OTA’s with a mystery injury that coincidentally popped up right after being switched. I’m glad we’ve held onto him for out Super Bowl push versus trading him off for a 2nd round pick. But its going to leave a bad taste in our mouths when we see him leave after this year without any compensation.

"Times have not become more violent. They have just become more televised."

by StuckInUtah on Jul 15, 2010 1:19 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I don’t see Gaither as becoming a distraction. The guy wants to win a Superbowl I am sure and knows that with his help we very well could win it all.

I don’t really blame the guy for wanting to get paid. He has become one of the best up and coming Tackles in the league and deserves a big pay day. He has been a little bit of a headache during the off season, but at least we don’t have a Chris Johnson like situation. We actually know Jared is going to be in training with the current contract he has.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 16, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s in Gaither’s best interest to show teams that he is selfless and puts the team first by not complaining and working hard. He has nothing to gain by becoming a distraction or playing poorly. That doesn’t mean that he has to be happy about the change, but it is an opportunity to dispel some of the perceptions attached to him.

by 60minuteassassin on Jul 15, 2010 5:52 PM EDT reply actions

I agree and I think he is definitely going to do this. Hopefully we can win the Superbowl this year and he will take a pay cut to stay here. If not, breed the rocket scientist aka The Black Einstein, Ramon Harewood into our next great Tackle gem.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 16, 2010 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

We are definitely better with Gaither on our team. I am just not comfortable giving him a big contract with lots of guaranteed money at this point.

by 60minuteassassin on Jul 16, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s the business for you. Ravens have always been a team that finds players where others do not, breeds them into monsters and then can’t afford to keep them around. It is too bad, but judging by our history, Gaither leaving is not going to hurt us.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 16, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions