The Ravens are preparing for the NFL Draft with the impression that All-Pro left tackle Jon Ogden will not be returning to protect whomever is the QB's blind side. In an article in the Baltimore Sun (click here to read), Ogden says the Ravens know how to proceed, even though he has not made a definite decision. I guess that until he gives his "Favre" speech, we'll have to wait and hold our collective breaths. Personally, I'd like to see him give us one more season under a new coach with a completely new offensive game plan. Hopefully, he'll make his final decision long enough before April 26 in order that the team can plan out their draft board with his decision in mind.
On another note, the Ravens have come to terms with two free agents. Reserve linebacker Nick Griesen was resigned and the team is signing former Packer reserve CB Frank Walker to a two year deal. The issue to me is that Walker was just a backup, although we certainly need depth at this position, judging by last year's embarrassing secondary performance due to the injuries to both Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle. However, I read that Frank Walker spent Super Bowl weekend at jail in Atlanta, arrested for driving a stolen car and with a loaded handgun in the glove compartment. The trial date was listed as February 25, 2008, so perhaps the case was dropped or settled in a positive way that obviously didn't affect the Ravens decision to sign him.
They still have a lot of work to do before the draft, with the biggest decision of where to go, position-wise, with that #8 pick. More thoughts on my change in heart about this to come in my next posting.