After the recent flurry of free agent signings and trades, the Mock Drafts around the internet and on TV have changed a bunch. With the Baltimore Ravens trading for WR Anquan Boldin, the chance that they use their first round draft pick on a wide receiver has lessened considerably. They had a visit from former Indianapolis Colts CB Marlin Jackson and although he left without signing a contract and is visiting other teams, if he was to sign, that might also limit the chance that the
That leaves either the defensive end or tight end as what appears to be the teams' biggest needs at this point. However, a lot can and will change, not only for the Ravens, but for the rest of the NFL, prior to the draft.
NFL.com has a new Mock Draft which has a bunch of changes from what most looked like only a week ago. Based on the Combine, some players draft stock has soared and others have taken what could be a very expensive hit. For example, Florida (and Maryland native) cornerback Joe Haden's slow 40-yard dash time has him dropping ten spots from what was looking to be the Cleveland Browns at #8 to the Pittsburgh Steelers at #18. How many millions of dollars could that slow 40 time cost Haden if that happens? At the same time, Texas safety Earl Thomas' stock jumped from his 40-yard dash time at the Combine and his versatility has him in the top ten, according to NFL.com.
Since the Ravens signed a top wide receiver, this Mock Draft has the Ravens going in another direction, selecting Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson, probably the best corner left in the draft at that point. Not a bad selection, considering that Lardarius Webb's status will be up in the air for awhile. However, the guy a lot of readers, including me, of Baltimore Beatdown want to see in Ravens' purple and black, Florida's defensive end Carlos Dunlap, is projected to be going to the New Orleans Saints with the last pick of the first round.
Click here for the link to the NFL.com Mock Draft.
Here is the bio on Patrick Robinson on FSU's official site.
Below is a YouTube video as well (yes, he DOES have dreads!):
Florida State Cornerback Patrick Robinson has a big day on defense vs Maryland Terrapins (via BXSportsCenter)