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ESPN Insider Mel Kiper did a mid-season NFL draft preview for all the teams in the league, taking a look at what has been going on with each individual team and what they will appear to need once the 2013 NFL Draft comes along next April. He does not take into account the approximate slot in the draft the teams will pick and based on the positional needs, but instead comes up with a player that he feels will fill that void based on just being a "good fit."
For the Baltimore Ravens, no doubt Kiper understand that Baltimore will be selecting late in the first round as they have for the past four years and five of the past six. He sees the problems this team has had stopping the run and rushing the passer. The loss, be it temporary or just avoiding the obvious, of inside linebacker Ray Lewis, makes that position a critical need regardless of the success of both Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe.
The return of Terrell Suggs immediately improves the pass rush, bu the is only one person and will attract double-teams all the time. Perhaps his return will ultimately allow one of the other pass rushers to become more successful with the attention on Suggs. Either way, the Ravens need help getting pressure and stopping the run and the guy Kiper likes for the Ravens, according to the ESPN Insider story is:
Top emerging needs: LB, DL
Analysis: The Ravens drafted Courtney Upshaw to help make up for the loss of Jarret Johnson, and a very good secondary even with the loss of Lardarius Webb keeps the defense respectable. But Terrell Suggs may never be what he used to be, meaning the pass rush will need help, and minus Ray Lewis the Ravens now start a trio of undrafted free agents at linebacker. Questions will remain about Joe Flacco's ceiling, but they know they can win with him and should get a deal done to bring him back. Defense will be the priority.
Drafting tomorrow: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia