Today I thought I would take a look around the web and see who the Ravens may look at in the second round of the draft. After the first round it is almost impossible to predict who a team will draft. It is based so much off of what happens in the first round, a teams whole draft plan can completely change if they can grab a player they didn't think they could.
So, let's assume the Ravens found themselves in the position to draft a play making receiver or top tier linebacker at the bottom of the first round. They would still need to find some help for the offensive line and the second round would be the place to do it. Benn Grubbs may leave in free agency and it looks like they will look to Andre Gurode at center for this season. Gurode is a pro bowl center but he is old. This team will need a center and Ben Jones may be that guy.
Yes, he looks like a drunk Jonah Hill in this picture but apparently he can block...
At drafttek.com the Ravens are predicted to pick Jones in the second round.
Both centers on the Ravens roster, Matt Birk and Andre Gurode, are well on the wrong side of 30 and are set to hit free agency. In addition, starting left guard Ben Grubbs is also due for free agency, and after shelling out top money for right guard Marshall Yanda last year, many believe they'll let Grubbs walk. Enter Ben Jones. Jones is widely considered the second best center prospect, and he's got enough size and versatility to play guard as well. At worst, Jones comes in and becomes the top backup and heir apparent at center, replacing Gurode who undoubtedly will be allowed to walk. If Birk and/or Grubbs don't return, Jones immediately becomes the starter at center or competes for the starting left guard spot. -Eugene Stasak
This all depends on what happens in the first round but if the Ravens can find a skill player in the first round they will need to look at the offensive line in the second.
Here is the scouting report on Jones from fftoolbox.com.
2012 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report:
Ben Jones, C, Georgia
Jones is one of the most experienced players in college football. He started 10 games at center as a freshman, started 12 of 13 games as a sophomore, and has started every game ever since. The Centreville, AL native has good size at 6'3'' and 316 pounds. He generally runs in the 5.2s in the 40-yard dash and he has been clocked as fast as 5.14 from that distance. Glenn is not flashy, but he has sound fundamentals and will be a solid addition to the middle of any offensive line at the next level.
Jones has teamed up with left guard Cordy Glenn to anchor what has been a solid Georgia offensive line this season. The Bulldogs are second in the SEC in passing, fourth in rushing, and third in total offense in the conference. They have won 10 games in a row and reached the SEC Championship against LSU. The offense could have been even better, but star freshman Isaiah Crowell missed significant playing time. Still, it did not matter who was in the backfield because Jones and the O-line were rock-solid from start to finish during the regular season. It sure would be nice to see the Ravens get one of these guys...