Ravens Nest: The Ravens need to protect Flacco

Just some of the recent Baltimore related news and storylines to go with your cup of Joe.

MAYOCK NAMES CORNERBACKS WHO RAVENS COULD TARGET ON DAY 2 OF NFL DRAFT-Garrett Downing, BaltimoreRavens.com.

“In addition to being a talented class, a trend with this year’s group is that it’s full of tall, long cornerbacks. The Ravens already have a corner in that mold in Jimmy Smith, and the league has moved in that direction after all the success the Seattle Seahawks have seen with their big cornerbacks.”

Two gaping holes on offensive line now should be Ravens' biggest concern - Mike Preston, The Baltimore Sun.

“The basic philosophy of winning football is simple: If your front five can beat their front five, you're probably going to win most games.

With the Ravens, they don't have a front five on offense, but a front three. They have a left side with tackle Ronnie Stanley and guard Alex Lewis, and Pro Bowl guard Marshal Yanda is expected to start on the right side. After that, the Ravens are in no man's land.”

2017 Baltimore Ravens: 5 Things We Know Before The NFL Draft - Chris Schisler, Ebony Bird.

“Ozzie Newsome and company have begun to deliver. The NFL Draft is the Ravens last chance to shape their future before we get into OTA’s, mini camps and eventually training camp. What should we expect from the roster as it is figured today?”

Will the Ravens be able to improve their roster with post-draft player cuts? - Vasilis Lericos, Baltimore Beatdown.

“Surely a handful of notable players will be released around the draft this year. And the Ravens may be fortunate enough to find a starter or key backup from this group. But overall, the Ravens are better off waiting to see which unrestricted free agents are still available and match their needs after the draft, just as they did last offseason with guard Vlad Ducasse. Late August is another period where better players will become available as training camp performances lead to veteran cuts.”

Ravens lose to Father Time, NFL Draft notes and more - Matt Verderame, Fansided

“These contracts were only compounded by draft misses. From 2009-16, Baltimore drafted 68 players. Of those 68, they have combined for three Pro Bowls (Mosley 2x, Juszczyk) and no All-Pros in a Ravens uniform. Juszczyk was lost to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this year. The only other draftees from that period to make the Pro Bowl are Tyrod Taylor in 2015 and Kelechi Osemele in 2016, for the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders, respectively.”