2008 NFL Draft Preview: Baltimore Ravens' Wishlist

The Ravens faded to a 5-11 record in 2007, finishing the season with rookie Troy Smith under center. Key questions entering 2008 include: Can the aging defense perform well? Is Troy Smith the starter entering camp? Can Todd Heap and others stay healthy? No matter what, a No. 8 draft pick in April should help Baltimore's cause.

The Ravens' defense still has some of the biggest playmakers in the NFL - Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle. Haloti Ngata and Bart Scott were key players for the Ravens' 3-4 scheme as well. Most of the question marks for the franchise are on the offensive side of the ball. All-universe tackle Jonathan Ogden may retire, the rest of the line is suspect outside of young guard Ben Grubbs. Willis McGahee and Musa Smith hold down the running game, while Mark Clayton is the most promising receiver. Derrick Mason is on his last leg, being more of a possession target at this point in his career.

Through the 2008 draft, Baltimore needs multiple players on the offensive line, a wide receiver and cornerback. All three positions have plenty of depth in 2008, which bodes well for the Ravens upgrading their roster. In the 1st-round (#8 overall), the Ravens will target tackles Ryan Clady and Jeff Otah (6'6", 340 lbs.) and wide receiver James Hardy. Hardy is one of the hot prospects in 2008. He's from Indiana, declared after his junior season, and has a Calvin Johnson-like frame (6'6", 220 lbs.). Hardy would be a welcomed addition to Mark Clayton and Todd Heap in the passing game.

In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Baltimore has the opportunity for Anthony Collins (OT from Kansas), Carl Nicks (OT from Nebraska), Tracy Porter (CB from Indiana, runs a sub-4.4) and Mike Pollak (Arizona State Center). With two offensive linemen in the first three rounds, Baltimore could tremendously upgrade their production - protecting the passer and opening holes for McGahee.