The Baltimore Ravens Should Have Drafted A Different Team

Below are the abbreviations for the positional players:


QB = quarterback
RB = running back
FB = full back
WR = wide receiver
TE = tight end

C = center
OT = offensive tackle
OG = offensive guard

DT = defensive tackle
DE = defensive end

LB = line backer

CB = corner back
S = safety
SS = strong safety
FS = free safety

P = punter
PK = place kicker
KR = kick returner

Terrell Suggs (LB) was drafted by the Ravens with the 10th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. Suggs is a two-time Pro Bowler and is a defensive force for Baltimore (good pickup for them). The Ravens had a second 1st round draft choice, which was used to select Kyle Boller (QB). This pick was not so good. Boller struggled to be the franchise QB. A better draft choice here would have been Nnamdi Asomugha (CB), Rashean Mathis (CB), Anquan Boldin (WR), Lance Briggs (LB), Jason Witten (TE), Osi Umenyiora (DE) or Ken Hamlin (S).

In round 3, the Ravens picked Musa Smith (RB) and was only a starter for one game during his five-year career with Baltmore. A better option here would have been Justin Fargas (RB). Jarret Johnson (DE) was taken in round 4 and is an average player. The Ravens would have gotten more value out of this draft pick with a player like Terrence McGee (CB) or Asante Samuel (CB). With another 4th round selection, Baltimore chose Ovie Mughelli (FB). Mughelli started only 12 games during his four-year stay with the Ravens. The team should have drafted Robert Mathis (DE).

With the team's 5th round pick, Aubrayo Franklin (OT) was added to the roster. Franklin was also a bench player, so the Ravens could have drafted better here with David Diehl (OT) or Dan Koppen (C). Tony Pashos (OT) was grabbed in round 5 as well and was a starter for 1 1/2 seasons during his four-year career with Baltimore. A better value pick here would have been Cato June (LB).

Round 6 brought Gerome Sapp (S) to the Ravens organization. Sapp is a role player with extremely limited production. A much better draft pick here would have been Tony Romo (QB). Instead of the Boller selection, the Ravens could have had their future quarterback with Romo. Tony Romo amazingly went undrafted in 2003 just like Antonio Gates (TE) and Kris Dielman (OG). The Ravens could have signed all three of these players to NFL contracts.


Summary Of Players The Baltimore Ravens Should Have Acquired In 2003

Anquan Boldin
Justin Fargas
Terrence McGee
Robert Mathis
David Diehl
Cato June
Tony Romo
Antonio Gates
Kris Dielman

In the 2004 NFL Draft, the Ravens had no 1st round draft choice. In the 2nd round, Baltimore chose Dwan Edwards (DT) and hasn't really played much for the Ravens. A better selection here would have been Darnell Dockett (DT), Chris Cooley (TE) or Nick Hardwick (C).

The Ravens, in round 3, drafted Devard Darling (WR) and was a horrible pick since he only started one game in his four-year tenure with the team. Baltimore should have selected Jared Allen (DE), Matt Schaub (QB), Nathan Vasher (CB) or Jerricho Cotchery (WR).

Roderick Green (DE) was picked in the 5th round of the draft. Green was only with the team for two years and never started a game, so a better option here would have been Michael Turner (RB). In the 6th round, Baltimore drafted Josh Harris (QB) and never made the team. The Ravens should have drafted Derrick Ward (RB).


Summary Of Players The Baltimore Ravens Should Have Acquired In 2004

Darnell Dockett
Jerricho Cotchery
Michael Turner
Derrick Ward

With the 22nd pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected Mark Clayton (WR). This pick initially looked like a solid draft choice but Clayton's production has been on the decline in recent seasons. A better player here would have been Roddy White (WR), Nick Collins (S) or Lofa Tatupu (LB).

Dan Cody (DE) was taken in round 2 and was an absolute horrible selection since he only played two games for the Ravens ever! A much better draft choice here would have been Frank Gore (RB) or Justin Tuck (DE). Adam Terry (OT) was also drafted by Baltimore in round 2. Terry is a guy that doesn't get much playing time, so a better pick here would have been Trent Cole (DE), Marion Barber III (RB) or Brandon Jacobs (RB).

The Baltimore Ravens chose Jason Brown (C) in the 4th round. Brown has worked his way into the starting rotation of the offensive line, so this is a well spent draft pick by Baltimore. In round 5, the Ravens selected Justin Green (FB) and was mainly a bench player. Baltimore should have drafted Jay Ratliff (DT).

Derek Anderson (QB) was selected by the Ravens in round 6 and was actually a Pro Bowl quarterback - for the Cleveland Browns. However, Anderson has proved to be a one-year wonder. The Baltimore Ravens could have either used one of their draft picks or signed Josh Cribbs (KR) to a contract since he went undrafted during the 2005 NFL Draft.


Summary Of Players The Baltimore Ravens Should Have Acquired In 2005

Roddy White
Justin Tuck
Trent Cole
Jay Ratliff
Josh Cribbs

1. Le'Ron McClain
2. Joe Flacco
3. Baltimore Ravens defense
4. Derrick Mason
5. Willis McGahee

The Ravens drafted Haloti Ngata (DT) in the 2006 NFL Draft with the 12th overall selection. Ngata has been a defensive force for Baltimore and helps linebacker Ray Lewis to make plays, so this is a really good draft choice.

In the 2nd round, Baltimore picked Chris Chester (OG) and has been mostly a role player. A better pick here would have been Devin Hester (KR) or Maurice Jones-Drew (RB).

David Pittman (CB) was taken in round 3. Pittman only played in seven games for the Ravens, so Baltimore should have drafted Owen Daniels (TE).

The Baltimore Ravens chose Demetrius Williams (WR) in the 4th round of the draft. Williams has been a disappointment for the Ravens so far. Baltimore could have selected Brandon Marshall (WR). P.J. Daniels (RB) was also taken in round 4 and has never played a game for the Ravens. A much better option here would have been Antoine Bethea (FS).

In round 5, Baltimore drafted Dawan Landry (S) and has had solid defensive production, so this is a good draft selection for the Ravens. Quinn Sypniewski (TE) was grabbed in the 5th round as well. Sypniewski is not much of a play maker, so a better draft pick would have been Cortland Finnegan (CB).

Sam Koch (P) was picked up in round 6 and is the current team punter who puts up solid numbers for the team. Baltimore utilized that draft pick effectively. Also in the 6th round, the Ravens selected Derrick Martin (CB), but doesn't see much playing time on the field. The Ravens should have drafted Marques Colston (WR).


Summary Of Players The Baltimore Ravens Should Have Acquired In 2006

Maurice Jones-Drew
Owen Daniels
Brandon Marshall
Antoine Bethea
Cortland Finnegan
Marques Colston

As noted above, the Ravens could have drafted differently to really improve their team. Even though Baltimore has one of the best defenses in the NFL, adding depth at key positions is helpful in case of injuries. While no team is perfect at drafting superstars with every draft choice, a couple of changes to the Ravens' draft picks could have helped this team's chances for more playoff appearances.

The roster below is based on draft pick orders and franchise needs. Can you imagine the Ravens defense if they had added Jared Allen, Jay Ratliff and Terrence McGee to their roster?

Tony Romo (QB)

Michael Turner (RB)
Brandon Jacobs (RB)
Justin Fargas (RB)
Derrick Ward (RB)

Anquan Boldin (WR)
Brandon Marshall (WR)
Marques Colston (WR)

Antonio Gates (TE)
Owen Daniels (TE)

Nick Hardwick (C)
Jason Brown (C)
Kris Dielman (OG)
David Diehl (OT)

Jay Ratliff (DT)
Haloti Ngata (DT)
Jared Allen (DE)
Robert Mathis (DE)
Justin Tuck (DE)

Terrell Suggs (LB)
Cato June (LB)

Terrence McGee (CB)
Cortland Finnegan (CB)
Antoine Bethea (FS)
Nick Collins (S)
Dawan Landry (S)

Devin Hester (KR)
Josh Cribbs (KR)
Sam Koch (P)