Ozzie Newsome Jr. the current General Manager of the Baltimore Ravens or what I like to call him "The NFL Draft Guru", approached this years NFL draft with the same clarity as his previous years. Getting the right guy who would fit an agressive, brutal defense; while filling a void at the sametime. Every since being named general manager in 2002 he has drafted game changers at their respective positions. Competitors that were brought in & put under the wing of Ray Lewis; arguably one of the best or the best linebackers to play the game. Drafted talent on the offensive side of the ball to transform once an all-out defensive jaugernaut to more of a balanced team. Watching the Ravens draft over the years has been like reading a good book; draft by draft like page by page, the story keeps getting better.
To name a few draftees that Ozzie ushered into Baltimore over his tenure; Terrell Suggs 2003, Haloti Ngata 2006, Le'Ron McClain 2007. In 2008, possibly one of the best draft years other than 1996 (Ray Lewis, Johnathan Ogden), Joe Flacco and Ray Rice entered the building. That same year, the Ravens came one play away from the Superbowl, and the following years were back in the playoffs but lost the AFC Divisional game twice. Losing to the Colts in 2010 & to their dreaded rivals the Steelers in 2011 which also was the team who denied Ray Lewis a chance at a 2nd Superbowl ring.
Ravens need to address the problems that the Steelers made so evident 2 times last season by dismantling the Ravens secondary. The answer? Jimmy Smith out of Colorado University; 6'2" 211 pound, physical cornerback who is quick & fast, with good hands, decent play recognition & can be a great addition as a returner. Ed Reed can't continue to do it by himself, he needs help to stop the big plays down field which the Pittsburgh Steelers has made a living by. It's ok to stop the run with Ray Lewis, Haloti Ngata & the other of the front seven, but that means your opponent then has to pass. Pass defense is the Achilles' heel of the Ravens & as of today they just recieved some major help at 27th pick which was a steal. Not sure what was going on and why the Ravens didn't pick within their alotted time; passing the 26th pick to the Chiefs but it seems to had worked out for their benefit. If Jimmy Smith's only glaring faults are his off field issues, I think he'll have a good mentor in Ray Lewis since he had his own legal issues early in his career & hopefully can keep the kid focused.
Some video on Jimmy Smith at Colorado vs. Oklahoma, good tackler & great pursuit. From youtube.com...
The Baltimore Ravens started the draft magnificently by filling a void with defensive back who has the intangibles for a defense 1st team which will mold him into a frightening sight for opposing recievers. Looks like Jimmy Smith hit's back, Mr. Dancing With the Stars (Hines Ward)...
Great 1st round Mr. Newsome, Coach Harbaugh & Ravens Nation...
Now let's get past this LOCK-OUT "I WANT MONEY" disgusting exploits of American greed in it's filthiest form. Right to the football fans face, threatening the lively hood of football... HOW ABOUT THIS? ALL THE FANS HAVE A LOCK-OUT & JUST STOP supporting the NFL. There's roughly about 1,700 players in the NFL, 32 teams so 32+ owners, so about 1,764 total. Not including Coaches & other staff; why don't you take $500,000 grand from each person & help get the government out of debt. Or take some of that money & seperate it amoungst the soldiers who fought for you to play football. Take that money & rebuild Tuscaloosa, Alabama. America get your priorities straight.
My Prayers are with the victims & their families.
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