Guest post by Syreeta Hubbard . You can follow her on Twitter @theNFLchick.
With the start of the NFL Draft less than 24 hours away, everyone’s getting out their final mock drafts for all 32 teams. While mock drafts are insightful to read and fun to create (if you’re a college football fanatic and/or a draft geek), they hardly ever pan out.
Instead of compiling a list of the 12 players the Ravens could choose with their draft picks (which I expect to be pointless, because I envision a trade or two sometime this weekend), I decided to write about 4 players of need that I’d love to see donning the purple and black this September:
Kevin Minter, LB – LSU
Forget about Manti Te’o. I think after watching head coach John Harbaugh’s body language at the NFL Combine, it’s safe to say he’s not coming to Baltimore. Just take a look at this:
Aside from that disappointment, Kevin Minter is the LB I want on my roster. The junior from LSU has been an intricate part of Les Miles’ stout defense. With 130 total tackles in 2012, he doubled his number from just a year ago (61 tackles in 2011). Playing against the fastest and the best players in the country, Minter has excelled at his position and would fit in nicely in Charm City.
Matt Elam, Safety- University of Florida
If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I love my Florida Gators almost as much as I love my Ravens. I’ve watched Elam in all 13 games last season. Elam is the real deal and would be a great way to heal the pain of losing Ed Reed this off-season, and here’s why.
In 2012, Elam averaged 18.3 return yards in his 4 INTs. Elam is also a great special teams player who could contribute if the Ravens decided to leave Jacoby Jones to kickoffs only. Elam can also tackle very well. He’d start immediately if drafted by the Ravens.
Menelik Watson, OT- FSU
Normally, I’d look to the Big 10 for offensive lineman since they’re the best in the college football business. But as I was talking to my good friend, KZ of FansFantasy, we both agree that Watson would be a good sleeper pick for the Ravens, preferably in the 2nd round or later.
The problem is, would he be there when all is said and done?
Watson has a ton of upside at 6’5″, long arms and solid weight which gives him the potential to be great. The reason why he’s not a 1st round pick, at least to me, is his lack of experience.
Watson has only played one full year at the tackle position in the FCS level. He’s extremely raw and I find him to be a work in progress, but if he’s still on the board when the Ravens pick in Rounds two and three, it would be a miracle.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR- Clemson
When people talk about Clemson wide receivers, Sammy Watkins is usually the first person that comes to mind. But Hopkins has been productive from the moment he stepped onto the college football field.
Hopkins’ junior year was nothing short of great, with over 1,400 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. In the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against big, bad LSU, Hopkins had 13 receptions for 191 and 2 scores.
Hopkins likes the middle and isn’t afraid of contact. He isn’t the fastest guy in the draft, but his body size is just right to make hard catches and protect the ball against his frame. Sounds familiar?? Possible Boldin replacement? Could definitely be if he bulked up just a little.
This could be a great pickup for the Ravens, two-to-three seasons from now as he develops.
Pingback: Potential Players That Could Be Selected By The Ravens In The NFL Draft | football-feed.com
Mantei Teo would be a 2 fer 1, him and his girfriend. Much like Spy and Mystery man. Jim from Sue Creek and Chow and Dude and Slapshot…all 2 fer 1’s.
Mantei would have been a perfect fit in the locker room if Ayanbedjo had stuck around. They would have had similar interests.
Ayenbeyjo said there are 4 gay football players in the NFL. Was he counting himself? Mantei will make 5. Although I am ok with gay players, hell a man can marry a man now.
Yes they can 9inchnails. The reason you haven’t heard from Spy and Chow lately is they recently married and have been on their honeymoon. The only sandbox Spy plays in contains his boy toy Chow. You can always tell guys who are trying to hide something, they always talk smack about the ladies knowing full well the only train Spy rides is the Orient Express.
Good luck on your new life together Spy and Chow, know that Brandon and Manti support you all the way!
Carl , you are a dreamer , you must dream about chow and Teo playing with your toys,,,,,,,,,,,,while I dream of Kate Upton playing with me in the sandbox , oh those cracks to clean out,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Spy, it’s ok, I told everyone about our 10 year fling and how in spite of that, you honored me be allowing me to be the only witness to your ceremony.
You and Chow will have much happiness together. No regrets for our thing not working out.
All my best!
When was the wedding and why wasn’t Martin O’Malley and I invited? I thought we were friends, Jim?
I come up to Essex all the time for crabs….
I like the safety they picked and if they trade up to get Minter that would make my day,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Minter isn’t really worth trading up for if you consider that Jon Bostic will probably be available at the end of the second round.
why you guy pick on chow lovel SPY? spy lide Olient Expless all time. Mr. Cal, chow and spy thank you fol suppolt you give Spy and Chow life togethel. Chow alway love Spy. Spy, how you say, sexy beast who know how lock Chow wold. Mr. Cal, Chow no know about you and “Tickle Baby”, (that nickname Chow give he lovel Spy) love affail. Was you and Spy love fest befole Chow or happen when Spy and Chow hot and heavy? Chow hope Tickle Baby no fool alound on “Ass Baby” (that nickname Spy give Chow). When Spy and Chow tie knot Chow want Elton John to sing, David Bowie to mally us and LuPaul to give Chow away. A man can dleam ok. All Spy and Chow flends on this site like 9inchman (Spy say he like meet 9inchman cause he name make Spy hot), Mr. Cal, Laven2469, Pole, Intimidatol, MGW, Zach, Slapshot, Dave, and evelybody else invited to Spy and Chow “Love Me Tendel Wedding”.