McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock

When I spoke to John Harbaugh two weeks ago about his Baltimore Ravens, I asked what he would do for a quarterback. He started by talking about Steve McNair and how he wanted to see what his quarterback had left. I think we all got a glimpse early last season, and it wasn't good. That's why I'm glad to see McNair has done the right thing and decided to retire. The guy was tough, resilient, accomplished and a winner, and what the Ravens got from him in 2006 was what they envisioned -- an experienced leader who could take them to the playoffs. But he would never be as good as he was then, and that was evident last year before he was hurt. He can't move anymore, and he's become an injury waiting to happen. Too often, pro athletes overstay their welcome, but McNair has done the right thing by seeing what's ahead for him and choosing a life outside of football. So what does this mean for Baltimore in the draft? I don't think it changes their plans at all. I always said they would draft Matt Ryan if he were there with the eighth pick, which I don't think he will be. So that means Baltimore waits for the second round and chooses Brian Brohm (if he's there), Joe Flacco or Chad Henne -- with Flacco my pick.

I reckon they should trade down out of the eigth spot - picking up another first rounder and another pick (Dallas seems willing to trade both its first rounders to get into the top 10). Or alternatively try and trade their second pick and something else to make sure they can pick Brohm in the late first /early second. He's far better than Ryan and he's the steal of the draft in my opinion - If he had come out last year, he would have been in contention with Quinn and Russell as the best QB. If they don't take Ryan it would be a huge mistake not to move up to take Brohm before anyone else - at least two of Miami, KC and Atlanta will be looking at a QB before them in the second.

Either way they can pick up Brohm and a high ranking OT which has to be the aim of the draft. Why overpay (in draft terms) for Ryan when you can maximise your returns with a trade? If the Ravens don't select Ryan, there's a pretty good shot he might last until the late first round / early second anyway. However, the fact the NFL has invited him to NY suggests they think he will be taken by ATL, KC or the Ravens. It's a mistake to take him with a top 10 pick (you want a guaranteed success from the top 10).

ark4455 Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: Jul 2, 2007	Posted on: April 17, 2008 11:19 am Score: 89 This comment has been removed. Post Deleted by Administrator
RavinRaven Reputation: 83 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 7, 2007	Posted on: April 17, 2008 11:38 am Score: 28 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock My Pick is Brohm in the second round. He seems to have the tools to be a solid QB. I do not think the next Johnny U is in this draft. So what about this plan Ozzie: --Trade down the pick for more second rounders [ Reply to Comment ]
SargainKnows Reputation: 90 Level: All-Star Since: Jan 23, 2007	Posted on: April 17, 2008 11:42 am Score: 89 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock As a Colts fan I have to give props to McNair. Oh, don't get me wrong, I absolutely hated him as a player, but the guy was a warrior. For several years it seemed as though no one could tackle the guy. Two, three, and more defenders would hit him and just bounce off. He really was amazing. He was clutch, he played hurt, and he won. It was only fitting that he retired realizing his body couldn't take it anymore. This guy could have played a lot longer had he not always had to scramble to make plays. QB's in the the NFL can only scramble so much before their bodies began to break down from all the hard hits outside the pocket. I truly despised the guy as an opposing player to my Colts, but I have much respect for him and the way he went about his business. Congratulations on a great career, enjoy your retirement you earned it. Oh yeah, and good riddance!!! GO HORSE! [ Reply to Comment ]
RavinRaven Reputation: 83 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 7, 2007	Posted on: April 17, 2008 11:44 am Score: 36 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock First, it is appropriate to say that Steve McNair will be missed in Baltimore and in the NFL in general. He was tough, he was smart, and he had a way of approaching the game that many young QBs would do well to adopt. Watching him you got the impression that he took nothing for granted and that every game in the NFL was competitive and could be won by either team. He did his best to win them. Good Luck and we hope you remain healthy and well Mr. McNair! Second, I want to see us do what everyone else in this draft seems to want to do, trade down! Please, no pressure to pay a first rounder. No pressure to examine that pick forever and a day. No first round quarterbacks! There are so many solid corners in this draft we can wait for it. Let's trade down and stock up. D-Line, O-Line, Corners, Linebackers! No more highly touted receivers in the first round, no more QB experiments. Trade down and build the supporting cast. Let us see what Troy can do. Let us give McGahee a year in Cameron's system and improve our team so we are going to be dominant for several seasons--not one. [ Reply to Comment ]
Spteln Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 3, 2006	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:05 pm Score: 94 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock I am optomistic that Kyle Boller should get another chance...but not too optomistic! I say baltimore's plans for boller to be the guy will Troy Smith as a nice backup BUT get Colt Brennan late. I am very high on Brennan and think that he could be a steal and a possible starter but if not you got Boller and also as a final line of defense sign some veteran free agent QBs and maybe even sign some undrafted darkhorse. [ Reply to Comment ]
Trumpinator Reputation: 82 Level: All-Star Since: Apr 17, 2008	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:11 pm Score: 34 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock well, what about troy smith? from what i saw he was very good with the time he spent on the field, and kyle boller, 2 young qbs waiting. but brian brohm, joe flacco or chad henne would be good if ravens got a couple of tall wrs. [ Reply to Comment ]
Joe8383 Reputation: 91 Level: All-Star Since: Jan 20, 2008	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:19 pm Score: 94 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock I reckon they should trade down out of the eigth spot - picking up another first rounder and another pick (Dallas seems willing to trade both its first rounders to get into the top 10). Or alternatively try and trade their second pick and something else to make sure they can pick Brohm in the late first /early second. He's far better than Ryan and he's the steal of the draft in my opinion - If he had come out last year, he would have been in contention with Quinn and Russell as the best QB. If they don't take Ryan it would be a huge mistake not to move up to take Brohm before anyone else - at least two of Miami, KC and Atlanta will be looking at a QB before them in the second. Either way they can pick up Brohm and a high ranking OT which has to be the aim of the draft. Why overpay (in draft terms) for Ryan when you can maximise your returns with a trade? If the Ravens don't select Ryan, there's a pretty good shot he might last until the late first round / early second anyway. However, the fact the NFL has invited him to NY suggests they think he will be taken by ATL, KC or the Ravens. It's a mistake to take him with a top 10 pick (you want a guaranteed success from the top 10). [ Reply to Comment ]
NFLBUDDAH Reputation: 0 Level: Amateur Since: May 27, 2007	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:41 pm Score: 41 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock test [ Reply to Comment ]
Champ Of Worlds Reputation: 81 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 6, 2006	Posted on: April 17, 2008 12:52 pm Score: 86 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock So Flacco will take 3-4 years to adjust. That's fine. We have time to further evaluate Troy Smith as our quarterback, while grooming Flacco as an heir apparent to the job if Smith doesn't cut it. This will also allow us to address our first round needs with a OT, or CB. [ Reply to Comment ]
dacey. Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 14, 2008	Posted on: April 17, 2008 1:11 pm Score: 94 McNair did right thing; Ravens on clock Thank you, Steve McNair, for all the good memories you gave your fans and admirers. Your mental and physical toughness and inspirational leadership still serve as an example to others. Thank you, too, for your great college career. Best wishes in your retirement and I think we will be hearing more of you in the future. [ Reply to Comment ]

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