Draft Grades: Ravens

The Ravens didn't have a serious need at offensive tackle, but Michael Oher was simply too good to pass up in the late 1st round. He's capable of playing left tackle, but Jared Gaither appears to have that position locked down. As a result, Oher's position will likely be on the right side once Willie Anderson is out of the picture.

I thought Paul Kruger was a reach in the 2nd round, but I can see why the Ravens feel as though he's a good fit in their system. He's a fairly good athlete and should be able to move to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense. He'll be used primarily in passing situations to get to the quarterback and could eventually take over a starting role down the road.

Lardarius Webb is a tremendous natural athlete but he's had an up-and-down career. The Ravens definitely need to replace Chris McAlister and if Webb pans out, he could be able to fill that role.

Jason Phillips is a perfect fit in Baltimore. He's a tough, physical inside linebacker that will be groomed as Ray Lewis' potential replacement.

Davon Drew is a good athlete and should be used on occasion in passing situations. He likely will never be a starter, but he could contribute since the Ravens haven't gotten much from Todd Heap as a receiver in recent years.

Cedric Peerman was a decent late-round pick. He could contribute as a kick returner and should win the third-string running back position.

This was a very solid draft for the Ravens. Michael Oher should team with Jared Gaither to anchor the Ravens offensive line for years to come. Kruger, Webb and Phillips are also capable of developing into starters. When its all said and done, the Ravens should have at least 2 starters and a few contributors from this class, which by all accounts is a succussful draft.

Grade: A-

Jaguars Sign Torry Holt

The Jaguars have agreed to a 2-year contract with former Rams receiver Torry Holt. The addition of Holt further leads me to believe that Mark Sanchez and Jeremy Maclin are unlikely options for the Jaguars.

Why? Because the additions of Holt and Tra Thomas are clearly moves to make them competitive in the near future. Rookie quarterbacks and receivers very rarely have a significant impact on a playoff team, so selecting Sanchez or Maclin would be a step in the wrong direction.

So who are realistic options? Well if either Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith were to fall, they would be the obvious choices. Either one could start at right tackle over Tony Pashos immediately. Michael Oher is also a very real possibility given his ability to step in and start right away on the offensive line. B.J. Raji is also an option, and could be the most likely option. Aaron Curry is another player that could start right away, but odds are he'll be off the board.

Bills, Eagles Agree on Jason Peters Trade

In a trade that has been in the works for the past week, the Bills have agreed to send Jason Peters to the Eagles in exchange for three draft picks.

The Bills were left with almost no choice in the matter, but this trade is devastating to their hopes of making a serious playoff run in the near future. Peters, a two-time Pro Bowler, was developing into a truly elite left tackle. And remember, having played tight end in college, he's still perfecting the left tackle positions which he has been playing for just five seasons.

From the Eagles point of view, however, this trade is a steal. They give up a 1st-round pick (28th overall), 4th-round pick (121st overall) and an undisclosed pick in 2010. Its a decent sum, but the fact that they still hold a 1st-round pick this year eases the loss considerably. The Eagles had hoped to land an offensive tackle with one of those picks, which they accomplished. The 21st pick can now be spent on either Brandon Pettigrew or a running back (Knowshon Moreno?).

So where do the Bills go from here? The left side of their line is in shambles. Demetrius Bell (2008 7th-round selection) is their top internal candidate at left tackle. Kirk Chambers is slotted in at left guard for now, filling the hole left by the release of Derrick Dockery.

With one of their two 1st-round picks the Bills must address the offensive line. The most logical selection is to take Michael Oher 11th overall (or Andre Smith if he's available). Defensive end is still a need, put can easily be filled with the 28th pick. Guys like Connor Barwin and Michael Johnson will be realistic options in the late 1st round.

Breaking Down the Browns Trade Rumors

The team controlling the shape of the 1st round right now is the Cleveland Browns. Already owning the 5th overall selection, the Browns could land two more picks by draft day.

The first rumor, which has been widely reported for the past two weeks, is that they will send Braylon Edwards to the Giants for some combination of a 1st-round pick, 3rd-round pick and Steve Smith or Dominick Hixon. This would be a controversial move for the Browns, who have a legitimate playoff caliber-offense when everyone is healthy. Shipping Edwards off to New York would make either David Patten or Josh Cribbs the top receiver on the depth chart (at least until they select Crabtree 5th overall, that is). If the Giants are able to land Anquan Boldin, however, the Browns have to pass on Crabtree and select either a linebacker (Aaron Curry, Brian Orakpo, Aaron Maybin) or tackle (Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith - whoever falls).

The other rumor is sure to make even more waves around the league if it comes to fruition. The 49ers are reportedly interested in Brady Quinn and could offer the Browns the 10th overall pick. Its tough to say who the Browns would target with this selection. A linebacker is certainly an option, but not if they select one 5th overall. This could be where they address the offensive line with Andre Smith or Michael Oher. Or they could go with the best available defensive player (B.J. Raji? Malcolm Jenkins?)

Its all speculation at this point, as you simply can't trust any rumors you hear this time of year, but its safe to assume the Browns are at least discussing these trade options which could shake up the 1st round.