Two weeks ago, the Ravens' biggest offseason need was clear. So clear that I advocated -- in one way or another -- for them to acquire pretty much every wide receiver on the open market.
The Ravens' receiver situation was so desperate, I actually thought pursuing Terrell Owens made sense. Yes, it was that bad.
But now that the Ravens have traded for the rugged Anquan Boldin and brought back Derrick Mason for two more years of crisp routes and consistent production, GM Ozzie Newsome will have flexibility while restocking the Ravens' cupboards.
Newsome can remain true to his draft board and take the best player available with pick No. 25 in April's draft -- or trade down for more assets. Here are the top five areas he will target:
1. DEFENSIVE LINE: The Ravens already needed to get younger and more athletic on the defensive line this offseason. But the loss of starting end Dwan Edwards and versatile backup Justin Bannan leaves two sizable holes on Baltimore's depth chart. Thankfully for the Ravens, it's a very deep draft for players who fit the 3-4 mold. They should be able to find a big, beefy nose tackle to eventually replace an aging Kelly Gregg and a 3-4 end who can penetrate and pressure QBs, because Trevor Pryce is on the decline, too.
Three names to remember: Jared Odrick (Penn State), Terrence Cody (Alabama), Corey Wootton (Northwestern)
2. CORNERBACK: Frank Walker has hinted on Twitter that he is close to signing a deal elsewhere -- which might prompt some fans to start believing in a higher power -- but that's not why the Ravens will take a cornerback early in the draft. The Ravens struggled to shut down elite QBs in 2009, and Lardarius Webb and Fabian Washington are rehabbing serious knee injuries. Reinforcements are desperately needed.
Three names to remember: Kyle Wilson (Boise State), Devin McCourty (Rutgers), Amari Spievey (Iowa)
3. TIGHT END: Todd Heap was a trooper the past two seasons, fighting off injuries to give the Ravens decent production and blocking at the tight end position. But Heap had no choice; there were no reliable options behind him on the depth chart. That should change by the end of the draft -- maybe even by the end of the first round if they snag Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham, as many draft gurus are predicting.
Three names to remember: Gresham, Rob Gronkowski (Arizona), Dennis Pitta (BYU)
4. CENTER: Drafting a center won't set the city abuzz, but they must find an heir apparent for Matt Birk. His contract is up after the 2011 season.
Three names to remember: Maurkice Pouncey (Florida), J.D. Walton (Baylor), Eric Olsen (Notre Dame)
5. WIDE RECEIVER: With Boldin in the fold, there's no pressure on the Ravens to draft a wideout in the first round, so guys such as Dez Bryant, Arrelious Benn and Demaryius Thomas might be off the team's radar. You never know with Ozzie, though. Still, count on the Ravens scouring the later rounds of the draft for a speedy steal that will fill out the team's wide receiver group.
Three names to remember: Taylor Price (Ohio), Andre Roberts (Citadel), Jacoby Ford (Clemson)
Matt Vensel is a content creator for b. Follow him on Twitter, @mattvensel.