Although the Ravens appear determined to draft a franchise quarterback, a move that most likely will require them to trade up from their No. 10 slot in the first round on April 17, the possibility exists that the Ravens could move up to take a running back.

A running back like Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams of Texas.

The Ravens have spent the past week rating players throughout next month's draft. While much of their focus has revolved around quarterbacks Tim Couch, Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb and Akili Smith, they also have wondered about the chance to grab Williams.

Consider that Cleveland, Philadelphia and Cincinnati, who hold the first three picks, are in need of blue-chip quarterbacks. The Browns are expected to take Couch. If that happens, will the Eagles and Bengals also pass on Williams and opt for passers? And if that happens, would the Ravens work a trade with Indianapolis to grab Williams at No. 4?

"Would that be attractive to us, and would we contemplate it? Yes," said Ozzie Newsome, the Ravens' vice president of player personnel. "Running back is another need on this football team, too. Right now, we have the fifth-best running back [Priest Holmes] in our division."

The AFC Central features Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis, Jacksonville's Fred Taylor, Tennessee's Eddie George and Cincinnati's Corey Dillon. Holmes, who led the Ravens by rushing for 1,008 yards and seven touchdowns last year in his first full season, collected 400 of those yards against the Bengals, who had the worst run-defense in the NFL.

Holmes could be rejoined soon by Errict Rhett, an unrestricted free agent who played sparingly here in 1998 but is interested in returning. Negotiations between the Ravens and Rhett's agent, Eugene Parker, could begin next week.

Chargers bid for Harbaugh

Newsome said the San Diego Chargers have offered a conditional, late-round pick from next year's draft to obtain Ravens quarterback Jim Harbaugh.

The Seattle Seahawks also are believed to be interested in Harbaugh.

Until the Ravens secure a new starter, Harbaugh is staying put. While trade talks with Detroit regarding Scott Mitchell continue to stall, 15-year veteran quarterback Warren Moon is due to meet with Ravens coach Brian Billick on Monday.

Moon, who has thrown for 49,027 yards and 290 touchdowns in his career, has battled injuries in the recent past. Problems with both ankles knocked him out for half of the 1996 season in Minnesota. Last year in Seattle, he suffered two broken ribs a month into the season and eventually lost his job to upstart Jon Kitna.

Moon was his old self as recently as 1997, his first year with the Seahawks.

That year, he set a Seahawks record by throwing for 3,678 yards -- the fifth-highest total of his career. His 25 touchdown passes marked the third-highest single-season total of his career.

Moore's health uncertain

The Ravens are wondering whether veteran strong safety Stevon Moore's damaged knees will allow him to play at an acceptable level in 1999. And while they like what they see in Chicago veteran Marty Carter -- he has led the Bears in tackles for three of the past four seasons -- they have yet to schedule a visit or begin any contract talks with Carter.

Carter is seeking a deal of at least three years in length and averaging in the $1.9 million to $2.5 million range. The Ravens appear to be waiting for that price to drop. In the meantime, Carter has visited New Orleans and Atlanta. Philadelphia also has called his agent, Frank J. Murtha Jr.

"Everybody is in love with him there [in Baltimore]," said Murtha, who has talked with John Wooten, the team's assistant director of college and pro personnel. "Wooten likes what he sees, and [defensive backs coach] Steve Shafer coached Marty early in his career at Tampa Bay.

"Those guys [the Ravens] are kind of holding off, while we're moving forward this week."

Moore is scheduled to earn $1 million in salary this year. His cap number is $1.2 million. The Ravens exposed Moore in last month's Cleveland Browns expansion draft.

No go on Stepnoski

Newsome said the Ravens are not interested in signing free-agent center Mark Stepnoski, who had been mentioned as a possible upgrade on the offensive line.

"Right now, there's no plan of action to get involved with [Stepnoski]," Newsome said. "We've got other options in terms of someone to compete with Jeff [Mitchell], but it's not Stepnoski."

Pub Date: 3/06/99