Baltimore Sun reporters, editors and columnists each give an opinion on whom the Ravens should select with the No. 17 overall pick in Thursday night's first round of the NFL draft.
Jeff Zrebiec, reporter
LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama: He may be long gone by the time the Ravens are on the clock, but if he's available, I'd have a hard time resisting an instinctive and fast linebacker with an impeccable work ethic and great leadership skills. The Ravens have bigger needs mind you but something about Mosley tells me he'll be an impact player on Day 1. And if anybody knows the value of an impact middle linebacker, it is the Ravens.
Mike Preston, columnist
OL Zack Martin, Notre Dame: I believe the Ravens might move up to as high as No. 13 if Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews, North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron or Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are still available. If not, they might swing a deal with the Patriots, Eagles, Saints or 49ers and trade back, and hopefully they get Notre Dame tackle Zack Martin, who is solid and tough. Martin is also versatile enough to play guard.
Peter Schmuck, columnist
OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan: It all starts with the offensive line and Job One has to be keeping Joe Flacco upright long enough to take advantage of his upgraded receiver corps. Lewan probably will go earlier than 17th, but if he's still around he could be a difference-maker.
Aaron Wilson, reporter
Baltimore Ravens Insider
OL Zack Martin, Notre Dame: If Martin makes it to their spot, the Ravens should draft him instead of Alabama free safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix or a wide receiver. Martin can stabilize the right tackle spot immediately. He's a technically sound, tough blocker who's ready to start as a rookie and provide a boost at a position of need after quarterback Joe Flacco was sacked 48 times last season.
Jon Meoli, reporter
TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina: The Ravens will find it hard to pass on one of the tackles if they fall, but another year of experience in the new scheme could lead to internal improvement on that front. Taking Ebron would give Joe Flacco a steady target underneath and potentially free up running room by occupying a defender in the box.
Monique Jones, Ravens editor
OL Zack Martin, Notre Dame: Martin comes with versatility and would be a nice addition on a line in need of a strong presence. If Martin is around at 17, he would be a quality addition who could pay off for the Ravens immediately.
Ron Fritz, Sports editor
CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech: The Ravens trade down with one of the teams looking for a wide receiver (Philadelphia? Kansas City?) and find great value in Fuller, if he's still there. Cornerback isn't a primary area of need, but with Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith and Fuller, this position would be solid for years, and it protects them in case of injury. Other possibilities: Virginia tackle Morgan Moses and Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley.