robert griffin iii

Here's a look at the highlights and lowlights around the NFL during the opening weekend:

Here's a look at how the upcoming NFL season might unfold.

With three teams making the playoffs and two winning 12 games during the regular season, the AFC North was arguably the NFL's most competitive division last season. Unfortunately for the Ravens, it figures to be hyper-competitive again in 2012 -- well, except for anything involving the hapless Cleveland Browns.

The legacy of great Oklahoma quarterbacks goes beyond big numbers and pages in the record book, which explains Landry Jones' focus.

The only starting quarterback in NFL history to reach the postseason in each of his first four seasons, Flacco gives inspiration to other teams trying to find their franchise quarterback

The NFL will hold its annual supplemental draft on Thursday. Eight players are eligible to be selected. Baylor wide receiver Josh Gordon has generated a lot of buzz, and TCU running back Ed Wesley could be a late-round pick. Will the Ravens target somebody?

First hands-on impressions reveal upgraded passing and option runs

With a number of needs, Ravens head into one of the most important drafts in franchise history.

The Ravens have a handful of needs. Most are not pressing. They have yet to address the offensive line this offseason and will be forced to do it in the draft. Even with the emergence of Torrey Smith a year ago, they are looking for another game-changer at wide receiver. Terrell Suggs lacks a true sidekick. And then there is the annual question about whether this is the year they need to prepare for life after Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. In my fifth and final first-round mock draft, I give you a semi-educated guess at whom the Ravens will select with the 29th pick. Is it still Wisconsin center Peter Konz? Read on to find out.

The 2012 NFL draft is now just over a week away. Free agency has died down, and teams are shifting their focus to the draft to round out their rosters. The Ravens are no exception. Their primary needs are still the same as they were entering the offseason: offensive line help, a pass rusher and a receiver. This mock draft -- the fourth of five I will do before the draft -- doesn't account for trades. And remember, these are called "mock" drafts for a reason. Try not to take them too seriously, folks.

Instant Analysis: Ravens' 2012 schedule

Heading into the draft, it appears the Ravens, who were AFC North champions in 2011, haven't given much ground to their division rivals. Here's a quick look at what each of those three teams has done.

The 2012 NFL draft is three weeks away, and though most teams have solidified their draft boards barring a few tweaks after prospects visit, the "silly season" of draft rumors is really starting to heat up. Need an example? How about the rumblings that the Colts are undecided about the first pick? But hey, I love mock drafts as much as you do, so allow me to contribute to the silly season with my third mock draft of the offseason.

After a wild first week in free agency that was punctuated with Peyton Manning signing with the Denver Broncos, we have a better idea of what needs teams will address in April's NFL draft. So now seems like a good time for our second mock draft of the offseason. (This mock draft does not account for potential trades.) And remember, these are called "mock" drafts for a reason. Try not to take them too seriously.

Did the Cleveland Browns really lose the No. 2 pick and Robert Griffin IIII to the Washington Redskins?

The Cleveland Browns, who have gotten uneven play from Colt McCoy, have given mixed messages about their plans, but they appear to have the best package of draft picks to make a deal to draft Robert Griffin III happen.

What kind of priority are the Ravens putting on finding a wide receiver? It's a question that Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome will surely get this afternoon when he meets with reporters on the second full day of the NFL scouting combine.

This year's NFL scouting combine begins Wednesday, unofficially marking the start of draft speculation season. Before the prospects are poked and prodded, though, staff writer Matt Vensel has taken his first crack at predicting the first round of April's NFL draft.

The NFL scouting combine starts Feb. 22. In advance of the NFL's annual meat market in Indianapolis, staff writer Matt Vensel will examine each position and give Ravens fans the 4-1-1. In this post he looks at the quarterbacks, which include Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Brandon Weeden and Kellen Moore.

We started to look ahead to the NFL offseason as soon as Billy Cundiff's field goal fluttered off-target and we will dive headfirst into the offseason two weeks from now when the scouting combine begins in Indianapolis.

Many Heisman Trophy winners — quarterbacks in particular — find success at the professional level to be elusive.

Ravens Q&A: Ricky Williams. Veteran running back discusses hie relationship with Ray Rice and his plans for life after football.