Linebackers can be found in the later rounds.

[cstjohn17]

1) Have we as a franchise been too picky when it comes to picking a linebacker?

2) Are we just bad at drafting linebackers?

3) I get kind of sick of hearing the "we need big linebackers that fit our system"

4) We need speed and become an attacking defense.

1) Yes
2) No, we just don't do it. Claridge was the highest drafted LB in the BB era.
3) I am a little sick but who can argue with the results, the aged veterans played very well and the defense as a whole played exceptional through the playoffs. They just could not make a crucial stop on the last drive of the season.
4) Maybe, wasn't the defense top 5 in PPG and second in sacks? That being said I like the idea of a faster LB as a 3rd down specialist, someone who can be used to cover a RB or TE and blitz. The Ravens have used Barnes in this fashion, he is too small to play against the run but in passing situations he can use his speed (4.5) to really get up field against the QB. I also think that the lack of speed at LB puts pressure on the Safeties who have to cheat to the inside to help out the aged.

Anyway looking at how the value is shaking out I would look for BPA in round 1, WR in round 2, LB / CB in rounds 3 & 4.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

1) Yes
2) No, we just don't do it. Claridge was the highest drafted LB in the BB era.
3) I am a little sick but who can argue with the results, the aged veterans played very well and the defense as a whole played exceptional through the playoffs. They just could not make a crucial stop on the last drive of the season.
4) Maybe, wasn't the defense top 5 in PPG and second in sacks? That being said I like the idea of a faster LB as a 3rd down specialist, someone who can be used to cover a RB or TE and blitz. The Ravens have used Barnes in this fashion, he is too small to play against the run but in passing situations he can use his speed (4.5) to really get up field against the QB. I also think that the lack of speed at LB puts pressure on the Safeties who have to cheat to the inside to help out the aged.

Anyway looking at how the value is shaking out I would look for BPA in round 1, WR in round 2, LB / CB in rounds 3 & 4.

I agree on BPA in round 1.

Why wr in round 2? we have Welker, resign Moss and Gaffney, and CJ.

I agree on CB's in 3 and 4.

At this point I think they draft Clady in round 1.

Restructure Colvin and I think they should just draft a pass rush specialist in round 3 or 4.

 

[Remix 6]

Have we as a franchise been too picky when it comes to picking a linebacker?

At what point does speed and youth outweigh the intelligence of a savy veteran? Speed can make up mistakes and experience can prevent them. Where's the middle ground?

Lance Briggs was a third rounder.
Vrabel a third rounder
AD a sixth rounder
Demeco Ryans in the early second
Zach Thomas a 5th rounder
David Harris- 2nd round
Karlos Dansby- 2nd round

If we never draft linebackers we can never find a diamind in the rough and never develop this player.

Are we just bad at drafting linebackers?

I get kind of sick of hearing the "we need big linebackers that fit our system"

We need speed and become an attacking defense.

so can every other position. want a list for that too?

 

[cstjohn17]

Why wr in round 2? we have Welker, resign Moss and Gaffney, and CJ.

Right now they have Welker and CJ. It looks like to pretty deep WR draft, not much at the top end but a lot of depth through rounds 2-4. If they sign Moss & Gaffney then move WR to day 2. I don't think both of them will be back.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

Right now they have Welker and CJ. It looks like to pretty deep WR draft, not much at the top end but a lot of depth through rounds 2-4. If they sign Moss & Gaffney then move WR to day 2. I don't think both of them will be back.

I differ. I think both wr's will be back. Gaffney moved his way up on the depth chart and Moss I feel is definitely coming back