Notebook: Flacco, rookie class learning fast
OWINGS MILLS — Three days after his arrival in Baltimore , Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco didn't seem dazed and confused. The first-round draft pick maintained his composure throughout his first minicamp and delivered several crisp throws while undergoing a crash course in the playbook. [Link]
'He ain't going to be a surprise'
OWINGS MILLS — Outside linebacker Antwan Barnes accelerated toward the line of scrimmage, gritting his teeth as he threatened offensive tackle Mike Kracalik's outside shoulder. In an ear-splitting collision, both players' helmets popped off and rolled around the turf at the Baltimore Ravens' training complex. [Link]
With jobs on line, Harbaugh's Ravens 'brawl' at minicamp
AP Photo MDRC107 By DAVID GINSBURG AP Sports Writer . [Link]
Notebook: Ravens hurting at tight end
OWINGS MILLS — Hard luck has defined the Baltimore Ravens' tight end situation as a position in flux is having its depth decimated by injuries. [Link]
Massive brawl breaks out at Ravens' minicamp
OWINGS MILLS — Underneath dozens of bodies and tons of weight as nearly an entire football team engaged in a rare massive brawl, rookie offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon were trading punches at the bottom of the pile. [Link]
New coach Harbaugh's Ravens brawl at minicamp
The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh. They're fighting each other, too. Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. [Link]
Harbaugh's Ravens brawl at minicamp (AP)
The Baltimore Ravens are doing more than merely fighting for jobs at their first mandatory minicamp under new coach John Harbaugh. They're fighting each other, too. Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the… [Link]
Ravens, in their own words
OWINGS MILLS — Questions and answers at the Baltimore Ravens' mandatory minicamp [Link]
R. Lewis: 'Everybody knows it's a business'
OWINGS MILLS — Ray Lewis darted around the practice field Friday with a smile on his face, exchanging barbs with teammates as he chased the football. Following the opening day of the Baltimore Ravens' mandatory minicamp, the star middle linebacker avoided any potential controversy regarding his future with the team as he enters the final year of his contract. [Link]
Flacco: 'I want to prove I'm the best'
OWINGS MILLS — The football spun off Joe Flacco's fingertips and soared high into the air, spiraling nearly half the football field until it reached its intended target. As the Baltimore Ravens' prize rookie quarterback literally launched his pro football career with a deep pass to hit wide receiver Mark Clayton in stride, it was an impressive display of his legendary arm strength. [Link]
Flacco makes strong first impression with Ravens
Joe Flacco dropped back in the pocket, scanned the field, cocked his arm and tossed a spiral far downfield. Mark Clayton sprinted under the ball and made the catch in stride, one step ahead of the defender. Ah, if only playing quarterback in the NFL was that easy. Instead of pumping his fist or showing any outward sign of pleasure, the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens simply walked away from the line of scrimmage and awaited another opportunity. "I'm just moving onto the next play. [Link]
Flacco makes solid first impression with Ravens (AP)
Joe Flacco dropped back in the pocket, scanned the field, cocked his arm and tossed a spiral far downfield. Mark Clayton sprinted under the ball and made the catch in stride, one step ahead of the defender. Ah, if only playing quarterback in the NFL was that easy. Instead of pumping his fist or showing any outward sign of pleasure, the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens simply walked away from… [Link]
NFL fates hinge on 7 bounce-back veterans (SportingNews.com)
We have spent the last few months focusing on the NFL draft and free agency. However, many teams are counting on… [Link]
It's the wrong era for a star LB like Connor
The draft day downward spiral of the most productive player ever from "Linebacker U" shows Alex Marvez how times have changed. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Defense
With the NFL draft behind us, here's an updated look at the best available free agents from the defensive side of the ball. [Link]
Flacco hits town with high hopes
OWINGS MILLS — As the Baltimore Ravens assemble today for a mandatory full-team minicamp, coach John Harbaugh is eagerly awaiting the arrival of his incoming freshmen class. No rookie will be under more scrutiny than imposing quarterback Joe Flacco, the first-round centerpiece of a group of 10 draft picks about to experience their first NFL practice. [Link]
Latest Ravens Insider VIP chat transcript
OWINGS MILLS — Questions and answers with scout.com NFL expert Adam Caplan and Ravens Insider publisher Aaron Wilson. Subscribers, please keep reading for further details. [Link]
Best Available NFL Free Agents-Offense
Here's a post-draft look at the best available NFL free agents from the offensive side of the ball. [Link]
A leaner, meaner Jason Brown
OWINGS MILLS — Steamed vegetables and rice have replaced the fried food Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Jason Brown used to regularly consume, and a new elliptical machine has become a fixture at his house. Instead of chomping on Buffalo wings and General Tso's chicken, Brown has been exercising some discipline at the dinner table and in his workout regimen. [Link]
This NFL offseason has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL offseason? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
This NFL off-season has been anything but uneventful
Who says nothing happens in the NFL off-season? Peter Schrager hands out some awards after a seriously hectic couple of months. [Link]
News analysis: Ravens QB situation
Move over Kyle Boller, there's a new quarterback in town. [Link]
Ravens Insider VIP Q&A column
OWINGS MILLS — Questions and answers about the Baltimore Ravens. Subscribers, please keep reading for further details. [Link]
Don't give up on Benson, unless he pouts
That's what Cedric Benson is doing about the police and what fans are doing about him. Our NFL Czar says he shouldn't be cut … yet. [Link]
Five teams that could get over playoff hump
You can write off the Bengals, but Randy Hill isn't giving up. Cincy is one of his five surprise playoff picks for the 2008 season. [Link]
Latest Ravens Insider web chat transcript
OWINGS MILLS — Questions and answers regarding the Baltimore Ravens and the NFL draft. Subscribers, please keep reading for further details. [Link]
NFL Draft: 2009 Mock Draft
The 2008 NFL Draft is behind us, but it doesn't mean we can't have a little fun and take a look at the 2009 draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber releases his first 2009 mock draft and includes draft-eligible underclassmen. [Link]
Ravens, in their own words
OWINGS MILLS — Questions and answers from One Winning Drive. Please keep reading for further details. [Link]
Boller, Smith prepping for Flacco's arrival
OWINGS MILLS — The impending arrival of imposing rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is expected to literally cast a large shadow over returning veterans Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. Nonetheless, the ripple effect of the Baltimore Ravens tabbing Flacco as their quarterback of the future with the 18th overall pick of the first round hasn't triggered any apparent discontent from his competition. [Link]
Boller, Smith eagerly await Flacco arrival
Kyle Boller spent five years working his way to the top of the Baltimore Ravens' depth chart. He was named the starting quarterback when he was too young to handle the pressure, battled through injuries in 2003 and 2005, and served the past two years as a dutiful backup to Steve McNair. As a reward, the Ravens picked Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft and general manager Ozzie Newsome promptly labeled him "the guy to lead our football team into the future. [Link]
Boller, Smith eagerly await Flacco arrival (AP)
Kyle Boller spent five years working his way to the top of the Baltimore Ravens' depth chart. He was named the starting quarterback when he was too young to handle the pressure, battled through injuries in 2003 and 2005, and served the past two years as a dutiful backup to Steve McNair. As a reward, the Ravens picked Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft and… [Link]
Pressing needs for every NFL team
The draft can't fix everything (see the Jets' and 49ers' QB quandaries). Alex Marvez runs down every team's pressing needs. [Link]
Ravens sign free agent wideout
OWINGS MILLS — Which veteran wide receiver did the Baltimore Ravens just sign and what other roster moves did they execute? Subscribers, please keep reading for further details. [Link]
Scout.com NFL Draft Report Card
Only five NFL teams earned an "A" in last weekend's NFL Draft according to former pro scout Tom Marino. Was your favorite team one of them? Or was it one of the handful who earned a failing grade? Check out Marino's grades for all 32 teams in this Scout.com feature. [Link]
Eight rookies who can make a difference in '08
Chad Henne is walking into a great opportunity in Miami. Alex Marvez has found one player per round who can make an early impact. [Link]
Ravens' move for Flacco was bold, beautiful (SportingNews.com)
The Baltimore Ravens' bold move to get Joe Flacco with the 18th pick in the NFL draft was a risk worth taking. [Link]
A Student of Kicking Passes a Test and Lands in the N.F.L.
Benjamin Dato’s journey as a kicker has taken him from the soccer fields of Wyomissing, Pa., to a free-agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens. [Link]
Top questions heading into mini-camps
Which rookies will thrive? Will Brett Favre return? What are the Bears doing? Our NFL Czar tackles the biggest looming questions. [Link]
Top questions heading into mini-camps
Which rookies will thrive? Will Brett Favre return? What are the Bears doing? Our NFL Czar tackles the biggest looming questions. [Link]
Draft keeps Steelers a leg up in AFC North (SportingNews.com)
With an aggressive offseason, the Cleveland Browns made a push to be top dog in the AFC North. But the Pittsburgh Steelers made all the right moves to remain the best in the division. [Link]
Ravens sign imposing wideout
OWINGS MILLS — Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron's affinity toward bigger wide receivers has triggered an influx of size to the roster. [Link]
On the Clock: 15 prospects for '09 NFL Draft
With the '08 draft in the books, who's ready for next year? Peter Schrager gives you his draft wrap, complete with names for '09. [Link]
10-pack: Booty could challenge Jackson in Minnesota (SportingNews.com)
Pro Football Talk.com's Mike Florio offers postdraft coverage. [Link]
2009 NFL Draft: Steuber's Big Board
With the 2008 NFL Draft complete, it's never too early to take a look at the top senior prospects that will be available for the 2009 NFL Draft. Scout.com's NFL Draft Analyst Chris Steuber debuts his Big Board of the Top 19 seniors who will be available in 2009. [Link]
NFL Post-Draft Insider 1.0
Scout.com's NFL insider Adam Caplan gives you the inside skinny in what went behind the selections of eight teams in this post-draft update. Caplan also breaks down how some of drafted players will fit in with their new teams. [Link]
Mixed reviews of Ravens' draft class
OWINGS MILLS — The grades are in regarding the Baltimore Ravens' draft maneuvers, and the national consensus declares them to only be C students. Of course, it usually takes years to truly gauge the quality of a draft. [Link]
Ravens lining up free agents
OWINGS MILLS — During the final minutes of the NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens began making telephone calls to try to fill a pressing need at tight end. [Link]
Ravens fill needs at corner by working trade with Raiders (Yahoo! Sports)
The Baltimore Ravens addressed their need at cornerback Sunday, but it didn't come in the draft. [Link]
Steelers' Hall of Fame draft still the best ever (Rivals.com)
In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers put together the greatest draft in NFL history. Wide receiver Lynn Swann was the… [Link]
With a record 33 trades, NFL draft a swap meet (AP)
One thing about an NFL draft with this many trades: There were that many players that teams just simply had to have. This year, more than ever, teams were willing to make aggressive moves to jump the line and snag the player they really wanted. A record 33 trades were made Saturday and Sunday as NFL teams tried to assemble winning rosters for the 2008 season and beyond.
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