[FOX - Mike Harmon] Steve McNair Retires: What’s Next For The Ravens?
It has been rumored for some time, but Baltimore quarterback Steve McNair appears set to announce his retirement from the NFL later today. McNair bounced in and out of the Baltimore lineup during 2007 as he experienced a series of injuries. He last appeared in Week 10 against the Bengals. A separated shoulder ultimately ended his season and helped the 13-year NFL veteran to make his decision.
Ozzie Newsome and company will now get back to work on their draft-day efforts. The logical move here is seemingly to work toward securing a pick high enough to draft Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan. However, the yearly question of whether Jonathan Ogden will strap it on for another season is still on the air. The sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer (I know. The NFL is a tricky beast in that regard, but I’m standing by it.) has said that he’ll make his decision in advance of the draft.
If the Ravens are confident that Ogden can be ready for a full 16-game season (his toe was an issue last year), then turning their attention to the quarterback position is paramount. If not, then the Ravens need to be sure that the line is solidified for whomever assumes the quarterback position (and for those looking to draft Willis McGahee).
We’ve seen Kyle Boller in spurts since his arrival in the NFL back in 2003. He’s made some great throws, won fantasy owners a few games in spot starts (prior to 2007), but has been erratic to the point that I don’t believe anyone if fully confident going into the year with him as the clear-cut No. 1. The Ravens also drafted Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith in 2007. Smith performed well in his two starts to close the year, demonstrating adequate arm strength and great elusiveness with his legs. Ozzie Newsome spoke highly of Smith’s practice efforts all of last season and expects him to be a starter down the road. But is 2008 too early? If nothing changes, Smith looks to be the starter in my mind.
Could a Daunte Culpepper or Byron Leftwich signing be on the horizon?
Enter the Brett Favre talk. Sure, the ink isn’t even dry on this story, and McNair’s press conference is yet to come, but this is an interesting twist to it, don’t you think? Sure, it’s all conjecture and speculation, but indulge me for a minute. We know Favre hasn’t filed his retirement papers yet, and he has made comments in the past two weeks to leave the door cracked open. Sure, it related to the Packers being in trouble, but what if a stiff wind were to catch the door and blow it open? He’d join a veteran squad with a strong defense (when healthy), top running back and several strong receiving options (including a fully healthy Todd Heap).
I know. It’s a longshot. I might have a better shot of the Storm calling me up for a spot in the infield (see the previous post). But it makes this off-season a little more interesting heading into the draft, doesn’t it?
I’ll be chatting with my good friends at WNST in Baltimore tomorrow morning. I’ll give you a sense of the fans’ feelings tomorrow evening.
Peace.