The 23-year-old McClain played three seasons with the Oakland Raiders before signing a one-year contract with Baltimore as a free agent on April 12.

“Rolando let me know that he plans to retire from the NFL,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said Wednesday. “We have placed him on the reserve/retired list.”

Ten days after signing with the Ravens, McClain was arrested in Decatur, Ala., and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

It was the third time McClain was arrested in Decatur since 2011. He was previously charged in a 2011 shooting, and police arrested him in January on charges of having his car windows tinted too darkly and trying to lie about his identity.

McClain was sentenced to jail on an assault charge after the shooting, but prosecutors later dismissed the case.

A city judge dismissed the January charge against McClain of trying to lie about his identity. He pleaded guilty to the window tint violation and paid a $182 fine.

Before joining the Ravens, McClain spent his first three NFL seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Alabama.

In 41 games with Oakland he had 274 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks and one interception. In his final season, he was suspended for two games for conduct detrimental to the team.

Williams, who was drafted in the third round of April’s NFL draft, was a standout defensive tackle at Division II Missouri Southern. As an interior lineman, Willaims was tasked with getting dirty down in the trenches. As it turns out, that’s not the only dirty work he was doing.

During last offseason, Williams picked up a job hauling and cleaning portable toilets — better known as port-a-potties — according to the Baltimore Sun. The dirty work only motivated Williams to work even harder to achieve his NFL dreams, though.

“Sometimes, you got a little poop on you,” Williams said. “Every time I was doing that, I said to myself, ‘I gotta work harder, I’m not doing this the rest of my life.’ It motivated me to get better.”

Williams made the most of the job, even visualizing the port-a-potties as offensive lineman when lifting them off the ground.

“I acted like I was playing football,” Williams said. “I just made it fun.”

Well, after signing a four-year, $2.6 million rookie contract last week, at least Williams can rest easy knowing he won’t have to push poop around anymore.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Photo via Twitter/@WNST

Like many NFL fans, the Ravens’ front office is perusing mock drafts in the days leading up the NFL draft. That’s how Baltimore knew to trade ahead of the Broncos and Texans to pick up Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown, according to Peter King of Sports Illustrated.

Obviously Ozzie Newsome and his Ravens aren’t reading just any mocks leading up to late April, but many legitimate writers have been tipped off by sources about which teams have shown interest in certain players. In this case, Baltimore had read from a clued-in writer that the Broncos and Texans wanted Brown.

The Ravens jumped from No. 62 overall to No. 56 to grab the former Wildcat. Houston and Denver held the next two picks in the second round.

Photo via Facebook/Baltimore Ravens from B/R

All of the workouts are over, the evaluations are done and now we play the waiting game. Only 29 of the 32 NFL teams currently have first-round picks, but that doesn’t mean just 29 teams will be making picks on Thursday night. In 2012 only 27 teams ended up picking in the first round, but in 2011 31 of the 32 teams selected a player in the first round. So, don’t be surprised if teams trade out of the first or back into the end of the round on Thursday.

As for the actual picks, Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel appears to be the consensus for the Chiefs at No. 1 overall, but Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher is still in contention for the honor. But after those two, predicting the rest of the first round is very much a crapshoot. Defenders like Oregon’s Dion Jordan and Florida’s Sharrif Floyd have piqued the interest of many teams, but either could come off the board anywhere from No. 2 all the way into the mid teens.

The big position of question continues to be the quarterbacks, though. Geno Smith tops most boards, but there have been a lot of rumors about Syracuse’s Ryan Nassib and USC’s Matt Barkley in recent days, making the possibility of multiple quarterbacks going in the first round even more likely.

The Patriots, meanwhile, will sit and wait patiently well into the first night before even taking a stab at their draft board. Wide Receiver, secondary and defensive line are all glaring needs that they will have to address at some point but, with just five picks to their name heading into this weekend, don’t be surprised if they trade out of the first round altogether this year. Sorry, Patriots fans.

With so many prospects to sift through and more uncertainty than in any year before, let’s dive right in and see what the final mock draft of 2013 has in store.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Joeckel has been the pick all along. The Chiefs know what they’re doing.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The Jaguars need some fresh faces to fill out their new uniforms and Jordan will look damn good throwing down quarterbacks while sporting the black and teal.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Quick, name three players on the Raiders defense… Give up yet? Yeah, they need Floyd.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Lane Johnson is the so-called “perfect fit” for Chip Kelly‘s offense, but Fisher is still the better player.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
If the Lions don’t trade out of here, which has been rumored, then Johnson would make the most sense.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Pairing Milliner with Joe Haden will create some excitement for Browns fans, who can forget about Jimmy Haslam‘s problems for at least a few hours.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The left tackles are all gone, so getting a defensive playmaker like Ansah should be next up on  Bruce Arians‘ priorities list.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Doug Marrone may be inclined to trade back into the back of the first round for Ryan Nassib to find his quarterback, making offensive line the next big need.
Previous pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

9. New York Jets (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
If Milliner falls maybe they snatch up Darrelle Revis‘ replacement. If not, Geno gives them a quarterback to compete with Mark Sanchez.
Previous pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Titans could use an athletic defensive end, too, but Lotulelei is just too tempting to pass up here.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
D.J. Fluker is also an option here, but his Alabama line mate is still the better pure lineman.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Replacing Jake Long is the real concern, but getting a strong right tackle is pretty important too.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

13. New York Jets [via Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)]: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Jets waited on Mingo at No. 9, but the risk pays off as he lands in New York anyway.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Panthers couldn’t stop the run in 2012, but Richardson should help change that.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Trufant’s speed should help the Saints against the pass.
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Austin is the best offensive playmaker in this draft and Sam Bradford can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
The Saints could grab Jones two picks before, but the Steelers won’t let him pass if he’s sitting here at 17.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
Jerry Jones may be tempted to get Tony Romo a new toy on offense, but in the end he goes with a need over a want.
Previous pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

19. New York Giants (9-7): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty left a big hole in the Giants’ defensive line, forcing their hand to address it through the draft.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The Bengals seem to think they’ll have tackle Andre Smith back on the roster next season, turning their attention to the next biggest need this offseason: the secondary.

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Rams could use a heavy hitter to set the tone in their secondary. Boom, Elam it is.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
The Vikings don’t appear intent on signing Brian Urlacher after all. So, Ogletree could address their need at inside linebacker.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Indy is all set passing the football on offense, but they’re still having trouble defending it. Rhodes should provide a big boost in the secondary.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
Te’o may be surrounded by controversy, but the Vikings know he still has the talent to be a
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
There is no way the Packers trade up into the top-10 to get one of the big three, but Watson is a sturdy tackle with lots of potential. Plus, he can help Aaron Rodgers right now.
Previous pick: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Matt  Barkley, QB, USC
I’m not necessarily saying the Texans will take Barkley — though Matt Schaub may not be the franchise quarterback they once thought — but this is a prime spot for the Bills, Cardinals, Browns or any number of teams to trade back into the first round and get their man.
Previous pick: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Elvis — Dumervil that is — has left the building, and the Broncos need a replacement in the pass rush. Look no further than the talented UCLA end.
Previous pick: Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State
There is a good chance the Patriots trade back with a team looking to get a quarterback. If they do stay here, though, Carradine would give them a good complement to Chandler Jones.
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston
Hayden ran in the low 4.4s at his Houston pro day and seems to be fully healthy, making him a steal at this point in the draft.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
The 49ers are positioning themselves to move up but, without predicting a trade, Hunt seems like a great fit to replace Justin Smith.
Previous pick: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California
They don’t have Anquan Boldin anymore, so why not take the closest thing this draft has to offer.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

Dropped: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State; Matt Elam, S, Florida; Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama;

Newcomers: Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina; Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame; Matt  Barkley, QB, USC; D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston; Margus Hunt, DE, SMU;

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Previous Mock Drafts: Mock Draft 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0  | 8.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 12.0 | 13.0

Photo via Facebook/Oregon Ducks Football from B/R

No, Ryan’s Jets did not win the Super Bowl last season. That honor goes to the Ravens, who — due to scheduling conflicts with the Baltimore Orioles, with whom they share a parking lot — will open the 2013 season against the Broncos in Denver.

Though the Baltimore teams’ failure to come to a compromise does not affect Ryan, the Jets coach argued that the Orioles’ decision not to move their game was ridiculous.

“Well who really cares,” Ryan told the New York Daily News. “You’ve got 81 at home, maybe you could have done the right thing and given one up and then played 82 on the road and then 80 at home. I really don’t think people are going to care about that game.

“Certainly I can understand, if baseball only had a 16-game schedule you might understand it. But when they have 162 games, you might just [have the] common courtesy and say, you know what, maybe I’ll play this one on the road or whatever.”

Especially in a difficult environment such as Denver, playing on your home field really can be a significant advantage. The Broncos were 7-1 at Mile High during the regular season last year, including wins in their final six home games. The Ravens came out on top in the playoffs, though, upsetting the top-seeded Broncos 38-35 in double overtime in the divisional round.

Photo of the night

Ever wonder what baseball scouts thought of a young Derek Jeter?

Photo via Twitter/@HallofFamePrez

Tweet of the night

House Cutler, Rodgers is calling you out.

Week 17 @chicago. Winter is coming. Game of thrones

—
Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) April 19, 2013

Video of the night

Ninja style! (h/t Bob’s Blitz)

The Ravens will open the season in Denver with an AFC divisional playoffs rematch against the Broncos, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. The game will be played on Thursday, Sept. 5.

https://twitter.com/JasonLaCanfora/status/324900897043931136

Typically, the Super Bowl champion gets to host the regular season opener, but the Ravens were unable to convince the Orioles to change their schedule to accommodate the opportunity.

The Ravens-Broncos playoff showdown turned into a double-overtime thriller, so there should be some interest no matter what. But there should be some added intrigue with Elvis Dumervil wearing black and purple in his return to Denver, especially after the way his controversial departure went down.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

There was a good chance the Patriots would find a receiver at some point on draft day when Sanders was still a possibility, but now that he’s out the pressure to find a playmaker only increases.

Fortunately for Tom Brady and company, this year’s draft offers an array of talent on the outside and the Patriots should have some good talent to choose from at the end of the first round.

Tavon Austin and Cordarrelle Patterson are projected as the top two wide receivers to come off the board, but there is still no telling whether they’ll be taken before the Patriots pick at No. 29. Either way, players like Tennessee’s Justin Hunter, California’s Keenan Allen and Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins are also available and could fit into the Patriots’ offensive system.

With all that in mind, let’s jump into this week’s mock draft and see who the Patriots and the rest of the league could have coming their way next Thursday night.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft. 

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Joeckel has been the pick for almost every one of these mocks, and there’s a reason: he’s the best player available.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The rumors about interest in Geno Smith sounds more like the Jags trying to stir up interest in the pick. If they keep it, Jordan makes the most sense.

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
Oakland needs a playmaker on defense. Floyd would give them a building block for the future.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
I still think Chip Kelly‘s eyeing EJ Manuel over Geno. So, drafting on defense and waiting another round for the quarterback seems like the right play.
Previous pick: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Fisher falls out of the top four, but he won’t last long. The Lions need some help on the offensive line after losing Gosder Cherilus.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Milliner would give the Browns the best young cornerback tandem in football. Joe Haden would be jumping for joy.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Rumor has it that Bruce Arians is very high on Johnson. So, he’ll get his man at left tackle.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Kevin Kolb said he’s in Buffalo to win a Super Bowl, but he may not even have the chance with Geno in town.

9. New York Jets (6-10): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
The Jets may have a chance to get Rhodes at No. 13, if they send Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers. Either way, they need to replace him somehow.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
There might be a little too much hype surrounding Ansah, but the Titans would be foolish to pass on his talent at No. 10.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Chance Warmack has the better grade from most scouts, but Cooper is more athletic and seems like a better fit for Mike McCoy‘s offense.

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
The tackles are all gone, but the Dolphins still need help in front of Ryan Tannehill.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
With Milliner and Rhodes gone, the Bucs may jump on Trufant early to fill their need on the outside.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
Richardson is a beast in the middle, and the Panthers will benefit from his big frame in trying to stop the run.

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
Mingo’s pass rushing will help ease some of the Saints’ woes in the secondary.

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Jeff Fisher may literally jump for joy if Austin falls to them here. He’s the best receiver in this draft and Sam Bradford desperately needs a playmaker like him.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jones is looking more and more like a fit in the Steel city.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Cowboys could be tempted by Cordarrelle Patterson, but addressing a major issue on the defensive line seems more important.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

19. New York Giants (9-7): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
I don’t know if Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese can stay away from the defensive side of the ball, but if they do then getting a right tackle is first on the agenda.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Ogletree could be the best linebacker in this draft five years from now.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Matt Elam, S, Florida
The Rams could use a heavy hitter to set the tone in their secondary. Boom, Elam it is.
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
The Vikings don’t appear intent on signing Brian Urlacher after all. So, Ogletree could address their need at inside linebacker.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Reggie Wayne is getting old and Andrew Luck needs a new toy.
Previous pick: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Keenan Allen, WR, California
Allen’s slow 40 time (4.72 seconds) might have turned many teams away from taking him in the first round. Then again, the Vikings were interested in Anquan Boldin earlier this offseason, and the two do have some similarities.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Instead of reaching for a safety, the Packers grab a corner who is built like a safety. Who knows, maybe that’s where Banks ends up playing.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State
Rather than getting Matt Schaub a receiver, the Texans find him some help on the right side of the offensive line.
Previous pick: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State
Seminoles go back to back. Carradine is an injury risk, but if he pans out the Broncos will have themselves a steal.
Previous pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

29. New England Patriots (12-4): DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
Emmanuel Sanders didn’t end up in New England after all, which means the Patriots need a playmaker ready to come in and contribute immediately.
Previous pick: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Losing John Abraham hurts, so the Falcons will look to replenish with a playmaker in the draft.
Previous pick: Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The 49ers are a prime target to trade out of this pick, given their abundance of selections on draft day. But, for the time being, Williams seems like a good fit in Jim Harbaugh‘s defensive scheme.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International;

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
They just got Elvis Dumervil to bolster the pass rush, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for more help off the edge.
Previous pick: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

Dropped: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International; Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse;

Newcomers: Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State; Cornellius “Tank” Carradine, DE, Florida State; Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama;

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Previous Mock Drafts: Mock Draft 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0  | 8.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 12.0

Photo via Facebook/DeAndre Hopkins

Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Dion Jordan appear to be the three finalists for the coveted top spot, but it might take another week or so before we finally figure out which player Andy Reid plans to build around. That decision will determine the approaches that the Jaguars, Raiders and Eagles will take with the following three picks as well as much of the top 10.

While the top of the draft continues to figure itself out, the rest of the first round deals with their own draft-day dilemmas, including the Patriots at No. 29.

Bill Belichick and the Patriots only own five selections in this year’s draft, and that might mean trading out of the first round to acquire more picks is again a possibility. That strategy has benefited them in the past. Then again, they do have glaring needs at wide receiver, cornerback and on the offensive line.

There is still plenty of posturing, positioning and pondering left to do over the next three weeks, but in the mean time let’s get down to business on this week’s mock draft.

Editor’s Note: Draft order is as follows for the first round of this year’s draft.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Dion Jordan is technically in the mix, but this pick will come down to Joeckel or Eric Fisher. As has been the case for months now, Joeckel is still the better option.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
Jordan may not solve the Jags’ pass rush problems immediately, but he will add a big jolt.
Previous pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
After all of their offseason moves, it would be difficult to mention even one playmaker the Raiders have on defense. Floyd can change that.
Previous pick: Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Chip Kelly needs an athletic offensive line to run his fast-paced offense.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Gosder Cherilus‘ departure left some chaos on the Lions’ offensive line. Johnson would help restore order.
Previous pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
Joe Haden is one of the league’s top five cornerbacks. Give him a running partner like Milliner and opposing quarterbacks will have nightmares about playing the Browns.
Previous pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
With all the tackles already gone, the Cardinals must resort to the best offensive lineman in this draft.
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Kevin Kolb is an upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he’s still only a stopgap on the way forward.

9. New York Jets (6-10): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
Darrelle Revis appears to be on his way out, but adding Rhodes should keep their secondary in good shape.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Titans need to improve their defense and Lotulelei might be the best defender in this draft.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
The run on offensive linemen forces the Chargers to jump at the chance to take Cooper.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
If Ansah lasts this long, the Dolphins would be foolish not to snatch him up. Here’s to hoping they’ve learned a thing or two this offseason.
Previous pick: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
This pick would be forfeited in a potential Revis trade, but if the Bucs do manage to hang onto it then Austin would be a no brainer.
Previous pick: Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
Cam Newton and the Panthers know how to run the ball — we know that. But can they stop other teams from doing it?
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Saints need help defending the pass, and rushing the passer will be a key to improvement.
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Both guards are gone, making wide receiver an even more obvious need for the Rams.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
James Harrison wasn’t the quickest or most athletic pass rusher, but he still managed to make a consistent impact. The Steelers will hope for more of the same from Jones.
Previous pick: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Tony Romo is locked up for quite some time. Now, the Cowboys need to protect him properly.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

19. New York Giants (9-7): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
With Osi Umenyiora and Chris Canty gone, the Giants will need a few new faces in the pass rush.
Previous pick: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
Jay Cutler is in a contract year, so the Bears will give him all the weapons necessary to prove he is the answer long term.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Ogletree could be the best linebacker in this draft five years from now.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Jeff Fisher goes offense with the first pick, but may want to address his defense with St. Louis’ second first-rounder.
Previous pick: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Keenan Allen, WR, California
Greg Jennings gives the Vikings a consistent receiver outside the numbers. Now, all they need is a big target over the middle.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
The Colts aren’t good against the run. Hankins will make them better.

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Jones can bring the heat, which should take some pressure off of Jared Allen.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Matt Elam, S, Florida
Charles Woodson is gone and the Packers need a heavy-hitting replacement to roam over the top of that secondary.
Previous pick: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

27. Houston Texans (12-4): DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
He’s big, physical and will give Matt Schaub another reliable target opposite Andre Johnson.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Remember that Joe Flacco throw in the playoffs? John Fox certainly does.
Previous pick: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee
The Patriots’ biggest need still lies at the wide receiver position. Hunter’s size and athleticism bring back memories of Randy Moss, which Patriots fans won’t fuss about.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes are gone, making cornerback an area of need in Atlanta.
Previous pick: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International;
Cyprien has been darting up draft boards, and the 49ers do have a need at safety without Dashon Goldson.
Previous pick: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse
Pugh can play tackle and guard, making him a desirable swing option on the offensive line.
Previous pick: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

*Dropped: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Kawann Short, DT, Purdue; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State; Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

*Newcomers: Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee; Matt Elam, S, Florida; DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

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The choice to cast the current Ravens signal-caller was made by Joe Unitas, The elder Unitas’ son from his second marriage. But family members from Unitas’ first marriage are anything but happy with the news that Flacco will play the role of the NFL great. Unitas’ grandson, J.C. took to Facebook to voice his displeasure with the decision he called “embarrassing.”

“If you want a real movie, hire a real actor,” J.C. wrote.

J.C.’s father, John Jr. felt similarly, and his comments are sure to add to the hostility among the Unitas family.

“If you want a quarterback, go with Peyton Manning,” John told USA Today. “My father was just like that. This is a joke.”

There has been an on-going dispute among the Unitas family which includes Joe’s mother, Susan Unitas suing John Jr. over the control of Unitas Management, which owns the family name rights. Joe, a producer for the upcoming film, has looked for contributions to help produce the movie, which has only further angered John Jr. and J.C.

“It disgusts me that one of the son’s [sic] of my grandfather would put his hands out and ask for donations to make a movie based off of a book that was mostly built off of non-factual events in my grandfather’s life,” J.C. wrote on his Facebook page, according to USA Today. “Moreover, a movie of my grandfather conceptualized by a son who never saw my grandfather play a down of football.”

John Jr. told Robert Klemko that he is considering using legal action against Joe if money is made off of Unitas’ name.

Click here to see why Flacco was cast as Unitas >>

Photo via Facebook/Joe Flacco

Joe Flacco will portray Johnny Unitas in the final scenes of the movie Unitas We Stand, according to the Baltimore Sun. The scene will depict the Colts’ 1958 NFL Championship Game victory.

Filming is set to start in late July, though production is being planned around Flacco’s football schedule. Unitas’ son, Joe, wrote the script and is co-producing the film. The movie has a projected budget of $12.8 million.

“Obviously, the Baltimore ties are very important to me,” Unitas’ son said about the decision to cast Flacco. “I think it’s great that Joe just won the Super Bowl with the Ravens and was Most Valuable Player in the game. A lot of the way Joe plays and his demeanor reminds me a lot of my dad. He’s not a rah-rah guy. He throws a touchdown and maybe there’s a little fist pump. He understands his job is all about winning and he does a phenomenal job leading the offense and the team and obviously they’ve developed a lot of trust after becoming a champion.”

Flacco is the highest-paid quarterback in the game. Now he has the pressure of imitating one of the best to ever play.

Brendon Ayanbadejo

The Ravens released Ayanbadejo on Thursday night after five years with the team. But even newly unemployed, Ayanbadejo was still focusing most of his attention on the LGBT issues in the NFL.

Ayanbadejo discussed the fight for gay rights during an interview with Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun. He even expanded upon the recent report that a gay player may come out soon, saying as many as four NFL players may reveal they are gay.

“I think it will happen sooner than you think,” Ayanbadejo said. “We’re in talks with a handful of players who are considering it. There are up to four players being talked to right now and they’re trying to be organized so they can come out on the same day together. It would make a major splash and take the pressure off one guy. It would be a monumental day if a handful or a few guys come out.”

If Ayanbadejo’s suggestion is true it would be something of a landmark event, marking the first time in major American sports that a player would attempt to continue his career after coming out.

It would be tough for any player to come out, considering the ridicule and judgment from fans and players around the league, but if a few of them did it in a unified way, it might make for a more accepting environment.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Ayanbadejo has long been among the strongest voices in the sports world advocating for marriage equality. He was honored for his gay rights activism alongside Vikings punter Chris Kluwe at the Straight for Equality Gala in New York City on Thursday, at which he claimed that same activism contributed to the Ravens’ decision to release him.

“My bark is louder than my bite,” he told Newsday. “I make a lot of noise and garner a lot of attention for various things off the football field. When that starts happening, why do you have that player around?”

Playing a relatively thankless role as a backup linebacker and special teams player, Ayanbadejo rarely garners headlines for his play on the field. But his outspoken personality has created significant buzz, most notably last September, when a Maryland politician wrote a letter demanding that the Ravens take steps to limit Ayanbadejo’s public expression. This outspoken attitude, he says, may have rubbed some in the Baltimore organization the wrong way, or at least made it easier for the team to release him.

“I was a vocal guy and garnered a lot of attention,” he said. “I brought a lot of issues with me to the Super Bowl and the issues came up at the Super Bowl.

“One thing I want to do is I want to facilitate change and be a catalyst for change. I want the NFL to make a stance. Other Fortune 500 companies, Apple, Google, they’ve taken a stance against discrimination. You look at the International Soccer Federation and they’ve taken a stance against discrimination. I’m really waiting for the NFL to.”

The Ravens denied that Ayanbadejo’s views had any bearing on the team’s decision.

“We are surprised that Brendan would indicate that,” Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne said. “We have always respected Brendan’s opinions and his right to express them. He was released for football reasons, period.”

Photo of the night

Jaromir Jagr (left) was all smiles after scoring his first goal in a Bruins uniform.

Photo via Facebook/Boston Bruins

Tweet of the night

Lane MacDermid had himself a nice debut down in Dallas.

Lane MacDermid, 1 of the players Bruins traded for Jagr, got 1st NHL goal--on 31st anniv. of his dad's. #DallasStars http://t.co/4xQ3gHPXWK

—
John Buccigross (@Buccigross) April 04, 2013

Video of the night

Nothing goes together quite like country music and Austrian hockey fights.

The Ravens’ head coach had no problem with star safety Ed Reed leaving town, according to Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun. In fact, Preston writes Harbaugh “wanted Reed back as much as he wants a root canal.”

There were reports of a “near mutiny” back in November that was led by Reed and Bernard Pollard, who was cut by the Ravens before free agency started, over Harbaugh’s treatment of players and decision to practice in pads midseason. That near mutiny could have led both players out of town.

There were reports at the time that the Texans, who Reed eventually signed with, were in a bidding war with the Ravens over the safety’s services. Preston writes that Baltimore just made it appear that way out of respect for Reed.

There were rampant rumors that New England would acquire Reed this offseason. Maybe both parties are better off apart. Reed likely wouldn’t like some of Bill Belichick‘s practice habits and expectations.

In an interview with NFL Network on Thursday, Crabtree said after taking a hard hit from Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith, he temporarily lost vision in the fourth quarter.

“When the guy hit me, he hit me all in the face,” Crabtree said. “I’m not tripping. I’m not one to whine about nothing, but he hit me all in the face and I couldn’t really see after he hit me.”

Crabtree said the scary moment ended before the next snap as his vision returned prior to the following play, but the wide receiver wasn’t upset that no call was made on the play near the goal line on third down. When pushed to describe the aftermath of the hit further, Crabtree noted this wasn’t an isolated incident.

“They hit me, I really couldn’t see. … Then [my vision] just came back. It’s not concussion-like. When you get hit in football, it’s going to feel like you can’t see. It’s going to feel intense. But it snapped back. It happens all the time in football.”

Crabtree was the target of all three of the 49ers’ last plays of the game, which all went as incompletions giving the Ravens the ball back on downs. Baltimore eventually went on to win 34-31.

Police in Almeida, Florida arrested local resident Robert Pham on Wednesday in connection to a Super Bowl ticket scam that cost some 49ers fans $5,900, according to the Mercury News.

Pham, 37, claimed to be a Ravens fan on Craigslist and claimed to be selling four tickets to the big game. Sharon Osgood, a Haywood, Florida resident and 49ers fan, bought the tickets for the near $6,000, but when the package arrived there was nothing but some messages that read “Go Ravens! LOL!” among other taunts.

Osgood was outraged by the hoax, but at least feels some comfort now that the super scammer has been caught.

“There was still all that anger about how could somebody do this and just think it was OK and send a note like that,” Osgood said. “Now it’s kind of come to closure.”

So, while the Super Bowl loss may still sting for many 49ers fans, at least a select few can take solace in recouping their own losses.

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Ed Reed

Reed told 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore that leaving the Ravens organization was the hardest thing he’s ever done in his life. Reed said he believed the Ravens might be able to keep the core of their Super Bowl-winning team together, and when he realized that wasn’t happening, it was a huge blow.

“I didn’t expect this, Reed said. “Did I want it? No, I didn’t want it. But do I understand it? Yes I understand it.”

When the thought of retirement crossed the 34-year-old’s mind after winning the Super Bowl, his heart told him not to bow out.

“My heart really felt that we had an opportunity to do some special things because we had a core of people,” he said.

But business and numbers overshadowed Reed’s hopes of staying with his beloved black and purple, giving him a candid glimpse into the mind of a professional athletic organization.

“I honestly didn’t know the true nitty-gritty of the business side of it. I didn’t know all the possibilities that would happen and transpired the last few weeks or so. I didn’t know all that would happen the way it did.

“That put things in perspective as well to let you know the team is kind of going in a different direction. Not rebuilding but in a sense rebuilding, to make different moves and it just wasn’t economically the best situation for me.”

“I wanted to be in black and purple but at the same time I am 34 and the league knows that,” Reed said. “When I say the league I mean every one, every team and everybody. Situations tend to stir things the other way. For businesses and the NFL when players start to get a little older they tend to think differently about them. Though my heart is different and I feel different.”

Reed has certainly handled having to sign with another team with grace and class, but his love of the game and love for his team were not enough to keep the Ravens from making what they thought was a sound business decision.

Interview transcription via SportsRadioInterviews

Dumervil passed his physical and signed a five-year contract with the Ravens on Tuesday. The 6-foot, 260-pounder was introduced at a news conference in which he said, “Going to a winning organization was important.”

He had said nothing bad about his former team. It’s just that he was ready to leave after a fax snafu led to his release from the Broncos.

Dumervil says, “I just felt it was a time to change scenery.”

The Ravens welcomed him after an offseason in which they lost free agents Ed Reed, Paul Kruger, Dannell Ellerbe and Cary Williams.

On the advice of the Ravens’ player development office, Smith signed up for an internship under Maryland U.S. Representative Elijah Cummings after he found himself with some extra free time before the start of offseason workouts. And, from all accounts, it looks like Cummings is putting the wideout to work.

“I was handling files, reading letters, relaying them, typing up what sponsors say, printing stuff,” Smith told BaltimoreRavens.com. “I was the office guy. … It was fun though. I enjoyed it.”

The 24-year-old Smith says he does most of his work for the out of the government office in Baltimore, but he has also made the occasional trip down to Washington. So why did he spend his down time sorting mail instead of lounging on a beach somewhere? Smith says it’s all about broadening his horizons.

“It’s about seeing what’s out there,” he said. “As an athlete I feel like I always said, ‘Man, I can’t wait till I can just play football and I don’t have to worry about school.’ Now that all we do is work out and you have the rest of the day, I feel like I’m limiting myself if I don’t do anything else.”

The job winds down this week, after which Smith will turn his attention back to defending Baltimore’s Super Bowl championship.

(h/t Deadspin)

Photo of the night

Imagine finding one of these in your mailbox.

Via Instagram/kennyvaccaro

Tweet of the night

The State University of New Jersey will honor those affected by Hurricane Sandy at its annual spring game.

#RFootball will wear this uniform combo during 4/27 Spring Game. Will represent 90 towns affected by Hurricane Sandy. http://t.co/T8aKpYJJLK

—
Rutgers Football (@RFootball) March 25, 2013

Video of the night

Assembling the court for this year’s Final Four looks like quite the process. (h/t USA Today)

The decision will likely come down to either Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher for the No. 1 overall pick, but don’t count out Florida defensive tackle Shariff Floyd, who the Chiefs have already worked out.

As the draft goes on, one interesting position to watch will be the wide receivers. Right now, Tavon Austin seems like the player who has established himself most, but Cordarrelle Patterson is easily the best athlete of the group and seen as more of the traditional deep threat.

With teams like the Vikings, Rams, Texans and Patriots all in need of wideouts but some major questions still lingering with the talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw as many as seven or as few as two selected in the first round. This mock features just three of the primary receivers coming off the board, but one is to the Patriots, who could use some depth and might find an Anquan Boldin clone drop to them at No. 29.

There’s plenty of moving left to be done over the next month ahead of the draft start on April, 25, but in the meantime here is where the prospects are lining up.

Editor’s Note: This reflects the official draft order.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Getting Alex Smith ruled out Geno Smith at this spot, and getting rid of Eric Winston only made offensive tackle more of a need. They’ll fill it.
Previous pick: Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14): Shariff Floyd, DT, Florida
The Jaguars have a glaring need on the defensive line, so taking the best defensive player available just makes sense.
Previous pick: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

3. Oakland Raiders (4-12): Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon
The Raiders need an athletic pass rusher. Look no further.
Previous pick: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12): Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Geno Smith will tempt Chip Kelly here, but E.J. Manuel might be a better value quarterback later in the draft. Plus, Fisher is the best player available.

5. Detroit Lions (4-12): Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Lions have done a lot to improve their defense in free agency, adding Milliner might just put them over the top.
Previous pick: Dion Jordan, OLB/DE, Oregon

6. Cleveland Browns (5-11): Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Browns signed Paul Kruger to improve their pass rush, why not take it one step further and draft the most versatile pass rusher available.

7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11): Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
Bruce Arians sounds content with the quarterbacks he has in Arizona — Brian Hoyer, Drew Stanton included — for the time being. But his offensive line remains a question mark.
Previous pick: Matt Barkley, QB, USC

8. Buffalo Bills (6-10): Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Buffalo is already wining and dining Smith. So, I’d say they’re interested.
Previous pick: Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

9. New York Jets (6-10): Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
If Star falls this far, the Jets would be foolish not to take him — medical questions and all.
Previous pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

10. Tennessee Titans (6-10): Ezekiel Ansah, DE/OLB, BYU
The Titans beefed up a number of areas through free agency, but they could still use a skilled pass rusher off the edge.
Previous pick: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

11. San Diego Chargers (6-10): Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson are gone, so why not go away from tackles and take the best offensive lineman in the draft?
Previous pick: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

12. Miami Dolphins (7-9): Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
Cameron Wake is one of the NFL’s best pass rushers, but adding Werner would make for an intimidating tandem.

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9): Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
They picked up Dashon Goldson in free agency to pair with Mark Barron, now snag Rhodes and you’ve got yourself a talented young secondary to build around.

14. Carolina Panthers (7-9): Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina
Cooper is the quickest guard in the draft, and the Panthers could use a shifty blocker up front to keep Cam Newton upright and get that running game going again.
Previous pick: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

15. New Orleans Saints (7-9): Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
Jarvis Jones might be the best pass rusher on film, but his pro day did not go over well. Then again Terrell Suggs didn’t have the greatest pro day, and he’s done alright for himself — just saying.
Previous pick: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1): Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Sam Bradford needs weapons, and Patterson is the most talented wide receiver in this draft.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8): Shelden Richardson, DT, Missouri
The Steelers have little to spend this offseason, meaning they better be able to fill their needs in the draft.

18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8): Datone Jones, DE, UCLA
Monte Kiffin is a master of the 4-3 defense so the Cowboys might want another defensive end to use in their rotation.
Previous pick: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

19. New York Giants (9-7): Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
Kenny Phillips is gone, but the Giants find a new starting safety staring them in the face at No. 19.

20. Chicago Bears (10-6): Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame
The Bears gave Jay Cutler a new left tackle, now all he needs is a new tight end to keep him happy.

21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6): D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
Andre Smith is close to returning, but Andy Dalton could always use one more starting tackle.
Previous pick: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

22. St. Louis Rams [via Washington Redskins (10-6)]: Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse
Jake Long improves the Rams’ offensive line, but adding Pugh would make Bradford even more comfortable.
Previous pick: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
The Vikings lost maybe the NFL’s best pure playmaker in Percy Harvin, but they can replace him with next best thing.
Previous pick: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5): Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
Hankins will clog up running lanes like no Colt could in 2012.

25. Minnesota Vikings [via Seattle Seahawks (11-5)]: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia
Brian Urlacher is in the mix to take over in the middle for Minnesota, but Ogletree is a younger and overall better option.
Previous pick: D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

26. Green Bay Packers (12-4): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama
The Packers didn’t bite on Steven Jackson and have yet to improve their running game. Some capable veterans remain on the market, but Lacy is a good alternative.
Previous pick: Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU

27. Houston Texans (12-4): Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington
Ed Reed will improve their secondary, but the Texans can still use another cornerback to solidify things.
Previous pick: Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International

28. Denver Broncos (13-3): Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
Peyton Manning got Wes Welker, now John Fox needs to find someone to stop the run.

29. New England Patriots (12-4): Keenan Allen, WR, California
They missed out on Anquan Boldin four years ago, Bill Belichick won’t miss out on the second coming.
Previous pick: Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3): Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State
Tony Gonzalez is back, Steven Jackson is signed, and Osi Uemenyiora seems like the next domino to fall. Now, the focus shifts to cornerback.
Previous pick: Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1): Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
They might miss out on Nnamdi Asomugha. If so, Banks is the perfect alternative.
Previous pick: Matt Elam, S, Florida

32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6): Kevin Minter, MLB, LSU
Minter is a superior option to Manti Te’o, and the Ravens need help rebuilding a now depleted defense.
Previous pick: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Dropped: Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff; Jonathan Cyprien, S, Florida International; Matt Elam, S, Florida

Newcomers: Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama; Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State; Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State; Justin Pugh, G, Syracuse

Have a question for Luke Hughes? Send it to him via Twitter at @LukeFHughes or send it here.

Previous Mock Drafts: Previous Mock Drafts: Mock Draft 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0  | 8.0 | 9.0 | 10.0

Photo via Facebook/Keenan Allen

The deal, first reported by The Denver Post’s Mike Klis, will make Dumervil a Raven for five years.

Dumervil was one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers throughout his six-year tenure with the Broncos, totaling 63 1/2 sacks and 16 forced fumbles, and only hit free agency after a highly publicized fax machine error voided an $8 million contract that would have the defensive end in Denver this season.

“As we have from the start of this process, we worked diligently over the last week to find a way for Elvis Dumervil to remain a Denver Bronco,” Broncos vice president John Elway said in a statement. “Although we made multiple contract offers to Elvis after being forced to release him, we were unable to reach an agreement and are now moving forward without him.”

The three-time Pro Bowler will provide a boost to a Ravens defense that has seemingly disintegrated since the team’s Super Bowl victory in February. Baltimore has already lost defensive starters Ed Reed, Bernard Pollard, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams and Dannell Ellerbe to free agency and Ray Lewis to retirement this offseason.

Adam Schefter reports that Dumervil’s deal is worth as much as $35 million over five years, with $12 million guaranteed.

Ravens are giving former Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil a five-year deal worth up to $35 million, including $8.5 million in year one.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2013

Ravens also gave Elvis Dumervil $3.5 million injury guarantee on next year's option bonus, making it $12 million in guaranteed $ from BALT.

—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2013

The Broncos are reportedly now turning their focus to veteran free agents John Abraham and Dwight Freeney to fill the void at defensive end.