Wow! So far this off-season, the free agent market has seemed hotter than a fox in a forest fire. The Ravens haven't stayed quiet this year even though they are restricted by the "Final 8 Rule". Baltimore made, in my opinion, the best possible move by adding star WR Anquan Boldin. They signed him to a 3 year contract.

In the trade, the Ravens gave up 3rd and 4th round picks to get Boldin. In addition, Baltimore received a 5th round pick. That trade, coupled with the Donte' Stallworth pickup and the Derrick Mason re-signing (more on that in a moment) has taken the Ravens to the next level. Now, more on that Mason stuff. No. 85 has been the main factor in the development of Joe Flacco. Mason will also help the new players (i.e. Boldin, Stallworth as well as any others) assimilate into the offense.

Other NFL news:

LaDainian Tomlinson signed with the Jets! Personally, I think he's a good fit in New York. With Thomas Jones gone, the Jets need someone who can be an every-down back. While LT has been hurt the past few years, he still has it in him to be able to be that type of player who can take a lot of carries and a lot of hits.

Surprisingly, there hasn't been a lot of interest regarding two other big-name free agents in Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook. The Bengals have shown some interest in TO, but not much has been said about Westbrook. The Cleveland Browns have traded Brady Quinn to the Broncos in exchange for fullback Peyton Hillis, a 6th round pick in 2011 and a conditional pick in 2012. The Browns traded away one of their QBs and released the other (Derek Anderson, who went to the Cardinals), but then went out and got 2 more in Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. Delhomme is coming off the worst year of his career and is looking to bounce back, while Wallace has seen the most time he ever had last year since Matt Hasselbeck got hurt again (poor Hasselbeck!). Cleveland will have an interesting scene when camp starts next season.

 

Now, for draft analysis!

 

Pick number twelve: Miami Dolphins

Last year's record: 7-9

Analysis: The Dolphins had a mediocre year in 2009, especially after coming off a playoff appearance in 2008 (in which they were bounced by the Ravens) and are looking for a chance to get back in the hunt. They got Karlos Dansby in the off season so far, but may lose Joey Porter to free agency. So, they need. . .

Positions needed: DL, LB, QB and WR

 

Pick number thirteen: San Francisco 49ers

Last year's record: 8-8

Analysis: The 49ers started the season hot, but slowed down the stretch. Former #1 draft pick Alex Smith is finally starting to show his potential. The Niners have an offense that can be worth watching with players like Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree and a defense with middle linebacker Patrick Willis. With Arizona weakened because of the loss of Kurt Warner to retirement and several others (Karlos Dansby, Anquan Boldin Antrel Rolle) to free agency, SF might be looking for a playoff spot next year. In order to get there, they need to get this in the draft. . .

Positions needed: WR, DL, CB and OL.

 

Pick number fourteen: Denver Broncos (Pick traded to Seattle)

Last year's record: 8-8

Analysis: The Broncos got off to a 6-0 start, lost to the Ravens, then had only 2 more wins all year. To contend, you can't have a late season slide like that. The Broncos have all the talent they need (as long as they don't lose Brandon Marshall), they just need to get it all in the right place. So, they need to get this on the draft. . .

Positions needed: S, LB, DL and TE

 

Pick number fifteen: New York Giants

Last year's record: 8-8

Analysis: The Giants, along with the Panthers, were favorites of many to go to the Super Bowl last year. Subsequently, they failed to make the playoffs. The final game, one which was symbolic of their whole season, showed them getting destroyed by Carolina 41-0 in the last game at Giants Staidum. For this type of a team, an 8-8 season is mediocre. To get back up to speed, NY needs to get. . .

Positions needed: LB, S, CB and OL

 

Pick number sixteen: Tennessee Titans

Last year's record: 8-8

Analysis: If it's possible for an 8-8 team to have a good record, then Tennessee did last year. After the Titans started the season 0-6 (remember the loss to New England?), they put Vince Young in at QB and won 8 of their last 9, just missing the playoffs. When Young gets a full season next year, the Titans may go somewhere. It also helps when your running back runs for over 2,000 yards. To get to the playoffs, Tennessee needs. . .

Positions needed: DL, CB, WR and TE

 

That was a lot of draft analysis! I'd better stop now before my laptop catches on fire...OW! That would not be good. Anyway, I will see you all soon.

 

Go Ravens!

 

Kid Reporter-KC