At 35-years-old, Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk was on the edge of retirement before signing a three-year contract to remain in Baltimore. With Birk tempted by retirement and not getting any younger, the Ravens would be wise to address their long-term need at center with their first-round pick. Pete Konz, a 6-foot-5 314-pound center out of the University of Wisconsin, is the best player available still left on the board and an ideal John Harbaugh type player.
Smart, tough, and talented.
General manager Ozzie Newsome and director of scouting Eric DeCosta have built the core of the roster through the draft and expect that trend to continue with the selection of Konz. A great two-way center who’s very technically sound and has incredible raw strength. He fits Baltimore’s offensive scheme perfectly and coming out of a Bret Bielema you already know he’s got a high football IQ.
While it might not be an exciting, or “sexy” pick, selecting Konz gives Baltimore several options this year as well as moving forward. If Matt Birk is able to start and continue to play at a high level then Konz can slide over to either guard position or remain a backup until needed. If Birk falters then Konz can step in right away and become the long-term center.
Either way Baltimore gets an impact player that gives them flexibility and stability moving forward. Baltimore could decided to go with a wide receiver like Alshon Jeffery but Konz is almost a sure lock to be the Ravens first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
With that said the Baltimore Ravens select C Peter Konz in the Rant Sports 2012 NFL Mock Draft
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