Ravens find O-line help close to home

By Darrell Laurant  |   Sunday, July 15, 2007  |  Comments( 2 )

Baltimore Ravens
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As it turned out, the NFL supplemental draft left Jared Gaither close to home.

The 6-foot-9, 330-pound offensive lineman from the University of Maryland was picked in the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens, one of only two players chosen (University of Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver went to San Diego in Round 4). The Ravens now lose a fifth-round pick in next year's regular draft.

Gaither's size, speed (from 4.9 to 5.0 in the 40) and "dancing bear" footwork attracted a lot of attention from NFL scouts, more than 20 of whom showed up to watch his workout last week. The big fellow exhibited the same outstanding lineman speed and a 31-inch vertical jump. He managed only 16 reps in the bench press, but that was expected because of a sore shoulder.

"Jared has a chance to play in this league," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, "Even at a high level."

And he has a chance to play as a rookie. Only three-year veteran Adam Terry -- mostly a backup who has yet to fully assert himself -- and NFL Europa veteran Michael Kracalik are listed on the depth chart at right tackle, with Jonathan Ogden holding down the left side. If nothing else, Gaither will supply some badly needed depth.

The No. 3 prep school prospect in the nation while at Hargrave Military Academy, Gaither played basketball both there and at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., performing so well in the pivot that he was offered a hoops scholarship to the University of South Carolina before deciding on Maryland and football.

He was a third-team freshman All-American for the Terps, not allowing a sack all season. Last year's Terrapin line was second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in sacks allowed.

Get original Baltimore Ravens coverage at RealFootball365.com
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