Al from Jarrettsville called in quickly to let us know that personally he felt it was “creepy” for the young star to be #1 on the list due to her age. He suggested Catherine Zeta-Jones should be #1, to which I responded “but isn’t she like 50?” He said back, “that’s fine-I’m 64!”

Within moments, our planning began for a “Champions Tour” style version of the Maxim Hot 100. We decided to make the list of women who were all 40+ years old, so we also trimmed our list to 40 honorees. We solicited votes from callers, e-mailers (glenn@wnst.net), Twitter followers (@WNST or @GlennClarkWNST) and Facebook friends (“WNST.net” or “Glenn Clark”).

(For those female listeners-or male listeners who aren’t quite as much into females-we’re more than willing to listen to suggestions for a male list. If you put it together I’ll post it. Promise.)

Here’s the list…

40. Mary Joe Fernandez (41)

Admittedly, this was simply a case of “I have such a crush on her that I want her on the list.” So she made it. Everything else (mostly) is on the up and up.

39. Gabrielle Reece (43)

Truth be told, that magazine cover was from more than a year ago-but Reece had already passed 40. Also to be truthful, we all know that recent magazine cover or not, the former volleyball star certainly looks great.

38. Cheryl Hines (47)

This was an actual screenshot from an episode of ABC’s “Suburgatory.” I couldn’t tell you anything more. Other than that it’s fantastic.

37. Kelly Hu (45)

There’s a local connection here, as Hu is the longtime girlfriend of Baltimore’s own (and former SR-71 frontman) Mitch Allan. She also looks great and will be in the upcoming TMNT movie. So that should peak the interest of those who enjoy Ryan Chell’s daily “Nerds’ Corner” segment.

36. Rachael Ray (44)

Admittedly, I’ve always found Rachael Ray sexier than a lot of others. I would have put her higher on the list. That’s what I get for listening to you jerks and caring what you think.

35. Katarina Witt (47)

Comcast SportsNet’s Bo Smolka particularly went to bat for the former Olympic figure skater. We’re so glad he did.

34. Brooke Burke (42)

Presumably there are few more people in this area who have been reminded of Burke (who is actually now Brooke Burke-Charvet sadly) because of Jacoby Jones’ involvement with Dancing With The Stars. In the words of Robert Randolph, “ain’t nothing wrong with that.”

33. Vanna White (56)

There is absolutely no way that Vanna White is 56 years old. I refuse to believe it. REFUSE I tell you.

32. Helen Hunt (49)

As a few people who nominated Helen Hunt pointed out, the “Sessions” star deserves more credit simply for her willingness to show…frankly…everything.

31. Toni Braxton (45)

A local nod, as the Anne Arundel County native has stayed in the spotlight well in recent years due to Las Vegas appearances and reality shows. We’ve all benefitted from that.

(Continued on Page 2…)

The post You may not be surprised by who tops our “Maxim Hot40″ Champions Tour edition appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

Our WNST Roadtrip to Canton will depart from White Marsh Mall on Friday at noon en route to Cleveland, Ohio. We’ll spend the evening in Cleveland (and might even throw an event to honor Mr. Modell while we’re in town) with other Ravens fans and await Saturday’s festivities in nearby Canton. We’ll attend the morning parade with Hall of Famers and then offer an optional bus back to Cleveland for the midafternoon and return for the evening induction ceremonies. More details will be coming but it’s a long day and night and we plan to give you options.

After the events, we’ll return to Cleveland Saturday night.

We’ll also feature a Sunday visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where the new Rolling Stones exhibit “50 Years of Satisfaction” is on display.

Base package Includes:

Roundtrip Gunther Motorcoach to Cleveland & Canton

Admission for Hall of Fame induction on Saturday night

Two nights hotel at the Cleveland Clinic Guesthouse

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame admission on Sunday

Limited beer, soda and snacks en route to Ohio. No alcohol served or allowed on ride home.

SINGLE — $525

DOUBLE — $400

TRIPLE — $375

QUAD — $350

V.I.P. Includes:

All of the above but replaces general admission ticket for ceremony with this all-day Saturday experience at Hall of Fame:

SINGLE — $750

DOUBLE — $625

TRIPLE — $600

QUAD — $575

The post Join us for Canton Hall of Fame Trip to Induct Jon Ogden appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

With the 32^nd pick, we have a trade to announce…

The Baltimore Ravens trade 1^st Round pick (32) to the Philadelphia Eagles for 2^nd Round pick (35) and 5^th Round pick (136). 

The Ravens understand that the player they covet will be available just three picks later and add another late round pick to their surplus.  Philadelphia feels the need to move ahead of the Jaguars in order to garner the QB they covet, whether it be E.J. Manual or Geno Smith (if he falls).

With the third pick in the second round (35), the Baltimore Ravens select…

Kevin Minter (LB LSU)

Minter provides an instant starter for the Ravens as a MIKE (middle linebacker) in their 3-4 hybrid scheme.  He fits Baltimore’s mold for a team leader and tackling machine in the middle of the field.

With the 32^nd pick in the second round (62), the Baltimore Ravens select…

Barrett Jones (OL  Alabama)

Jones coincides with the team’s philosophy regarding offensive lineman, which can play several different positions.  He is a natural leader, who excelled in passing blocking on the edge as a blind-side tackle (in 2011) and a road-grading run blocker while on the interior of the line (OG 2009-10, C 2012).

With the 29^th pick in the third round (91), we have a trade to announce…

The New England Patriots trade 3^rd Round pick (91) to the Baltimore Ravens for fourth round pick (129) and 5^th round pick (165).

New England is usually a team that continually trades back and acquires extra picks and with only four picks in this year’s draft, 2013 will be no exception.  The Ravens look at these as extra picks at the back end of each round, because of the compensatory picks the were awarded.

The Ravens select…

Stedman Bailey (WR WVU)

The Ravens add a great pass-catcher, who does not have elite size or speed, but simply knows to get open.  Bailey will fill the void left by the Anquan Boldin trade, as a go-to third down and red zone threat, in the middle of the field and underneath routes.

With the 32^nd pick in the third round (94), the Baltimore Ravens select…

Baccari Rambo (S Georgia)

Rambo may had off-field issues since high school, but is still a high character player, who was a team captain of a star-studded Georgia defense.  He is a ball-hawk, who plays the same role as the departed Ed Reed, as a centerfielder for the back-end of the defense.

With the in the 22^nd pick in the fourth round (119), we have a trade to announce…

The Washington Redskins trade 4^th round pick (119) to the Baltimore Ravens for 5^th round pick (165) and 6^th round pick (199- from San Francisco 49ers for Anquan Boldin).

The Redskins are in dire need of extra picks, as they will not have a first rounder until 2015, as they can use both picks to add depth to a roster without any cap room to sign free agents.  The Ravens have extra picks and will utilize them to acquire players that fit their scheme, as well as fill holes.

The Ravens select…

Ricky Wagner (OT Wisconsin)

Wagner was a three year starter on one of the most consistently dominant offensive lines in the NCAA for Wisconsin.  He has a big frame, with good mobility to move in pass protection, as well as attacking the second level in the running game.

With the third pick in the 5^th round (136- acquired earlier from the Philadelphia Eagles), the Baltimore Ravens select…

Tony Jefferson (S Oklahoma)

The Ravens acquire another safety with strong leadership skills and proven knack for finding the football.  Jefferson is a great open field tackler and can be the enforcer for the defensive back-field after Bernard Pollard’s release earlier in the offseason.

 With the 35^th pick in the 5^th round (168), the Ravens select…

Joseph Fauria (TE UCLA)

Fauria is a tall, lean, speedy tight end who can stretch the middle of the field.  With an expected expanded role on the outside for the Dennis Pitta, he adds depth and another big target in the red zone.

With the 32^nd pick in the 6^th round (200), the Ravens select…

Tharold Simon (CB LSU)

The Ravens, and especially John Harbaugh, love to have extra cornerbacks at their disposal.  Simon one of the taller corners in the draft (at 6’2”) and has the ability to cover bigger, more physical wide outs in the NFL.

 With the 35^th pick in the 6^th round (203), the Ravens select…

Joe Krugar (DE/OLB Utah)

The Ravens already had great success with his older brother (Paul), while Joe is not as talented, he does have a similar build and skill set.  He adds depth to the pass rush as a hybrid DE/OLB combo, as Baltimore utilizes multiple fronts on defense.

 With the 32^nd pick in the 7^th round (238), we have a trade to announce…

The Baltimore Ravens trade 7^th round pick (238) to the Oakland Raiders for a 2014 7^th round pick.

The Ravens add an extra pick for next season, as they simply do not have enough room to bring another two rookies from the 7^th round (also have an untradeable compensatory pick).  Oakland needs to add bodies on both sides of the ball and look to get another defensive lineman with this pick.

 With the 41^st pick in the 7^th round (247), the Baltimore Ravens select…

Kapron Lewis-Moore (DL  Notre Dame)

After signing Marcus Spears and Chris Canty in free agency, the Ravens will look to the later rounds to pick a developmental project as an eventual replacement.  Lewis-Moore was a productive player for the National Champion runner-up, who lined up as a 5 technique in a 3-4 alignment.

The post The Ravens are on the Clock… appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

1. Kansas City Chiefs- Luke Joekel (LT Texas A&M)

The Chiefs have solidified they draft selection for months now, especially after giving Branden Albert permission to seek a trade.  Andy Reid spent most of his first round picks in Philadelphia building in the trenches and should continue now in KC.

2. Jaguars- Dion Jordan (DE/OLB Oregon)

Jordan may be the most talented defensive player in the draft, with raw athleticism similar to Aldon Smith his rookie season.  The Jaguars have been searching for a pass rush for years and adding Gus Bradley as the Head Coach should only accentuate that need.

3. Raiders- Ezekial Ansah (DE BYU)

Ansah is a very raw player but has the physical tools to become a disruptive force as a 4-3 defensive end.  He has a great size and speed combo to get after the quarterback, and could be a center piece to talent-void roster, especially along the defensive line.

4. Eagles- Eric Fischer (OT Central Michigan)

The Eagles Offensive Line struggled with a slew of injuries in 2012, while it also needs a young player to groom as the future LT.  Fischer fits Chip Kelly’s mold of athletic tackles that can keep up with the up-tempo style offense.

5. Lions- Lane Johnson (LT Oklahoma)

After Jeff Backus retired, there is a major void in protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side.  Johnson is a big lineman with quick feet and should only get better with more experience at the tackle position.

6. Browns- Dee Milliner (CB Alabama)

The Browns would tandem the best corner in this draft with an already elite one in Joe Haden, given them possibly the best starters in football.  Milliner proved he has the speed to keep up with faster wide outs, but can also get physical and make plays in the run game as well.

7. Cardinals- Chance Warmack (OG Alabama)

The Cardinals offensive line was awful in 2012 and has the opportunity to draft possibly the best lineman in the draft.  Though it is not the sexy pick, protecting Carson Palmer and building a running game will make this offense more potent.

8. Bills- Ryan Nassib (QB Syracuse)

Nassib is familiar with Head Coach, Doug Marrone, while filling the biggest need for the Bills.  Though this is a major reach, he is the Quarterback they want and cannot risk waiting until the second round.

9. Jets- Tavon Austin (WR WVU)

The Jets are void of playmakers on offense and Austin is the versatile threat to open up the offense.  He can be used similarly to Percy Harvin making an impact receiving, rushing and returning.

10. Titans- Star Lotulelei (DT Utah)

The Titans have lacked an impact player in the middle of the defense since Albert Haynesworth left.  Lotulelei has the ability to be disruptive in the backfield in the run and passing game, with good feet and great size for the position.

11. Chargers- Sharrif Floyld (DL Florida)

Floyld pairs nicely as three technique across from former first rounder, Corey Luiget.  With the top offensive tackles already off the board, the Chargers choose the best player available and a steal at this point in the draft.

12. Dolphins- Desmond Trufant (CB Washington)

Trufant is a physical corner, which excels in man coverage.  The Dolphins are looking to acquire Branden Albert to fill their biggest need; they will look to solidify the corner position, especially after losing Sean Smith in free agency.

13. Jets (from Buccaneers)- Geno Smith (QB WVU)

After drafting his teammate, Austin with their first pick, the Jets can bring in a QB to be the face of the franchise for years to come.  If you are going to trade away one of the best players in the league, they will need to make a big splash.

14. Panthers- Kenny Vaccaro (S Texas)

They have a major void in the defensive backfield and need a playmaker to create turnovers.  Vaccaro is good at every aspect of the game, whether it be covering tight ends, playing center field or stepping up in the box.

15. Saints- Barkevious Mingo (OLB/DE LSU)

As the Saints transition to a 3-4, they need outside linebackers that can get after the QB.  Mingo is a long, athletic edge rushers, who can play in space or with his hand in the dirt.

16. Rams- Jonathan Cooper (OG UNC)

After signing Jake Long, the Rams can look to upgrade the interior of the line.  Cooper is an athletic guard who can get to the second level in the running game.

17. Steelers- Jarvis Jones (OLB Georgia)

Jones was one of the most productive defensive players in the country last season and fills a major need for the Steelers, with James Harrison’s departure.  He has good instincts and using his size and speed to get after the QB.

18. Cowboys- Sheldon Richardson (DT Missouri)

With the Cowboys hiring Monte Kiffin and shifting to Tampa 2 scheme, they have a need for an interior rush defensive tackle.  Richardson can penetrate the middle of the line and be a disruptive force in the backfield.

19. Giants- D.J. Hayden (CB Houston)

Hayden has climbed up draft boards because of his ability to fit into different schemes.  The Giants need a shut-down corner, especially playing in the NFC East, with Dez Bryant, DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.

20. Bears- D.J. Fluker (OT Alabama)

Fluker is an massive offensive tackle, who is excellent in run blocking.  With his addition, along with Jermon Bushrod and moving Gabe Carimi to guard, the Bears offensive line should significantly better.

21. Bengals- Matt Elam (S Florida)

The Bengals need an upgrade at the safety position and Elam is a physical enforcer at the position.  Though he does not have ideal size, he makes up for it as a sure tackler and good coverage safety, similar to Donte Whitner.

22. Rams (from Redskins)- DeAndre Hopkins (WR Clemson)

Hopkins is playmaker and a touchdown scoring machine, with great hands.  Though he does not have blazing speed, he knows how to get open and will be a top target for Sam Bradford.

23. Vikings- Cordarelle Patterson (WR Tennessee)

After trading away Percy Harvin, the Vikings need to find playmakers on the outside.  Patterson has good size, with the versatility to move all over the field.

24. Colts- Jesse Williams (DT Alabama)

Williams is a big tackle, who can play anywhere along the 3-4 front.  He is a good athlete that can be a force as a NT for Chuck Pagano and the Colts.

25 Vikings (from Seahawks)- Sylvester Williams (DT UNC)

With Kevin Williams aging and slowing down, Sylvester can fill the void as the dominant force in the middle of the defensive line.  He has great size to take on blockers and help free up Jared Allen and company.

26. Packers- Manti Te’o (LB Notre Dame)

The Packers have a hole at the MLB spot next to A.J. Hawk.  With the departure of Charles Woodson there is also a void for defensive leadership, which Te’o can provide, leading a team to the National Championship.

27. Texans- John Cyprien (S FIU)

After their poor display of pass coverage last year, while also losing Glover Quinn in free agency, the Texans need to upgrade the safety position.  Cyprien is playmaker in the defensive backfield, with a great ability to force turnovers.

28. Broncos- Alec Ogletree (LB Georgia)

The Broncos need a MLB to take pressure off of Von Miller, and Ogletree is the best athlete of the bunch.  He can utilize his speed to become a sideline-to-sideline LB, allowing Miller to focus on rushing the passer.

29. Patriots- Xavier Rhodes (CB FSU)

The Patriots have been trying to remodel their defensive backfield for years, and Rhodes is a tall CB with good ball skills.  Pairing him with Aqib Talib, could finally solve their issue on the back end.

30. Falcons- Tyler Eifert (TE Notre Dame)

Tony Gonzalez has said this is definitely his last season and the Falcons will need a replacement to keep the flow of the offense.  Eifert can stretch the field and give Matt Ryan another big target in the red zone.

31. 49ers- D.J. Swearinger (S South Carolina)

The 49ers are the most complete team in the NFL but could use a replacement for Dashon Gholdson.  Swearinger is a great cover safety, who can play corner in a bind, as well as make tackles all over the field.

32. Ravens- Kevin Minter (LB LSU)

The Ravens thought they had a young replacement for the departed Ray Lewis and Danelle Ellerbe, in Rolando McClain, but his recent arrest changes things.  Minter is a physical LB who fits the Ravens mold, as he has good instincts to fill holes in the defensive front.

Round 2

1 (33). Jaguars- E.J. Manuel (QB FSU)

2 (34). 49ers (from Chiefs)- Margus Hunt (DL SMU0

3 (35). Eagles- Eric Reid (S LSU)

4 (36). Lions- Bjoern Werner (DE FSU)

5 (37). Bengals (from Raiders)- Arthur Brown (LB Kansas State)

6 (38). Cardinals- Datone Jones (DL UCLA)

7. Browns (exercised pick in Supplemental Draft)

8 (39). Jets- Eddie Lacy (RB Alabama)

9 (40). Titans- Tank Carradine (DE FSU)

10 (41). Bills- Justin Hunter (WR Tennessee)

11 (42). Dolphins- Keenan Allen (WR Cal)

12 (43). Buccaneers- Zach Ertz (TE Stanford)

13 (44). Panthers- Robert Woods (WR USC)

14 Saints (forfeited)

15 (45). Chargers-  Menelik Watson (OT FSU)

16 (46). Rams- Montee Ball (RB Wisconsin)

17 (47). Cowboys- Larry Warford (OL Kentucky)

18 (48). Steelers- Jamar Taylor (CB Boise State)

19 (49). Giants- Khaseem Greene (LB Rutgers)

20 (50). Bears- Kevin Reddick (LB UNC)

21 (51). Redskins- Phillip Thomas (S Fresno State)

22 (52). Vikings- Quinton Patton (WR Louisiana Tech)

23 (53). Bengals- Giovanni Bernard (RB UNC)

24 (54). Dolphins (from Colts)- Sio Moore (LB UConn)

25 (55). Packers- Justin Pugh (OT Syracuse)

26 (56). Seahawks- Sam Montgomery (DE LSU)

27 (57). Texans- Terrance Williams (WR Baylor)

28 (58). Broncos- Christine Michael (RB Texas A&M)

29 (59). Patriots- John Hankins (DT Ohio State)

30 (60). Falcons- Blidi Wreh-Wilson (CB UConn)

31 (61). 49ers- John Jenkins (DT Georgia)

32 (62). Ravens- Barrett Jones (OL Alabama)

Round 3

1 (63). Chiefs- Kawann Short (DT Purdue)

2 (64). Jaguars- Johnthan Banks (CB Mississippi State)

3 (65). Lions- Logan Ryan (CB Rutgers)

4 (66). Raiders- Brandon Williams (DT Missouri Southern State)

5 (67). Eagles- Kwame Geathers (NT Georgia)

6 (68). Browns- Matt Barkley (QB USC)

7 (69). Cardinals- Jonathan Franklin (RB UCLA)

8 (70). Titans- Damontre Moore (DE Texas A&M)

9 (71). Bills- Gavin Escobar (TE San Diego State)

10 (72). Jets- Kyle Long (OL Oregon)

11 (73). Buccaneers- Mike Glennon (QB N.C. State)

12 (74). 49ers (from Panthers)- Markus Wheaton (WR Oregon State)

13 (75). Saints- Terron Armstead (OT Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

14 (76). Chargers- Travis Kelce (TE Cinncinati)

15 (77). Dolphins- Shawn Williams (S Georgia)

16 (78). Rams- Baccari Rambo (S Georgia)

17 (79). Steelers- Da’Rick Rogers (WR Tennessee)

18 (80). Cowboys- Landry Jones (QB Oklahoma)

19 (81). Giants- Brennan Williams (OL UNC)

20 (82). Dolphins (from Bears)- Dwayne Gratz (CB UConn)

21 (83). Vikings- Kiko Alonso (LB Oregon)

22 (84). Bengals- Tyrann Mathieu (CB LSU)

23 (85). Redskins- Aaron Dobson (WR Marshall)

24 (86). Colts- Travis Frederick (OL Wisconsin)

25 (87). Seahawks- Jordan Reed (TE Florida)

26 (88). Packers- Brian Schwenke (C Cal)

27 (89). Texans- B.W. Webb (CB William & Mary)

28 (90). Broncos- J.J. Wilcox (S Georgia Southern)

29 (91). Patriots- Cornelius Washington (DE Georgia)

30 (92). Falcons- Alex Okafor (DE Texas)

31 (93). 49ers- Jamie Collins (OLB Southern Miss)

32 (94). Ravens- Stedman Bailey (WR WVU)

33 (95). Texans (compensatory selection)- Marquise Goodwin (WR Texas)

34 (96). Chiefs (compensatory selection)- Tyler Wilson (QB Arkansas)

35 (97). Titans (compensatory selection)- Shamarko Thomas (S Syracuse)

Round 4

1 (98). Jaguars- Marcus Lattimore (RB South Carolina)

2 (99). Chiefs- Xavier Nixon (OT Florida)

3 (100). Raiders- Reid Fragel (OT Ohio State)

4 (101). Eagles- Matt Scott (QB Arizona)

5 (102). Vikings (from Lions)- Jordan Poyer (CB Oregon State)

6 (103). Cardinals- Vance MacDonald (TE Rice)

7 (104). Browns- Cobi Hamilton (WR Arkansas)

8 (105). Bills- John Bostic (LB Florida)

9 (106). Jets- T.J. McDonald (S USC)

10 (107). Titans- Chris Cragg (TE Arkansas)

11 (108). Panthers- Bennie Logan (DT LSU)

12 (109). Saints- Sanders Commings (CB Georgia)

13 (110). Chargers- Andre Ellington (RB Clemson)

14 (111). Dolphins- Brian Winters (OL Kent State)

15 (112). Buccaneers- Ricky Wagner (OT Wisconsin)

16 (113). Rams- Brandon Jenkins (LB Florida State)

17 (114). Cowboys- Khaled Holmes (C USC)

18 (115). Steelers- LeVeon Bell (RB Michigan State)

19 (116). Giants- Corey Lemonier (DE Auburn)

20 (117). Bears- Ace Sanders (WR South Carolina)

21 (118). Bengals- Ryan Swope (WR Texas A&M)

22 (119). Redskins- David Bakhitari (OT Colorado)

23 (120). Vikings- David Amerson (CB N.C. State)

24 (121). Colts- Chris Harper (WR Kansas State)

25 (122). Packers- Mike Gillislee (RB Florida)

26 (123). Seahawks- Kenjon Barner (RB Oregon)

27 (124). Texans- Montori Hughes (Tennessee-Martin)

28 (125). Broncos- William Gholston (DL Michigan State)

29 (126). Buccaneers (from Patriots)- Mallicah Goodman (DE Clemson)

30 (127). Falcons- Chris Faulk (OT LSU)

31 (128). 49ers- Joseph Randle (RB Oklahoma State)

32 (129). Ravens- Tony Jefferson (S Oklahoma)

33 (130). Ravens (compensatory selection)- Dallas Thomas (OL Tennessee)

34 (131). 49ers (compensatory selection)- Braxton Cave (C Notre Dame)

35 (132). Lions (compensatory selection)- Oday Aboushi (OL Virginia)

36 (133). Falcons (compensatory selection)- Jelani Jenkins (LB Florida)

The post 4 Round NFL Mock Draft appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

CHAPTER 6: HOW TO FIND A FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK

“You can always look at how the guys play. You just look at the tape. But at the combine you find out what kind of people they are. What’s important to them? How important is football to them? How important is their family to them? If we get those two things right, we’ll be right most of the time.”
-- John Harbaugh (March 2008)

AN NFL SCOUT’S LIFE EXISTS with perpetual hope. Every time he shows up on a campus to watch a kid run, or gets on a plane to fly to a college town to see a game in the fall, or fires up his iPad to watch film, he wants to believe he’s about to find the next player who will help his team win the Super Bowl.

It’s the eternal quest for any NFL scout – find the next Pro Bowl player who can become a Hall of Famer. Or, at the very least, find a player who can help you win every year for the next decade.

By the time Baltimore Ravens area scouts Andy Weidl and Joe Douglas got in their cars and made the one hour drive north up Interstate 95 from Owings Mills to Newark, Delaware on November 10, 2007, Joe Flacco wasn’t a secret to the college scouting world. And he certainly was no stranger to Douglas, who joined the team in 2000 and is known to all in the Ravens organization as “Big Joe D,” whose job it was to scout the Northeast for the team from 2003 through 2008. Douglas was made famous during the Ravens’ summer of 2001 filming of “Hard Knocks” on HBO as “The Turk,” the lowly scout who has the duty of summoning players from the locker room to the office of the head coach where “Coach wants to see you, bring your playbook” means you’ll be leaving the campus and chasing your NFL dream elsewhere.

Incidentally, UrbanDictionary.com defines “turk” as “someone who is extremely brave.” Joe Douglas spent six months talking Ozzie Newsome, Eric DeCosta and Joe Hortiz into drafting a Division 1-AA quarterback from Delaware in the first round of the NFL draft.

Douglas, by any measurement, is as brave as Joe Flacco is fearless.

By 2007, Douglas had moved up the ranks of the scouting system and was making that fateful Saturday a “quarterback doubleheader” – a rare chance to see two teams in one day, both with targets who could be the next quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens. The afternoon game in Newark featured the Delaware Blue Hens hosting the Richmond Spiders in a Division I-AA matchup. The nightcap on the docket was Boston College visiting the Maryland Terps in College Park and Douglas would be joined by longtime Ravens scouts Eric DeCosta and Joe Hortiz, whom he’d meet at the I-95 Park and Ride near Catonsville so they could travel together to Byrd Stadium. Their target that evening was visiting Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan, who many thought would be the first quarterback – if not the first player – taken in the April 2008 draft.

Incidentally, Douglas was rooting hard for Richmond that afternoon and not out of disdain for Flacco or Delaware. Douglas was the starting left tackle for the Spiders from 1995-1998 and had been through many battles with the Blue Hens on the field. He was also quite familiar with many of the coaches and players in this contest. Even when he didn’t attend Richmond games – and it was rare to see his alma mater in person because NFL scouts don’t scout a lot of I-AA football games unless there’s a specific prospect they want to evaluate – his father would give him weekly Spiders reports from stands.

It was Douglas’ dad, Joel Douglas, who first told Big Joe D about Joe Flacco a year earlier after seeing the 2006 matchup in Richmond.

“He went to the game with my uncle and he called me up and said, ‘I don’t know who that Delaware quarterback was, but Richmond couldn’t stop him,’” Douglas said of a day when Flacco, then a junior who was making his seventh start for the Blue Hens, went 31-of-45 for 305 yards and a pair of TD passes in a come-from-behind 28-24 win over the Spiders. “Honestly, I was more mad that Richmond blew the lead than I was concerned about who Delaware’s junior quarterback was that day.”

The NFL scouting calendar begins in May after the draft. DeCosta and Hortiz enlist the entire organization to target potential candidates to scout for the following year. By August, the scouts plan their entire schedule for the fall, trying to chunk as many practices, games, campus visits and interviews as possible into the schedule while also trying to see the Ravens play some games at home and away. As an NFL scout, this is the most important time of the year because it’s a grueling workload, traveling as much as six days per week in search of a handful of picks you’ll make next April. Choosing a wise schedule lends itself to more rest and better scouting when you’re not driving six hours every day between visits. The schedule has to flow and be manageable so every possible combination is considered around games, campuses, distance, dates and, most importantly, legitimate prospects.

In the summer of 2007, Ravens scout Mark Azevedo, who was assigned Delaware during spring ball, recommended that Douglas see a tall, lanky kid who played quarterback at Delaware.

“Mark said, ‘Delaware has a kid with an arm. Put them on your schedule,’” Douglas said. “I had to look up his name because it rang a bell from the previous year when Delaware beat my Spiders.”

Even with McNair coming off a big 2006 season, anyone with football intelligence knew that the Ravens would probably be in the market for a quarterback in 2008 just based on his age and the fact that no one on Newsome’s staff – or Billick’s coaches for that matter – believed that incumbents Kyle Boller or Troy Smith were the answer. So, Douglas believed that seeing quarterbacks was a major priority that summer and fall in the hopes of finding the right player the following spring.

It was a full time job, this searching-for-a-Super Bowl-MVP-quarterback work.

IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING, YOU CAN BUY Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story HERE:

Continue to the next page to keep reading excerpt from Chapter 6…

The post Purple Reign 2 excerpt here: How to find a franchise quarterback appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

In 2001, I wrote Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac and I’ve had many inquiries regarding reprinting it and packaging it with the new book on the 2012 Ravens. So, below are the options to purchase both books as well as a 6-CD collection of our best WNST radio interviews with the many stars and interesting people from Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XLVII. It will have original audio from 1990′s with Ray Lewis, Brian Billick, Jon Ogden as well as a two-hour life retrospective when I sat down with Arthur B. Modell in 2004. We’ll also include highlights from the past two years with Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Torrey Smith, John Harbaugh and others. It will be nearly seven hours of conversation with Baltimore Ravens who have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

As for the new book, we anticipate delivery to your mailbox in time for Father’s Day. The book will be more than 350 pages, chock full of stories, background, behind-the-scenes information told in 22 chapters from the firing of Brian Billick to the hiring of John Harbaugh to the drafting of Joe Flacco and Ray Rice to the 2012 season and the Super Bowl XLVII win and parade down Pratt Street and celebration inside the stadium back in February.

And the best part of the book or books? They both have happy endings. If you love the Baltimore Ravens, you’ll love the book(s).

It’s the best work of my career and I know once you read it you’ll agree.

If you’d like to read an excerpt from Chapter 6 of Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story, click here…

Here’s our shopping cart for all things Purple Reign, new and old:

Purple Reign V.I.P. Box Set

Includes:

Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story (2013)

Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac (2001) vintage edition

WNST Purple Reign Radio Memories (6 CD’s)

RAY 2:52/BELIEVE IN JOE New Orleans poster

Full color 12X18 poster of Purple Reign 2 cover (featuring fabulous artwork of local sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano) that is suitable for autographs/framing or your mancave wall

And if you buy this deluxe package, make sure you let me know how to personalize the new book for you below:

$59.95 plus S&H

How do we sign Purple Reign 2?

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Purple Reign Both Books Hardbound

Includes:

Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story (2013)

Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac (2001)

$49.99 plus S&H

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Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story BOOK ONLY (hardback)

$26.95 plus S&H

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Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac BOOK ONLY (hardback)

$24.95 plus S&H

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Purple Reign Radio Memories — a 6 CD set of WNST purple interviews with stars & heroes of Super Bowl XXXV & Super Bowl XLVII

Nearly seven (7) hours of classic audio conversations including the life story of Arthur B. Modell in his words

$19.95 plus S&H

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Both Purple Reign: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story

&

Purple Reign: Diary of a Raven Maniac

WILL BE AVAILABLE as E-books in the digital format of your choice. Please fill out the form below and we’ll email you the appropriate links for your reader of choice (Amazon, Kindle, iBook, Nook, etc.) when the book becomes available in early June. We cannot take pre-orders for digital books at this time because of service restrictions from the providers. Plus, when you buy the e-book, you must buy it from their direct platform.

The post Buy “Purple Reign 2: Faith, Family & Football – A Baltimore Love Story” here appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

Kevin Minter (LB LSU)

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 246 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 130 Tackles, 4 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Forced Fumble

Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2

Minter may be overshadowed by the bigger names on the LSU defense, but he was a stalwart for the Tigers.  He is a thumper in the middle of the defense, who uses his physical nature to make tackles all over the field. He is a solid MIKE (middle linebacker) who fits into any scheme, willing have enough speed to be a three down LB.

Questions arise about how productive he would have actually would have been if stuck in a less talented defense.  But Minter proved not only to be a sure tackler, with good instincts but a leader on a defense that supports several high draft picks.

Though Minter is not the highest rated LB on the board, he is the best fit for the Ravens scheme, where he will be asked to fill holes in the middle of the field.

Player Comparison: DeMaco Ryans (LB Philadelphia Eagles)

Interesting Fact: Minter was named to the All-SEC First team, as well as LSU’s MVP for the 2012 season.

Barrett Jones (OL Alabama)

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 306 lbs

Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3

Jones is one of the most decorated offensive lineman in the history of the NCAA, winning the Outland Trophy, as the nation’s best lineman in 2011 at LT and the Remington Trophy, awarded to the nation’s top center, in 2012.  He is the most versatile trench player in the draft, while being a leader for the National Championship Crimson Tide.  Jones proved he would never back down, when he got in to Alabama’s QB (and his roommate), A.J. McCarron, face in the second half of the blowout versus game Notre Dame.

Though his position is unclear in the NFL, Jones will be an instant starter for any team that would take him.  Jones is a smart player, who has enough athleticism to reach the second level, while adequate strength to take on man-to-man blocks.

He is the exact type of lineman Ozzie Newsome looks for, as he can fill holes at different positions, once the coaching staff figures out the best line alignment.

Player Comparison: Marshal Yanda (OG Baltimore Ravens)

Interesting Fact: Jones is the only player in NCAA history to start and win a National Championship at three different positions.

Baccari Rambo (S Georgia)

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 211 lbs

2012-2013 Stats: 73 Tackles, 3 Interception, 3 Forced Fumbles

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4

Though he served a four game suspension for the start of the 2012 season because of a failed drug test, Rambo is still a high character player and natural leader.  Even with his off-field issues, he was still nominated as a team captain for the Bulldogs last season.

Rambo is a turnover machine, evident in his All-American junior season, which he notched eight interceptions.  He is a natural fit as a centerfielder, giving the opportunity to roam the middle of the field.  He uses his great instincts and exceptional ball skills to put fear into opposing QBs, as a player that can change the game in a single play.

The Ravens could fill the void lost by Ed Reed’s departure, with Rambo’s ball-hawking skill set at the safety position.

Player Comparison: Jarius Byrd (S Buffalo Bills)

Interesting Fact: After his child was stillborn early in the 2011 season, Rambo made two interceptions the following game just ten days later, dedicating his spectacular junior season in honor of his late son.

Stedman Bailey (WR WVU)

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 193 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 113 Catches, 1627 Yards, 25 Touchdowns

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4

Bailey was overshadowed by his WR counterpart, Tavon Austin’s game-changing plays, throughout his career at West Virginia.  He was ultra-productive in the up-tempo style offense of Dana Holgorsen, steadily improving each season in Morgantown. He is a much more polished wide out than Austin, who runs crisp routes and knows how to get open in tight spaces.

Though his size is underwhelming, Bailey still had a knack for finding the end zone, more than doubling his touchdown totals in each of the past three seasons.  He also does not have blazing speed, but utilizes his quickness to find open spaces in the defense.  Bailey’s most important skill may be his sure hands, rarely dropping passes for the Mountaineers.

The Ravens should look to use Bailey as a replacement for Anquan Boldin’s role in their offense; excelling in underneath routes to balance their passing attack.

Player Comparison: Jeremy Maclin (WR Philadelphia Eagles)

Interesting Fact:  Bailey was a first team All-State selection as a senior in high school, while catching passes from college QB teammate, Geno Smith.

Ricky Wagner (OT Wisconsin)

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 308 lbs.

Draft Projection: Rounds 4-5

Wagner was a three year starter on a consistently good offensive line, which had several players become high draft picks.  He has good athleticism to play either tackle position, as well as decent size to hold up against bigger pass rushers.  Wagner displays good feet and a strong push in both the pass and run games.

Though his strength is in the rushing attack, he has the ability to grow into a great pass blocker with some grooming.  Wagner excelled playing in space, protecting mobile passer, Russell Wilson (current Seahawks starting QB), starting on the left side of a BCS Bowl team.

He is a durable lineman, missing only one game in the past three seasons.  The Ravens could look to Wagner as a middle-round option, as a developmental starter, at either of the tackle position, in the not-too-distant future.

Player Comparison: Sam Baker (OT Atlanta Falcons)

Interesting Fact: Wagner earned a scholarship as a walk-on player, after an 8 game suspension (due to an alcohol related incident) caused him to miss out on garnering offers from big name schools in basketball and football.

*All photos courtesy of NFL.com.*

The post NFL Draft Prospect Watch (Part 5) appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

July 6th

July 7th

August 31st

September 1st

All trips are $119 and can purchased by clicking on the links. If you need any more details, simple email nasty@wnst.net for a quick response.

Here’s some fun from a trip a few years ago. Come along and have some fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJkNkypXlRc

The post WNST presents four chances to see Orioles battle Yankees in New York appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

Jesse Williams (DL Alabama)

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 323 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 37 Tackles, 2 Sacks

Draft Projection: Rounds 1-2

Williams did not play his natural position at Alabama, after transferring his junior season and playing behind Indianapolis Colts NT, Josh Chapman, until his senior year.  Though he did show versatility, lining up in the 5-technique and NT during his stint with the Crimson Tide.  He showed a great push for the National Champions, from the middle of the defense, allowing some of their stars to make big plays.

Williams using his wide body and great hands to push offensive lineman into the backfield.  He can be a dominant player, even though it will not show up in the stat line, as he can take on blocks to free up LBs.  Had he grew up in the United States (Australian native) and played at Alabama for his entire career (transferred from Arizona Western Junior College), there would be talks of him in the top ten picks.

He has also used his rugby and basketball skills, which he also grew up playing in Australia, to his advantage; running through and boxing out blockers to make plays in the backfield.

Player Comparison: Haloti Ngata (DT Baltimore Ravens)

Interesting Fact: Alabama utilized Williams as a goal-line lead blocker on many occasions, including the National Championship game in 2012.

Phillip Thomas (S Fresno State)

Height: 6’0”

Weight: 208 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 84 Tackles, 8 Interceptions, 4 Forced Fumbles, 3 Touchdowns

Draft Projection: Rounds 2-3

Thomas is a playmaker at the safety position, with a great ability to create turnovers.  He forced 12 turnovers in 2012, while having a knack for finding the end zone, when he gets his hands on the ball. Thomas also is a good tackler for the safety position, who can play in the box.

Injury concerns plagued his career, with a serious leg injury (broken left leg, dislocated ankle) just three days into a promising 2011 campaign. He did bounce back, but worries still arise if that will be an issue further along his NFL career.

Thomas told Glenn Clark he is pleased with his lateral mobility and quickness (listen to the entire interview at the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault http://bit.ly/15vWqR3). After running a 4.65 40 yard dash at the combine, he displays adequate speed for the position.  With his knack for finding the football, Thomas will be an instant starter in the NFL.

Player Comparison: Louis Delmas (S Detroit Lions)

Interesting Fact: He led the nation in interceptions in 2012-2013, after picking off a pass in the Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl against SMU.

William Gholston (DL Michigan State)

Height: 6’6”

Weight: 281 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 59 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 10 Passes Deflected

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4

Gholston is a big defensive lineman, which is scheme versatile (whether it is a 4-3 or 3-4).  His production was not completely noticeable in his stat line, as he was a disruptive breaking up passing and inserting himself into passing lanes.

He has some character issues after being suspended for one game after punching Michigan OT Taylor Lewan, while also twisting off Denard Robinson’s (Michigan QB) during last season’s rivalry game.  Gholston also does not use his strength to his advantage, as he towers over many lineman but avoids contact too often.

He told the Weekend Warriors that he wants to play like J.J. Watt (Houston Texans DE) and Julius Peppers (Chicago Bears DE) in the NFL.  Gholston sited Watt’s arm extension and Peppers’ speed off the line as areas he would like to improve upon (listen to the entire interview at the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault http://bit.ly/11oZUSS). If he learns to utilize his size advantage and arm length, Gholston would be an ideal 5-technique DE in a 3-4 alignment.

Player Comparison: Marcus Spears (DL Baltimore Ravens)

Interesting Fact: William is cousins with former New York Jets first round draft bust Vernon Gholston.

Zaviar Gooden (OLB Missouri)

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 234 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 61 Tackles, 1 Interception

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4

Gooden is a freakish athlete for his position, displayed in his combine performance, dominating the linebacker position in almost every category.  He can utilize his speed to track down runner from the weak side, as well as cover faster TE’s and slot receivers in the NFL.

He does not have ideal size for the position, but makes up for it with quick feet.  Though he is best suited to play the WILL (weak-side linebacker) in a 4-3, his athleticism could help him as a situational pass-rusher in a 3-4 scheme.  Gooden’s production was down his final season in college, but was due to a nagging hamstring injury.

He recently spoke with Glenn Clark, telling him that playing in two different conferences was beneficial, as he saw different style offenses.  Gooden explained that the SEC is more of pro-style with physical FBs and TES, whereas he “got a good dosage of the spread offense” in the Big 12 (listen to the entire interview at the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault http://bit.ly/11881By).

Player Comparison: Thomas Howard (LB Cincinnati Bengals)

Interesting Fact: Gooden not only led all LB’s, but also had one of the best overall 40 yard dash times at the NFL Combine, running a 4.47.

Tony Jefferson (S Oklahoma)

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 213 lbs.

2012-2013 Stats: 119 Tackles, 2 Interceptions

Draft Projection: Rounds 3-5

Though he lacks great size for the safety position, he makes the most of his frame.  Jefferson is a physical force that loves to stick his head in and make tackles all over the field.  He can play in coverage against slot receivers and TEs but is best-suited with room to roam.

Jefferson does not have elite speed, but plays faster than his 40 time will show.  He is a strong leader, who can excite teammates with big hits and smart, heady plays in the run and passing game.  Jefferson is a sure tackler, who will excel at special teams as well, with his aggressiveness.

He said to Glenn Clark that he does not “have a definite spot” set for the NFL yet, as he played three different positions while at Oklahoma (FS, SS, Nickel).  Jefferson said he can play in any situation in the NFL, and will be ready to be an instant leader in the locker room (listen to the entire interview at the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vaulthttp://bit.ly/11821J6).

Player Comparison: T.J. Ward (S Cleveland Browns)

Interesting Fact:  Jefferson was named the Big 12’s Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2009.

*All Photos courtesy of NFL.com.*

The post NFL Draft Prospect Watch (Part 4) appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.

We’ll depart our hotel at 9am and have plenty of time to tailgate in Orchard Park before the game.

Our Gunther Motorcoach will return from downtown Buffalo at 6 p.m. after the game returning home after midnight on Sunday night.

TRIP INCLUDES:

Roundtrip Gunther Motorcoach transportation

One upper deck game ticket at Buffalo-Baltimore game

One night Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo

Snack and sandwiches for the ride to be washed down with a limited supply of beer, soda and water

Tailgate food and limited beer, soda on gameday

Plenty of DVDs, purple films and trivia for the ride to and from Buffalo

SINGLE — $425

DOUBLE — $350

TRIPLE — $325

QUAD — $300

Simply click on ADD TO CART below…

How many in your room?

SINGLE $425.00 USD DOUBLE $350.00 USD TRIPLE $325.00 USD QUAD $300.00 USD

The post Join us for WNST Purple Roadtrip to Buffalo (Sept. 28-29) appeared first on We Never Stop Talking Baltimore Sports.