According to the media, what are the Ravens' options?

With the Carolina Panthers' number one draft pick selection only six hours and 20 hours away, the anticipation by fans and media alike has birthed multiple mock drafts and predictions. The Ravens hold the 26th overall pick in the first round and seemingly have several players worth taking.

On NFL.com, the most recent mock drafts, done by various analysts, predict one of four different players being selected by the Ravens in the first round. Brian Baldinger of NFL network predicts offensive lineman Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State, to be the Ravens first pick. Baldinger cited Joe Flacco's high sack numbers this past season and the absence of a reliable tackle as his motivation for this prediction. Charles Davis, another NFL network analyst, predicts the Ravens to pick Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith in the first round as an attempt to meet the long-lasting need of a play making wide receiver.

Fact is, the Ravens need another cornerback to join the group just in case any corners last season's roster set to be unrestricted free agents do not come by. This is why several have guessed cornerback Jimmy Smith to be announced as the 26th overall pick next Thursday. The 6' 2" Colorado product possess some of the characteristics desired in an ideal corner in today's game, large size, agility and quick speed. He finished his senior year with no interceptions but was targeted only 20 times in man coverage. The catch is his questionable character. He has a history of failed drug tests and carries a cocky aura into interviews.

The Ravens will be taking a well-documented risk if they draft either a receiver or corner in the first round (the Ravens have done it three times). Mark Clayton (22nd, 2005) and Duane Starks (10th, 1998) were drafted in the first round with expectations of becoming highly productive starters. Clayton never became the pro bowl receiver needed to give the offense another passing weapon to compliment Derrick Mason and Todd Heap. Starks had four productive seasons with the Ravens, in his best boasted six interceptions and a Super Bowl ring. However, he never played like a first-round drafted cornerback. Chris McAllister would be the only one of the three considered a success. However, his bad attitude and inability to recover from a knee injury led to his release in 2009.