Ravens upgrade skill positions with early draft picks

With the 27th pick in the first round and 26th (58th overall) in the second, the Ravens selected Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith and Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith as their first two 2011 draft picks.



Jimmy Smith, who many considered to possess top 15 talent, fell to the Ravens at 27 largely because of the well-publicized failed drug tests and alcohol related arrests during his college career. The Ravens were trying to trade down from the 26th to the Chicago Bears' 29th pick but a lack of communication between the Bears and the league prevented the transaction from happening. As a result, the Kansas City Chiefs picked at the 26 and the Ravens picked at 27.

Jimmy Smith is expected to develop into a formidable corner, under the tutelage of Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and other veterans, in the next few years.



The acquisition of Torrey Smith was not nearly as complicated. Titus Young was the only receiver drafted in the first 25 picks of the second round. Leaving Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith and Greg Little as the assortment of talent the Ravens could choose from. When it was the Ravens' turn, there was no hesitation or confusion. 

The Ravens will likely insert T. Smith into the growing passing offense and be the deep threat Joe Flacco urgently needs.

Lupe Fiasco- Words I Never Said featuring Skylar Grey (Official Video)

Lupe Fiasco - Music - More Music Videos

The long awaited video for the second single from Lupe Fiasco's Lasers album is here.

Lupe frees the "voice of the people" bound by the authorities as the population of his world becomes unable to speak out. If you ever wanted to see Lupe Fiasco do Bruce Willis, movie-style combat, here is your opportunity.

Peyton Hillis to don the cover of Madden '12

 After an exceptional season, highlighted with 13 touchdowns (11 rushing, two receiving), over 13 million fans have voted Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hills to appear on the cover of Madden '12.

Hillis beat out Ravens running back Ray Rice, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, Super Bowl winning Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to reach the final round in which he was matched up against Eagles quarterback Michael Vick. All the players previously mentioned made playoff appearances with their team this past January, unlike Hillis. The cover was revealed yesterday on ESPN’s Sportsnation.

One of the most decorated moments of his season was the jaw-dropping performance he had in New England versus the then (6-2) Patriots. With 29 carries and three catches, he accumulated more total yards (220) than quarterback and teammate Colt McCoy and only four yards less than Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on that day. That performance opened the world's eyes to Hillis’ potential to dominate even the best teams in the league.

Snoop Dogg- Peer Pressure (Official Video)

Snoop Dogg gets his "Guilty Conscience" on for his new video from his most recent album, Doggumentary. Previous Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre collaborator Traci Nelson also appears in the video. Every Tuesday, Snoop Dogg will release a song from his Doggumentary as an album promotion campaign.

YC- Racks on Racks remix featuring Ace Hood, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Kevin Cossom, Maino, Memphis Bleek, Trae the Truth, Twista and Wiz Khalifa

YC- Racks on Racks DJ remix | Provided by: Hiphopdx.com
 
DJ LaseRemix compiled a series of separate remix verses released online from Twista, Wiz Khalifa and several other rappers. The song isn't necessarily noteworthy nor does it feature any notable rappers (besides Wiz Khalifa who's pretty popular right now) but a remix of the hottest song on urban radio right now is too significant to be ignored. Khalifa's verse is a sound bite from a live performance.

Pusha T- Can I Live (Official Video)

After being one half of the Thorton Brothers, more widely known as The Clipse, Pusha T has decided to venture into a solo career of his own. His first mixtape, Fear of God, was released on March 21; as of late, Pusha T has recently been promoting the project with videos such as this.

In this clip, Pusha T takes an Irv Gotti produced track from Jay-Z's debut, Reasonable Doubt, and illustrates a picture of the life he is supposedly living. The shrimp on the speedboat, pretty women and bright pink pants tell the rest of the story.

Asher Roth, Nottz- Enforce the Law (Official Video)

"Enforce the Law" becomes a seven minute recreation of Training Day, Oscar award-winning film originally featuring Denzel Washington. Rapper Jay Rock makes a noticeable appearance in the video toward the end.. This track is featured on Asher Roth & Nottz's seven track mixtape, Rawth EP. We are still looking

Fabolous- Mo Harlem, Mo Brooklyn, Mo Southside featuring Vado and Lloyd Banks

Yesterday, Fabolous' The Soul Tape was released on the web. One of the standout tracks is a collaboration with Fabolous and New York rappers, Vado and Lloyd Banks. The track features a soul sample (The Cry Baby by The O' Jays) just like every of other track on the mixtape, hence the name. The beat was first used on "Real Ni**as from Dipset's Diplomatic Immunity album.

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.

Lil' Wayne- John featuring Rick Ross (Official Video)

The video for Lil' Wayne's second official post-jail single is set in a tire yard. Wayne controls the mic stand and spotlight for the majority of the time. Meanwhile, Rick Ross appears in the video wheelchair bound and clad in a burgundy jumpsuit. Sounds strange? It kinda is...

Wale- 600 Benz featuring Rick Ross and Jadakiss

Wale uses a Cardiak beat to describe his ambitions of acquiring more luxurious possessions like a Mercedes-Benz 600. Jadakiss provides a verse and Rick Ross takes care of the chorus. This track may appear on Maybach Music's upcoming compilation album, Self Made.

Killer Mike- Go Out on the Town featuring Young Jeezy

Killer Mike doesn't abandon his formula for making music "for the grind". Here, he and Young Jeezy hit the town to celebrate. This leaked track will appear on Mike's upcoming PL3DGE, set for release May 17th.

Jill Scott- Shame featuring Eve (Official Video)

Jill Scott surprises with a party jam about positive self-identity. Fellow Phillie artists Black Thought and Eve are also in the video but at different capacities.

Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill and D.A - Play Your Part (Official Video)

Maybach Music Group - Music - More Music Videos

Rick Ross and the rest of the Maybach Music label are prepping for the release of Self Made, set to happen on May 24. Wale and Meek Mill of the label rap about the keeping their women at a distance alongside their boss and D.A of Chester French.

Waka Flocka Flame- Grove St. Party (Official Video)

This was just another average Waka Flocka Flame video until I saw the computer generated bear wearing shades dance to the music.

Who is Titus Young?

The NFL draft is 18 days away and former Boise State wide receiver Titus Young is on the Ravens' draft radar. He is a smaller player with speed that shows up on the field but not always on practice fields. Young ran a disappointing 4.53 at the NFL Combine over a month ago but improved his time to 4.41 at Boise State's pro day.

4.41 is a good time for a wide receiver, or almost any player for that matter, but in order for a 5'11', 175 pound receiver to excel in the NFL, he must be faster than every defender on the field. He lacks the bulk to consistently disengage strong defenders at the line of scrimmage and may struggle to win in a jump ball situation. Despite his lean build, he has been a productive receiver at the college level. He finished his college career with 208 receptions, 3063 receiving yards and 25 receiving touchdowns.

Once again, the Ravens are shopping for a top speed receiver in the draft capable of catching a deep ball from strong-armed quarterback Joe Flacco. Last year, wide receiver David Reed was drafted in the fifth round but so far has impacted only special teams. Dante Stallworth was signed to a one-year deal last offseason with hopes that his speed would be put to good use... but that did not happen. He probably will not be returning next season. Young's physical features and ability to get a step ahead of defenders have fueled comparisons between he and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Desean Jackson.Young is projected to be drafted in either the second or third round.

Zo!- Greater Than the Sun featuring Phonte (Official Video)

I do not know why I did not post this video the first time I saw it. Regardless, here it is.

Royce da 5'9"- Writer's Block featuring Eminem

Because of the history between these two, every time they collaborate is an occasion worth mentioning. Royce da 5' 9" and Eminem aggressively deliver bars over the fast-paced Streetrunners/Scram instrumental and prove they are having no problem with writer's block.

Katy Kerry- E.T featuring Kanye West

Bizarre and high budget video for the fourth single from Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album. Kanye West floats in-and-out of the video to rap about inter-species relations.