The Baltimore Ravens is one of the more successful new teams in the NFL and has already claimed a Super Bowl championship, clobbering the New York Giants 34 to 7 at Super Bowl XXXV. However, recently the Ravens have had very uneven success, doing fairly well in 2006 with 13-3 but ending the 2007 season with a 5-11 record. Why the losing streak? While there may be plenty to criticize about the Ravens' performance, the fact of the matter is that this team has one of the most difficult schedules in all of football. Their 13th season is no different, since the Ravens have to face opponents from the AFC South, NFC East as well as teams from the AFC West and East. Experts state that the Ravens have the fourth toughest strength of schedule in the NFL based on their opponents' win to loss ratio from 2007.

One of the most telling factors for the upcoming 2008 season will be the Baltimore Ravens Draft. Going into the NFL Draft, the Ravens had nine selections including four compensatory selections. The Baltimore Ravens have already signed some promising talent from the draft, including most famously, quarterback Joe Flacco from Delaware. Joe Flacco is currently listed as the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware and has already signed a contract with Reebok. Negotiations for a long-term contract have already started and fans believe it could merit at least a five year deal and a starting position.

Other notable signings for the Ravens include running back Ray Rice from Rutgers, linebacker Tavares Gooden from Miami, wide receivers Marcus Smith from New Mexico and Justin Harper from Virginia Tech. The team also chose offensive tackle David Hale, safety Tom Zbikowski from Notre Dame, offensive guard Oniel Cousins from the University of Texas at El Paso, free safety Haruki Nakamura from Cincy and running back Allen Patrick from Oklahoma Sooners.

What has the reaction been to the 2008 Baltimore Ravens draft? Obviously, Flacco is an uncontested choice, as he represents the future of the team even if he does need some time to adjust to the big leagues. Experts believe that Flacco must be on guard, as he comes from a small school and has yet to face heavier defenses like he will against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (week four) and the New York Giants (week 11). However, fans cite that Flacco has excellent size for a starting quarterback, the newcomer standing at 6'7 and weighing only 236 pounds, which provides good mobility. Haruki Nakamura and Tom Zbikowski have also gained positive mention from fans and the media.

How will Baltimore fare in the upcoming season? The team is still in the process of rebuilding. However, the quarterback position has been the team's most desperately needed spot for many years now. The defense of the team has been solid over the past several years (they even upset the Patriots); if they can improve their offense they could be a team to be reckoned with in 2008.