During the 2008 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens were quite anxious to draft their franchise quarterback. The Miami Dolphins held the first pick and were set to draft Michigan left tackle Jake Long. The Rams held the 2nd selection and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that Matt Ryan nearly ended up in Baltimore on draft night in 2008
“The Ravens offered their entire draft for the rights to pick Ryan, sources said, going from No. 8 to No. 2. The trade nearly happened, but the Rams asked for more. They also wanted Baltimore’s second-round pick from 2009 to clinch the deal”.
Once the Ravens refused to add more to the deal, the Rams selected Virginia defensive end Chris Long. Ryan was selected with the 3rd overall pick by the Falcons which obviously has worked out pretty well.
Things went pretty well for the Ravens as well. They were able to trade down in the draft and select Joe Flacco who won them a Super Bowl in 2012 so Ravens fans can’t complain. Baltimore would have never had Ray Rice or Paul Kruger if they did pull the trigger on the Ryan deal.
