The board the Ravens refer to on draft day starts with an effort by Savage and his scouting staff. The list begins with the names of 800 or 900 college players and is pared to about 200 by draft day. Those names are then ranked based on evaluations by the scouting staff. Savage estimates he saw about 360 highly rated college players in person last year and another 100 or so on tape. He then uses the scouting combines as a tool to get a better feel for the players and gauge them against their peers.
Some players make personal visits with teams to allow an even closer look.
Newsome is the key decision-maker on draft day, with influences coming from Savage, Billick, owner Art Modell and president David Modell. T.J. McCreight and personnel assistant Chad Alexander will represent the team at the draft in New York. No. 1 pick by Atlanta, who moved up in a deal with San Diego Friday. But the forecast is hazier come pick No. 31. Crumpler is considered the second-best tight end in the draft behind Arizona State s Todd Heap, who will likely go before 31.