It's no secret that the Baltimore Ravens are in need of a quarterback with a future that goes beyond the next snap from center. Right now, they're holding out hope that Steve McNair, whose body is being held together with a MacGyverish level of medical inventiveness, can be their starter for the 2008 season. Based on 2007, that's a losing plan and, based on the last decade, Kyle Boller's not a much better choice.

The team worked out Delaware's Joe Flacco last week and will attend Brian Brohm's pro day at Louisville next week. According to the Carroll County Times, they'll also bring Brohm to Baltimore for a private workout just before the draft. Brohm has slipped into the second round of most projections, Flacco's been there all the time, but some still believe Baltimore's going QB with their first selection.

Matt Mosley of Hashmarks has Brohm headed Baltimore way. And he's hinting at some strong insider info.

You won't find this on any other mock drafts, but sometimes a man must go it alone. Here's my promise to you: We'll nail this pick. Now, I may change players, but I'm guaranteeing the No. 8 pick.

I've got no reason to doubt Mosley's assurances, but I'd be surprised if the Ravens stay at eight and pick Brian Brohm.

The Ravens haven't been spending money too freely this offseason and I don't know if they'd shift directions to select a top-10 QB. On top of the performance expectations such players come saddled with are massive salary obligations and the Ravens have learned from Boller that the two may never make for a happy relationship.

With Jonathan Ogden's retirement looking more likely than not, the need for an offensive tackle is great and there are still big issues to sort out at cornerback. Taking one or the other could help them more in the short term, given the roster makeup that's significant, and still allow them to take Brohm or Flacco later in the process. That would be my plan, anyway.

See more at www.propeller.com