Ravens pick Terps’ Gaither

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Former Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of yesterday”s NFL supplemental draft.

Gaither (6-foot-9, 350 pounds) started 17 of his last 21 games at Maryland, playing both left and right tackle before academic problems ultimately ended his collegiate career.

The only other player drafted was Georgia cornerback Paul Oliver, who went in the fourth round to San Diego. The Chargers and Ravens forfeit their fourth- and fifth-round picks, respectively, in next year”s April draft.

Gaither did not participate in the Terrapins” spring season to concentrate on academics but was nonetheless declared ineligible for the 2007 season last month. He opted to declare for the supplemental draft rather than try to become eligible in 2008.

Gaither“s troubles began before last season when he was suspended for the first two weeks of practice and sat out the season opener for disciplinary reasons. He played less than half the snaps in Maryland”s bowl game and contemplated declaring for the draft before deciding to return to school.

There could be a spot on the 53-man Ravens roster for Gaither. Jonathan Ogden is the perennial Pro Bowl left tackle, but there are only three other tackles listed on the roster projected starting right tackle Adam Terry and guard/tackles Chris Pino and Marshal Yanda.

Ryan O’Halloran