Report: Ravens offered entire draft class to move up for Ryan in 2008

It's been well-documented that the Baltimore Ravens had their sights set on Matt Ryan in the first round of the 2008 draft.

As the Atlanta Falcons quarterback approaches his first career Super Bowl, though, an interesting story has surfaced detailing just how much the Ravens wanted him.

Looking to jump in front of the Falcons at No. 3 overall, the Ravens reportedly offered their entire draft class to the then-St. Louis Rams, which would have seen Atlanta move up from No. 8 to the second overall spot, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The deal nearly came to fruition, but Baltimore backed out when the Rams also wanted a second-round pick from the following year added to the package, Rapoport adds.

St. Louis ended up staying put to take Chris Long before Atlanta scooped up Ryan, while the Ravens eventually traded back to No. 18 and went with Joe Flacco.

Nine years later, both the Ravens and Falcons are likely thrilled with how the 2008 draft shook out. Flacco helped Baltimore win a Super Bowl title at the end of the 2012 season and Ryan has developed into one of the league's premier passers.

The Rams are the only team that may have some regrets in looking back at the would-be blockbuster, as the organization has yet to post a .500 season since. Adding a slew of draft picks in exchange for moving back just six spots certainly would have given the club an opportunity to add talent throughout the roster.