Gaither did not participate in 2007 spring practices at Maryland because of academic problems. On June 25, Terps coach Ralph Friedgen told reporters that Gaither's grades failed to meet his expectations, that he would not be able to play in 2007 and he would be eligible to return in 2008. Instead, Gaither declared for the NFL's supplemental draft and on July 12 was taken by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round. Gaither took over Jonathan Ogden's starting left tackle role after Ogden's retirement. At the time, Gaither, at 6'9, was one of the tallest players in the NFL, the others being Dennis Roland of the Cincinnati Bengals and Demar Dotson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.