Grading the Baltimore Ravens Draft Picks

By now, Baltimore Ravens fans are used to seeing the best of the organization shine on NFL Draft weekend. Unearthing hidden gems, wheeling and dealing for the best possible player at the best possible position—that’s what the Ravens are all about.

Did they pull it off again this year? Let’s take a look at some of their weekend moves.

First Round

(OL) Michael Oher

The comeback story of the draft, the Ravens addressed a key need and drafted talented offensive tackle Michael Oher. He may be poised to contribute immediately to the team and with the 23rd pick in the draft, that’s exactly what you want coming into Year Two of the Joe Flacco era.

Second Round

(DE) Paul Kruger

Interesting prospect here with Kruger. He’s demonstrated some ability, and it should provide added pressure to a defensive line comprised of great defensive tackles (Haloti Ngata, Kelly Gregg, Justin Bannan) and few defensive ends (Trevor Pryce).

Third Round

(CB) Lardarius Webb

On a team built on pressuring the quarterback, the Ravens shore up an od and thinning cornerback stable with Lardarius Webb. Can contribute defensively and in special teams, which was a unit lacking big plays last season.

Fifth Round

(LB) Jason Phillips

Much like the previous pick, the Ravens depend heavily on corners and linebackers for their defensive pressure. They get Jason Phillips, who they will likely make into a good back, but I’m not sure if Ozzie Newsome could not have negotiated up for a higher linebacker pick in the second round.

(TE) Davon Drew

The most puzzling pick of the Ravens’ draft, they take another tight end in Davon Drew. They still have Todd Heap, Quinn Sypneiwski and recently-signed L.J. Smith. Perhaps Heap is available for a trade and Drew is a measure for depth, but a puzzling pick nonetheless.

Sixth Round

(RB) Cedric Peerman

A decent tailback out of Virginia, Peerman provides depth for a backfield that was oft injured in 2008. For a sixth round pick, provides another back in the event that the Ravens can move McGahee to another team.

Notice that the Ravens didn’t draft one of their biggest needs—wide receiver. Perhaps they have something in store through free agency or trade, but it’s hard to believe in Ozzie’s contention that Demetrius Williams will be the answer, given his history of serious injuries.

Grading that they missed on the receiver, and made a few picks for depth or trade bait, maybe the Ravens are confident in their roster as composed. That gives them, just on the draft value alone, a B-.

Let’s see what happens.