A Pick-By-Pick Look at The Baltimore Ravens' 2009 Draft

Having had a few days to digest the happenings of the 2009 draft... we're still no way closer to finding about what these guys can do on an NFL field. But we'd all love to think that we are, having scoured biography pages and youtube for highlights of any draftees taken past the 3rd round. And we all genuinely believe, in our heart of hearts, that our GM has seen something that all the others we able to miss. But just in case you haven't yet become creepily familiar with the Ravens' draftees, or you're just looking to debate the subject of the '09 draft, here is my take on the Ravens' picks.

Michael Oher
Round 1, pick 23

On draft day, when I learned that the Ravens had traded up, I was very confident that Rey Maualuga was the player that Ozzie was eyeing. But instead he opted to draft standout Ole Miss tackle, and subject of the book 'blindside', Michael Oher. It would be tough to argue that Oher wasn't the biggest faller taken in the first round. Oher was almost unanimously mocked to go withing the first 13 or so picks, so taking him 10 slots later is a real steal for the Ravens.
I can't see Adam Terry or Willie Anderson holding Oher out of the starting right tackle spot any longer than preseason. He and Gaither could become one the the best tackle tandems in the league for the next 10 years or so. The position certainly looks bright for the Ravens.

Paul Kruger
Round 2, pick

Not the BIGGEST fan of the pick, but I like the guy. Incredible toughness to be playing pro football after losing a kidney and being stabbed before you're even in the league. A receiver would've filled a need, sure, but the receivers left at the time we're worthy of this draft spot, so I won't complain about one not being taken here.
It would also appear that Kruger was one of Ozzie's 'Red Star' players (those who represent the franchise's ideal player, both from a perfomance and athletic standpoint, but also a personality and character standpoint).
In terms of Kruger's prospects this year, he figures to play mostly as and OLB on passing downs, but will struggle displacing Barnes and Suggs for those spots.
Should feature mainly on special teams.

Lardarius Webb
Round 3, pick 88


A pick that has been quite roundly criticized, however with the 88th pick of the draft the Ravens grabbed an extremely versatile, if undersized, cornerback out of Nicholls state. He is the only player in NCAA history to be voted offensive, defensive and special teams player of the week in 1 year.
Won't come into starting consideration this year, and with the resigning of Samari Rolle, will be in competition for the dimeback role.
He will get a chance to contribute on special teams, however.  He'll join a group, as one of the nations top return men, that consists of Chris Carr, Yamon Figurs, Tom Zbikowski and Ed Reed. All are adept in the return game.

Jason Phillips
Round 5, pick 137

Another competitor for the mantle of ILB, together with Ray Lewis. Tavares Gooden had looked to be favourite for the position, but with the highly rated Phillips involved, it doesn't look such a formality now. The ILB core got a little less crowded with the signing of Nick Griesen by Denver.
My major concern is his size. He's billed as a thumper, but at under 240 pounds, doesn't appear to have the muscle mass to absorb all the contact that the role usually entails.

Davon Drew
Round 5, pick 149

The big TE out ECU hasn't played the position for too long, so is understandably raw. But he has decent receiving skills and has the bulk to be an excellent blocker.
With 3 tightends in the fold ahead of him, he won't see major playing time this year. However, with LJ Smith's contract being only one year in duration and accounting Todd Heap's age, production dropoff, and injury tendencies, Drew could play a big part in the Raven's offense in a few years.

Cedric Peerman
Round 6, pick 185

Really, really loved this pick. An absolutely sensational athlete to be taken in the 6th round. He clocked the fastest 40 time for a running back at the combine, most reps at 22f for a tailback (27, more than Michael Oher) and a 40" vertical jump. Also a tremendously high-character guy. So much so that he's actually an ordained deacon.
The only problem with the pick is that there are already 3 very good backs in front of him. However, upon further inspection, McClain may move back to full back full time thanks to Neal's imminent decline, McGahee's contract far outweighed his play last season, and Rice is a smaller back that probably can't cope with a workhorse back role. But the likely hood remains that Peerman won't see the field in crunch time on offense. He is, though, another capable kick returner. He also has all the tangibles to become an excellent 3rd down back.