Timmy Jernigan to Ravens: How Does the DT Fit with Baltimore?

Coming into Day 2 of the 2014 NFL draft armed with three picks, the Ravens had a distinct advantage over many NFL teams. 

They quickly addressed one of their biggest needs by selecting defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan out of Florida State with the 48th overall pick. 

The Fit

After letting Arthur Jones, one of their best defenders and lineman, leave in free agency, a big void on the defensive line was left.

By adding Jernigan, the Ravens did a great job of filling that vacancy. The 6'2", 300-pound nose tackle has notched 108 tackles (19 for a loss) and six sacks over the past two seasons.

Jernigan was a pivotal player for the BCS Champion Seminoles, and he should get immediate playing time as a rookie. For a nose tackle, Jernigan has great burst off the line of scrimmage and is constantly in opponents' backfields wreaking havoc. 

With the Ravens, he'll likely remain at his natural NT spot. 

The Expectations

Most scouts and analysts had Jernigan rated as a first-round prospect, so this is a great value pick for the Ravens at pick No. 48. 

However, he fell out of the first round probably because of the news last week that Jernigan was red-flagged at the NFL Scouting Combine regarding a failed drug test.

Here's the original report from Jay Glazer of Fox Sports: 

"

FOX Sports has learned that more than 10 players were identified to NFL teams as either testing positive for drugs or having a diluted sample in February.

The top prospect on the list was Florida State defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan, who is projected as a mid first-round selection. Jernigan tested positive for a diluted urine sample, FOX Sports has learned.

"

Jernigan disputes that he took an illegal substance, though: 

"

Timmy Jernigan explains he didn't fail a drug test at combine; he was flagged for a diluted sample, due to hydration issue, he says.

— John Eisenberg (@BmoreEisenberg) May 10, 2014"

Regardless of what the failed test was for, what's done is done. He's a Raven now, and he can put any mistakes in his past behind him now and focus impacting a Baltimore team that figures to contend for the AFC North title in 2014. 

Jernigan will be counted on to get significant playing time as a rookie, and his addition could even lead to Haloti Ngata could moving to defensive end in 2014 if the Ravens think Jernigan can handle the starting NT duties.

The Grade: A-

This pick was great value at where the Ravens got him, and he filled a need for depth in the defensive line. With the Ravens, Jernigan will have a great opportunity to slowly become acclimated to the NFL game before he get significant playing time.

This pick may not have a big impact on Baltimore in '14, but he's the a great prospect who will eventually develop into a player the Ravens rely heavily on.