One of the things I like best about being a fan of the Baltimore Ravens, is that I always have confidence in the organization to make quality decisions.
I often find that in cases where I initially had reservations about respective moves they have made, that I come around to their way of thinking. I have found over-time, that it just saves time to give the Ravens the benefit of the doubt, and their track-record says they have earned that right.
I wasn’t against the pick of Jimmy Smith, but I certainly went into the Draft with some questions. After listening to Smith in multiple interviews this past weekend, I no longer have those questions. At the time Smith was selected, my initial thought was one of disappointment. I had wanted Clemson’s DE DaQuan Bowers because I believe the best NFL teams are built from the lines out. Obviously many teams were scared of the reports they were getting on Bowers’ knee, so much so, that he was able to fall all the way to the 51st pick overall. My thinking was that even if Bowers is a one contract player, that his ability off the edge was a better asset for the Ravens then a shut-down corner. That the questions of Bowers’ knee was equal to the questions that existed about Smith’s character.
After the draft, and after listening to the interviews of Smith, and hearing more about what the Ravens learned about the Colorado CB during the draft process; it now seems clear to me the character questions were overblown. Due to that, the decision for the Ravens to select Smith was pretty simple. He was a top 10-15 talent that fell to them at pick 27 overall. As I said above, I wanted Bowers because I believe football teams are built from the lines out. That said, there are multiple ways to accomplish the same thing. With Smith having the skills to be out by himself on an Island in coverage, the Ravens can be more aggressive in their blitz packages. With Smith, a returning Foxworth, and Webb – Baltimore has 3 very capable corners. If the CBA winds-up being agreed to under 2010 rules, I expect that Wilson will also return. Based on where the Ravens selected Chykie Brown (5th round), I have to think he will also make the roster. I would now be surprised if Carr returns.
In the 2nd Round, the Ravens of course selected Torrey Smith from the University of Maryland. During the build-up to the Draft, there was plenty of early suggestion that T. Smith could be an option for Baltimore in the 1st round. To get him where the Ravens selected in the 2nd round was tremendous. I would not have been opposed to the Ravens selecting North Carolina’s Greg Little with that pick, but I’m very happy with the addition of the former Terp. He has a tremendous work ethic, can help on special teams, has good size, and gives the Ravens a receiver with stretch the field speed. That will help the entire offense.
With those first two picks alone, the Ravens accomplished a lot by adding to the athleticism of the overall roster.
The Ravens 3rd round selection of Jah Reid was interesting and one that I also liked. I’ve made clear before that based on what has been made known publicly, I support the return of Jared Gaither. My thought has been the return of Gaither would allow the Ravens to upgrade at 3 positions (LT, RG, RT). Reid gives Baltimore better depth, and options. There are a lot of people locally who have said this definitively means Gaither will not be back. I’m not sure I agree. If the NFL operates under 2010 rules, and Gaither can be retained as a RFA, he will still be attractive (especially with Reid as extra Tackle depth).
If Gaither is not back, Reid provides a legitimate option at RT. If Yanda is back as I expect – they can move him back to RG.
Knowing that Flacco personally recommended Tandon Doss, is pretty exciting. The Ravens have wanted Flacco to provide additional leadership. Coach Harbaugh has stated he will give Flacco the option to audible more frequently, and the chance to call more of his own plays. I agree with that. Giving Flacco additional responsibility, will only elevate his ability to lead. Giving Flacco a group of draft-eligible WR’s to evaluate, is another way to further his leadership credentials. If the Ravens carry 4 WR’s, you are looking at Boldin, Mason, Smith, and Doss. If they carry a 5th WR, perhaps James Hardy, David Reed, or Justin Harper will have a chance.
We talked about Chykie Brown above. The other 5th round selection was DE Pernell McPhee. The Mississippi State DE was a 2x All-SEC player. I’ve read conflicting reports on his motor, but numerous reports about him being a good run-stopper. I think of the entire Draft Class, McPhee will be the player I’m most interested in hearing more about come Training Camp (whenever that occurs).
The Ravens ended their draft with two ACC players, QB Tyrod Taylor and RB Anthony Allen. Flipping back and forth between ESPN and the NFL Network, there were a lot of positive comments made about Taylor. What I liked hearing best, was that he is not just an athlete, but a guy who has shown some pocket awareness. Still, if the Ravens go from Bulger to Taylor as their 2nd String QB, you have to consider that a drop. If Baltimore loses Bulger to FA as expected, I’d still like to add another veteran QB, with Taylor making the roster as the 3rd.
Georgia Tech runs the option under Paul Johnson. That provides plenty of carries for RB’s in the Yellow Jackets offense. The 6’1, 230 lb back had 1,316 yards rushing this past year, and is described as having good burst, and toughness. Everyone expects the Ravens and Willis McGahee to part ways. With the signing of FB Jason Mckie, it is possible that Le’Ron McClain (if he returns) gets more carries at RB.
It will take some time to truly evaluate how the Ravens did, but it is pretty clear that the team has been improved. Here is to hoping we get to hear about each of these additions on the practice field soon.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.