There have been consistently strong reviews for the Baltimore Ravens 2011 Draft Class from across the web:
CBS Sports (Grade: B+)
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/15008226/final-draft-grades-bucs-giants-texans-earn-top-marks
Best pick: Second-round pick Torrey Smith can fly. They need speed outside in their passing game, so he will be an immediate help.
Questionable move: Taking corner Jimmy Smith in the first round. I like him as a player, but he has had some issues off the field. That Ravens locker room needs to keep him in check.
Third-day gem: Sixth-round pick Pernell McPhee is a college defensive end who can move to outside rush player in the Ravens defense.
Analysis: They needed help at corner and receiver and they made picks at both. If Jimmy Smith and Torrey Smith work out, this will be a heck of a draft. Ozzie Newsome knows what he’s doing.
Fox Sports (Grade: B)
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2011-NFL-draft-grades-for-each-team-043011
Draft picks: CB Jimmy Smith (first round), WR Torrey Smith (second round), OT Jah Reid (third round), WR Tandon Doss (fourth round), CB Chykie Brown (fifth round), DE Pernell McPhee (fifth round), QB Tyrod Taylor (sixth round), RB Anthony Allen (seventh round).
Analysis: The Ravens addressed their needs at cornerback and wide receiver, as expected. But Jimmy Smith’s off-the-field history makes his selection a very risky one.
Yahoo Sports (Grade: C+)
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhgMIv191ahOATBvP8BuerbXb6x_?slug=jc-cole_2011_afc_draft_grades_050111
Analysis: The Ravens don’t get blame for the snafu that caused them to miss their first-round pick the first time through. That said, the selection of Jimmy Smith with their first pick is an odd move for a Ravens team that usually doesn’t deal with character problems that early in the draft. Smith’s selection speaks to the desperation the Ravens face at cornerback. Smith had substance-abuse issues in college, including the reported admitted use of codeine. The selections of Torrey Smith and Reid are much more of the traditional Ravens style, hard-working, tough guys who don’t have issues that will get in the way of success. Also, look for McPhee to be a strong contributor, if not a starter someday.
National Football Post: (Grade: A)
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/AFC-Draft-Grades.html
Analysis:This is why the Ravens are always a contending team in the AFC as they once again brought in a nice mix of solid productive players to go along with some real gifted physical talents. CB Jimmy Smith is the second-best prospect at his position in the draft and has the ability to press off the line from day one. I also really like WR Tandon Doss and DE Pernell McPhee in the mid rounds. Both could end up being starters 2-3 years down the line. Not a huge fan of WR Torrey Smith, but he gives the Ravens what they need — a vertical threat in the pass game.
SB Nation (Grade: B+)
http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/29/2141509/nfl-draft-2011-grades-first-round-new-orleans-saints-detroit-lions
Analysis: CB Jimmy Smith, in this draft class, is a Top 10 talent that fell because of very serious character concerns. Ray Lewis should make sure those concerns go away, and Smith fills Baltimore’s biggest positional need.
Mocking the Draft (Grade: A-)
http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/5/1/2147756/2011-nfl-draft-grades-afc
Analysis: The Ravens got good value and filled a need with each of their selections. Smith will immediately start at corner and really improve that unit. I think that Jah Reid has very good right tackle written all over him as he plays with good balance and strength. The Ravens needed speed and that is what Torrey Smith brings to the table.
Pro Football Weekly (Grade: A-)
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/02/patriots-browns-land-afcs-highest-draft-grades
Analysis: GM Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh took a calculated risk on Colorado CB Jimmy Smith in the first round, and it could turn out to be the right one, with one of the strongest veteran-led locker rooms in the league. He fits very well in the Ravens’ defense and also filled a Ravens’ position of need. Torrey Smith is a local favorite with the vertical speed needed to open up the Ravens’ short passing game for Anquan Boldin. The Ravens jumped five spots with the Eagles to land Jah Reid, who can compete for time at right tackle. Tandon Doss brought great value in the fourth round as a slot receiver. Newsome sent his fifth-round pick to Seattle last August for CB Josh Wilson, and he proved to be a very solid addition well worthy of the price. Chykie Brown has the press skills to fit in the Ravens’ defense, but his lack of ball skills and character concerns make the pick risky. DE Pernell McPhee has developmental potential but mental limitations – similar to Adalius Thomas – and could bring value in the fifth round in a scheme designed to let players fly to the ball. Tyrod Taylor could bring a wildcat flair to the offense. With a pick acquired from Philadelphia in exchange for Antwan Barnes, they landed RB Anthony Allen, who fits the Ravens’ zone ground game well if he can blend into the locker room. Overall, Newsome took a lot of risk on questionable character talent and high-rep players, but with a strong coaching staff and veteran locker room, he can afford to take more chances than most teams. The Ravens’ first four picks have starter potential and the addition of Wilson only strengthens the draft. They hit on key needs early and found solid value throughout.
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.