The Baltimore Ravens were slotted to make the 26th pick in the NFL Draft, but their allotted draft-time went without the pick being made. Later it would be learned that Baltimore believed they had a deal made with Chicago that was not announced. After Kansas City selected 26th, Baltimore made the selection of Colorado CB Jimmy Smith with the 27th pick.
With all of the known off field issues with Smith, perhaps it is a bit ironic that his pick involved a bit of drama.
Instant Analysis from around the Web:
CBS Sports / Pete Prisco:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/14998621
Fox Sports / Adam Caplan:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/NFL-draft-first-round-analysis-picks-17-to-32-042811
Yahoo Sports / Pro Football Weekly / Nolan Nawrocki:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft;_ylt=AgfWu5Ynwcu9TZ7O48Ti_8Y5nYcB
ESPN:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/rounds?&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft%2frounds
Scouting Reports on Smith:
FFToolBox: http://fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2518
Walter Football: http://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2011jsmith_greg.php
NFL Mocks: http://nflmocks.com/2011/02/18/prospect-profile-cb-jimmy-smith-colorado/
National Football Post: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_big_board_rankings.html&position=cb
Mocking the Draft: http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/2/12/1989380/jimmy-smith-nfl-draft-scouting-report
Yesterday I wrote a quick piece asking if DaQuan Bowers could be available when the Ravens made their selection. (https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/?p=2414) As things worked out, it turns out he was. Bowers would have been my selection. Even if Bowers is a one contract player, I think he would have been an immense addition for the Ravens at DE.
Obviously the Ravens (like the rest of the league) got scared off by the reports they were seeing on Bowers knee. I can respect that. In Smith they are getting someone they spent a lot of time doing homework on, and are comfortable with as an organization. It is fair to note that many other teams were scared off by Smith’s off-field issues. With what Baltimore went through this past year with Kindle; the Ravens have set themselves up to be questioned if Smith winds-up being a problem.
Sticking to what Baltimore has added on the field, getting a physical shut-down corner is never a bad thing. The Ravens have added a player that should be capable of spending a lot of time on an Island. I would guess this now means that it is unlikely for the Ravens to retain either Josh Wilson or Chris Carr (Note: I’m not arguing that losing either should be a consideration when you add a starting CB replacing them.) With Smith, a returning Foxworth, and Webb; the Ravens now have 3 very capable options. If the Ravens believe they can put Smith by himself in a lot of isolated 1×1 coverage, that will allow them to be more aggressive in their pressure formations.
In addition to passing on Bowers, the Ravens passed on Sherrod and Carimi. I think this is a indication that Baltimore believes Gaither will be back in 2011.
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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.