Draft review: Baltimore Ravens

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/30/draft-review-baltimore-ravens/

 

 

From Super Bowl title to mass exodus to having multiple veterans fall into their laps, the Ravens found themselves with yet another opportunity to reload via the draft. Let’s take a look at how they did.

What they needed: Inside linebacker, safety, tackle, center, receiver, tight end.

Who they got:
Round 1: Matt Elam, S, Florida.
Round 2: Arthur Brown, ILB, Kansas St.
Round 3: Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern St.
Round 4: John Simon, DE, Ohio St.
Round 4: Kyle Juszcyk, FB, Harvard.
Round 5: Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin.
Round 6: Kapron Lewis-Moore, DE, Notre Dame.
Round 6: Ryan Jensen, C, Colorado-State Pueblo.
Round 7: Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon.
Round 7: Marc Anthony, CB, California.

Where they hit: They needed a safety and an inside linebacker, and they got one of each early. While some may have preferred Manti Te’o with the last pick in round one, getting the safety then the inside linebacker makes more sense, given that plenty of inside linebackers were available in round two. The decision to swap three picks to move up for Brown shows that they wanted him, badly.

Where they missed: With all the hand-wringing regarding the departure of key players on defense, the decision to move on from receiver Anquan Boldin has been overlooked. Aaron Mellette, a sixth-rounder from Elon, fits the profile for a Boldin replacement, but he likely lacks the skill to pull it off. With tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson heading toward unrestricted free agency in 2014, the Ravens should have considered adding a tight end now.

Impact rookies: Elam and Brown should start right away. Most of the rest of the picks are guys who will be brought along slowly, with many emerging in time as key contributors.

Long-term prospects: The Ravens deftly blended present needs and future development. Like the 49ers and defensive end Tank Carradine, the Ravens squatted on defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore, who tore an ACL in January and who can be put on scholarship for a season as he heals. Center Ryan Jensen provides depth at center at the retirement of Matt Birk. B asically, the Ravens had a Ravens draft. They got better where they needed to, and they stockpiled talent for the future. It’s hard to argue with an approach that has resulted in five straight playoff berths.

 

 

[vmax]

I'm nit picking here on a decent evaluation but the Ravens really didn't miss on a WR.

Maybe if they had 2 first round and 2 second round picks then that could be said.

If they draft a receiver instead of Elam then according to PFT logic they missed of getting a safety.

 

I think this draft for the Ravens will go down as one of their more successful drafts as far as obtaining starters and valuable depth.

[vmax]

Baltimore Ravens

BETTER: Defending Super Bowl champions usually don’t undergo as many roster changes as the 2013 Ravens.

There are still questions at left tackle and wide receiver, but the moves made by general manager Ozzie Newsome give Baltimore a legitimate shot at defending its Lombardi Trophy. The defensive line was upgraded with the additions of Marcus Spears (Dallas) and Chris Canty (New York Giants). Elvis Dumervil also is a better pass-rushing complement to Terrell Suggs than Paul Kruger, who signed a big-money contract with Cleveland.

Plus, the Ravens have emerging star quarterback Joe Flacco under wraps for the long haul after signing him to a contract extension. University of Florida strong safety Matt Elam (first round) and Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown (second) will be on the field sooner than later.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/afc-north-offseason-report-baltimore-ravens-cincinnati-bengals-cleveland-browns-pittsburgh-steelers-043013

[cravnravn]

 

With tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson heading toward unrestricted free agency in 2014, the Ravens should have considered adding a tight end now.

Dont agree with that at all, Pitta plays like he did last year, he'll get a long term deal.

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I think they should do Pitta's deal now.

[colincac]

Dont agree with that at all, Pitta plays like he did last year, he'll get a long term deal.

He's saying we should have added talent so that we had more leverage for a long-term deal, or worst-case, some protection if Pitta leaves.

[vmax]

I doubt Pita leaves. His situation is one of the reasons the Ravens let so many players go this year rather than kill their CAP for next year.

Of course the Ravens want to sign him now. I do too. The question is: Does Pita and his agent want to go for a decent deal now or gamble on some team giving them crazy money like Kruger received? It takes 2 parties to make a deal and it's not always the Ravens fault.

 

Hey...I'm loving this draft more and more.