AwakenTheDemon

For my two cents:

QB - Flacco, Schaub

HB - Forsett, Allen, Taliaferro

FB - Juszczyk

WR - Smith, Perriman, Campanaro, Aiken, Brown, Waller

TE - (If Pitta can go:) Pitta, Williams, Gillmore (if Pitta can't go:) Williams, Gillmore, Boyle

LT - Monroe, Hurst

LG - Osemele, Myers

C - Zuttah

RG - Yanda, Urschel

RT - Wagner, Reid

LE - Jernigan, Davis

NT - Williams, Guy, Tyson

RE - Canty, Lewis-Moore

LOLB - Dumervil, Upshaw

MLB - Mosley, D. Smith, Brown, McClellan

ROLB - Suggs, Z. Smith

CB - J. Smith, Webb, Jackson (ugh), Melvin, Walker

FS - Lewis, Brooks

SS - Hill, Elam, Trawick (they just won't get rid of this guy thanks to ST)

K - Tucker

P - Koch

LS - Cox

I agree. Personally, I think entirely too much is being made of his drops. As noted many times, they were the result of concentration issues, not bad hands, and he has steadily improved in that area. The front office and coaches also feel that this is something that isn't much of a concern and can be corrected.

 

Let's also not forget that as others have noted, "concentration drops" were weaknesses listed in the scouting reports of guys like Andre Johnson, Julio Jones, Demaryius Thomas and Odell Beckham to name a few - these guys turned out ok, I'd say.

 

As another point of reference, I was scanning the fantasy football sites (they seem pretty consistent that Perriman is a definite draft in Rookie leagues), and I found these analyses:

Thank you for that snippet regarding drops. Maybe people who are trashing Breshad for his drops should start throwing the same critism at that, almost who's-who, list of receivers as well

People saying Perriman can only run fly routes are drinking the same koolaid as those saying the guy absolutely cannot catch. Perriman did run fly routes, but he also ran ALOT of slants, some come backs, and some digs. I also believe a few out routes here and there.

Will he "go long"? Sure, because he's the most fitting player we have at wide out who can do that, but regulating him to just going deep is a disservice to him and the team.

Would agree with the top 5. After that, who knows? The upside: we haven't looked this deep and competitive at WR in...ever. Great job for our FO. Looking forward to the battle during training camp. No matter who makes the grade - we'll be a better WR unit for it.

Yeah, there's a fair amount of variables on who #6 can be: special teams/return game namely.

Steve Smith - Safe, no question.

Breshad Perriman - First rounder, safe.

Michael Campanaro - Looked great before hurting his hammy last year. Safe.

Kamar Aiken - Shined at times when given the playing time he's been fighting for his entire career. Safe.

Marlon Brown - Showed what he could do his rookie year. Team could see what he could do with more playing time again. Safe.

Jeremy Butler - Has some measurables and speed, signed as an undrafted free agent. So no real investment thus far. Shaky future.

Aldrick Robinson - Signed and found his way onto the practice squad with Baltimore. Again, no real investment, shaky future.

Darren Waller - Extremely athletic, big bodied receiver. Invested a sixth round pick in him. If he's willing and able to play ST, he should be on the final roster.  Extremely likely he could end up on the practice squad, and risk being plundered.

The way I see the final cut being for receivers is:

Steve Smith

Breshad Perriman

Michael Campanaro

Kamar Aiken

Marlon Brown

Darren Waller

Without any real investments in Butler and Robinson, they'll find themselves cut or on the practice squad, if eligible.

LOL @ thinking Waller will ever be a starting receiver.

I'm sure everyone said the same thing about a 7th round pick out of smaller school Hofstra called Marques Colston. But seems like he turned out pretty well, right?

Waller is coming from a very run first offense, where he did pretty damn well when they actually passed the ball, routinely beating coverage and making some tough catches while averaging 19 yards a catch. I do believe I said he'll need time to develop since he came from a triple option offense. You can't coach up size. You can't coach up speed. You can coach up route running, catching, and the fundamentals of the game. The good thing, Waller has size and speed in spades, and the times he got to catch, he wasn't half bad. You don't just stumble into a third round grade by being 6'6.

For the most part I agree with the assessment.

Love the first 4 picks.

Only places I differ are on the end of the draft.

Boyle TE Delaware: Has a uphill battle to make the team, there is still a chance the team looks for a veteran once camps start. 

Walker CB Texas Southern: I like the bigger Corners and he is one of those, The Ravens are good at evaluating small school prospects, I know nothing about this guy, so will have to wait and see.

Meyers OG Tennesee State: I actually think we need another tackle more, Monroe is on his last legs.

Waller WR GT: Very low chance he makes the team, There is some real competition ahead of him, I like that we double dipped, but we do not have great success in late rounds with the tall receivers. I do like the potential, likely a IR candidate...But to give this an A is a stretch.

 

There are a coule of LB's that are undrafted I would like to see brought into camp:

ILB: Taiwan Jones

OLB: Alani Fua

 

And due to my percption that Tackle is a need, if La'El Collins clears his name bring him in as a undrafted free agent.

Taiwan Jones signed with the Jets, Fua with the Cardinals. I think Collins' is off the radar for us. I believe Waller was the only pick we had that had any sort of significant red flags, with two one game suspensions and I think a positive test? Even if Collins is cleared, this circus was way too much with how the Ravens are approaching PR and any sort of issues with players. Hell, Pierce may have tanked the past two seasons, but he was pretty clean off the field. They didn't blink twice cutting him over a DUI.

Monroe just signed a big deal last off season, he's young, and I still think it's way too early to say he's on his last legs. If, if, Monroe struggles this year, then I'd see Baltimore take an offensive tackle next year to take over and replace him. But I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Monroe is closer to who we traded for, than what we somewhat got.

Meanwhile, the depth at guard is pretty thin outside of Urschel. The team also needed to potentially plan for the future in case Osemele or Yanda are no longer in black and purple (both are in the last year of their contracts). We really don't want to walk into the draft next year with an absolutely glaring hole on the offensive line, potentially two if Monroe still struggles.

Waller was seen as a third or fourth round pick, and his ceiling is high. So grabbing him in the sixth was crazy value for someone who can play at a potential high level. I even said he'll most likely be stashed either on the practice squad (and risk him getting plundered) or by heading to IR with an injury.  Otherwise, we have eight receivers right now counting Perriman and Waller. That also includes Jeremy Butler and Aldrick Robinson. Its not a stretch that the team could see Waller's potential as being greater than Butler or Robinson, and keeps him especially if Waller is willing and able to play special teams.

Putting grades on people at this point is silly. Lets see things for what they really are.

 

 

Breshard Perriman- Immediate impact player. Pretty much replaces Torrey but with better potential

 

Pick 2

 

Maxx Williams- Immediate impact player and great fit for Trestman's offense

 

 

Pick 3 

 

Carl Davis- immediate rotational player

 

Pick 4

 

Za,darius Smith- Probably used in sub packages

 

 

Pick 4

 

Joviorious Allen- change of pace/3rd down back

 

Pick 4

 

tray walker- modeled after what the seahawks did with there secondary with all the long tall guys. Has Jimmy Smith measureables but is raw. Could compete for a nickel\dime role and if nothing else pushes the other dbs who have been here for a year or 2.

 

 

Pick 5

 

nick Boyle- solid depth in case Pitta doesn't come back. More of an inline blocker and all around tight end than williams

 

Pick 5

Robert Myers- solid depth and targeted more for next year if Yanda or KO leave.

 

 

pick 6

Darren Wall - Alot of upside for a 6th round player. Size we can definitely use in the red zone.

 

 

 

Overall I like what we did. We got people who can help us this year and set us up well for potential departures next year. Typical solid ravens draft.

Grades, at least in my opinion, at this juncture are more a reflection of talent level, pick value, and team need. So therefore I don't see how they are "pointless". It's really not much different from a team's grade/rank on talent heading into the draft. Sure, someone graded as an A could bomb and be out of the league in a few years, while a D flourishes after a year or two. You have a generalized idea of what you're getting and potentially getting at this point.

Once again I've reappeared...

Anyways, long time no see, my brothers and sisters. I'm sure many of us can remember me being... critical of the past drafts from us (*cough*TorreySmith*cough*), so it's actually really refreshing that I'm, well, happy with this one.

To begin with, I had us taking Marcus Peters or Breshad Perriman in the first. I do believe if Kansas City hadn't puzzlingly snatched Peters up at 18, we may have well taken him. I did not expect Maxx to be anywhere near us in the second, so I had us taking Quinten Rollins from Miami Ohio. After seeing how the first two days went, my approach to what I wanted in the fourth through sixth was:

4th: RB David Cobb

4th: CB Charles Gaines (Surprised he fell so far)

4th: OLB Davis Tull

5th: CB Kevin White (still cannot believe this kid went undrafted)

5th: WR DeAndre Smelter

6th: OG Bobby Hart

I was completely off on the players themselves, but not far off position-wise, if you swapped out the second corner for the tight end.

As for the draft itself, I'm pretty happy with it. I think Ozzie, Eric, and company got tremendous value at most of their picks. If we're looking at it more in depth, though...

Round 1 (26): Central Florida WR Breshad Perriman

I know this is another polarizing pick for some fans from what I've seen. Some would have much rather had Jaelen Strong here, but I think Perriman is an ideal fit here, truthfully. Some people are really turned off by the drops that ESPN ripped into him for, but I do believe that it's more of a mental aspect, rather than an issue with his hands. When you examine his entire body of work, though, he is exactly everything that the team needs at receiver. Big body. Good catch radius. Isn't afraid to climb the ladder to high point the passes. Dangerous after the catch on slants over the middle. Oh.... and fast. I apologise because I can't remember where I saw it, but someone likened Perriman to Andre Johnson with Josh Gordon speed, which I somewhat agree with. Speaking of Andre, when he was coming out of college, people praised his blend of size and speed, while questioning his route running and ability to catch the ball. Well, he turned out pretty well. I'm not saying he's the next Andre Johnson, just that some players are better pros than college players. And when all is said and done, I wouldn't be surprised is the best receiver out of this class after Cooper and White.

Grade: A

Round 2 (55): Minnesota TE Maxx Williams

This very well may be the best pick of out draft, and it wouldn't surprise anyone. The value aspect of the pick is off the chart, since there were talks of him being a middle of the first pick earlier in the draft season. Watching Maxx, he doesn't seem to play very fast, but I find it somewhat deceptive. Even so, he has no issues getting open, whether it's down the seam, or breaking inside or towards the side line. Speaking of the side line, he's good at getting the feet down in bounds. Williams' catch radius is amazing, and he makes some difficult catches, even against tight coverage. Much like Perriman, he can high point the ball and come down with those high passes. His ability to make all the hard catches, along with his big frame is going to give linebackers and smaller corners fits. If Pitta is healthy and can continue his playing career, he and Williams could be Baltimore's version of Gronkowski and Hernandez (before the truth of what he did for a hobby came out). We've all seen what tight ends do in a Trestman offense, which bodes well for Maxx.

Grade: A+

Round 3 (90): Iowa DT Carl Davis

If a cornerback wasn't taken in the first two rounds, I fully expected one to be had in the third. Granted, with the way the dominos were falling at the position, I could understand why Ozzie and Eric saw any cornerback a reach at this point. I did not see a defensive lineman at this juncture, though. I'm really off and on about this pick when it comes down to it. From a need standpoint, I saw a need for depth at line over immediate return after resigning Canty. Upon thinking of it further, Canty isn't the long term answer, and could benefit from young blood to rotate in and mentor. This is where I do see Davis playing a role. Jernigan should have one end spot locked in, and I believe Brandon Williams should be the one manning the nose tackle spot. Davis could eventually be the third piece to that defensive line. Sure, he may not be an always-on pass rusher, but he should be a run stuffing anchor, that could wrap up some blocks for the outside linebackers. Honestly, on short yardage, and obvious run downs, having Upshaw on one side of the line and Davis on the other could really make it difficult for opposing running backs... if Davis pans out. Davis was another player that some people thought could be a late first/early second pick, so the value was there and could pay dividends in the long run.

Grade: B+

Round 4 (122): Kentucky OLB Za'Darius Smith

This is one of my two favorite picks (the other I'll get into later). In my mocks, I frequently had Baltimore nabbing Smith to groom for a future spot post-Doom/Suggs, while taking over for McPhee in the mean time. Oh, and we all know how much Baltimore loves it's "Smiths". I absolutely love his size and non stop motor on plays. Smith just doesn't give up on plays, both against the run and the pass. Plays to the whistle, and tracks the ball/carrier well, he can really be a handful around the edge. Weaker offensive linemen could really be abused by the large Smith, which may lead to alot of linemen being walked back into the quarterback they're charged with protecting. While most people talk about Dupree when it comes to linebackers from Kentucky this year, I really think Smith isn't that far behind him, and could have flirted with being a late third pick too.

Grade: A-

Round 4 (125): Southern California RB  Javorius Allen

I'm not surprised that we waited this long to take a running back, although I wasn't exactly expecting Allen. Personally, I was hoping we'd snatch up Minnesota's David Cobb, who I think could turn into a monster running back. Once you take scheme into consideration, though, Allen makes total sense. In a Trestman offense, the running back needs to have a set of hands to go with his wheels (see exhibit A: Forte, Matt), and Allen has both. He ran for over 700 yards, and had over 200 yards receiving his sophomore year before skyrocketing both his junior year when he ran for over 1400 and had over 400 yards receiving. I've seen some statements on him being more of a compliment piece in a backfield over a feature guy, which I don't disagree with exactly. But once you take this scheme into consideration, I think Allen could flourish as a starter after a few years playing Robin to Forsett's Batman. He could very well be another version of Rice in his prime, when it comes to making plays in both the rushing game and passing game. He doesn't have the patience or balance that Rice did, but he is better at running through contact, and makes some pretty slick slashing cuts. Don't be surprised if one day Allen takes over with Taliaferro plays relief and short, power yardage downs.

Grade: B

Round 4 (136): Texas Southern CB Tray Walker

Not a fan of this pick at all really. We all know the team loves it's small school prospects, and usually does hit on them. I truly hope this is one of those instances. Walker definitely has the size that I think the team wants manning the backfield and can play press well. However, I don't think he'll be immediately ready to contribute a ton in his first year (or two even).  After getting some time and coaching under his belt, he may eventually shine as a potential outside corner to pair with Jimmy and maybe Webb in the slot.  But after a year where the team needed any Joe Schmo it could sign to fill in for the countless injuries at the position, I would have liked to have seen a more ready cornerback, such as Louisville's Charles Gaines.

Grade: C-

Round 5 (171): Delaware TE Nick Boyle

Maybe the front office knows more about Pitta's health than they're letting on. Otherwise, I'm not too sure I understand the pick. Second rounder Maxx Williams could easily handle a starting role, and second year Crockett Gillmore handled his role as second on the depth chart admirably last year. So even if Pitta can't return and they needed a third tight end, they could go with Supernaw or look into a potential free agent/undrafted free agent while addressing another position. Taking the pick for the player himself though, it isn't a bad pick. Boyle has good size and a nice mix of blocking and receiving talents, similar to someone they already have with Gillmore. I could see Boyle eventually panning out into a solid secondary piece to the offense that specializes in blocking, but able to hit a soft spot on a short route if needed. I just would have rather had the team go a different route than tight end with this pick.

Grade: C

Round 5 (176): Tennessee State OG Robert Myers

Another small school pick, this time on offense. Most expected Baltimore to address some offensive line depth in the draft, and I originally had them waiting until their last pick, either with Bobby Hart or Miami's Jon Feliciano (who I just cannot fathom being picked in the fourth by Oakland... and I'm a 'Canes fan). Myers isn't going to be someone like Yanda who can be kicked out to tackle in a pinch, he'll stuggle in that much open space. But at guard, he has some potential. Myers has good size and seems to have a head for the game. I don't see him being an eventual starter (but I hope Yanda and Osemele can both be retained), but I think he could be a tremendous back up/spot starter, similar to Urschel last year, just with a lower ceiling.

Grade: B+

Round 6 (204): Georgia Tech WR Darren Waller

This is my other favorite pick that I mentioned earlier. Originally, I had us taking Waller's teammate Smelter at the end of the fifth round, but I never thought Smelter would have been taken in the fourth. In that same vein though, I never would have thought that Waller would be available in the sixth. Waller is an absolute mammoth of a receiver at 6'6, and uses every inch on high passes. He uses his crazy athleticism to make plays from sideline to sideliner and down field. Waller may be a bit rough at the moment, and coming from a very, very, VERY run heavy offense, but the potential is off the charts. He uses his body well to push around, block, and fight for the ball, while keeping track of where he is to make sure he completes the catch. I wouldn't expect him to contribute much this year, and wouldn't be surprised to see him stashed somehow, whether risking it on the practice squad or... otherwise. Waller absolutely needs to be kept and developed, his ceiling is just too high, which is even more impressive as a sixth round pick, to pass by. Waller could eventually turn into a monster receiver starting alongside Perriman down the road, abusing smaller cornerbacks as he makes plays.

Grade: A

Overall:

I can't remember the last time Baltimore came away with such an offense heavy draft, but that's a good thing right now. The defense is perfectly fine (as long as not every cornerback is injuried), it's the offense that needs that little push to get it up over the hump. The best part of the draft was that Ozzie and Eric didn't sacrifice value for need. Nearly every pick was had at absolutely tremendous value (Williams, Davis, Waller), and filled either an immediate or near future need. Multiple starters could come from this class (Perriman, Williams, Davis, Smith, Allen, and Waller), while long term depth could also be had.

Grade: A-

I have one last thought to mostly amuse myself. Going with the assumption that Trestman is successful and sticks around for a while, and the hopeful thinking that Pitta will continue playing and remain his talented, effective self, the offense has some nice long term sustainability.

In a few years, I see the starting offense looking a little something like:

QB - J. Flacco

HB - J. Allen

FB - K. Juszczyk

WR - B. Perriman (outside), D. Waller (outside), M. Campanaro (slot)

TE - M. Williams, D. Pitta

LT - E. Monroe

LG - K. Osemele

C - J. Urschel

RG - M. Yanda

RT - R. Wagner

The skill positions may look underwhelming right now, but I have high hopes for Allen and Waller to really flourish in the Trestman offense. Flacco would have two 6'4 tight ends, a 6'2 receiver, a 6'6 receiver and a 5'9 receiver to throw to. That's alot of size that has alot of speed to match it. Hopefully we won't be talking about a lack of weapons for the offense soon... Joe has to be happy.

Looks like we are going to a 10 team league.

If it is a 10 team league, I would suggest fixing the divisions. Maybe make two divisions. Right now, there are two divisions with only 2 teams.

Yup. Already did that, I wanted a 12 man but I suppose 10 will do this year. We can expand next year I guess lol

Works for me, but there are only 10 people signed up so far.  

Yup, it is what it is though. The draft will still happen, it can roll with an even amount, just not an odd amount.

I have the draft set for tomorrow night at 9:00PM EST. Does that work for most of us, or should I move it to later time/date?

I have the draft set for tomorrow night at 9:00PM EST. Does that work for most of us, or should I move it to later time/date?

I'm going to pass this year ATD.  I enjoyed the last 2 years, but I really cut down on my teams this year (1 forum and 1 friends) and I'm already in Gabe's league.  BmoreBird22 can have my spot if he would like. 

What was your team name so I can erase your invite to get Bmore?

Hey everybody.

All of us who played in my Fantasy League last year, I've gone ahead and renewed the league. You should be receiving invites in your email (hopefully you haven't changed your addresses )

I have the draft tentatively set for Aug. 30 at 9:00PM, but I will change it to accommodate as many of us as possible.

Yeah, suspend him from what? A fine is 'blah' and, depending on the amount, Irsay could pay it with the loose change in his wallet.

 

A real punishment is getting docked a draft pick, can't buy that back.

Yup, there's not too much you can do to the billionaires who own the clubs that is going to amount to much. 

Hilarious! ... I think the cat is drunk though, couldn't even get the booze in the trash bag.

Everytime I look at this picture, I crack up.

And hey... he is trying to help. He got the timed feeder after all

Irsay has to face some sort of punishment, even though I don't really see the point in punishing owners. Other than not showing preferential treatment. But suspending them doesn't have the effect suspending a player or coach does, and fining them really doesn't do too much when you have the coffers most of these men do.

*shrugs*

If only I had not disappeared for so long, I would already be a member of this illustrious club.

Man, who knew Gillmore, a tight end many groaned about us drafting a "no name tight end", would be such a hotly debated player now... 

Why do people continue to call Crockett Gilmore a "blocking" TE? Maybe my view of a blocking TE is different from others. Billy Bajama my view of a blocking TE. Gilmore is a 2 way TE, there is a difference. He's a willing blocker but that's not the only thing he does. He lead his team in receiving yards before, he left the senior bowl as one of the best pass catchers at the TE position, I believe he was the leading receiver in that game. He was first team all mountain west conference, I doubt a blocking TE would receive that honor. Charles Davis actually called this guy the steal of the draft, not sure I'd go that far, but it seems to Mr that most who knock the selection of Gilmore only do so because they don't know much about him.

Gillmore is an all around tight end like I said, I believe. He can catch and he can block, which is what the team was looking for. No, he's not a blocking tight end like Bajema, but he's going to be used more as a blocker than Daniels (who's an underrated blocker himself) and Pitta will be. But no, he's not a strict blocking specialist like Bajema was.

Great post ATD, and welcome back to the board. It's been too long! I agree with you 100%, and I am still a bit salty about how the draft panned out. You are right that landing Hurst in UDFA was HUGE. I am still very concerned about CB too considering our 2 starting corners have injury histories and the depth behind them is frightening. I do think we got some good value in the draft and getting Brooks in the 3rd round was what made the whole thing palatable for me too. 

 

I have high hopes for Mosley as long as he can stay healthy, and Jernigan can hopefully step into Art's role. I'm a little skeptical about the latter, but we will have to wait and see.

 

I agree that Gillmore and Taliaferro were reaches, but then again the FO knows more than I do about these guys. The tape we can see of them is pretty limited. I think they both have upside. 

 

You didn't talk much about the Urban pick, but I think he is a great selection. He's the prototyical 5T that should develop into a starter for us. It's a bit of a head scratcher because we already took Jernigan, but I like the value. Urschel could be asked to play immediately, and I think he will be solid depth and an eventual starter for us either way. I have similar feelings to you about Wenning and Campanaro.

Canty isn't going to be around for long, so I feel Urban was justified. However, he's still a bit more raw than Jernigan really is. I do really love his potential, he's HUGE and strong. He really could overwhelm opposing linesmen. I think he could benefit from a season or two of being part of a rotation, since his potential is huge. Like I said, I do see him (as long as he develops as the team obviously thinks he can) being our future starting defensive end opposite of Jernigan and next to Brandon Williams. Supposedly, Ozzie thought he was a potential second round pick, so obviously he sees a bright future in Brent.

I hear you on cornerback. I don't know terribly much about Seamster but I do like his size. I doubt he'd push either Jackson or Brown, but could be a nice depth player. What I do know is that I don't like Traiman Jacobs at all really. I wasn't very impressed with what I saw during the few Texas A&M games I watched (I could only stomach so much Manziel, so being in the Steelers/Browns viewing area is going to be so much fun now).

Haha, it's been a long time, and I'm glad to see this brain child of mine still going.

Long time, no see my BR.com friends.

Going through some of the pages here, it brings to mind my gut reaction to us drafting Torrey Smith a few years back. Some of you may remember how much I absolutely hated the pick. I tored it apart, and said how much of a wasted pick it would be. I then went on to admit I was wrong and eat my crow.

I will admit that I was furious at the first pick, and got more depressed after the second. Brooks eased my pain, then Crockett caused me more. Yeah, it stung to not draft the top free safety in the draft when he fell to us at 17. It stung to not draft an offensive tackle at all, and it stung to not draft a receiver until trading back in to get one in the 7th.

But let's really think about this for a minute, after I did, I'm not going to lie, I felt a lot better about our draft. Initially, I saw Mosley as the absolute "wrong" pick and as someone dumping on my favorite pick from last year's draft, Arthur Brown. I mean, Haha Clinton-Dix was sitting there, and Darian Stewart was the current starting free safety... someone who got dumped by the Rams. So yeah... I was down when I heard CJ Mosley's name called. But when push comes to shove, no matter how great Daryl Smith has been and will be, he's not young and I highly doubt he plays the entirety of his new four year deal with us.

Once Smith calls it a day, who do we really have inside? Brown, Bynes and McClellan. I like McClellan, and I like Bynes, but not as starters. Now, Mosley is a tremendous inside backer: Smart, instictive, strong, and a great tackler. He isn't quick, so to speak, but he reads what the offense is doing very well, and can play down hill phenominally. Quite honestly, he's exactly what we need for the future to carry on what Ray Lewis brought to this team, and Daryl Smith continued: An intelligant leader in the middle who can tackle, and tackle well. Plus, I see Mosley as being a more vocal leader than Daryl, who leads more by his play (not that I'm taking anything away from him). If he stays healthy, that spot is locked up for the long term.

When Daryl either retires or is released, Arthur Brown should be more than ready to step up and play next to CJ, and would be the perfect compliment, style wise. You'd have the vocal, do-it-all, thumper in Mosley, and the quick, rangy, excellent-in-coverage linebacker in Brown. If both men live up to their potential, the Ravens are set for the future. Now was Mosley the expected pick, and best value/need pick? No, I don't think so, and I think Ozzie took a huge risk passing on Clinton-Dix and Pryor (although I wasn't really sold on Pryor as a true free safety, but I digress). Yeah, I think the pick had a ton of influence from Ozzie's Crimson (tide) Glasses, but I mean, Haha was a 'Bama player too, so... yeah. But in the long term of the defense, and what he thought he could land in the next two rounds, he made it happen. I honestly don't think he foresaw Jimmie Ward going on day one, I know I didn't, and he was no doubt a day two target.

Now, about Jernigan. This one made my head hurt from the throbbing veins in it. I mean, I don't see him as quite a scheme fit, as most of us probably do. He's not really big enough to be a nose tackle, and I don't see a constant pass rush ability to excel at defensive end. There's no questioning his run stuffing ability, and the great potential though. And let's not forget that Arthur Jones was not always a dominate pass rusher, but that man could set the edge and stop the run like no one else. I think I could very well see Jernigan taking over for Jones as that run stopping defensive end (leaving Ngata at nose tackle), or adding some healthy bulk and taking over the middle himself. I still have some faith in Brandon Williams being a great nose tackle in the future, he just needs time to grow. Jernigan's value in the second was ridiculous too, as he very well could have/should have been a first round pick, but his diluted sample began his fall. I know that may turn some of you off, as well as his maturity issues. But I think the kid genuinely wants to be great, and has the ability to. Maturity issues are something that can rectify themselves quickly once he gets in a professional locker room, especially with a coach like John. I hate throwing around the "Our locker room will fix him!" excuse, but we've all seen Harbs put guys in his dog house for less (Ellerbe showboating on a pre-season defensive touchdown, anyone?). Timmy was just another pick that was even more about the immediate/long term future of our defense as it was about this season. If his play improves to his already impressive college level, and he dedicates himself to being great, this team is going to have a dominate defensive end/tackle for the present and future.

I'm not going to lie, Terrence Brooks saved the draft for me. In my personal mock, I had us grabbing him in the third, even though part of me was unsure he'd be there. But this was the gamble Ozzie played, and honestly... he got quite a bit lucky that Brooks was still sitting there, because this was a few thin draft for the type of free safety we need. Brooks really could have gone higher, and could start day one and I'd be fine with it. The team wanted a center field type safety, and Brooks truly is one of the best. Yeah, he left some plays on the table, interception-wise, at times at FSU, but the guy was always around the ball, whether it was a run or pass. He's fast. He's quick. He's athletic. And he should compliment Elam's skill set perfectly. This pick took all the sting of Clinton-Dix away for me. The value was there. The talent was there. The need was there. My favorite pick. The best pick. And the pick that started making me feel comfortable.

I'm not going to go into great detail about the rest of the picks (aside from one), but I want to touch on all of them. Gillmore went higher than I think he should have, and I was taken aback when he was taken. But we did need a tight end, and he has the great size, and should be a solid all-around tight end, in both receiving and blocking. I doubt he'll ever stretch the defense downfield, but that's not what we need. He can block right away, and should be pretty good in the red zone, and those short/intermediate catches. Not going to lie, there were better players on the board, and I feel like it was somewhat of a reach. But a need was addressed and the long term potential is there. I feel similarily about Brent Urban, he's got amazing size and potential, but I feel as if he's a bit raw to make an immediate impact. There's no doubt the guy's huge, and at very least I see him as being a great rotational guy. But I do feel as if he has the potential to be our future starter at defensive end. It's way too early to tell, but I feel as if we've drafted our defensive line of the future these past two years, and I'm okay with that. In a few years after Ngata and Canty have moved on or retired, I could see us rolling with Jernigan-Williams-Urban. But again, it's too early to tell.

Like many of us I'm sure, I didn't see much of Taliaferro in college, and you can only go by highlight reels for so much, but he's the pick I'm most "eh" and unsure about. I can understand what the team saw in him, he's a tough runner who won't be a complete liability when he needs to block, but I feel as if we made the "wrong" pick if we're talking about immediate return with this pick. I understand we've had some great success with small school prospects before (Webb, Flacco to name a few recent ones) and that being from a small school doesn't exactly mean the pro game is "too big" immediately for players, but I think in Lorenzo's case, it may be. Some touches every now and then should help, but if we have to lean on him a lot this year, it'll be rough, but I think he could develop into a servicable relief back. But who knows right now.

Urschel, I think is somewhat an underrated pick. He wasn't the tackle we need, but I think we landed a low risk, high reward interior offensive linesman who could allow to cut the cord with AQ Shipley and/or Reid. This is a ridiculously intelligent guard who can also kick inside to center. I don't see him being here to eventually push Osemele to tackle and take over at left guard, but I think he could be an extremely valuable reserve linesman, who just may be able to be a solid starter if that opportunity ever arises. Regardless, he was a great pick for the future of the offensive line.

Wenning is probably my second least favorite pick from a personal standpoint, but one I understand. Tyrod's time in Charm City looks to be coming to an end, and I definitely think we can upgrade at back up quarterback. Wenning would fit more in line to what we'd need under center if that unfortunate day every came. He doesn't have the arm strength of Joe (but not many do), and I think his deep ball isn't overly accurate, but he's more of a drop back and pass quarterback in line with our offense than the mobile dual threat Tyrod. I could honestly see this year being the first that we've carried three quarterbacks in a while, before we move on to just Flacco/Wenning.

Campanaro is a huge sleeper pick. The team loved him when they met him, and I can see why. Yeah, he doesn't have the name recognition of a Watkins/Evans/Lee/Beckham or even Latimor/Moncrief/Landry/Bryant, but I can really say I think the sky is the limit for the guy. His build and skill set are extremely similar to Wes Welker and he brings what we'd need to the passing game. Before everyone jumps all over me, I'm NOT saying he's going to be the next Welker and throw up consistent 100 catch, 1000+ yard seasons. All I'm saying is he reminds me of what Welker brings to an offense. I mean, he missed the majority of last season, and still broke school records. I don't think he'll be an immediate contributor, but he has the natural ability and head for the game to really be the next late round receiver who broke out. Yeah, my hopes are high for Campanaro, I really think he can tear it up as a slot receiver in this league after some fine tuning.

And lastly, the reason why I feel so much better about this draft in retrospect comes from, literally, one 22 year old man named James Hurst. Yes, the undrafted free agent we signed from North Carolina. This guy should have been a 1st-2nd round offensive tackle pick, if only he hadn't broke his leg. He's huge. He's strong. And he tears it up on the edge. Remember, he's one of the few tackles who held their ground against Clowney in college (no, I know he didn't always hold him in check, and didn't always do it alone, but he handled him a lot better than most of the tackles he embarrassed). We got a monster steal with Hurst, who I really want to be in immediate consideration for the right tackle job. He'd be an upgrade over Oher (hold your laughter) and I think would perform much better than Wagner. He's the tackle we needed in the draft, but I understand where Ozzie was coming from in saying he didn't want to reach for an offensive tackle that he felt wasn't value for the pick he was using. Obviously GMs saw something in Morgan Moses than most, and his drop began. I hated us passing him up over and over, but again, Hurst makes me feel so much better about the draft as a whole. Call me silly, but it did.

So for all of us calling for Ozzie to get his head checked, or retire/pass the torch to DeCosta, remember that Ozzie did what he felt was best for the team immediately and for the future. He wanted to set the defense up for the future. Were the first two picks somewhat luxury picks instead of addressing some big needs? Well, yeah. Did Ozzie get lucky with some players being available whe I felt like they should have been long gone (Brooks, Campanaro)? Sure. But even the best talent evaluators get lucky. I mean, look at the team we all hate and Martavis Bryant? They needed receiver help, went with some luxury picks and rolled the dice on receiver help. Colbert and company got lucky and Bryant fell. I think we got some immediate starters (Mosley, Jernigan, Brooks), some future stars (again, Mosley and Brooks), and some extremely solid depth. There were some confusing picks, and picks I don't agree with. But this was not as bad a draft as some fans are clamoring it to be.

I know this was a huuuuuuge post, and I don't blame most of you guys for not reading it all, But I've been gone for a while, and I just could not truncate my thoughts without leaving so much that I feel would gut what I wanted to say.

(I don't agree with immediate draft grades, because even "sure fire" picks can bust, and "nobodies" in the later rounds can shine. We'll never know until they get on the field and play for a few years. But if I had to give grades based on need/value/talent, and people wanted to know, here it is:

LB CJ Mosley: A

DE/DT Timmy Jernigan: B+

FS Terrence Brooks: A+

TE Crockett Gillmore: C

DE Brent Urban: C+

RB Lorenzo Taliaferro: D+

OG/C John Urschel: B-

QB Keith Wenning: C

WR Michael Campanaro: A-

Good start. Lackluster middle. Solid ending.)

Feel free to agree/disagree/rip me a new one. God knows it wouldn't be the first time people who vehemently disagreed with anything I said.