Looking Back: 2008 Draft Class

[PuRock]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 August 2009 - 03:46 PM' timestamp='1251402412' post='225530']
Ironically, Rice is very similiar to MJD. Doesn't quite have his power, but other than that I think those two are a great comparison.
[/quote]

It would be great to see Rice dominate Merriman this year like MJD did to him two years ago.

[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTbCtjX_y0w&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch%3Frlz%3D1C1CHNH_enUS326US326%26sourceid%3Dchrome%26q%3Djones-drew%2520merriman%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF-8%26sa%3DN%26hl%3Den%26ta&feature=player_embedded#t=12"]MJD knocks Merriman on his ******[/url]

[flynismo]

That honestly wouldn't surprise me. Merriman is a beast, no question. But his run defense is a bit over-rated. Guys like MJD (or Rice!) are real match up problems for him. He'll eat guys like FatWhale White over in Tennessee alive, but yeah, cant wait for week 2!

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Alexir' date='27 August 2009 - 01:45 PM' timestamp='1251402336' post='225528']
That is exactly my point on Rice. If he was so good we had to take him as a number 2 how come he didnt contribute like a second rounder. McGahee missed alot of training camp and Rice couldn't push a Full back for more playing time? [img]http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif[/img] We had trouble with KR/PR and he barely got any attempts at that too. I am just saying the value really isnt there seeing how Smith beat out all competition and Slaton beat out all competition.
[/quote]
Well Mcgahee did return for the season opener, and the Texans and Lions didnt have a quality back in front of Smith or Slaton (im not a Mcgahee hater, only clowns hate on that guy). Ravens knew Mcgahee would be the starter from Day 1, then all his freak injuries piled up, and he had a slow start and they turned to Mclain for his best Jamal Lewis impression. Lets be honest the coaches werent looking for explosive plays on offense, just ball control and control the clock which is exactly what Mclain is built for, 3,4,5 yards at a time nothing longer.

[PuRock]

[quote name='flynismo' date='27 August 2009 - 03:56 PM' timestamp='1251403014' post='225534']
That honestly wouldn't surprise me. Merriman is a beast, no question. But his run defense is a bit over-rated. Guys like MJD (or Rice!) are real match up problems for him. He'll eat guys like FatWhale White over in Tennessee alive, but yeah, cant wait for week 2!
[/quote]

Haha, yea talcking guys like Lendale White is easy. Just shove some pancakes in your pocket, and he will instantly be attracted to you. Makes for easy tackling.

[Alexir]

I would have liked if we had gotten Terrell Thomas in the 2nd round and gotten Slaton instead of Zbikowski in the 3rd. A lot of ND fans even think Zibby went too early.

[BuckWilds]

[quote name='Alexir' date='27 August 2009 - 12:06 PM' timestamp='1251389204' post='225452']
No my biggest gripe was the fact that I did not think he can take on a leadership persona with the quiet, laid back personality he has.
[/quote]

I can understand that - nothing wrong with wanting him to be a charismatic leader. I think now, especially with the recent news of the trash talking he's doing with Ray and Ed, there's a new side of Joe in the spotlight.

Joe Cool... Fiery Flacco... a little of both can't hurt at all.

[neepo13]

Its still to early to grade that draft class. No one from that class except, MAYBE Flacco has proven anything worth noting. We like Flacco's potential, we like Rice's potential, same for Gooden, Zibby, and Haruki. But what does that one guy say all the time, "potential is a fancy word for something you havent done yet". They've got the talent to be great players but until proven otherwise they are average at best.

[MagicianCamille]

[quote name='MKdave' date='27 August 2009 - 08:39 AM' timestamp='1251376790' post='225369']
Anytime you draft your franchise quarteback, it's a great draft. But to find your starting running back aswell, and to have them both starting just one year la3 guys who figure to contribute this year (Zibby, Nakamura, and Justin Harper). That, after one year, warrants an A in my opinion.
[/quote]

Exactly what I was gonna say...you go into the draft HOPING for this kind of result and most teams don't get it.

[flynismo]

[quote name='flynismo' date='26 August 2009 - 09:39 PM' timestamp='1251337183' post='225220']
I was thinking about our draft class last year, and wondering how it will measure up in comparison to our classes from years gone by.

For those who do not remember or were not following us last year, here is how our draft went:


1st Joe Flacco
2nd Ray Rice
3rd Tavares Gooden
3rd Tom Zbikowski
3rd Oniel Cousins
4th Marcus Smith
4th David Hale
6th Haruki Nakamura (sp?)
7th Justin Harper
7th Allen Patrick


My initial grade for the draft was a solid A-. At the time, I felt Flacco was the best prospect at QB (still do!), and was absolutely elated when Rice fell to us in the second round. I loved grabbing Gooden in the third; I've always thought of him as a faster Bart Scott.
Truth be told, although I was very pleased with our first three selections, I hated the rest of our draft. Felt that Zbikowski was a reach, and too much of a project to be taken so soon. Oniel Cousins was a bust waiting to happen, and other than Nakamura, I had no idea who the rest of these other guys even were.
I would have dropped the grade to an overall B, but I felt that Flacco and Rice were superstars in the making, and on their talent alone I decided to give us an A-.


Now that we've had a full season to evaluate everyone, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on the draft and where our franchise is heading.

1) Flacco- We all know his story by now; no need to rehash. Baltimore hit the lotto with this pick.
2) Rice- Has been dominant throught TC/Pre-Season. Will be McGahee's replacement when the time comes. Expected to get the majority of the carries this year already.
3) Gooden- Groomed from day one to be Bart Scott's successor. Still has a lot to prove; but has all the tools to follow in the steps of Sharper, Hartwell, Thomas and Scott as a product of a great system.
4) Zibby- Excellent production when he was on the field, and even took over kick returning duties. What I thought was a reach is looking like an absolute steal; he will probably push Landry out of town if he progresses.
5) Cousins- So far, has been horrible. Bust.
6) Smith- Remains to be seen. Was my personal sleeper pick on the Ravens' offense until he got placed on the IR.
7) Hale- Eww. Some people seem to like him. I'm not one of those people.
8) Nakamura- The Asian Ed Reed. Well, at least in style. Very intelligent kid with a nose for the ball and a nasty streak. No one can ever replace Reed, but when it's time for Nakamura to take his place, I will feel comfortable knowing Ed left us in good hands.
9) Justin Harper- Has performed well the last several months. Will fight for a back up role, and could very well get it. Has flashed some potential, and could eventually start for us one day if he progresses.
10) Allen Patrick- Good riddance.

The selections of Flacco and Rice layed the foundation of our offense for years to come. Both have Pro Bowl potential. In addition to them, we found another starter in Gooden, and two safeties who in all likelihood will be starting as well within the next couple years. And Smith and Harper are wild cards; they each have potential to have productive NFL careers.

Our 2008 draft class appears to be the deepest in Ravens history, and for that matter, the deepest and most talented in recent memory for any NFL team (honorary mention goes to Atlanta for a spectacular class last year as well).

Up to this point in time, I'm going to revise the grade from A- to A+. Amazing job by our FO.
[/quote]


Now that we are halfway through year 2 of these guys' careers, how is everyone feeling so far?

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='Alexir' date='26 August 2009 - 08:19 PM' timestamp='1251339540' post='225231']


2nd Ray Rice- Oh Jeez, dont burn me at the stake. But I am not impressed by Ray Rice due to the fact we got him in the 2nd round. The same round where backs like Matt Forte, Lendale White, Maurice Jones Drew and even JJ Arrington came out of and put up solid numbers as a rookie. Not to mention even Kevin Smith, 3rd Rounder, put up some pretty decent numbers compared to him. Hopefully he will be a great asset to this team but for the 2nd pick in the 2008 draft, I feel we could have gotten better talent especially since even then we had CB and WR problems and Willis, Musa, and Cory were still on our roster.

[/quote]
I mean I know your McGahee's BFF, but C'MON MAN! To say Ray Rice was not an AMAZING selection is absolutely nuts. McGahee was our feature back last year with Rice and McClain providing backup. If Rice was our #1RB last season he would have had a ridiculous season. You and you alone must be the only one who feels this way. After everything Rice has shown us this year you'd think you;d be warming up to the guy by now, but for some reason that I can't figure out (besides your man crush on Willis) you don't seem to want to jump on the Ray Rice bandwagon.

[H8R]

Alexir is Anita MArks brother.....

[WinnipegRaven]

[quote name='Alexir' date='27 August 2009 - 02:31 PM' timestamp='1251405075' post='225543']
I would have liked if we had gotten Terrell Thomas in the 2nd round and gotten Slaton instead of Zbikowski in the 3rd.
[/quote]
In a perfect world, maybe this would happen. But to loose out on Rice would have been a big mistake imho. By the way, what's Slaton up to now? Last time I checked he was suffering through fumbulitis and has his starting job in jeopardy to a guy named Moats.

[FerrariFan87]

A+, no question. When you draft a Franchise QB and RB in the same year, you've hit the jackpot.

[ZIBBY28]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='20 November 2009 - 04:15 PM' timestamp='1258751721' post='287628']
A+, no question. When you draft a Franchise QB and RB in the same year, you've hit the jackpot.
[/quote]
agreed.. our first three picks are all starters now in their second year and marcus smith, naka, and zibby (were/)are a few of the best special teamers we have

[Jamal]

Drafting Rice and Flacco should be an automatic A. They could have taken the rest of the picks off, and I'd still give it an A.

[#52BABY]

if you get a starting QB who wins more playoff games in his rookie yr than anybody eva has its an automatic A!!! throw in Ray Rice and....... whats better than an A?

[#52BABY]

This yr the ravens get Oher.....how the hell was this guy still available??? my brother the soccer fan could have told you he was gonna be a gr8 pro?? lucky ravens

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

[quote name='Alexir' date='26 August 2009 - 11:30 PM' timestamp='1251347419' post='225291']
As for Kevin Smith and Steve Slaton? I am just saying for a 2nd rounder we could have gotten better or just got Rice in the 3rd.

MJD's 2006 rookie year was amazing!
[/quote]

Steve Slaton is currently averaging 3.1 YPC, as well as 7 fumbles in 9 games, after a stellar rookie Season. Matt Forte is currently averaging 3.4 YPC, as is Kevin Smith. LenDale White is averaging an impressive 3.5 YPC. Only MJD is praise worthy, and he's a Pro Bowl caliber RB. You cant be serious with that statement.

[Alexir]

[quote name='LosT_in_TranSlatioN' date='21 November 2009 - 02:55 AM' timestamp='1258790114' post='287804']
Steve Slaton is currently averaging 3.1 YPC, as well as 7 fumbles in 9 games, after a stellar rookie Season. Matt Forte is currently averaging 3.4 YPC, as is Kevin Smith. LenDale White is averaging an impressive 3.5 YPC. Only MJD is praise worthy, and he's a Pro Bowl caliber RB. You cant be serious with that statement.
[/quote]

This statement was said in August........I still stand by my point that if Rice was so great last year why did a FB start over him? He was a project and he worked out well in the end.

[codizzle]

[quote name='Alexir' date='21 November 2009 - 09:35 AM' timestamp='1258817750' post='287858']
This statement was said in August........I still stand by my point that if Rice was so great last year why did a FB start over him? He was a project and he worked out well in the end.
[/quote]
lol i commend u for sticking by ur stuff all the time no matter how stubborn u get..

ray rice is a monster

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

[quote name='Alexir' date='21 November 2009 - 10:35 AM' timestamp='1258817750' post='287858']
This statement was said in August........I still stand by my point that if Rice was so great last year why did a FB start over him? He was a project and he worked out well in the end.
[/quote]

Because the initial plan was to start McGahee, who was expected to thrive following a great Season. Since Flacco earned the job by default, after injuries decimated the projected line-up, starting a rookie QB and a rookie RB unexpectedly wouldnt have been wise in an Offense that was already struggling. Besides, McClain was voted to the Pro Bowl due to his ability to run the football, almost matching the statistics of Ronnie Brown, who was voted in as well.

[flynismo]

*bump*

I think now is a good time to take a look back on this draft; has anyone changed their opinions yet?

[Clutch Ravens]

I gave it an A because you don't tend to get 2 Franchise players with back to back picks.

The rest of the draft outside of Zibby (Meh, he's been solid) and Haruki was pretty bad, in my opinion.

[RavensAllTheWay]

2008 was really the beginning of a new era. Obviously, we've had Ray Lewis and a dominant defense all these years, but in 08, we made good changes and appropriate changes that could hopefully spiral us towards a lombardi trophy in the near future.

[Bltravens]

lol how about Alexir wanting Steve Slaton or Matt Forte over Ray Rice. Or taking Kevin Smith in the 3rd.

Whoooooooooops

[Ravens Lover]

Flacco the best Qb is Ravens history and Rice 2nd in the league in total yards last year how could you not give this class a look

[berad]

Glad I didn't embarass myself in this one. A couple of years ago, I remember proclaiming that Demetrius Williams would be a great receiver for us

[Jamal]

Franchise QB = automatic A. Everything else is just gravy.

[Alexir]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1288227668' post='522530']
lol how about Alexir wanting Steve Slaton or Matt Forte over Ray Rice. Or taking Kevin Smith in the 3rd.

Whoooooooooops
[/quote]

Hahaha yeah. Rice did have a great year last year! Not so great this year but I think thats playcalling. He's still better than Slaton and Smith! Forte's having a decent year as well.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1288236905' post='522612']
Hahaha yeah. Rice did have a great year last year! Not so great this year but I think thats playcalling. He's still better than Slaton and Smith! Forte's having a decent year as well.
[/quote]
At least your man enough to laugh at your own comments, alot dudes on this forum wouldnt. But I agree with Rice being not as explosive this year, and McGahee looked better than him I though last Sunday. Maybe Rice needs more time to heal up his knee or something.