Ravens 2010 Draft Grades

[DarthRaven]

I tried to make a summary of draft grades, no claim to be complete ...


[img]http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/2811/kindle420display.jpg[/img]


Round 1

The Broncos landed Tim Tebow with the 25th pick overall after trading with the Ravens. Denver also gets a fourth-round pick as part of the deal, in exchange for second-round pick Sergio Kindle (No. 43 overall), a third-round pick (No. 70) and a fourth-round pick (No. 114)


Round 2 (43rd pick overall) Sergio Kindle (OLB/DE – Texas)
2 (57) Terrence Cody (DT – Alabama)
3 (70) Ed Dickson (TE – Oregon)
4 (114) Dennis Pitta (TE – BYU)
5 (156) David Reed (WR – Utah)
5 (157) Arthur Jones (DT – Syracuse)
6 (194) Ramon Harewood (OL – Morehouse)


[b]USA Today[/b]

After trading out of the first round, the Ravens made good on two second-round picks, linebacker Sergio Kindle and 350-plus-pound nose tackle Terrence Cody. Kindle was considered a potential first-rounder. Cody is a huge run-stuffer. Baltimore addressed tight end needs with Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta.


[b]Rick Gosselin/Dallas Morning News[/b]

The Ravens lost two players when teams traded up directly in front of them – Dez Bryant to the Cowboys and Rob Gronkowski to the Patriots. But GM Ozzie Newsome always seems to make it work. Kindle and Cody were steals.


[b]John McClain/Houston Chronicle[/b]

Kindle was a steal in the second round. He'll be a bookend pas rusher to Terrell Suggs. Cody is a 360-pound run stuffer. Dickson and Pitta add depth behind Todd Heap.

Grade: B-plus


[b]National Football[/b]

Not only did the Ravens add elite talent without having a first-round pick, they also filled some major needs while getting impressive value. DT Arthur Jones is a guy to keep an eye on, a good football player who has battled injuries but has the talent to make this class special.

Grade: A


[b]AOL Fanhouse[/b]

Baltimore (Day 1: B+; Day 2: A): What else can you say about Baltimore? There may not be a team in the league better at finding talent in the draft. Sergio Kindle, Terrence Cody, Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta, David Reed, Art Jones and Ramon Harewood. Are there questions with a couple guys? Sure. But all seven should make contributions in 2010.

Final Grade: A


[b]ESPN[/b] (Kiper)

Summary: Baltimore traded down and still loaded up on talent all over the place. In Round 2, the Ravens got Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody, a pair of guys who could have landed in the first round.

They get a pair of fantastic tight end prospects in Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, continuing a promise to both buy and draft options for Joe Flacco.
Love the Arthur Jones pick, a one-time Big Board guy who fell to the fifth round, mostly because of health issues. Even in the sixth, the Ravens got Ramon Harewood, a small-college tackle prospect who has a chance to develop.

And we can't forget that Anquan Boldin is, in some respects, a part of this class, as well.

Draft Grade: A


[b]Sporting News[/b]

Another gold mine for GM Ozzie Newsome, and he did it without taking anyone in the first round. If Sergio Kindle stays healthy, he might be the best linebacker in this draft. Nose tackle Terrence Cody strengthens them against the run. Two tight ends, Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, provide insurance in case Todd Heap cannot stay healthy.

Breakdown: Ozzie Newsome does it again. The Ravens GM added to what was already one of the best track records in the draft. Despite trading out of the first round, the Ravens still came up with a solid group of prospects.

Kindle was widely projected as a top-20 pick, so Newsome was giddy when he dropped to the Ravens at the 43rd spot overall. Kindle could be a perfect fit in the Ravens' 3-4 scheme as a disruptive, pass-rushing outside linebacker. Cody is a wide-body lineman -- there may not have been a more massive man in this year's draft -- who can eat up space. Think Tony Siragusa. Both Kindle and Cody fill needs.

Later, the Ravens added more potential playmakers to quarterback Joe Flacco's posse when they took Dickson, Pitta and Reed.

A-


[b]CBS[/b] (Rob Rang)

The Ravens dropped out of the first round to allow Denver to pick Tim Tebow and in doing so, added second-, third- and fourth-round picks in a spectacularly deep draft. The Ravens lost valuable depth along the defensive line through free-agent defections, but added massive NT Terrence Cody (Alabama). Considering Todd Heap's durability is a constant question, the third-round selection of Oregon TE Ed Dickson could pay the more immediate dividends. The Ravens could also win big on their fifth-round gamble on versatile defensive lineman Arthur Jones (Syracuse).

B-


[b]Pro Football Weekly[/b]

Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome has a reputation for taking a chance on talent with durability concerns early in the draft that others tend to pass by, and he did it again this year with the selection of Sergio Kindle, who had a number of red flags. However, if Kindle stays healthy, he could be the draft's biggest steal midway through the second round, and is perfectly suited for the Ravens' defense.

The selections of Terrence Cody and Ed Dickson also involved some risk, with Cody's work habits in question and Dickson requiring time to absorb a playbook, but Newsome has a strong coaching staff to handle them. Dennis Pitta was another steal in the fourth round, and David Reed, Arthur Jones and Ramon Harewood all potentially could earn roster spots.

Despite trading out of the first round, the Ravens could land three starters from this draft. They continually recognized value, but it was offset by the risk involved. When factoring in the acquisition of Anquan Boldin, the Ravens, as they have often done, had a strong showing, with four starters likely acquired.

Grade: A


[b]Sports Network[/b]

Analysis: The Ravens traded out of the first round, sending the No. 25 pick to the Broncos (used on Tim Tebow) in exchange for selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds. With their second-rounder, Baltimore gambled on "Mount" Cody, a pick that was even more bizarre given the presence of the also- massive Haloti Ngata on the roster.

After narrowly missing out on Rob Gronkowski in the second, the Ravens pulled the trigger on Dickson - a decent pass-catcher and questionable blocker - in the third. Curiously, Baltimore took Pitta, another pass-catching-oriented tight end rated as a Top 50 talent by some, with their fourth-round selection. If Dickson and Pitta force the Ravens' hand by developing in mini-camps and beyond, Todd Heap's days in Baltimore could be numbered.

The two fifth-rounders are developmental-type players, though Reed could help as a kick returner. Jones is coming off a torn pectoral, but is seen by many scouts as having NFL starter potential. Harewood is big and raw, and the Ravens could try to slip him through to the practice squad and work with him there.

Bottom Line: Ravens got some good value over the final two days of the Draft, but struck out big-time by failing to enhance a suspect group of cornerbacks.

Grade: B-


[b]Scout Inc.[/b]

Baltimore didn't address its top need at cornerback, but the value of its picks was so good it didn't matter. The Ravens got three potential significant contributors in the defensive front seven (OLB Sergio Kindle, NT Terrence Cody, DT Arthur Jones), and they used middle-round picks on more receiving weapons (TEs Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta, WR David Reed) for Joe Flacco. Finally, the Ravens gave Arizona very little to get a premier receiver in Anquan Boldin.


[i]Kindle[/i]

What he brings: Kindle is another talented prospect with durability concerns. His stem from a knee injury. On the other hand, Kindle is an explosive pass-rusher and athletic run defender on film. He needs to get a bit stronger at the point of attack, but there's a lot to like about his upside.

How he fits: Kindle will provide good depth at the outside linebacker position for the Ravens' 3-4 defense. The Ravens have good starters in Jarret Johnson and Terrell Suggs, but Kindle will be able to spell these players more and more as they age. This was not a big need for the club, but he fits their defense very well.


[i]Cody[/i]

Cody has the bulk and athletic ability of an elite nose tackle prospect. The problem is his stamina. He wears down far too quickly and needs to be rotated out of the game frequently.

Kelly Gregg has had injury issues the last couple of years and the club recently lost Justin Bannan to Denver and Dwan Edwards to Buffalo. This was already a good defense without Cody, but his presence will make them even tougher to attack with the running game. Cody and Haloti Ngata will often line up alongside each other and form one of the biggest tandems in the league.


[i]Dickson[/i]

Dickson is one of the better pass-catching tight ends in this year's class. He has great top-end speed to stretch the field combined ideal body control and ball skills. He still needs to develop as a run-blocker but should contribute in the passing game.

This receiving tight end has the ability to threaten the seam and initially will have a chance to learn behind Todd Heap.


[i]Pitta[/i]

Pitta is limited as far as overall athleticism. However, he is a savvy zone-beater who should develop into a dangerous red zone threat for Joe Flacco. Although he gives good effort as a run-blocker, he needs to get stronger at the point of attack.

Baltimore took yet another receiving tight end because Todd Heap is on the downside of his career. Ed Dickson likely will stretch the field, and Pitta will be able to work underneath zones.


[i]Reed[/i]

Reed brings great value at this pick. He may have some of the better ball skills in this year's receiver class. He is a polished route runner, shows great toughness going over the middle and can run the entire route tree.


[i]Harewood[/i]

Harewood is a major project. He has great size, at 6-6, 350 pounds, and incredible natural bruit strength. He's going to be a big project; he must play lower and approach the game with an aggressive attitude.


[b]NBC[/b]


[i]Kindle[/i] - Analysis:

The question is whether he'll play in 2010, though we'd venture to guess the Ravens have cleared him medically considering the high pick expended. Kindle is rumored to need micfracture knee surgery, which would knock him out for all of his rookie season. Kindle will be worth it if the Ravens can get 6-7 years of play out of him. He's an excellent blitzer with ideal cover skills for a linebacker and plays with physicality.


[i]Cody[/i]

Once he supplants aging Kelly Gregg at nose tackle, the Ravens will be able to field an interior duo weighing some 700 pounds after Cody and Haloti Ngata run marathons. Cody was a consensus first-team All-American in each of his final two seasons as the centerpiece of an impenetrable Crimson Tide defense. He doesn't have a hint of pass-rush ability, but is impossible to move and will keep Baltimore's run defense among the league's annual elite. This is the absolute perfect for his skill set.


[i]Dickson[/i]

The Ravens addressed one of their biggest needs, finding a backup and successor to Todd Heap. Although he's a natural pass-catching tight end, Dickson displayed solid blocking fundamentals in the Ducks' run-heavy attack. An All-Conference selection the past two seasons, Dickson won't have fantasy value behind Heap as a rookie.


[i]Pitta[/i]

Older than most rookies after a two-year Mormon mission, Pitta raised his stock with an impressive Combine performance after a productive career with the Cougars. Mike Mayock's No. 4 overall tight end will give Ed Dickson a run for his money as Todd Heap's eventual replacement. The Ravens did well to turn a weakness into a strength this weekend.


[i]Reed[/i]

Reed earned All-Conference honors for the second straight season. Best suited to the slot, Reed will need to work on his route running after playing in a spread offense. He could push for kickoff return duties immediately, but he won't be guaranteed a roster spot with the Ravens new-found depth at receiver.


[i]Harewood[/i]

No comment


[b]CBS[/b] (Pete Prisco)


[i]Kindle[/i]

He is a good player, but there are injury concerns and he has some off-the-field issues. But you can bet the Ravens will keep him in check. He might really liven up that pass rush.

[i]Cody[/i]

I love this pick. The Ravens get it. If they control his weight, and they will, he will be a great pick. He can cause havoc in the middle. Give Ozzie Newsome credit for another good pick.

[i]Dickson[/i]

The Ravens are looking for the replacement for Todd Heap. They land a quality receiving tight end in Dickson. He is another good pick for the Ravens.

[i]Pitta[/i]

Pitta is more of a complete tight end than Hernandez but still needs to improve his blocking. However, he is dangerous in the passing game and adds another threat to the Ravens.

[i]Reed[/i]

Reed is reliable but not a major game breaker. He will be fighting for a roster spot.

[i]Jones[/i]

If Arthur Jones can stay healthy he would have been a 2nd round pick. Jones is a good player and the Ravens continue the youth movement on the Defensive side of the ball.

[i]Harewood[/i]

The Ravens love their big offensive linemen and Harewood fits that mold. He needs to be coached up and fix his mechanics. He needs to add more strength.


[b]Sports Illustrated[/b] (King)

What I liked: Trading down out of the first round to recoup the picks they had sent to Arizona for Anquan Boldin yet still getting a first-round talent in outside linebacker Sergio Kindle.

What I didn't: Not getting a defensive end to try to add to the depth vacated by the free agent losses of Justin Bannan and Dwan Edwards until the selection of the inconsistent Arthur Jones from Syracuse in the fifth round.

Moving forward: The Ravens picks and trade for Boldin make them the early frontrunner for the AFC North title.


[b]Sports Illustrated[/b] (Banks)

And the rich get richer. Baltimore picked up two potential defensive starters in the second round, taking Texas 3-4 outside linebacker Sergio Kindle at 43, and Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody at 57. Both have their question marks -- Kindle's got a knee issue that bears watching and Cody has to maintain his physical regimen, because weight has been his Achilles.

But both are undeniable talents, and Baltimore does as good as job as anyone in the league of putting some structure around young players and integrating them into their veteran-led program. Kindle is seen as potential pass-rushing force off the edge, and the Ravens feel Cody can be the kind of run-stuffing presence who allows their linebackers to remain unblocked and run free to the ball.


[b]Foxsports[/b]


[i]Sergio Kindle[/i]

Prospect Rank: 39

Merry Christmas. NE passes on Kindle at 42 and the Ravens snarf him up at 43. He will flourish as a pass rusher even more than in college now that he won't be the focus of every blocking scheme.


[i]Terrence Cody[/i]

Prospect Rank: 58

After taking Sergio Kindle for the outside, the Ravens have their space-eater for the inside. Mount Cody will make life ten times easier for Haloti Ngata ... good luck trying to move the Raven tackles.


[i]Ed Dickson[/i]

Prospect Rank: 119

Being a tight end and getting selected by Ozzie Newsome is like being Dave Grohl's drummer ... Dickson has to be good to get this call.


[i]Dennis Pitta[/i]

Prospect Rank: 138

It'll be interesting to see how Pitta compares to Aaron Henderson, who went a pick earlier to New England. Joe Flacco has to be happy.


[i]David Reed[/i]

Prospect Rank: 257

A good player who went at the right time, the Ravens continue to try to upgrade the passing game to give Joe Flacco some help.


[i]Arthur Jones[/i]

Prospect Rank: 116

The rich get richer. If having Haloti Ngata and drafting Terrence Cody wasn't enough, the Ravens get yet another tremendous defensive tackle to add to the rotation.


[i]Ramon Harewood[/i]

Prospect Rank: 280

How many huge players can the Ravens get? If nothing else, it'll be worth the price of admission in practices to see the 700+ pounds of man-blub between Harewood and Terrence Cody connect.


[b]NFL.com[/b]


[i]Needs Analysis[/i]

The Ravens traded out of the first round and still wound up with two defensive players in the second round, Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody, who will be on the field in 2010. Drafting tight ends back-to-back in the third and fourth rounds is a statement about Todd Heap. The Ravens were expected to get secondary help in the draft and passed on good safeties in the second round. By the time they went in the fourth round, 16 corners were gone.


[i]Sergio Kindle[/i]

[i]Pick Analysis[/i]

The Ravens land a top-10 talent, Sergio Kindle, in the second round. The former Texas standout was expected to come off the board early in the first round, but questions about his injury history resulted in Kindle experiencing a dramatic slide down the board. If Kindle plays to his talent, the Ravens have landed another elite player at a value pick.


[i]Terrence Cody[/i]

The Ravens continue to add quality players to their roster without manipulating the draft board. Cody was regarded as one of the top defensive tackles in the draft, but questions about his weight and work ethic scared some teams off. However, his game tape suggests that he is an outstanding player. Cody gives the Ravens a dominant nose tackle to place alongside Haloti Ngata.


[i]Ed Dickson[/i]

The Ravens continue to stockpile talent at every position, and the selection of Dickson gives them another talented pass catcher. The former Oregon standout is an explosive athlete capable of creating mismatches in space at tight end. With Todd Heap nearing the end of his career, Dickson could be in line for a key role as a rookie.


[i]Dennis Pitta[/i]

The Ravens pick up a versatile pass catcher with exceptional skills in Dennis Pitta. The BYU product gives the team a dynamic weapon to feature as a possible H-Back. With the Ravens continuing to add pieces to their aerial attack, Joe Flacco is poised to make another significant leap in his development in 2010.


[i]David Reed[/i]

Reed is a quicker-than-fast receiver with excellent hands and will have an opportunity to compete on the Ravens' special teams. He had 81 catches, including a 91-yard TD against the Air Force Academy on a slant in which he broke two tackles and took it to the house. Very impressive play.


[i]Art Jones[/i]

Jones had a second-round grade heading into his senior year, but had a knee injury in early November, followed by surgery. His draft stock plummeted, but, when healthy, he's a very talented up-field pass rusher that will give the Ravens yet another option on defense.


[i]Ramon Harewood[/i]

The Ravens have a solid offensive line, and can afford to take on a talented project that has potential to become a player down the road. Harewood is such a player. He has only played four years of football after growing up in Barbados, and is a boom-or-bust-type prospect. He has exceptional strength and size.