Immediate Impressions

[tctony]

Beefed up the OL which was our biggest need. Hoping Osemele works out because you can't teach size.

Like having a big WR. Hopefully our coaching staff can make that work.

Having two Suggs like players would be awesome. If Upshaw's career path is similar to Suggs, we could have a deadly defense.

Like the safety pick. Ed Reed saw something in the guy, and now will have even more opportunity to teach him.

[Ravenseconbeast]

B- is what i give the draft. We got the players we need to move forward. I like the safety pick. Thought it was interesting Ed Reed perosnally trained with him during offseason. Would love to see him on field if opportunity presents itself.

[truthistold2u]

B+ draft

Need the lineman to work

[SecretAgentMan]

If Gradkowski Pans out A+
If not B

[Ravenslifer]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335658039' post='1066288']
I don't feel sorry for Hill. He has Ryan to yell at him and Tebow to pray for him. What else could a kid want?
[/quote]

A quarterback that will throw the ball to HIM more often than opposing D-backs?

[Crabcakes&Football]

Upshaw is a future star on this defense and is also a great leader. K.O. has the tools to be a dominant starter at guard or tackle. Pierce is a very good backup who can add a few pounds and reliably pick up tough yards when we need them, and may be our future starter if we can't come to terms with Rice. Gradkowski is O-line depth who can take over for Birk in the future. Thompson is needed safety depth who can contribute to special teams. Jackson can return and has room to develop as a corner. Streeter has the size and speed to become a good WR and Tyson is depth. So out of this draft we get 2 bona fide starters, more potential starters, a boost to special teams and solid depth all around. This is a very good draft, forget what Cincy and Pitt did.

[jdynamite]

My knee jerk reactions are:

1) I had 3 players I truly wanted in round 1 at our 29th pick (traded away ) they were Hightower, Decastro, or Upshaw.. So naturally I'm pissed to see those 2 go to the Pats and Steelers... Pleased with the Upshaw pick.... the 2nd pick OL, I was pulling for WR R.Randle LSU, and I was ok with Allen and Berry on the roster so i felt like lamar miller would have been a better change of pace RB.....

2) When did Bengals management become such good drafters? I really like their class up and down the board.. they drafted guys like Sanu, Still, and Zeitler that I really liked...

3) I wanted to get Burfict either in 7th round or free agency because I felt that Ray Lewis could have mentored him......

Overall I give this draft a B-grade for my excitement level, last year I was really pumped about the draft class

[Yatagarasu]

Yeah, I can't believe the Bengals hauled in all those talents. I guess Marvin Lewis finally learned how to draft from Ozzie because last year, the Bengals hit a lot of the prospect and this year is no exception either.

Steelers got lucky by just sitting and picking up two strong pieces to their O-line.

I guess AFC North is going to be an all-out brawl.

Trent Richardson and Brandon Weeden is going to have to carry a city out of the gutter in a very tough division. Heck, there's not enough playoff spots for all of us.

[Blex64]

The Bengals still aren't great drafters. They just had a ton of extra picks, and early ones at that.

The Browns...lol. They had, I believe, more picks then anyone else. Still managed to do terribly.

[Ravenslifer]

Honestly the more I think about it, I feel like 2008 and 2011 were very similar drafts in that we got some immediate impact players. 2010 was a draft where initially we got a bunch of depth and then they took over in 2011. I feel like this is a mix - Osemele and Pierce will see action early as starting LG and change-of-pace back, respectively. Upshaw will rotate on the D-line and be used as a situational player for now, IMO. The rest will be good depth, might see some time in games and on ST, and really emerge in the coming years. Don't forget Q has 2 years left on his deal, and by then he will be 34 going on 35, and may not be resigned. I have no idea what is going to happen to Rice. I think more than anything the playoff games where Rice was completely ineffective in the red-zone underscored the need for a more bruising goal-line back, and that's what Pierce is supposed to be - I know it was against weak competition mostly, but 27 TDs is still huge red-zone production. We needed o-line help in the worst way, and now I believe we have our future starters at both guard positions and a future starting right tackle, with a potential future starting center thrown in. We went from 3 holes to 1 - left tackle. Streeter to me is total value - he's got the size, hands, and leaping ability to be a great red-zone target, and in time could develop - not saying he will, but nobody thought guys like Brandon Marshall and Marques Colston would be anything special, either. Low risk, high reward pick I think. The CB can play special teams and is probably in the mix for KR/PR, which was a badly needed spot with Reed's fumbling issues and his coming off an injury. The DT prospect I know nothing about, but BPA is BPA.

[J-man]

I love our draft a lot. I think we drafted 3 potential starts within the next 2 years which is solid. Also, I like Pierce a lot the more I read and watch him. Ozzie and Harbs knew what they were doing while I watched the presser. We arent called the best drafting team for no reason.

[Reed_Fence_20]

Great draft love upshaw and what we did with o-line. Not sure about the trade up for Pierce. I like him but I think we could have got him without trading up. Streeter I am also very happy with 3rd/4th round talent at 6th round. Would have liked to see us get Joe or Burfict. But I still love what we did. keep up the good work Ozzie

[UxbridgeRaven]

I think the first couple of picks filled immediate needs with good players. I think running back was a bigger need than some people recognize. Right now Pierce is atop of the depth chart of people we know are going to be in camp and even if everything works out great with Rice, I'm not sure about anybody else on the roster as a back up to him.

The fourth and fifth rounds were interesting to me, I won't claim to know a whole bunch about the players, but we seemed to fill those cards out pretty quickly so we obviously knew who we wanted. I like the idea of smaller school players and it does seem like something of an organisational philosophy. I think there is often more upside in those guys, because they haven't been exposed to 3 or 4 years of top coaching and facilities. Only time will tell, I guess, but I feel like being from a bigger school only really tells you how well developed a kid was 3 or 4 years previously, because the gulf in quality of opposition and increasingly often coaching philosophy is huge no matter where you played.

Streeter great upside, has a lot of work to do, great value considering where Hill was drafted with a similar body of work, including the hands like feet.

[edreedfromtheu]

I still can't believe they passed on Reuben Randle in the 2nd round.

Giants got a steal with the last pick in round 2, and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up with the best group of receivers in the league this year.

The Ravens went linebacker immediately, though... which is what I said they needed most. So I guess I'm happy about that. I have no idea how good Pierce is, but I thought RB was not really a position they had to worry about as early as round 3. They've got Rice and Anthony Allen, and there's plenty of free agent RBs who can fill-in for depth.

I guess in summary, I'm happy with the 1st pick, disappointed they didn't take Randle with their 2nd pick, and the rest of the picks I'll have a "wait-and-see" approach.

Anyway... is it August yet?

[TheRavenouseD2008]

with upshaw I see this 2 dogs and a rubber chew toy analogy for ben dalton or just insert qb name here. as far as our new WR if he puts on some weight we have another megatron type player both are 6'5 he needs to gain maybe 20lbs of muscel and I think our training staff can help with that . our 2 oline guys well how about this KO according to his scouting reports is a mauler same or above yanda , some have said if you try to disengage him you end up tripping over yourself or losing balance because of his hand work not his feet., this will be where yanda and the line coaches can help him. and A-Jax will be our returner the question is can he be like some of our greatest ones hope he sees the brightful films to learn how to avoid such an injury(still cringing from that years later)

[CapoRocky]

Okay, I see that some of you are still speculating about the draft. Once benefit of having Upshaw will be that teams can't focus on stopping Suggs without having the possibility of Upshaw coming around the end on the other side. I can see them in the huddle planning to meet at the QB. It is great to have a guy like Suggs opposite you. This will help Kruger, McPhee, or whomever lines up opposite him. The main driving force of the defense is Lewis. No matter where you are around Lewis you gain the knowledge and experience that he offers when reading offensive schemes. This is extremely beneficial to a rookie like Upshaw who hasn't been exposed to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' timestamp='1335696305' post='1066979']
I still can't believe they passed on Reuben Randle in the 2nd round.

Giants got a steal with the last pick in round 2, and I wouldn't be surprised if they end up with the best group of receivers in the league this year.

The Ravens went linebacker immediately, though... which is what I said they needed most. So I guess I'm happy about that. I have no idea how good Pierce is, but I thought RB was not really a position they had to worry about as early as round 3. They've got Rice and Anthony Allen, and there's plenty of free agent RBs who can fill-in for depth.

I guess in summary, I'm happy with the 1st pick, disappointed they didn't take Randle with their 2nd pick, and the rest of the picks I'll have a "wait-and-see" approach.

Anyway... is it August yet?
[/quote]

I liked Randle but we really needed help on the O line too.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='UxbridgeRaven' timestamp='1335690011' post='1066969']
I think the first couple of picks filled immediate needs with good players. I think running back was a bigger need than some people recognize. Right now Pierce is atop of the depth chart of people we know are going to be in camp and even if everything works out great with Rice, I'm not sure about anybody else on the roster as a back up to him.

The fourth and fifth rounds were interesting to me, I won't claim to know a whole bunch about the players, but we seemed to fill those cards out pretty quickly so we obviously knew who we wanted. I like the idea of smaller school players and it does seem like something of an organisational philosophy. I think there is often more upside in those guys, because they haven't been exposed to 3 or 4 years of top coaching and facilities. Only time will tell, I guess, but I feel like being from a bigger school only really tells you how well developed a kid was 3 or 4 years previously, because the gulf in quality of opposition and increasingly often coaching philosophy is huge no matter where you played.

Streeter great upside, has a lot of work to do, great value considering where Hill was drafted with a similar body of work, including the hands like feet.
[/quote]

I was totally shocked by the Pierce pick. I was sure we were trading up to grab a WR. Still, he does have a big upside if he can beat out Allen to become the #2 RB.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='UxbridgeRaven' timestamp='1335690011' post='1066969']
Streeter great upside, has a lot of work to do, great value considering where Hill was drafted with a similar body of work, including the hands like feet.
[/quote]

Streeter will need to sit it out for awhile and play ST. I'm sure that he will get stronger with the Ravens weight training program. I want to see him on 3rd downs and in the red zone eventually. Hopefully, Doss gets a few receptions this year, too. The odd man out might be Williams.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Reed_Fence_20' timestamp='1335668558' post='1066681']
Great draft love upshaw and what we did with o-line. Not sure about the trade up for Pierce. I like him but I think we could have got him without trading up. Streeter I am also very happy with 3rd/4th round talent at 6th round. Would have liked to see us get Joe or Burfict. But I still love what we did. keep up the good work Ozzie
[/quote]

I"m totally content with our Saturday picks. Upshaw is going to be a beast. Osemele has the potential to challenge for the G position. Someone was speculating on here that the Steelers were about to take Pierce and Ozzie wanted him. Streeter was one of my pre-draft favorites. Now, let's see who we pick up in the post-draft UDFA.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='rheebrosinc' timestamp='1335660403' post='1066372']
I agree. How many big name players have been drafted and become busts? a good amount. The Ravens didn't get a lot of big name players, but they got players that play like a Raven and fit the system the Ravens run.
[/quote]

Don't forget that Webb was not a big name player and he turned out okay.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Ravenslifer' timestamp='1335656358' post='1066220']
On the bright side, maybe in 3 years they'll call him "a bust" and drop him, then we can pick him up on the cheap and watch him turn into a stud.
[/quote]

I was thinking the same thing.

[lgcs27288]

I wasnt too impressed with the draft. I was hoping more for players that could immediately step in. Upshaw and KO have a chance to do that, but in reality all of your first 2 picks should be able to do that. Gradowski might be able to. Other than that I think we would have quality depth players.

[The Raven]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335728831' post='1067395']
Don't forget that Webb was not a big name player and he turned out okay.
[/quote]

I agree with this. Before people start complaining about us drafting no name guys, reaching for guys, or getting small school guys, just look at guys like Webb and McPhee.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1335729463' post='1067408']
I agree with this. Before people start complaining about us drafting no name guys, reaching for guys, or getting small school guys, just look at guys like Webb and McPhee.
[/quote]

I really like McPhee, too. Good point.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='Blex64' timestamp='1335662859' post='1066477']
No offense, but half the time when I read your posts, I have reread them a couple more times, and I still end up puzzled. I have no idea what you're trying to say sometimes.

Upshaw starting next to Ray? I'm not sure if you mean literally, which is possible since he'd be playing OLB, but usually when people say "start next to Ray" they mean at the ILB position, which Upshaw does not play. He'll probably be taking JJ's position in the starting lineup.

Yanda plays RG, and was the best RG in the league last year. Osemele is going to be competing for the LG spot.

Pierce is almost definitely going to be our backup/3rd down RB. Were not going to run a 3-headed monster or RB-by-committee, and Ray Rice isn't going to get AP money regardless.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong here, but I'm fairly certain Jackson only has a lot of experience in PR's from college, not KR's. While having him do both is probably ideal, I do think getting Webb off punt returns is a more urgent need then replacing David Reed. If he can do that, and just that, great. If he can do both, even better.

I do agree with you about Streeter, but I've got outside hope he can contribute this year.

'

I've been wondering this as well. To me, it seems like a "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" scenario. Upshaw reminds me a LOT of Suggs. He plays both positions, and his questions in the draft were his speed and which position he'd play - sound familiar? In an ideal world, Upshaw would be as flexible as Suggs and have the ability to play both DE and OLB positions. That'd give us a lot of flexibility and allow us to work in some really creative pass rushing schemes, like with Suggs and Upshaw at DE with Kindle and Kruger at OLB.

I think that's unlikely though. Kruger will probably see more time with us as a pass rushing specialist, but I doubt Kindle will ever produice at an NFL level. I'd love to be proven wrong, but yeah.
[/quote]

I have a high tolerance for criticism. My bosses lay it on me pretty thick most days so I'm used to it. Not to mention I have 3 brothers, too. As for my posts last night, I blame it on the limoncello. One of my lady friends bought me 2 bottles in Sicily and I decided to drink it all with her last night. It's a wonder I was hitting the right keys. Another problem is that I speak and think in Italian and have to translate everything when I write.

[The Raven]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335729730' post='1067412']
I really like McPhee, too. Good point.
[/quote]

I had no idea who he was, and all the scouting reports said he wasn't rated highly, and he wouldn't be a good player. Ozzie is always right until proven otherwise.

[truthistold2u]

[quote name='CapoRocky' timestamp='1335728451' post='1067385']
Streeter will need to sit it out for awhile and play ST. I'm sure that he will get stronger with the Ravens weight training program. I want to see him on 3rd downs and in the red zone eventually. Hopefully, Doss gets a few receptions this year, too. The odd man out might be Williams.
[/quote]

What do you want him to do on special teams? He might break

[B33MORE]

[quote name='ratedr' timestamp='1335657545' post='1066269']
I feel like Cinncinati and Pitt and better drafts than us and that scares me. A lot.

Cinncinati, especially, had a monstrous draft. I wish we weren't playing them first so we could get some tape.
[/quote]
I actually like playing them 1st better. The core of our squad doesn't change much, so out of the gate we should be solid. If the rookies on either side start to show their potential later in the season it could be good or bad. I have confidence that we will match up fine earlier and later, but think our stability to start is an advantage.

[CapoRocky]

[quote name='truthistold2u' timestamp='1335730063' post='1067422']
What do you want him to do on special teams? He might break
[/quote]

Gunner was mentioned as an option. They haven't resigned D. Reed yet have they?