2008 Draft Class

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1366481142' post='1439393']

Flacco will make the HOF if he can get another SB ring.
He will be an all time great with 3

Rice won't... Unless he remains relevant for the next 3 years
[/quote]
Eh, I don't know. Rice could. It really depends on how he performs from here forward.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1366481508' post='1439397']

Eh, I don't know. Rice could. It really depends on how he performs from here forward.
[/quote]
I honestly think Pierce will be better

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1366481679' post='1439399']

I honestly think Pierce will be better
[/quote]
I like Pierce just as much as the next guy but that remains to be seen. He has one year of doing very well as a complement back.

[radicals]

I think that draft year was great for us because we ended up getting Flacco who is elite, and Ray Rice who is a beast. Joe Flacco, Ray Rice & John Harbaugh are some of the main reasons I started to like the Ravens. I was only 11 when the three of them came together and I've liked them ever since. So to me it's an A+

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1366481267' post='1439394']

Yawning? Go to bed grandpa. Pay attention, I was referring to this fella's post dealing with the 2008 draft. ...not 1990 whatever.
[/quote]you missed his point. Apart from Lewis and Ogden, well jermaine Lewis as well, it wasn't a great draft yet it regularly gets a plus and considered our best ever. So why one rule for one draft and another for the 2008 one.

That's his point.

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1366481508' post='1439397']
Eh, I don't know. Rice could. It really depends on how he performs from here forward.
[/quote]
If Joe continues his current statistical performance, we will need 3 SB total to get to the HoF. However, if the Joe we saw in the last playoffs, is what we will get from now on, because getting rid of Cam really made this much of a difference, than he might get in there.

[berad]

Rice is closer to the HOF at this point than Flacco, based on his production and standing compared to other players of his generation. Both still have a lot of work to do.

[Gordo52]

Teams like the browns and jaguars would give up probably 2 entire draft classes if they knew they could get talents like Flacco & Rice in the same draft class.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1366484187' post='1439430']
Rice is closer to the HOF at this point than Flacco, based on his production and standing compared to other players of his generation. Both still have a lot of work to do.
[/quote]
Agreed both still have a lot of work to do but I disagree that Rice is closer at this point. Flacco's brilliant postseason success puts him closer IMO.

[berad]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1366484495' post='1439439']
Agreed both still have a lot of work to do but I disagree that Rice is closer at this point. Flacco's brilliant postseason success puts him closer IMO.
[/quote]

Absolutely. Playoff wins and rings for QBs, fair or not, are huge in comparisons. His historic run and MVP award are major credentials, too.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='arnie_uk' timestamp='1366479297' post='1439375']
If we only had two picks in the draft. Flacco and rice this draft would still be A+
[/quote]

I agree but we had 8 other picks that are no longer w/ our team.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1366479922' post='1439380']
I judge a draft by these factors:
1. Steals
2. Impact players
3. Super Bowl wins those players contribute towards, for or against our team.

The bottom-line is we got two home-run hits in Joe Flacco & Ray Rice. Two home-run hits. Two potential HOF players, even. It's too early to say whether they are or are not. It isn't too early to say that those players were key contributors to our Super Bowl win--that is priceless. Any team would kill for those two players if they do not have that type of player already at the position.

Also, a franchise QB is worth its weight in gold. A franchise, home-run hitter of a RB is also worth a lot. You can't diminish the contributions of those players because the others did not pan out as hoped. Not all picks pan out & become impact players. In fact, it is exceptionally rare to keep all your draft picks beyond the first year, let alone two, three, four or five. Most prospects end up out of the league in 5 years, is it? That makes this list unsurprising.

The bottom-line is no matter what, we have two key, franchise players who are vital to the success of their offense & thus team. As a result of those two acquisitions, we have an A. I don't give it an A+ because there aren't any late-round steals.
[/quote]

I agree I was a bit harsh in my judgment. I'll bump my grade up to a B+/A-

I understand that not all players are going to remain on the team that drafted them or even in the league. But we've had deeper drafts (drafts where there were 3-5 players who were contributing to our success)

[arnie_uk]

[quote name='TonyTone1192' timestamp='1366485496' post='1439457']


I agree but we had 8 other picks that are no longer w/ our team.
[/quote]and they are negligible because of the first two picks

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='Mr. Irrelevant' timestamp='1366481679' post='1439399']

I honestly think Pierce will be better
[/quote]

He's a much better runner, more physical and finds the holes a lot quicker than rice. But Rice is a complete back. Who knows, if Pierce can develop his hands and his agility he will be better than Rice.

[Yatagarasu]

The goal of every draft is to get a franchise player.

Since we got two out of the 2008 draft, it's considered a success.

We can't keep every drafted player due to the salary cap.

The other players in the 2008 were serviceable that was all that was expected of them.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' timestamp='1366486757' post='1439470']
The goal of every draft is to get a franchise player.

Since we got two out of the 2008 draft, it's considered a success.

We can't keep every drafted player due to the salary cap.

The other players in the 2008 were serviceable that was all that was expected of them.
[/quote]

Lol I've never mentioned that it wasn't a success, I'm just not sold on making the claim that our draft in '08 was an A+ b/c of our first two picks. I understand that not every pick is going to work out, I'd be naive if i believed otherwise. You guys have proven me that my grade was a bit harsh, so I bump it up to a B+/A-. They are each GREAT players who play in an EXCELLENT system.

[GTRavens]

[quote name='TonyTone1192' timestamp='1366478069' post='1439360']
I think the greatest pick belongs to a guy who recently wore # 52. IMHO. I love Joe and wouldn't trade him for ANYONE else, yes it was GREAT PICK and yes he is a Franchise QB. But I can't give an ENTIRE draft the grade that I give ONE PICK.
[/quote]

Then give it an A based on two picks. The fact that we got an elite running back as well makes it an A-worthy class.

If you think this isn't worth an A, find some classes from the last 5-7 years or so that you believe are.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='GTRavens' timestamp='1366487655' post='1439476']


Then give it an A based on two picks. The fact that we got an elite running back as well makes it an A-worthy class.

If you think this isn't worth an A, find some classes from the last 5-7 years or so that you believe are.
[/quote]

I've changed my grade to an A-. It's still a bit too early to give an accurate grade for this draft, but our 2010 draft was deeper than our '08 draft. Art, Pitta and Dickson were all big in our SB run, and I think we're all expecting Mt. Cody to play better in the upcoming seasons.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='TonyTone1192' timestamp='1366487033' post='1439473']


Lol I've never mentioned that it wasn't a success, I'm just not sold on making the claim that our draft in '08 was an A+ b/c of our first two picks. I understand that not every pick is going to work out, I'd be naive if i believed otherwise. You guys have proven me that my grade was a bit harsh, so I bump it up to a B+/A-. They are each GREAT players who play in an EXCELLENT system.
[/quote]
I think that's fair. I wouldn't call the draft an A+, but I think a solid A is fair, personally. Still, I can see an A-

Regardless, we can all agree it was a fantastic draft!

[HoldingCall]

B or B+ only because of Joe and Ray. They are two important players but when you consider the roster is made up of 53 players and only two of ten drafted four years ago remain, I can not give 2008 an A. Joe and Ray are "A" players but not the whole draft. Not possible!

[Yatagarasu]

You guys have to know that Jared Gaither is part of the draft, since we used a 5th to get him. Jared Gaither was a beast at LT, but it's a shame that his back injury has ruined his career. I commend Ozzie for making a tough decision to let go Gaither and never look back because if we signed him long erm like the Chargers, it would've really hurt the team.

[GrimCoconut]

[quote name='TonyTone1192' timestamp='1366488976' post='1439502']


I've changed my grade to an A-. It's still a bit too early to give an accurate grade for this draft, but our 2010 draft was deeper than our '08 draft. Art, Pitta and Dickson were all big in our SB run, and I think we're all expecting Mt. Cody to play better in the upcoming seasons.
[/quote]
Maybe I am harder on the 2010 class but I can't give it a good grade at all.

Kindle was a miss. It's sad due to the injury.
Cody was a disappointment. Don't know what's with him.
Dickson finally started to turn it on, but he has been rather spotty his career.
Pitta is very good. A steal, actually.
Arthur Jones was very good, but it took him a bit to get it going. He struggled early last year but looks to be coming into his own.

Then you have David Reed, Ramon Harewood. Those guys have been good & average to say the least.

Overall, I give our 2010 draft a C. Very average.

[Yatagarasu]

The 2008 draft was good, but I'll rather get Flacco over all these guys.

1st - Jake Long - solid LT, but have injury woes
2nd - Chris Long - Good DE, but QB is more important
3rd - Matt Ryan - I know our team wanted him, but Flacco is a blessing in disguise
4th - Darren McFadden - He's a beast if only he can stay healthy
[color=#ff0000]5th - Glenn Dorsey - bust - for his contract [/color]
[color=#ff0000]6th - Vernon Gholston - bust - facepalm[/color]
[color=#ff0000]7th - Sedrick Ellis - bust - inconsistent[/color]
[color=#ff0000]8th - Derrick Harvey - bust - who?[/color]
[color=#ff0000]9th - Keith Rivers - bust due to injuries[/color]
10th - Jerod Mayo - Great LB, but QB more important
11th - Leodis McKelvin - OK CB, but better KR
12th - Ryan Clady - Franchise LT
13th - Jonathan Stewart - potential to be a feature back if it weren't for the timeshare
[color=#ff0000]14th - Chris Williams - bust[/color]
15th - Branden Albert - serviceable LT
16th - Dominique Rodgers-Cormartie - Inconsistent, but good CB
17th - Gosder Cherilus - solid RT
[color=#4b0082]18th - Joe Flacco - Franchise QB[/color]

I feel like we probably got the best player in the 1st round given his position, his value, and his draft spot.

[Yatagarasu]

As for Ray Rice,

I think we got the better player compared to these guys.

Rice is more consistent than [color=#ff0000]Chris Johnson[/color], even though Johnson can be a game-breaker. However, for the price we paid in contract and in draft position, Rice is the better value due to his consistent production.

Rice is more durable than [color=#ff0000]Matt Forte[/color], also both are similar all-purpose backs

Rice is more productive than Desean Jackson. Jackson is fast and stretch the game vertically, but his inconsistent production doesn't really warrant his high price tag. However, the poor QB play might be the blame.

Rice is more durable than [color=#ff0000]Rashard Mendenhall[/color] as Mendenhall only had two productive season.

Rice is more durable than [color=#ff0000]Felix Jones[/color] as Jones is always hurt despite his big play ability.

Rice is more durable than [color=#ff0000]Jamaal Charles[/color] as Charles was lost for one season.

I feel that Ray Rice is probably one of the best RBs in the 2008 Draft Class.

The 2008 Draft Class is probably considered the RB Class due to the amount of talented RBs.

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='GrimCoconut' timestamp='1366494004' post='1439570']

I think that's fair. I wouldn't call the draft an A+, but I think a solid A is fair, personally. Still, I can see an A-

Regardless, we can all agree it was a fantastic draft!
[/quote]

MOST DEFINITELY!!

[TonyTone1192]

[quote name='HoldingCall' timestamp='1366494024' post='1439571']
B or B+ only because of Joe and Ray. They are two important players but when you consider the roster is made up of 53 players and only two of ten drafted four years ago remain, I can not give 2008 an A. Joe and Ray are "A" players but not the whole draft. Not possible!
[/quote]

I could not have said it any better my friend.

[Yatagarasu]

There weren't many steals in the 2008 Draft Class.

The only notable steal is Carl Nicks and I wish Ozzie took him instead of Oniel Cousins.

Other notable players include:

Brian de la Puente - Undrafted - Center
Pierre Garcon - 6th - 205 - Solid WR
John Sullivan - 6th - 187 - All-Pro Center
Jerome Felton - 5th - 146 - All-Pro FB
Brandon Carr - 5th - 140 - Solid CB1
Red Bryant - 4th -121 - Solid DE
Philip Wheeler - 3rd - 93 - Solid OLB
Cliff Avril - 3rd - 92 - Solid DE
Thomas DeCoud - 3rd - 98 - Pro Bowl Safety

[Alexir]

Im sorry but where we got Zibby and where we got Ruki, I would definitely rate Ruki a better value.

[Yatagarasu]

[color=#ff0000](3rd) Tavares Gooden[/color] - Still in the league now w/ the NFC champ San Francisco 49ers.
Grade - C+

[color=#0000cd](3rd) Tom Zbikowski[/color] - I was a bit sad to see him he go, he was a hard worker, a GREAT special teamer and a solid back up safety. He now plays w/ the Bears
Grade - B-

[color=#ff8c00](3rd) Oniel Cousins[/color] - Sill in the league now plays/ the Cleveland Browns.
Grade - C

(4th) Marcus Smith - WR, no longer in the league
Grade - F

(4th) David Hale - OL, no longer in the league
Grade - F

[color=#40e0d0](6th) Haruki Nakamura - [/color]I enjoyed having him on the team, another one of those hard working guys who will always have a spot on an NFL roster. Now plays w/ Carolina
Grade - C+

(7th) Justin Harper - WR, no longer in the league, but he is the one CFL player I mentioned earlier
Grade - D

(7th) Allen Patrick - No longer in the league
Grade - F

I feel like we missed 4-5 picks, but that's the nature of the game. I think Ozzie has improved a lot of finding better talent recently.

Nakamura, Zbikowski, and Smith were good special teamers and that was it.

[mgridda]

If we drafted players of that quality every year since 2008 at let's say the positions we drafted, then we'd be one of the most stacked teams in the NFL.

Imagine if Oher and Kruger, Sergio Kindle and Terrence cody, Jimmy and Torrey Smith, Upshaw and Osmele, were as good at their positions as Flacco and Rice are at theirs.

Absolutely why I don't mind trading up in drafts and getting two great players even if the rest of the draft isn't so hot.

And why I say a Lane Johnson / Matt Elam draft would be a huge success even if no one worthwhile came after.

Of course, this would never happen.