2008-2012 Draft grades

1/28/01 · May 15, 2014

2012 - "C+": They landed one every down starter in this draft with Osemele. Upshaw has played well. Pierce played well in 2012 but was horrible in 2013. Gradkowski was part of that terrible o-line in 2013. Streeter is gone. Asa Jackson can't get on the field.
2011 - "A": Every player from this draft made the team and contributed in some way during the Super Bowl year. Jimmy Smith and Torrey Smith are great players.
2010 - "B-": Kindle killed this draft. But they landed Cody, Pitta, Dickson and Jones all who played major rolls in the Super Bowl. Jones and Pitta are the clear standouts while Cody and Dickson dissapointed in the end.
2009 - "B+": Oher, Kruger and Webb all Super Bowl starters. Oher disspointed in the end, but he held his position down as a starter for the length of his contract. Kruger scored a big contract and Webb is a pretty darn good corner.
2008 - "A+": Anytime you are successful at drafting a franchise Super Bowl MVP QB it has to be an "A". Not to mention Ray Rice. Zbikowski and Nakamura were very good roll players. The others were throw aways.

You would be an awesome teacher. What a grading curve!

YYZ66 · May 15, 2014

2008 - A
2009 - C+
2010 - C
2011 - B
2012 - C+/B (sorta too early)
Worst draft 2005
Best Draft 1996

Tough call between '05 and '04 on this.

Both were brutal, it's difficult to even look at.....

Fang · May 15, 2014

You would be an awesome teacher. What a grading curve!

lol Yea they are high grades. But I based them on the fact that most of those players had a roll in winning the Super Bowl whether it be as a starter or roll player. Clearly Ozzie did a great job of rounding out the roster and getting guys to play with the team's super stars in Reed, Suggs, Lewis, Boldin and Ngata.

As far as worst draft - 2004. In 2005 at least Jason Brown and Mark Clayton provided some value. Hard to believe with two bad drafts in 2004 and 2005 they came back in 2006 and went 13-3. The the run of playoffs started in 2008.

flynismo · May 15, 2014

2012 - "C+": They landed one every down starter in this draft with Osemele. Upshaw has played well. Pierce played well in 2012 but was horrible in 2013. Gradkowski was part of that terrible o-line in 2013. Streeter is gone. Asa Jackson can't get on the field.

2011 - "A": Every player from this draft made the team and contributed in some way during the Super Bowl year. Jimmy Smith and Torrey Smith are great players.

2010 - "B-": Kindle killed this draft. But they landed Cody, Pitta, Dickson and Jones all who played major rolls in the Super Bowl. Jones and Pitta are the clear standouts while Cody and Dickson dissapointed in the end.

2009 - "B+": Oher, Kruger and Webb all Super Bowl starters. Oher disspointed in the end, but he held his position down as a starter for the length of his contract. Kruger scored a big contract and Webb is a pretty darn good corner.

2008 - "A+": Anytime you are successful at drafting a franchise Super Bowl MVP QB it has to be an "A". Not to mention Ray Rice. Zbikowski and Nakamura were very good roll players. The others were throw aways.

2009 and 2010, pretty generous lol... "no player left behind" kinda grades

Other grades look close enough to me

AwakenTheDemon · May 16, 2014

I'll give this a shot

2012

2: Courtney Upshaw OLB - B

Solid edge setting, run stuffing linebacker. An average starter right now, as he's not a "complete" outside linebacker, but not many better at run stopping.

2: Kelechi Osemele G - B+

Shame he was injured last season, looked solid at LG. Potential is there for this to move up a grade. Potential long term starter at left guard.

3: Bernard Pierce RB - B

Looked like a great pick up his rookie year. I'm not ready to blame him entirely for his sophomore slump, as the entire offensive line was terrible year long.

4: Gino Gradkowski C D

I'm not ready to completely write him off just yet. But he was the worst graded starting center in the league. Still has time to develop, but won't be anything higher than a back up, in my opinion.

4: Christian Thompson S D

Looked like he could develop into a solid strong safety, but he struggled on the field, got suspended and cut. The fact that he hasn't found a new job is telling.

5: Asa Jackson CB C+

Jury is still out, but he's shown explosive returning ability, but hasn't had enough time on the field at corner to truly grade him.

6: Tommy Streeter WR D+

Grade was based purely on potential. I think he was a one year wonder at Miami, who I'm a fan of, and could have used another year to refine his skills. In terms of helping the team, he was a wasted pick.

7: DeAngelo Tyson DE B-

A meh pick at the time, but he's grown every year and is in contention to earn a huge increase in playing time this season.

Final Draft Grade: C+ Some good depth and potential starter was selected early on, with some whiffs later on.

2011

1: Jimmy Smith CB A-

Slow start, but has come on in a huge way. Held his own against some of the toughest wide outs last year and performed terrifically. Very well could be a top 10 corner this year.

2: Torrey Smith WR A

He was huge from day one. He's a hard worker and he performed admirably as the only reliable target last year. His growth has been great to watch, and still has room to improve.

3: Jah Reid OT D

Wasted pick. Left a lot on the field, when he even got his way onto the field. His bone headed legal issues this year, should lead to him having to find new employment elsewhere this year.

4: Tandon Doss WR C-

Loved the pick when he was drafted, but didn't do much in his short time here. He did come on later on last season as a punt returner, but was still too consistent as a wide out.

5: Chykie Brown CB C

Has had some spot duty on the field, and hasn't played poorly or greatly. There have been growing pains, but he's been decent and could see a big chance to see more playtime this year. He just hasn't done much just yet.

5: Pernell McPhee DE B- (as DE) C- (as OLB)

McPhee had a great rookie year as a defensive end and turned some heads. Sadly, he hasn't adapted as well as a linebacker.Much more suited as a defensive end, and could use the switch back.

6: Tyrod Taylor QB C-

Our back up quarterback, what else to say? Joe's been resilient and we haven't had to use him.

7: Anthony Allen RB D+

Sub par half back, but shown some interesting skills on special teams. Unfortunately he couldn't stick with this team, and didn't last long.

Final Draft Grade: B+ Landing two starters and potential stars in the first two rounds boosted this grade immensely. Ozzie hit gold in the two rounds that count more than anything else. May have missed on two or three picks, but also landed some potential valuable depth with McPhee and Brown.

2010

2: Sergio Kindle LB F

Not a knock on Kindle, it was truly unfortunate what happened to him. But when push comes to shove, this was a wasted pick. I understand the pick, he looked like a potential steal, but since he never spent any real time with the team...

2: Terrence Cody DT C-

Failed as a starter, and is strictly a serviceable back up. A man his size shouldn't struggle in the ways he struggles. Also, it's telling when he was replaced as a starter by Ma'ake Kemoeatu. Doesn't appear to be earning a starting gig again.

3: Ed Dickson TE D

Performed very well his rookie season, and looked like he could be the future starter post-Heap. However, he sunk fast. After getting surpassed by the next pick, had a chance to redeem himself last year. Sadly, he couldn't catch the proverbial cold and found himself searching for new employment.

4: Dennis Pitta TE A

The gem and savior of this draft. Was expected to play second fiddle to Dickson, but quickly surpassed him. Developed a report with Joe and never looked back. The offense struggled immensely without him, and he became a priority free agent this offseason, which is telling as to his ability.

5: David Reed WR D

Another receiver who had potential as a wide out, but shone as a return man. His inconsistency as a receiver contributed to him having to find a new team to play for.

5: Arthur Jones DT A

Started off slowly with very few expectations. He burst onto the scene once he was given the opportunity to shine. He dominated last year and developed into a high demand free agency. Sadly he was scooped up by Indy.

6: Ramon Harewood OT D

Extremely raw coming into the league with tremendous size. He was given the opportunity to start, and was hit and miss at times. Sadly, he couldn't stick on this team.

Final Draft Grade: C- Unfortunately, Pitta alone can't save the draft. Had Kindle not had his accident, we might have been looking at a different outcome from this year. But sadly the first three picks really sunk the draft. Pitta and Jones helped, but when your first three picks were that bad, there's not much you can do.

2009

1: Michael Oher OT C-

Came into the league with some fan fare and showed a lot of potential on the field. However, his play degraded every season. Mental lapses and always a liability to draw flags, not to mention the infamous Polamalu Strip-Sack, helped him to not live up to the first round status. Now currently a Titan.

2: Paul Kruger DE/OLB B-

Started off extremely slow, but really turned it on his final season in Baltimore. He turned into a tenacious, non-stop force getting to the quarterback. Bolted town for more money in Cleveland, and hasn't lived up to his play here. Was a huge asset to the Super Bowl team.

3: Lardarius Webb CB A

Tremendous talent, tremendous value. No one expected Webb to turn into the cornerback he has become. Someone coming from a small school, but showed explosive return skills and top notch cover skills. Webb's become a pivotal defensive piece.

5: Jason Phillips LB D-

Struggled finding ways to get onto the field. Struggled staying healthy once he got on the field. He wasn't terrible on special teams, but the fact that he cannot find playing time on any team that signs him is telling.

5: Davon Drew TE D-

Drew had the measurables, but has never had any significant playing time, instead being a career practice squad member thus far.

6: Cedric Peerman RB D-

Never made it off the practice squad in Baltimore, and was waived multiple times by multiple teams. Stuck with Cincinnati, but could very well be waived yet again and probably being out of the league for good.

Final Draft Grade: C+ Webb has turned into a star for the Ravens, Kruger got really hot before cashing out his chips, and Oher was at least a serviceable tackle, despite his glaring short comings. However, you cannot ignore the fact that only ONE member of this draft class is still on the team.

2008

1: Joe Flacco QB A

Love him or hate him, Joe's done a LOT for this team. After years of searching for a Franchise Quarterback, Ozzie landed one who would go onto having a historic playoff run, and eventual Super Bowl MVP trophy.

2: Ray Rice RB A

Yeah, he had a terrible year last year, and has had legal and character issues this offseason. But you cannot deny or ignore what he's done for the team on and [usually] off the team. A complete, all around stand out running back, I fully expect him to bounce back. Yes, I still love Ray Rice.

3: Tavares Gooden LB C-

Had tremendous potential, and was a pick I really loved at the time (Some of the oldheads here may remember my Ray Lewis\Tavares Gooden sig). However, he was terribly fragile and his lackluster play on the field couldn't keep him on the team, or any team for that matter.)

3: Tom Zbikowski S C

At times solid, at times frustrating. Zibby had a decent time here, he was something of a do-it-all player: playing safety, covering kicks on special teams, and returning punts. Tapered off, got cut a few times, and is now retired to focus on boxing.

3: Oniel Cousins G F

Hated this pick then, hated it more watching him play.Small school flier who had the physical gifts and size, but was one of the most frustrating to watch offensive linesmen in recent memory. Sure, moving to guard helped him, but it was the football equivalent of spraying Febreeze to cover up the odor of the garbage you've been too lazy to take out yet.

4: Marcus Smith WR D+

Wasted talent at receiver, where I felt he had the chance to shine. However, he wasn't half bad on special teams, which helped him stick for a few years. However, he's currently playing in something called the Lone Star Football League...

4: David Hale OT D

Another small school flier who had the size to be something, and maybe even eventual starter along the interior. However, he never made much of his few chances and was quickly out of the league. He is currently an assistant offensive line coach at his Alma Mater, but it didn't help the Ravens.

6: Haruki Nakamura S C

Was inconsistent as a safety, making some impressive plays and then making some bone headed ones. However, he was a solid and valuable special teams member.

7: Justin Harper WR D-

Had all the physical gifts and the size, he was a receiver I had high hopes for. However, he did nothing for us and only played two games in his career.

7: Allen Patrick RB F

It's hard to really give an F to a seventh rounder, however this guy never played a down for us, or anyone else. He's a career practice squad member, who I honestly cannot remember.

Final Draft Grade: B- I still feel as if this is rather high for the draft, as aside from the top two picks, everything else was almost abysmal. However, those first two picks were gold and helped turn the tide on the franchise.

ravensdan · May 16, 2014

Am I the only one who has never heard of an 'E' grade?

Round one should be a blue chip cornerstone player

Round 2 low end blue chip very good starter

Round 3 very good to good starter

Round 4 solid starter-very good primary back up player

Round 5 good back up player

Round 6 solid special teams contributor(ability as a good back up a plus)

Round 7 special teams player at best.

If a player is at the high end of the expectation for each if these rounds the pick should be an A.

The most egregious grade I have seen was Jason brown. At the least he is a B

display name · May 16, 2014

This is an interesting idea for a thread. I will grade all individual selections, followed by the entire draft, from 2006 through 2011. I will not grade past that because I feel as though 2 seasons is not long enough to grade a class of players. Players whose names are in bold are still currently playing for the Ravens, and so I have graded them with some level of caution because, unlike those whose names are not in bold, they still have time to improve.

2006 Draft:

Haloti Ngata

Oregon

Georgia Tech

Sam Koch

Cornerback

Individual Grades:

Ngata: A+

Chester: C+

Pittman: D

Daniels: F

Williams: C

Landry: A (This has more to do with the value of the place of selection than compared to the actual performance of the player.)

Sypniewski: C

Koch: A

Martin: B-

LaCasse: F (Spent the 2006 season with the Colts.)

2007 Draft:

Marshal Yanda

Florida International

Linebacker

Individual Grades:

Grubbs: B+

Figurs: D+

Yanda: A

Barnes: B+ (He is one of the players that I wish we had kept for longer.)

Mc'Clain: B

Smith: B

Burgess: C+

Overall Grade: A

There were really no busts in this draft, with the exception of Figurs, who actually had a very good rookie season. It makes me wonder why 2007 was such a bad year for us.

2008 Draft:

Joe Flacco

Ray Rice

Safety

Wide Receiver

Running Back

Individual Grades

Flacco: A

Rice: A+

Gooden: C+

Zbikowski: B-

Cousins: D

Smith: F+

Hale: F

Nakamura: C+

Harper: F

Patrick: F (We cut him before the season even started.)

Entire Draft: B+

As has been stated, this is a difficult year to grade. Flacco and Rice were the only two solid long-term contributors that this draft gave us, however those players turned out to be a SB MVP and a 3 time Pro Bowler, respectively.

2009 Draft:

Lardarius Webb

Individual Grades:

Oher: D

Kruger: B+

Webb: A+

Philips: D

Drew: D

Peerman: F (Waived during final cuts on Sept. 5.)

Overall Grade: D

This draft gave us only two quality players: Webb and Kruger. Ozzie should want to have the other four choices back. I agree with 1/28/01 that 2005 was our worst year, but this was probably our worst draft since then.

2010 Draft:

Terrence Cody

Dennis Pitta

Tight End

Defensive Tackle

Individual Grades:

Kindle: F-

Cody: D (Of all the people that we chose to resign on defense, why him? In four years he has never recorded a sack or a FF in the regular season.)

Dickson: B-

Pitta: A-

Reed: B

Jones: A-

Harewood: D

Overall Grade: B+

2011 Draft:

The Ravens started and ended this draft with busts, but found some quality players in rounds 3-5.

Jimmy Smith

Torrey Smith

Wide Receiver

Chykie Brown

Pernell McPhee

Tyrod Taylor

Individual Grades:

J. Smith: Still up for consideration.

T. Smith: A

Reid: C+

Doss: C-

Brown: B

McPhee: B+

Taylor: C

Allen: C-

Overall Grade: A-

There was truly no pick here that was downright horrible. I am particularly satisfied with the first two selections. The common consensus on this board seems to be that Torrey has hit is peak, and I agree. This is not at all bad, as Torrey has given us three very good seasons. But I look forward to continuing to see Jimmy develop. I think he could get a lot better.

Bruce_Almty · May 17, 2014

I can't really give grades ....

Excellent review, totally agree, could not have done better. Thanks

RavensDE · May 17, 2014

Excellent review, totally agree, could not have done better. Thanks

Thanks. I appreciate that.

Sign In

Archived

2008-2012 Draft grades

39 posts in this topic

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Share this post

Link to post

Share on other sites

Browse

Activity