Baltimore Ravens Draft Review

1st Round, Pick #27: Jimmy Smith (CB Colorado)

This is the ideal scenario for both parties here, the Ravens desperately need help at cornerback, and Jimmy Smith needs some help and leadership around him. There is no doubt Smith has the talent and ability to be a Pro-Bowl cornerback, but he has been in a lot of trouble in the past, and has really turned some people off. However, I think Baltimore is the perfect spot for him, where you have veteran leadership like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, and a strong locker room that should be able to keep him in line. I see Jimmy Smith playing in many pro-bowls as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

Grade- A

2nd Round, Pick #58: Torrey Smith (WR Maryland)

Ever since Joe Flacco established himself as one of the best young quarterbacks in the game the Ravens have really worked at giving him a lot of different weapons. There was talk that if Jimmy Smith wasn't available to them in the 1st round, they could take the speedster from Maryland. So when Torrey Smith was available at their 2nd round pick, they had to be excited. Last year the Ravens lacked that "Field Stretching" wide receiver, and had to use Anquan Boldin on more deep routes, which don't really fit his skill set. Smith now gives the Ravens the deep threat that suits his cannon arm. Which will allow Boldin to work the middle of the field, and take away all those 8 man boxes that Ray Rice was use to seeing.

Grade- A

3rd Round, Pick #85: Jah Reid (OT Central Florida)

2 Years ago, Baltimore thought they were set at tackle for the next 10 years with Jared Gaither and Michael Oher. However, back problems caused Gaither to miss all of last year, leaving a huge question mark moving forward. Baltimore loves those massive tackles, and Reid is definitely that, a6 6-7 310, Reid has the frame and aggressiveness, but is still very raw. Reid is going to get every opportunity to win the right tackle spot, and if he does, the Ravens would be able to move Marshal Yanda back to a guard sport where he is better suited.

Grade- B

4th Round, Pick #123: Tandon Doss (WR Indiana)

I think Tandon Doss is very overrated as a prospect, as he is a big, slow guy, who has no agility or explosiveness. People like him because of his size and strong hands, but he will have big problems being able to get separation at the next level, and I just don't see him ever being a productive receiver. Look for the Ravens to try and develop Doss behind Anquan Boldin and Derek Mason, and hopefully have him replace Mason when he decides to retire. But I don't see Doss ever getting to that point.

Grade- D

5th Round, Pick #164: Chykie Brown (CB Texas)

Much like their 4th round pick of Doss the Ravens double up on another position taking a second cornerback, when they saw a great talent like Brown fall into their laps. Chykie Brown is raw and undeveloped, but he is extremely talented, and has all the tools to be an excellent cornerback at the next level. He has good size, great speed, very fluid hips, and good body control. He definitely will be one of those players that will take at least a couple of years to develop, but in the 5th round, he is definitely worth it.

Grade- A

5th Round, Pick #165: Pernell McPhee (DE Mississippi State)

Pernell McPhee was always an under-achiever at Mississippi State, everybody knew he had talent, and flashed it, but he was never the productive pass rusher he should have been. I like what Baltimore is doing by switching him to the 5 Technique in their 3-4 defense, as maybe a change of position, and scheme will bring out the best in him. He will probably have to put on another 10-15 pounds, but he has the strength, and plays with a good motor, so he has the chance to develop into a solid rotational D-Lineman.

Grade- B-

6th Round, Pick #180: Tyrod Taylor (QB Virginia Tech)

Tyrod Taylor was very adamant that he wanted to be a quarterback in the NFL. They may work with for a little bit to see if he can develop, but his future in the NFL is at another position. Taylor has too much talent to waste holding a clipboard as a 3rd stringer. He has good quickness and make something happen from nothing. With some work he could develop into a solid slot receiver, but that's if he wants to do so. As a quarterback his ceiling is Seneca Wallace where as a receiver he could be Antwan Randle El.

Grade- C+

7th Round, Pick #225: Anthony Allen (RB Georgia Tech)

Coming from the flex bone triple option at Georgia Tech, Allen is going to need some time to adjust to a pro style scheme and all the blitz pickups. However, Allen is a tough runner with good straight line speed. Not much is expected out of this 7th round pick, but if he can develop into a back that can take some short yardage, and goal line carries away from Ray Rice and keep him fresh, the Ravens will get their return on investment. Great value in the 7th round

Grade- A