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Final Thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens Draft
Published: April 28, 2009
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When Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew went off the board at 20th pick to the Lions, Ozzie Newsome’s most coveted player was gone. Rather than trading back to gain more picks, Newsome and the Ravens moved up to take Ole Miss tackle Michael Oher, whose story is now the subject of a book and a future film.
Oher started 47 straight games in the SEC, and was rated as a top 15 pick by most experts, so his experience and pedigree is not in question. If all goes according to plan, Oher will grow with this young offensive line, featuring Jared Gaither and former number-one pick Ben Grubbs.
The next choice by the Ravens, Paul Kruger, is an interesting one. He was a 4-3 defensive end in college, and will most likely be used in pass rushing situations next year. He’s a “high motor” guy, which makes me think of Jarrett Johnson who starts opposite Terrell Suggs.
Both of these players should be able to play and contribute as rookies.
Third-round pick Ladarius Webb seems to be a versatile player with a lot of spunk, but will have a lot of competition to play in a defensive backfield that already contains Samari Rolle, Fabian Washington, Ed Reed, Tom Zbikowski, Haruki Nakamura, Dawan Landry, Frank Walker, Chris Carr, and Dominique Foxworth.
Although the talent has been stockpiled by Newsome and Eric DeCosta, the saying in the NFL is that you can never have too many corners. The Ravens saw that in 2007, when they were decimated by opposing passing attacks after Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle got injured.
There is also a question about how well Dawan Landry will return from the scary spinal chord injury he suffered against Cleveland last season. Webb will be able to contribute on the kick and punt coverage units, both of whom struggled last year.
Sixth round pick Cedric Peerman doesn’t fill a need, but he was a good player who I saw a lot while he played at UVA. His numbers weren’t jaw dropping, but he was. If he is given a chance, he could be a productive player at times, especially if McClain has to play more fullback next year with Lorenzo Neil apparently not in the fold.
Overall, I like Baltimore’s draft. However, the question now becomes: How did we improve our team? Oher will come in and compete with Willie Anderson for the right tackle spot. But even if he wins the position he would not be expected to perform at a Pro Bowl level, although he is apetizing solution to a position that has been manned by players such as Adam Terry and Ethan Brooks in recent seasons.
So called “experts” have said Kruger won’t make anyone forget about Bart Scott, but as they don’t play the same position there is no comparison. Most likely, Kruger will only play in pass rushing situations.
While many of these players drafted can, and will, contribute, we are still lacking a receiver for Joe Flacco to grow with. A franchise WR is the one position now missing from Baltimore.
Derrick Mason has been productive, receiving over 1,000 yards the last two seasons, but he is aging. He was also Flacco’s main target on third down plays last year, as Mark Clayton fails to live up to his first round draft pick status.
One can only hope that Mason remains productive, Clayton continues to improve, and that Demetrius Williams stays healthy. The rest of the pieces are there, that group needs to step up for the Ravens to de-throne Pittsburgh.
