The Baltimore Ravens have built a reputation as being one franchise that gets the NFL Draft right, consistently making the right picks to reload a strong team. This year was no different. The Ravens finished 12-4 last season, and look as strong as ever.
The defensive secondary was an area of concern, and as good as their front seven has been, if receivers are getting open early and often then it is very difficult to get pressure on the quarterback. The selection of Jimmy Smith, the cornerback out of Colorado, looks to solidify the secondary right away. The concern with Smith is not his talent. Many saw him as good as both Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but how is he going to handle life in the NFL off the field. The hope is that being in the locker room with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed will be a positive influence. But right now no one is in the locker room. So if Smith can stay out of trouble until the lockout ends then he will have the chance to fulfill his potential.
Wide receiver is another area where the Ravens were looking to get better, and Baltimore got a player with first round talent late in the second round with the selection of Torrey Smith from Maryland. Smith gives the receiver corps an immediate upgrade with his speed, and he should be able to stretch the field for quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens also got an upgrade on the offensive line in the third round by selecting Jah Reid out of Central Florida. Reid may be in need of experience and seasoning, but he has the athletic ability to contribute for a long time.
A late round sleeper looks to be Tandon Doss, a wide receiver selected in the fourth round. Doss is a tall, rangy possession receiver with great hands and should team with Torrey Smith on the outside for many years.
Draft Grade: B+
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