Draft Review: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens

1st Round, Pick #32:  Matt Elam S Florida
There isn't a player who better personifies as a "Baltimore Raven" than Matt Elam.  Without question the most violent physical defender in the draft, Elam is the type of strong safety the Ravens love.  He's definitely best against the run, but Elam is an underrated athlete who can range all over the field.  I expect Elam to be a Pro-Bowler in Baltimore.  Great value, great fit, and at a position of need.
Pick Grade:  A

2nd Round, Pick #56:  Arthur Brown LB Kansas State
Everybody assumes that Brown with the replacement for Rey Lewis, but actually Brown was brought in to fill the spot that Darnelle Ellerbe manned for the past few years.  Brown is very instinctive but struggles to take on blocks.  But in the weakside linebacker spot Brown will be covered up more and be able to use his speed and playmaking ability to his full advantage.  Bown was rumored to go in the late first, so to get him in the end of the second round is a great value.
Pick Grade:  A+

3rd Round, Pick #94:  Brandon Williams DT Missouri Southern 
With Terrence Cody not pulling his own weight at the nose tackle spot, the Ravens needed to bring in somebody who could push him or win the job away.  Williams dominated Division II with his size and surprising agility.  He has the strength and bulk to play the nose tackle spot, but has the versatility to slide out to the five technique or even play in a four man front.  This should help him see the field even sooner and help in rotations.
Pick Grade:  A

4th Round, Pick #129:  John Simon DE Ohio State
Plain and simple, John Simon is the replacement for Paul Kruger.  Kruger came in on passing situations for Courtney Upshaw to rush the quarterback.  With the additional of Elvis Dummervill Simon won't be asked to produce a lot immediately, but he'll be asked to be a situational pass rusher.    Much like Kruger, Simon isn't a great athlete, but a relentless rusher who knows how to get to the QB.
Pick Grade:  B+

4th Round, Pick #130:  Kyle Juszcyk FB Harvard
Interesting pick since the Ravens already have Vonta Leach who is the best fullback in the NFL.  So why do you draft another FB, especially in the fourth round?  Juszcyk does offer some versatility as a runner and as a receiver.  However they are stacked at tight end and have two good running backs.  Unless they don't think Leach will be with the team after this year, this could be a wasted pick.
Pick Grade:  D

5th Round, Pick #168:  Ricky Wagner OT Wisconsin
With the constant uncertainty at the LT spot, having a good backup at RT for when Michael Oher slides over is a must.  Jah Reid is the current backup, but he hasn't really taken a hold of the spot.  Wagner is a fierce run blocker and that will make him a good fit for the Ravens.  He'll have his shot to win the backup job from Reid bring more depth to this line.
Pick Grade:  B

6th Round, Pick #200:  Kapron Lewis-Moore DE Notre Dame
In their efforts to improve their defensive line the Ravens may have found a gem here.  Lewis-Moore was on the verge of being a fast riser, but a bad knee injury in the National Championship Game really put a halt to his rise.  However Lewis-Moore has a good anchor and strong hands.  Because they brought in some veteran help that allows Lewis-Moore to fully recover from his injuries and make a run at a starting job next year.
Pick Grade:  B+

6th Round, Pick #203:  Ryan Jensen G Colorado State-Pueblo
Jensen is a nasty blocker who will be moved inside to guard because of his size and lack of length.  Baltimore could really use some depth behind Marshall Yanda and Keleche Osemele.  If Jensen can make the transition from small school and a position change he could really help out.
Pick Grade:  C+

7th Round, Pick #238:  Aaron Mellette WR Elon
A big bodied receiver, Mallette is also a good route runner.  However he doesn't have good speed or quickness and will as a result will be nothing more than a possession receiver.  Baltimore could really have used a pick on somebody to try and help replace Anquan Boldin.  Instead they waited till the seventh round on somebody who isn't quick nor fast.
Pick Grade:  D

7th Round, Pick #247:  Marc Anthony CB California
Anthony has good quickness and can match up man to man in the short area.  However he doesn't have that closing speed that the Ravens normally go after.  Hopefully Anthony can develop into a solid nickel back or as a special teamer.
Pick Grade:  D

Overall Grade:  B