Baltimore Ravens 2011 NFL Draft Review

The Ravens addressed several needs, but no one underwent the third degree more than corner Jimmy Smith. Smith is one of several players during General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s regime who was rated high on Baltimore’s board and fell to the twenties where Smith was selected. At the end of the investigation process, the Ravens had a comfort level with Smith as a player and a person. Several of the major needs heading into the draft were filled at offensive tackle, corner, and wide receiver. The linebacker position may be filled in free agency or with young players on the roster. Jimmy Smith is a big corner who is athletic and strong. He has all the measurables for the position. Experienced in both press and off coverage, Smith is a first round athlete who cleaned up red flags with the Ravens’ power structure. The Ravens see him as a good tackler with great coverage skills. He will be a big match-up with wide receivers in the AFC North. Receiver Torrey Smith was a first round value that fell to the Ravens at pick 58. An explosive playmaker, he helps the receiver corps get bigger and faster. Smith has big vertical speed that can take the top off a defense and clear the underneath areas for Derrick Mason and Anquan Boldin. The Maryland product gives Joe Flacco another weapon and a deep target. He also has value in the kickoff return game. Jah Reid is an offensive tackle who was targeted and Newsome gave up a 6th round pick to Philadelphia to move up and select him in the third round. He projects at the right tackle position with Michael Oher moving back to the left side. Reid started 41 games at right tackle in college. He has long arms and big hands for the position. A good athlete, he has a passion for the game. Big, tough, and smart guys generally find their way onto the field. Tandon Doss is a possession receiver who catches the ball away from his body. A physical receiver, he is tough over the middle. He has a different skill set from Torrey Smith. Doss was a feature receiver in the Hoosier offense and possesses good awareness and instincts. Chykie Brown impressed the Ravens with his size, long arms (33 7/8”), and speed. He is solid in press coverage and explosive in his play. Late in the draft, traits are important to project a player within the scheme of a defense. Pernell McPhee is projected to play a 3-4 end. He has the frame to get bigger and pack on another 20 pounds. He is a player who gives good effort on every snap. He hustles to the ball and is a developmental project who will need to get bigger and stronger to play the run. In junior college he was turned loose and had over 30 career sacks. Tyrod Taylor has the skill set the Ravens liked at quarterback with the added dimension of mobility. He has rare movement skills to escape with suddenness to make a play and pressure the defense. A developmental project, Taylor will provide depth. Anthony Allen is a back who is tough and has the skills to track the ball on wheel routes. Most of Allen’s ability to catch the ball was observed at the Combine and in workouts. He was not used much as a receiver at Georgia Tech. A between the tackles power runner, he has good vision, is an athletic one-cut runner, and has good body lean. GRADE: GOOD

This entry was posted in 2011 NFL Draft Team Reviews, Baltimore Ravens and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.