Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Baltimore Ravens.
2012 NFL Draft analysis: Baltimore Ravens
Getty Images
Once again, Baltimore Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome hoodwinked everyone. Newsome knew he could drop back from the 29th overall pick in the draft, add extra picks and still get a top talent. He did just that moving down to pick No. 35, getting an extra fourth-round pick and drafting outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw. The Alabama pass rusher is a perfect replacement for Jarrett Johnson outside and should be a factor for the Ravens immediately.
The same can be said for the team's other second-round pick Kelechi Osemele. Taken 60th overall, Osemele projects inside to guard where he'll be in the running to replace the departed Ben Grubbs. Osemele is perfect fit for the powerful Ravens offensive line. The extra pick acquired allowed Newsome to trade up in the third round to snag running back Bernard Pierce, a great foil for Ray Rice. Baltimore used the rest of its picks to add depth.
Questionable selection: G Gino Gradkowski, Round 4, Pick 98
The Ravens came into this draft in need of another receiving target to pair with veteran Anquan Boldin and rising second-year player Torrey Smith. There were a lot of good wide receivers in the fourth round the team chose to pass on in favor of Gradkowski. That included players like Travis Benjamin, Joe Adams, Jarius Wright, Nick Toon and Greg Childs. While the team needs depth at offensive line, using pick 98 on a wide receiver may have been wise.
Late-round steal: WR Tommy Streeter, Round 6, Pick 198
For the same reasons Gradkowski was a questionable pick, Streeter is a steal. Although Streeter only started one season at Miami, the Ravens may give him plenty of playing time as a rookie. He has good size, but is inconsistent. That was the same for Smith last season, but he came along as the season progressed. Streeter’s potential is high, so he could develop into a good player.
2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Baccari Rambo, S, Georgia | Matthew Fairburn - Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
SBNation.com video:
See More:
