We can look at the 2009 Baltimore Ravens draft class in tow very different ways. Sure they scored with their picks in the top rounds, but their picks in later rounds made no impact at all, in fact most of them did not make the team. So we have to weigh three potential starters against the failure to land quality prospects in the later rounds. Of course that is pretty simply landing three starters in any one draft class is the standard and that is what the Ravens accomplished. One year ago I gave the Ravens pretty high marks for their draft , even though they did not address their need for a number one receiver. That is an issue they have filled vi trade and free agency now, but could have helped during the 2009 season.
A quick look at the 2009 Ravens draft class:
•Round One (23)- Michael Oher OT •Round Two (57)- Paul Kruger DE •Round Three (88)- Lardarius Webb DB •Round Five (137)- Jason Phillips LB •Round Five (149)- Davon Drew TE •Round Six (185)- Cedric Peerman RB
Oher started every game 11 at RT, and 5 at LT, proving his versatility and value to the club. Kruger played in 9 games and racked up 11 tackles and an interception. Webb made an apperance in 14 games and made 35 tackles before his knee injury. Phillips was injured in pre-season and missed the entire season. Drew was cut in training camp and was added to the practice squad. Peerman was cut in training camp.
So Oher figures to be a long time starter on the O line, Webb is a legitimate starter, and Kruger figure to be a starter in the future. That is three starters in this draft class, and while they missed on the rest of their picks, landing three starters earns a team a lot of leeway. I graded this draft as a B+ one year ago, and I think that is the grade I will stick with for now.
Related Links:
• 2009 NFL Draft, one year later • Baltimore Ravens news and notes • 2010 NFL Mock Drafts • 2010 NFL Team Needs •MTR Football.com
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