The Ravens only had 6 draft picks total in the NFL Draft this past weekend, but they did a lot with a little, despite not adding any flashy skill position players.
Scouting reports courtesy of Yahoo! Sports
Michael Oher, OT – Ole Miss – 23rd, 1st Round
The Good: The total package at tackle. Possesses a big, strong-looking frame with long arms and a well-built upper and lower body. Displays an explosive first step and can consistently get outside and reach speed rushers. Excellent lateral mobility and feet. Plays low with good leverage and exhibits a powerful punch on contact. The most upside of any tackle in the group.
The Bad: Has had some well-documented learning disabilities and may need his fair share of reps at the next level. Isn’t as consistent as you’d like to see; seems to have lapses in concentration vs. lower level competition.
Paul Kruger, DE – Utah – 25th, 2nd Round
The Good: A tough, hard-working defensive end with a long frame and impressive straight-line speed for his size. Has a good first step off the edge and uses his length and strong upper body to shed blocks and chase the ball from the backside. Has a nose for the quarterback and showcases impressive closing speed in pursuit of the ball.
The Bad: Gets a bit high at times off the edge, which causes him to struggle shedding blocks. Looks a bit lean and could stand to add some weight and power in his lower half.
Lardarius Webb, CB – Nicholls State – 24th, 3rd Round
The Good: A versatile athlete who has played quarterback for one game,as well as: wide receiver, kick return punt return, safety, and corner. A playmaking ballhawk with superior hands, ball skills and he loves to hit. His natural position is safety but can play nickel and corner because he can cover in man. Also a good punt blocker and gunner on the punt team. He has the range and everything else except the frame you'd like to see, he can be a reserve right away at any position in the secondary. In addition to 4.46 40 speed his 6.77, 3-Cone and 4.1 in the short shuttle all illustrate his quickness.
The Bad: Lean frame, I have seen him listed at 205, but I just don't see it. I think he's much less than that: 190-187 at most. He also needs to be as good at and solid in reading play action as he is is in other areas. Like most top CB/safety prospects at this level he is very nosy and can get out of position trying to do too much. He weighed in at 179 at the combine to be a FS he'll need at least 10-15 lbs.
Jason Phillips, LB – TCU – 1st, 5th Round
The Good: A tough, instinctive linebacker who plays with passion and physicality on every play. Showcases ideal straight-line speed toward the perimeter and works hard in pursuit. Has the athleticism to run sideline to sideline and make plays outside the tackles. Displays good awareness in zone coverage and does a good job reading his keys. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and is always flowing toward the ball.
The Bad: Isn’t real powerful in his lower body and struggles exploding though his hips. Is a bit stiff in space and doesn’t redirect or get out of his breaks cleanly. Tends to over-pursue and struggles breaking down in space and making consist plays on the ball.
Devon Drew, TE – East Carolina – 12th, 5th Round
The Good: A good-looking athlete with wide shoulders and an explosive first step. Demonstrates good flexibility and burst out of his stance and seems to reach top speed quickly. Is very sudden in and out of his breaks and has the body control to separate down the field. Has the frame to add even more strength and can certainly develop as a blocker.
The Bad: Will have the occasion drop and lapse of concentration over the middle. Doesn’t line up as a down tight end and will need to work on his blocking techniques. Has a tendency to lose his balance too easily, and his block is shed too easily.
Cedric Peerman, RB – Virginia – 10th, 6th Round
The Good: A physical back who runs with good power and leg drive between the tackles. Showcases good vision and instincts at the line of scrimmage and does a nice job reading his blocks. Displays quick feet and flexibility when changing directions in space. Runs with a good pad level and can break tackles inside. Possesses a good first step attacking the hole.
The Bad: Plays at one speed, isn’t a home run threat and lacks a second gear once he gets into the secondary. Has a tendency to fumble inside, and concerns surround his small hands and short arms.
****
Although none of these moves were flashy, they improve the depth on the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the secondary and at linebacker.
With the selection of Devon Drew, The TE position looks to get crowded with Todd Heap, L.J. Smith and Quinn Sypniewski already on the roster and RB Cedric Peerman looks to be a Special Teams player with Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice returning at RB.
However, the Ravens failed to upgrade the WR position, which they would still like to do, but not at the steep cost it would take to land Anquan Boldin. When Darius Heyward-Bey was surprisingly selected 8th overall by the Oakland Raiders, it killed any chance of the Ravens trading up to get him. Now the Ravens will have to wait to see who is released or try to hammer out a trade for a WR.
But at least it looks like Joe Flacco will have some more time to throw with the addition of Oher, which should help improve the passing game instantly.
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