Pro Football Draft Network | 2012 Pro Football Draft Analysis

1^st Round (#27) CB Jimmy Smith, Colorado

2nd Round (#58) WR Torrey Smith, Maryland

3rd Round (#85) OT Jah Reid, Central Florida

4^th Round (#123) WR Tandon Doss, Indiana

5th Round (#164) CB Chykie Brown, Texas

5^th Round (#165) DE Pernell McPhee, Mississippi State

6^th Round (#180) QB Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech

7^th Round (#225) RB Anthony Allen, Georgia Tech

Analysis of Notable Selections:

Jimmy Smith: The Ravens have the veteran leadership (Ray Lewis and Ed Reed) to get the most out of Smith.  Baltimore had a serious need for a big cornerback who can cover.  Smith fits the bill and he has the potential of making a tough Baltimore defense even better.  Cornerbacks with Smith’s size, speed and ability to turn are hard to find.  Baltimore took a worthwhile risk that Jimmy Smith will do the little things (study film, work on his technique, etc.) to reach his potential.

Torrey Smith:  Baltimore has a lot of age at wide receiver (Anquan Boldin (30), Derrick Mason (37), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (33) and Donte Stallworth (30) and needed to add some young legs.  In addition, Houshmandzadeh and Stallworth are both free agents and may not be back with the team.  Torrey Smith was a decent selection in the 2^nd round.  Smith has a good combination of size and speed.  However, his production in college was inconsistent.  He is not a natural receiver and it may take him some time to adjust to the NFL.  PFDN was higher on Randall Cobb.  The versatile Cobb may be best in the slot, but we believe he is going to be the more productive receiver compared to Smith.     

Jah Reid: Michael Oher did not play left tackle in 2010 as well as he did right tackle in 2009.  However, the Ravens believe that all Oher needs is more experience and he will be the answer at left tackle.  The right tackle spot was a problem last season.  Marshall Yanda was moved from guard to right tackle and was not as effective.  Baltimore would be better off with Yanda playing inside.  The loss of 2009 starting left tackle, Jared Gaither, to injury also set the offensive line back.  Gaither and the Ravens will likely mutually part ways due to free agency.  This opens the door for Jah Reid to fill the opening at right tackle.  Reid is a massive man (6’ 7” and 330 lbs) with long arms and a decent run blocker.   The 3^rd round was early to take him, but the right tackle spot has to be improved.  Reid has average feet, but the Ravens believe that with good technique his pass protection will not be an issue.  We do not love this pick, but Baltimore’s offensive line has to play better than the 2010 performance.

Tandon Doss: He was a productive possession receiver for Indiana University.  Baltimore looks to build wide receiver depth and get younger with this selection.  Doss made sense in the 4^th round.  He is not an explosive receiver, but Doss could develop into a decent possession receiver.  His ability to return kicks is a plus. 

Anthony Allen: Willis McGahee (Ray Rice’s primary back-up) is 29 years old.  Anthony Allen is a 228-pound back who runs hard.  His speed and quickness are average, but he will not tap-dance through the hole.  He has a chance to surprise and stick around as a reserve.    

2011 NFL Draft Grade:  B-  

Bottom Line:  PFDN liked the relatively low-risk gamble on Jimmy Smith.  The rest of Baltimore’s draft consisted of adding depth.  The Ravens are higher on Torrey Smith than we are.  The pass rush remains a concern and was not addressed in the draft.