Draft Grade: Baltimore Ravens
Notable Picks
17th Overall: C.J. Mosley (Alabama)
It’s a very Ravens-like move to spend their most valuable pick on an inside linebacker. Mosley’s athleticism and toughness will help him fill the void left by the retirement of Ray Lewis. This pick cements Baltimore’s linebacker corps, also including Elvis Dumervil, Terrell Suggs, and Daryl Smith, as one of the best in the league.
48th Overall: DE Timmy Jernigan (Florida State)
Jernigan played defensive tackle in college, but he should fit better as an end in Baltimore’s 3 – 4 scheme. He is fluid and agile for a man his size (6’ 2”, 300 lbs.). Jernigan should take a year or two to really get going; his technique and snap anticipation need to be developed before he can translate his physical tools into NFL success.
79th Overall: FS Terrence Brooks (Florida State)
Baltimore takes another member of the 2013 National Championship team with this third round selection. While Jameis Winston and late in the year Kelvin Benjamin stole the spotlight, the Noles’ defense was every bit as good as their offense.
The Ravens were in dire need of a quality free safety, and even though they passed on top options Calvin Pryor and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in the first round, they could get an answer here all the way in the third. Brooks is both fluid in coverage and hard-hitting in run support; he often played linebacker for the Noles and he knows how to tackle. Expect him to immediately make an impact in the Raven’s secondary.
99th Overall: TE Crockett Gilmore (Colorado State)
With effective veterans at the tight end position in Owen Daniels and Dennis Pena, it is doubtful fourth round pick Crockett Gilmore will see much playing time in 2014. But with his natural catching ability and large frame (6’ 6”, 260 lbs.), Gilmore could eventually develop into a dangerous red zone threat.
Final Grade: A+
In the first four rounds of this year’s draft, the Ravens covered some serious holes and got 2 immediate starters in Mosley and Brooks and 2 players who should see limited snaps at first but could still contribute in Jernigan and Gilmore. There is good chance Baltimore got 4 future high-quality starters in this draft. That earns them an A+.
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