Examining the Ravens 2011 draft class
With the 2014 NFL draft approaching quickly I think it is time to look back at the Baltimore Ravens 2011 draft class. It has been a few years and the players have had a chance to establish themselves in the NFL. Some of these grades are also based on where the player was drafted. Overall this was a very strong draft class and one of the better draft classes in Ravens history. Most of the players were involved in the Ravens Super Bowl win in 2012.
First pick: Round 1, 27th overall: Jimmy Smith took some time to develop and has battled injuries. Smith has been so good that I wrote a player profile on him, full thoughts on Smith can be found there. Smith fell to the Ravens because he had off the field concerns but he has been a model citizen since joining the team. Smith has been a very good pick for the Ravens. Grade A
Second pick: Round 2, 58th overall: Torrey Smith only took a few games to get going and quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s best deep threats. The biggest knock on Torrey Smith out of college was his hands, since then he has developed his pass catching ability to near elite status. Check out Smith’s player profile for full thoughts. Torrey Smith may be the best receiver the Ravens have ever drafted. Grade A++
Third pick: Round 3, 85th overall: Jah Reid has battled injury for the Ravens since being drafted. Reid has been a disappointment starting only seven games for the Ravens. Reid has the size to develop into a good offensive lineman but he needs to stay healthy in order for that to happen. Grade D
Fourth pick: Round 4, 123rd overall: Tandon Doss had his ups and downs for the Ravens and is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Doss had one touchdown reception and 26 receptions, most of them coming in his final season with the Ravens. Doss was also valuable as a kick and punt returner for the Ravens. I thought Doss had a lot of potential to become a solid slot man for the Ravens. Grade C+
Fifth pick: Round 5, 164th overall: Chykie Brown has been a solid reserve defensive back for the Ravens and has played well on special teams. I think Brown will continue to improve and play more on defense. Brown has seven pass defensed and 39 career tackles. Grade C+
Sixth pick: Round 5, 165th overall: Pernell McPhee was the true steal of this draft class. McPhee is a pass rushing machine with 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. McPhee has had some injury problems but has been a beast when he has been on the field. Grade A+
Seventh pick: Round 6, 180th overall: Tyrod Taylor has been the Ravens backup quarterback since being drafted. Being that Taylor was the 180th overall pick I would say the Ravens did pretty well with this pick. Taylor has seen very little playing time in NFL games and the Ravens are now looking for another backup to challenge Taylor. Still a decent pick for the cost. Grade C+
Eighth pick: Round 7, 225th overall: Anthony Allen played for the Ravens in 2011 and 2012. Allen was a very good special teams player and received very little carries when he was on offense. I thought Allen was a very good running back and he has since signed a deal with the Buffalo Bills. I still think Allen should have been on the Ravens team last year. Grade C+
