The Baltimore Ravens began their 2010 NFL Draft by getting criticized for trading out of the first round for the first time in team history. It turned out, however, that this move was another shrewd one for the Ravens front office.
Baltimore got three picks from Denver so the Broncos could draft Tim Tebow. The Ravens used their picks to draft a linebacker and two tight ends. With their other picks, Baltimore drafted two defensive linemen, a wide receiver and an offensive linemen.
Their first pick this year was linebacker Sergio Kindle. Kindle was a projected first-round pick, but there was some concerns about his character and his knees. In college, Kindle was charged with a DWI, but seems to be beyond these issues now. Also, there were some concerns that he could need microfracture surgery. As it turns out, he doesn’t need the surgery and the Ravens are glad to have Kindle as their newest pass rusher.
With their second pick, Baltimore selected defensive tackle Terrence “Mount” Cody. Cody beefs up what was a thin defensive line in more ways than one. Cody and budding star Haloti Ngata will form a dangerous tandem for opposing offenses to contend with during the 2010 season. The lineman is another player that could have been drafted in the first round, but concerns about his weight popped up and led to his drop down the draft board.
The third- and fourth-round picks were each tight ends. Ed Dickson, the third-round selection, attended Oregon and could be the heir-apparent to former Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap. Also, the fourth-round selection, Dennis Pitta, could take some field time away from Heap and Dickson. Pitta is a little older, 25, because of his obligations at Brigham Young, but he could still have an impact for Baltimore.
In the fifth round of the draft, Baltimore had two picks. With their first pick, Baltimore selected wide receiver David Reed from Utah. Reed isn’t real big, but could contribute on special teams in his rookie season. For their second pick in the fifth round, Baltimore selected defensive lineman Art Jones. Jones went to Syracuse and should provide some depth to the Ravens defensive line.
Baltimore’s seventh, and final, pick was in the sixth round. They used this pick on an offensive tackle. The tackle, Ramon Harewood, attended Division II school Morehouse College and is probably going to be a project for the Ravens over the next couple of years.
Overall, Baltimore filled their holes along the defensive line and looks to have solidified the tight end position. Also, in drafting Kindle, the Ravens appear to have improved their pass rush, at least on the surface. They also seemed to focus on special teams when they drafted two tight ends and Reed.
My Grade: B+
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