AFC North Draft Grades: Baltimore Ravens

Linebacker C.J. Mosley

Baltimore Ravens
Analysis: The Ravens went defense heavy early in the draft and struck gold by getting linebacker C.J. Mosley with the 17^th-overall selection. Mosley is a super-instinctive backer, and can stay on the field for all three downs. He is adept at quickly diagnosing plays and beating blockers to the point of attack. He also is versatile enough to play inside or outside in nearly any scheme. Durability is the only question regarding Mosley. In the second round, the Ravens added defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan to add youth and versatility to the offensive line. This was a good value selection, but it made me wonder if the Ravens plan on using a 4-3 scheme more often in 2014? Jernigan is more of a 4-3 defensive tackle than a nose tackle or 3-4 defensive end. Baltimore added another Florida State Seminole in safety Terrence Brooks with its first of two third-round picks. Brooks gives the Ravens another safety to pair with 2013 first-rounder, Matt Elam. Brooks is more of a free safety, which will allow the Ravens to play Elam closer to the line of scrimmage. Plus, both are versatile enough to swap roles. With their other third-round selection, the Ravens added Crockett Gillmore, a dual-threat tight end. Gillmore is a work in progress, but has the ability to play in-line, as well as on the perimeter. The Ravens added another versatile piece to the defensive front by selection Brent Urban in the fourth round. Urban fits best as a 3-4 defensive end, but could also play defensive tackle when the Ravens shift to a 4-3. Urban is big, and athletic enough, but really needs to work on playing with lower pad level. With their remaining four selections, the Ravens upgraded depth on the offensive side of the football by adding running back Lorenzo Taliaferro, center John Urschel, quarterback Keith Wenning and receiver Michael Campanaro. I believe the Ravens did a nice job improving this draft, although I would’ve added another cornerback somewhere during this draft. I could see every draft pick making this squad, and that’s saying a lot because the Ravens have a talented roster.
Grade: B

Baltimore Ravens – 2014 Draft Selections
1 (17) C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
2 (48) Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State
3 (79) Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State
3 (99) Crockett Gillmore, TE, Colorado State
4 (134) Brent Urban, DE/DT, Virginia
4 (138) Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Coastal Carolina
5 (175) John Urschel, C, Penn State
6 (194) Keith Wenning, QB, Ball State
7 (218) Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest

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