I really liked the trade down from 8 to 26. However, I think it was a huge reach to move back up to 18 to pick Flacco. He's a big, strong armed kid who is very raw and coming from the FCS level. I think he would have been on the board at 26 and the Ravens got their pocket picked on that one. Anyway, Flacco now has the burden of being a first rounder and the heir apparent in Baltimore. He took almost all his snaps from shotgun and will struggle with complex NFL defenses. Boom or bust pick!

Grade D

Ray Rice(55) RB Rutgers

Another slightly curious pick. After signing Willis McGahee to a long term deal the Ravens decided this was a need. I like Rice as a back. He's hard to bring down and will spell McGahee. Rice can slide into the 3rd down role. I just see this a a spot where Rice was drafted a half round to a round too high. Having said all that, there is not much proven talent behind McGahee. PJ Daniels and Cory Ross don't exactly strike fear into opponents in case McGahee were to go down.

Grade C+

Tavares Gooden (71) LB Miami (Fl)

Big, fast athletic LB who will need to work on his instincts and football discipline. He needs to learn not to bite on the play action. Gooden will have time to learn and develop in Baltimore. May also need to bulk up a tad for the NFL rigors. Jarret Johnson may be replaced in a year by this athletic LB if he can learn quickly.

Grade B

Tom Zbikowski (86) S Notre Dame

A tough in the box safety who was drafted around where he probably should have been. Struggles in coverage. Will help immensely in special teams (STs). Has PR ability even though Yamon Figurs should be the returner. If not, Zbikowski will be an excellent gunner and play hold up on returns. Should back up Dawan Landry immediately.

Grade B

Oneil Cousins (99C) OG UTEP

Raw athletic OT with nice long arms. Picked in the appropriate area of the draft. He'll need to get stronger and bring out his nasty streak if he wants to see the field. Should be the first G off the bench if he shows he can pick up the schemes and assignments.

Grade B

Marcus Smith (106) WR New Mexico

Raw WR who has only played the position for a couple of years. Extremely productive at the MWC level and a good athlete. Good size and will need some time to develop. Could be practice squad material to start off with if he can't make enough of an impact with his STs skills.

Grade B+

Dave Hale (133C)OT Weber State

Small school prospect who they must see enough to warrant a draft pick. Another who could end up on the practice squad. A bit of a reach, but the Ravens like his mauler mentality. Plays from snap to whistle.

Grade C

Haruki Nakamura (206C) S Cincinnati

Had a good game at the Hula Bowl All Star. May not have enough natural athleticism, but is intelligent and worth a good look. Slightly undersized.

Grade C

Justin Harper (215) WR Virginia Tech

Good value here with Harper. A big target who doesn't have the explosion or athleticism to probably ever be more than a possession receiver. However, he has good hands. Must show he can add value in STs.

Grade B

Allen Patrick (240C)RB Oklahoma

Another good value late in the draft. Patrick has good explosion and speed. However, he is injury prone and lacks good instincts as a runner. Once again, he needs to make the squad on STs.

Grade B

Summary:

Overall, I think the Ravens scouting department and Ozzie Newsome showed they are adept at finding value and making solid choices. I think Flacco was too much of reach to go at 18. Plus, he now has that added pressure of being the QB immediately without the time to develop. All the rest of the picks seem like the Ravens stuck to their board and took people who can contribute in some manner.

Overall Grade: C+