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RAVENS DRAFT HISTORY: Round 2

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Last Friday, we explored the history of Ravens’ first-round selections. Some lived up to their draft stock, others weren’t able to stay with the team and make even a minimal impact.

Let’s take a look at Round Two and see what the history looks like after the stars of the first round are off the board.

1996 (55) DeRon Jenkins, CB, Tennessee

The third Baltimore Raven ever selected in a draft never lived up to his second-round selection. He never made it to the Super Bowl team of 2000 and recorded just two interceptions over four seasons. The team passed on 9-time Pro Bowler, Brian Dawkins with this pick. Dawkins was taken by the Eagles just six picks later. GRADE: F

1997 (34) Jamie Sharper, LB, Virginia

Sharper came to Baltimore and made an immediate impact on the defense leading up to the 2000 Super Bowl run. He was a stable force in the middle of the defense and was one of the team’s impact players for the big year. According to Pro Football Reference, he totaled 302 tackles for the Ravens over five seasons. GRADE: B+

1997 (64) Kim Herring, S, Penn State

Herring played four seasons with the Ravens, starting 43 games. He had three interceptions and three fumble recoveries during his time in Baltimore. He had a big season in 2000, totaling 47 tackles, three picks, a sack and two forced fumbles. GRADE: B-

1998 (42) Patrick Johnson, WR, Oregon

Johnson was one player who never lived up to pre-draft expectations. During his four seasons with the team, he had just 58 receptions and seven touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers would go on to draft Hines Ward just a round later. GRADE: D

2001 (62) Gary Baxter, DB, Baylor

After going without second-round picks for two seasons, the Ravens took Gary Baxter in 2001 in hopes to solidify the secondary. Though short-lived, Baxter would go on to have a respectable career in Baltimore. He started in the defensive backfield from 2002-2004, combining for 202 tackles and five interceptions. GRADE: B

2002 (52) Anthony Weaver, DL, Notre Dame

After taking Ed Reed in the first round, the Ravens chose another defensive standout in Weaver. He had 14.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries during his time in Baltimore, but he was never able to do enough to keep a spot on the team after four years. He signed with the Texans after the 2005 season but never was able to live up to his second-round grade. GRADE: C

2004 (51) Dwan Edwards, DL, Oregon State

Edwards saw time around the interior defensive line during his five seasons in Baltimore. He held a spot on the depth chart, but never had the breakout season many thought was capable. Ultimately, he made a decent impact, but never one that turned heads. The Ravens passed on Darnell Dockett with this selection. GRADE: C

2005: (53) Dan Cody, LB, Oklahoma

Cody may very well be the biggest bust of the Ravens high-round draft history. Riddled by injuries, he never recorded a full tackle in the NFL. He stuck around on injury lists for a few years, but never made his presence felt in an NFL game. GRADE: F

2005 (64) Adam Terry, OT, Syracuse

The Ravens had big hopes for Terry, but he never was able to be a regular starter on the offensive line. He didn’t start 16 games in any season and wasn’t able to stay healthy during his time in Baltimore. The Ravens were hoping for a potential franchise tackle, instead, they got an oft-injured journeyman. GRADE: D+

2006 (56) Chris Chester, OG, Oklahoma

Chester arrived in Baltimore by way of Oklahoma and was projected as an athletic guard or center after spending a significant portion of his career of as a Sooner at tight end. The learning process was slow and Chester was often overpowered at the point of attack. He was a developmental prospect and eventually became a decent offensive lineman, but fault the Ravens front office here – they reached for a project. GRADE: C-

2008 (55) Ray Rice, RB, Rutgers

Rice has fared well during his time with the team, racking up multiple 1000+ yard seasons and cashing in for the Ravens when they need it most. Despite his poor 2013 season and legal troubles, Rice is poised for a future with the Ravens as long as he can take care of his recent off-field matter. GRADE: A

2009 (57) Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

Kruger had a minimal impact as a situational player in his first three years with the Ravens, but became a big part of the Super-Bowl-winning defense in 2012. He was able to become an elite pass-rusher and helped the defense do just enough to backup the record-breaking offense led by Joe Flacco. Kruger received a big contract from Cleveland during the 2013 offseason and went on to sign with the Browns. He greatly under-performed, leaving many to wonder if his success was due in part to the elite D-Line around him. GRADE: C+

2010 (43) Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

This didn’t quite work out as planned…

Just like Cody in 2005, the Ravens struck out with this pick. Whether it was a poor decision by the front office, or just bad luck, Kindle had a somewhat confusing timeline during his time as a Raven. A fractured skull and three years of seemingly poor practice performance later, the Ravens released him following the 2012 regular season. GRADE: F

2010 (57) Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

To no one’s surprise Cody showed up for his rookie campaign out of shape. Despite good feet for a man his size Cody never seemed to respect his talents or the game. In his 4 campaigns with the Ravens Cody has a grand total of 87 tackles, 0 forced fumbles and 0 sacks, hardly the numbers you’d expect from a Ravens defender chosen in the second round. GRADE: D-

2011 (58) Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

The Ravens went with the home-town kid with this selection and it certainly worked out. Smith has become a key part of the Ravens receiving corps and is likely to receive a contract-extension soon. Smith has 19 touchdowns and over 2,800 yards during his time with the team. With Steve Smith on board for 2014, look for Smith to have a prominent role on the other side of the offense. GRADE: B+

2012 (35) Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

The Ravens moved out of the first round to take Upshaw with their first selection in 2012. While it’s still early, the OLB is showing signs of promise in the 3-4 defense. He effectively split time with Elvis Dumervil last season and looks to have a similar role in 2014. GRADE: B-

2012 (60) Kelechi Osemele, OL, Iowa State

Osemele looks to be a big part of the Ravens offensive line in 2014. Whether it’s at left guard or right tackle, the team plans on starting him as a member of the much-improved offensive line in front of Joe Flacco. 2014 will be the first true opportunity to grade Osemele fairly, assuming he can stay healthy for a full 16 games. GRADE: B

2013 (56) Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Brown should see more playing time this year after waiting in the wings last season. Jameel McClain won’t be back, giving Brown the opportunity to step up on the depth chart and potentially make an impact with his fiery skill-set. Remember, Ozzie Newsome traded up to grab Brown, a guy he felt could make an impact long-term. TEMPORARY GRADE: C

 

Previously Reviewed Rounds

Round 1

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