It is far too early to assess the Ravens 2013 NFL Draft class but we can look ahead to their 2014 seasons and provide a glimpse of what we might see from the 8 (Marc Anthony was released prior to the start of the 2013 season) who remain part of the team.
Matt Elam (Pick 32)
Elam will be moved to his more natural strong safety position and he’ll play more frequently around the line of scrimmage where he’s comfortable. Look for a more explosive player in 2014, one that resembles a young Bob Sanders.
Arthur Brown (Pick 56)
Brown was the victim of being moved around a bit too much between college and his rookie season with the Ravens. He’ll now settle in as a weak side inside backer. He has off the chart athleticism and now with the learning curve more behind him than in front, he’ll play faster and develop into the player most expected by the second half of the 2014 season.
Brandon Williams (Pick 94)
Williams faded towards the back end of 2013 and was often listed among the inactives while DT compadre DeAngelo Tyson saw more playing time. He’ll get an opportunity to redeem himself this season and should benefit now that he’s had a chance to compete against superior athletes and not those he faced at Missouri Southern.
John Simon (Pick 129)
Simon’s availability on day 3 of the 2013 NFL Draft had the Ravens’ scouts buzzing with excitement, something Simon failed to deliver in his rookie campaign. He’s a hard worker and a smart player and those two qualities coupled with a year of experience even if most of it was on the practice field, will lead to increased productivity. If nothing else he can push Courtney Upshaw by competing, something we know Simon will do. Special teams play will benefit Simon if he can consistently dress on Sundays.
Kyle Juszczyk (Pick 130)
A strong special teams player in 2013, look for more on offense from the Harvard Crimson. Gary Kubiak’s offense requires smart players with versatility and that description screams Juice’s name.
Ricky Wagner (Pick 168)
Wagner will be given an opportunity to compete for the starting right tackle position. He’s a battler and a hustler and a better run blocker than he is a pass protector. In limited action in 2013 he struggled against speed. Early signs indicate that he’ll be no better than a marginal starting tackle. Perhaps a coaching staff on the same page will help him be more productive than his skill set might suggest.
Kapron Lewis-Moore (Pick 200)
A solid gamble by the Ravens could pay dividends in 2014 in the form of KLM. The former Golden Domer was expected to be a second round pick prior to an ACL tear. The Ravens got him in the sixth round – a story not too unlike the departed Arthur Jones’ and no one will argue the value the Ravens enjoyed with 2010’s 157th overall pick.
Ryan Jensen (Pick 203)
It has been said that if you see a fight break out during training camp there’s a good chance the guy in the middle of the scrum is Jensen. He brings a nasty attitude and a solid work ethic. The question is can he effectively compete in the NFL. He’ll get that chance and should he be successful and the Ravens fail to draft a quality right tackle, Jensen could assume the left guard spot as the Ravens bump Kelechi Osemele out to right tackle.
Aaron Mellette (Pick 238)
Mellette played well during the preseason and has the measurables to grow into a solid red zone threat for the Ravens. But given his tall, lean frame, Mellette will not be an effective contributor on special teams. If the Ravens invest a 2014 pick in a wide receiver who can also contribute on teams, Mellette is at risk unless he makes a Marlon Brown-type impact during the preseason. Otherwise expect another mysterious injury in the former Phoenix’ future.
NOTE: Special thanks to “Russ” who pointed out that the original post omitted Ricky Wagner.
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