Last year’s class of Ravens rookies may be the best ever.
That is a courageous statement given Baltimore’s renowned drafting history which includes a historic 1996 draft where half of the Ravens current Mount Rushmore (Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis) were selected together. Of course it is early in these players’ careers, but entering their important second season, here is why last year’s rookies have the potential to be Baltimore’s best ever.
Star Potential
Linebacker C.J. Mosley has all-pro potential. It feels wrong putting high expectations on a player replacing the greatest Raven of all time, but Mosley’s instincts against the run are scary good, he is fluid enough to cover effectively, he generates turnovers, and he will continue developing as a blitzer.
Timmy Jernigan has star potential, but we have yet to see what he can do as a full-time starter.
Value/Depth
This is where the 2014 class is strongest. The immediate production seen throughout the class is unmatched in Ravens history. In their first year, the group combined to record playing time in a remarkable 91 games (129 if you include undrafted free agents). As “sophomores” this year, at least two players will start and a minimum of six will play meaningful snaps when healthy.
Jernigan’s second-round selection represents exceptional value, as many analysts pegged him a first-rounder before a failed drug test pushed him into Baltimore’s lap.
While many questioned Crockett Gillmore’s place inside the top 100 picks, the tight end has already proved he can do more than just block and looks primed for a productive 2015 campaign.
Eric DeCosta has revealed that fourth-rounder Brent Urban was his favorite 2014 selection, explaining that the defensive end was a first or second-round talent.
Lorenzo Taliaferro is a powerful spell back who scored four touchdowns, John Urschel is both literally a genius and the center/guard of the future, while Michael Campanero has been able to create separation from the slot when healthy.
Not to mention undrafted 2014’ers James Hurst (who has already started seven games at football’s most important position), Zachary Orr, and Jeremy Butler—all of whom could earn roster spots this September.
Bust Avoidance
Some quality Ravens draft classes have been doomed by an early-round pick who does not pan out. The Kyle Boller dud selection nine picks after Terrell Suggs in 2003 is an infamous example.
But the 2014 group appears to be somewhat bust-proof…..so far. Mosley and Jernigan look like cornerstones of the Ravens defense for years to come. Terrence Brooks struggled somewhat last year, but coaches are optimistic about his instincts and potential as he recovers from MCL and ACL tears.
Although Keith Wenning was waived, (1) a “sixth-round bust” is an oxymoron, and (2) he was selected merely to push Tyrod Taylor at backup quarterback last season, so for all we know even Wenning did what he was brought in to do.
Best Ever?
We will have to revisit this discussion in several years once these players develop, but the 2014 class’ early contributions make them worthy of future discussion amongst Baltimore’s best ever drafts.
Despite the Boller bust, the 2003 class was one of the deepest, most well-rounded hauls, and 2008 coupled a franchise quarterback with a franchise running back.
Outside of Lewis, Ogden, and Jermaine Lewis, the other four picks of the 1996 draft surprisingly amassed just 90 games played for the Ravens. So although 1996 will likely never be matched in terms of star power, the 2014 Ravens draft class already has the edge in depth and value, and has formed a core of young talent with boundless potential.
