Originally Posted by
The Excellector
Courtney Upshaw is exactly the type of OLB that the Ravens were looking for. What they are looking for is someone who can set the edge, the way that Jarret Johnson did, but who can take better advantage of the one-on-one opportunities from playing opposite Terrell Suggs. They have not and do not mind developing a player's coverage abilities. At that position, at the most, Upshaw will be asked to drop into a zone.
Osemele seems like he was in a bunch with Silatolu and Brooks, all athletic freaks with edge who are very raw. However, I think the Ravens were looking for more edge out of that spot. If there has been one knock of Ben Grubbs, over the years, it has been that he lacks the sort of mean streak that Baltimore looks for in their linemen.
Bernard Pierce is the first RB with legitimate breakaway speed that the Ravens have had in a while. The closest that they have had since Jamal in his prime, was Willis McGahee. He seems to be a very good fit for their scheme. What will be most important for the coaching staff, in reference to Pierce, is to make sure that he remains patient. If he does, behind Vontae Leach, he could do some damage and eventually become the starter.
Gino Gradkowski fell into a great situation. He gets to learn behind Matt Birk for a year, with a good chance to see playing time as well. I would be surprised if Matt Birk made it through the entire season.
As for the later rounds, I get the feeling that there were a few WRs they wanted, but weren't able to get. Their late fourth round pick and their fifth round pick were both compensatory picks. They couldn't trade them.
I reserve judgment on Tommy Streeter. The one guy that I would like to see them get as an UDFA is Dale Moss (WR), but there is no doubt that Streeter has 'potential' in this system. I am just not convinced that he will reach it.