The Ravens have not drafted as bad as thought.

[The Excellector]

I just think that they've relied on veterans for so long that having to play 'so many' young guys at one time tested the patience of the fanbase, because it's been a long time since we've had to wait for defensive players to produce. Dannell Ellerbe always had the physical talent. That was never in question, even with he came out of Georgia (?). He just needed to mature.

Terrance Cody is only in his third year. We have to remember that he was wildly out of shape coming out of Alabama. It took him two years alone to get into shape, let alone improve his technique, which he still has time to do.

Look at Paul Kruger, who probably had two years of his young career wasted, because the team tried to make him a 3-4 DE.

Chykie Brown is a guy who was just stuck behind a sudden pool of depth at the CB position. He is growing with experience. His mistake on the TD was a communication mistake. Otherwise, he has played well given the circumstances.

Arthur Jones really spent time behind Cory Redding. Now that Redding is gone, Jones has been able to get more time.

Pernell McPhee had a decent rookie season. They tried to make him a full time 3-4 DE. He didn't fit there, but could develop into a quality pass rush specialist.

Courtney Upshaw, especially opposite Terrell Suggs? Havoc in the making.

Torrey Smith is only in his second year. Pitta is not far ahead of Torrey.

Osemele is somebody who can develop at LG

Oher looks fine where he belongs, after knocking off some rust, at RT.

Bernard Pierce is like having a second starting RB.

I just think that we are so used to seeing immediate results from picks, because there are a few players ready to go early, sprinkled into a group of veterans, that having to sit back and watch an actual developmental process, from several young players, has brought us back down to earth.

[wickedsolo]

KO has the makings of an all-pro LG.

[GOTA]

I agree with everything except for Cody. In the Patriots game it really didn't look like he played that many snaps.

To me it's Jimmy Smith who is the work in progress. He needs to learn that trying to make an interception does not replace defensing the ball. The skills are there. His head just needs to catch up.

[wickedsolo]

I agree with everything except for Cody. In the Patriots game it really didn't look like he played that many snaps.

To me it's Jimmy Smith who is the work in progress. He needs to learn that trying to make an interception does not replace defensing the ball. The skills are there. His head just needs to catch up.

:word

I still think Jimmy could be a hell of a corner. Cary won't be here next year, but a depth chart of Jimmy (Webb when he's healthy...hopefully), Graham, Asa JAckson, and Chykie is pretty damn sweet.

[Paintballguy]

:word

I still think Jimmy could be a hell of a corner. Cary won't be here next year, but a depth chart of Jimmy (Webb when he's healthy...hopefully), Graham, Asa JAckson, and Chykie is pretty damn sweet.

I think Jimmy will be fine. Sometimes it takes awhile for a corner to develop, and he's had the setback with the hernia surgery this year.

[organizedchaos21]

I think Jimmy will be fine. Sometimes it takes awhile for a corner to develop, and he's had the setback with the hernia surgery this year.

To me, Jimmy is maybe just entering his 2nd year. No OTAs his rookie year, ankle injury for half of last year, hernia this year. His biggest problem so far has been an inability to stay healthy, which takes him off the field for both games and practice. The theory I always heard was to judge a draft after 3 years (I'd assume this goes to judging a certain player as well). His rookie deal is 4 years. I'm plenty willing to wait until the end of next season (if not the season after) to get a better idea of what he's going to be. That said, if he continues to be injured and unable to get on the field...

[Iscull]

:word

I still think Jimmy could be a hell of a corner. Cary won't be here next year, but a depth chart of Jimmy (Webb when he's healthy...hopefully), Graham, Asa JAckson, and Chykie is pretty damn sweet.

Corey Graham has been absolutely killing it this year. I love the fact that Oz was able to sign him. Hopefully we can get a long term deal worked out.

[kronusthebonus]

Corey Graham has been absolutely killing it this year. I love the fact that Oz was able to sign him. Hopefully we can get a long term deal worked out.

Great thing about this is we have Graham next year at a relative steal for the level he is playing at... I wouldn't be opposed to locking him up longer term with some extra $$$

[The Excellector]

I agree with everything except for Cody. In the Patriots game it really didn't look like he played that many snaps.

To me it's Jimmy Smith who is the work in progress. He needs to learn that trying to make an interception does not replace defensing the ball. The skills are there. His head just needs to catch up.

And his body. I am with you though, you can see it. Put him in the press and he can do it. It will just take a little more time.

[ravenjoe]

I agree with everything except for Cody.

DITTO! The guy is a BUST!

[Shambla]

DITTO! The guy is a BUST!

I can really only think of one big play Cody has made and that was a forced fumble in the KC playoff game I believe.

[organizedchaos21]

I can really only think of one big play Cody has made and that was a forced fumble in the KC playoff game I believe.

Still surprised both Charles and the ball aren't flat after that play.