Summary: The Ravens needed to come out of this draft with an inside linebacker and a safety, and with their first two picks, they got two really good players at those positions.
Matt Elam has played high-level football at Florida, can move around (particularly up to the line of scrimmage) and make hits. He plays with fearlessness, can make plays in coverage with his good instincts and long arms and slotted in next to
Michael Huff at strong safety, provides immediate impact. Baltimore used its pile of picks to move up and take
Arthur Brown, a player the Ravens really liked. He’s a steal at No. 56 overall and takes over the void left by
Ray Lewis.
Brandon Williams gives them a rotation player at nose tackle and gives them depth behind
Terrence Cody.
Kyle Juszczyk is the best fullback in the draft, and makes plenty of sense in the fourth round.
Ricky Wagner is an interesting pick because if you asked me a year ago I’d have told you he probably lands in Round 2 this year. He just didn’t play to that level this season, but you have to wonder if he can get back to that point. I see his future at right tackle, or even guard. Tackle was a need, and we’ll see if he helps there. I think it’s a good bet on upside.
John Simon is an interesting player, because it’s hard to say what position he’ll play. For now he provides depth at linebacker and should be a good special-teamer. The Ravens had another excellent draft because they needed starters at some key spots and pulled it off. That’s not easy to do when you’re slotted in at No. 32.