Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The Ravens had a nice draft up top, but I wasn't as crazy about some of their later picks.  Cousins was great value and, of the later picks, Nakamura could surprise.  However, there was excellent depth at cornerback and the Ravens didn't grab one, and instead reached for wide receiver Smith.  For free agents, watch Wheelwright who I actually like a bit more than Smith and Harper.

DRAFT PICKS

Flacco was my second-rated quarterback in the draft and the one who could have the highest upside of all the quarterbacks in the draft.  He has a big-time arm and a quick release when he decides to get rid of the ball.  He does hold it too long at times, but that is a correctable flaw as he gains more experience and learns his reads.  He isn't NFL-ready yet, so if rushed this year could get set back some.  There will be a temptation to get him on the field before he's ready because he will look great in practice and against b-players in exhibition games.

Rice is a better running back than the overrated McGahee.  I'll say it again, Rice is a better runner than McGahee.  The Ravens will start off with Rice as a change-of-pace, but he will soon eat into McGahee's touches and by the time Flacco is established (next year), Rice will be the Ravens' top runner.  He is a short man, not a small man.  He is tough, can run inside and has enough speed to bounce outside and pick up chunks of yards.  He has excellent quickness and can make make sharp cuts in the hole.  A great pick for Baltimore at a position I considered a greater need than most others.

Gooden is an active linebacker who can play inside or outside.  He could be a nice fit in Bart Scott's position down-the-line should he have to slide into Ray Lewis' position in a year or two.  Gooden is a very good athlete who will excel on special teams until he finds a spot on the base defense.

Zbikowski is a player I like a lot.  He is a tough guy who his defensive teammates will love.  Zbikowski is strong tough and quick, but is much better in-the-box than in coverage.  He could push Landry in a year or two and be a great fit with Reed.  He will excel on special teams and could become a Pro Bowl player as a special teams cover guy.  

Cousins was another excellent grab.  After the round one guys, Cousins was a player I liked later in the draft who could grow injto a starting left tackle.  He has the athleticism, but needs to hit the weight room.

The Ravens liked the potential of Smith more than me.  At receiver, Hawkins would have been my pick at this spot.  And that would not 

have even been a close call.  I like Hawkins much more than Smith.  In fact, I would have gone corner here and tried to draft Hubbard at receiver later in the draft.  Jack Williams, Wilhite, Bowman and Scandrick were all available at this spot.  Smith is not a great athlete, has some speed, but is not particularly quick, and has good hands.  Time will tell.

Hale is a tackle prospect who opened some eyes during the post-season.  His best asset is his quick feet.  His worst is his lack of athleticism.  He may be best kicked inside to guard.  To do that he may have to bulk up some.

Nakamura was an underrated prospect heading into the draft.  He is a smart kid who plays hard and gets the most out of his smallish frame.  He should be a solid special teams player, an intriguing option in the return game, and solid sub who can fill in for a starter and hold serve when called upon.  A nice get by Baltimore.

Harper was suppose to have more speed than he showed at the Combine.  However, as disappointing as his forty time was (4.52, not bad, but not as advertised), it was his Marcus-Smith like short shuttle time (a quickness indicator) that had me most concerned.  Based on the Ravens' drafting Smith and Harper, they obviously do not put much stock in the short shuttle for receivers.  However, I do.  Harper, like Smith, did show excellent hands at the Combine.  It's just that both may have trouble getting open and have limited YAC.

Allen Patrick is another player with disappointing workout numbers.  He is not overly big, not particularly fast, and not particularly quick.  He was productive in college, and knows how to run so could be a reliable #3 back.  Just don't expect too much.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Wheelwright has a good mix of size, speed and hands.  He is more fast than quick, and could find his way onto the Ravens' practice squad and even suit up for some games.  Down the line he could be a solid #4 receiver.

Kraus played at a big-time program and has the versatility to play all along the line making him potentially a valuable backup.  He is another candidate for the Ravens' practice squad in the short run.

McClain is a classic 3-4 inside linebacker.  Since the Ravens play a hybrid 3-4, 4-3 with Suggs as the swingman, McClain could find a role in some of the Ravens' defensive packages.