Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
Seattle Seahawks - Grade A
Photo - Seattle's Golden Tate - Notre Dame
The Seahawks had the best draft class in the league and the best in their history. They chose OT Russell Okung with the 6th overall selection. He gives them a highly developed left tackle after the retirement of veteran Walter Jones. He carries a rookie starting grade and is an NFL ready lineman who has Pro Bowl talent. With their other 1st round selection, they chose safety Earl Thomas, a highly developed defender. Thomas can play in all the sets with highly developed coverage skills and sure tackling to win a starting job in camp. On the 2nd round, they selected wideout Golden Tate, a well-rounded and developed playmaker. He gives them a young playmaker for an offense that lacks big plays. He carries an early NFL starting grade and is a complete prospect with a huge upside in this offense. With two 4th round picks, they selected corner Walter Thurmond and DE E.J. Wilson. Thurmond is a fast smallish cover man who fell off an early ’09 season injury. He was great value here and should be able to get on the field at midseason. DE Wilson has a burst off the edge to fill a situational pass rushing role. He needs to get stronger to compete for starting time. On the 5th round, they chose safety Kam Chancellor, a big physical defender with good range and tackling skills. On the 6th round, they chose TE Anthony McCoy, a former player for HC Pete Carroll. McCoy has a huge upside but must settle into this offense and develop his fine skill set. He was an excellent late gamble. With two 7th round picks, they chose DE Dexter Davis and TE Jameson Konz. Davis is a quick edge pass rusher who can be an effective situational defender and probably early in his career. Konz is a hybrid athlete with H back skills and capable of lining up at wideout, tight end and fullback that gives this offense a flexible weapon. He gives them a flexible performer for their passing game and carries a definite make it grade.
Seattle
1 6 Russell Okung - OT - Oklahoma St
1 14 Earl Thomas - S - Texas
2 60 Golden Tate - WR - Notre Dame
4 111 Walter Thurmond - CB - Oregon
4 127 E.J. Wilson - DE - North Carolina
5 133 Kam Chancellor - S - Virginia Tech
6 185 Anthony McCoy - TE - Southern Cal
7 236 Dexter Davis - DE - Arizona St
7 245 Jameson Konz - TE - Kent St
Baltimore Ravens - Grade A
The Ravens had a strong draft class and were able to address their biggest needs on their defense and add a few offensive weapons. With their 1st round pick, they moved out of the first round for a #2 and #3 picks. They were shocked to find LB Sergio Kindle still available late in the middle of round two. He is a well developed backer and capable of starting early in his pro career. It was a great move to add draft choices and select a defender who fits their scheme very well. With their own #2 pick, they choose NFL Terrence Cody, a premier nose tackle for their front line. He is a super wide body who clogs the middle very well and gives them a big body for their line rotation. On the 3rd round, they selected TE Ed Dickson, a versatile quick performer who is fine addition for their offense. He is a fine receiver with good movement skills to fill a few holes in this offense. He needs some work as a blocker, but is adequate currently. On the 4th round, they chose another TE in Dennis Pita, a well-developed pass catcher who can play a key role in the passing game as a rookie. He has intriguing upside to play immediately. With two 5th round picks, they chose WR David Reed and DT Art Jones. Reed is a good athlete who runs well and has the instincts and toughness the Ravens seek in a prospect. He figures to help on special teams and has the athleticism to play in multiple sets. Jones is a quick mobile tackle who is coming off a late career knee injury. He is a quick tackle who can win early on the down and gives them a playmaker for their tackle rotation. He was excellent late value. With their 6th round pick, they drafted OT Ramon Harewood, a huge prospect with a nice combination of skills. He has fine skills but is a raw football player and will benefit from experience and a pro weight room regiment. He is a talented prospect with makeup to be a major surprise in time and an excellent late gamble.
Baltimore
2 43 Sergio Kindle - LB - Texas
2 57 Terrence Cody - DT - Alabama
3 70 Ed Dickson - TE - Oregon
4 114 Dennis Pitta - TE - Brigham Young
5 156 David Reed - WR - Utah
5 157 Art Jones - DT - Syracuse
6 194 Ramon Harewood - OT - Morehouse