Baltimore Ravens Best Draft Pick Gems of All Time
By Ed Bandell
Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) hurdles Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terrence Newman (23) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
2012 3rd Round Draft Pick RB: Bernard Pierce
Pierce burst onto the scene in his rookie season as a very capable back up to starter Ray Rice as the perfect complement to Rice’s style. He displayed his sneaky speed, his ability to run with power and break some tackles, and the agility needed to make quick cuts. 2013 saw a decline for both Rice and Pierce and many would attribute that to a poor offensive line and that Pierce was playing through an injury. In 2014 he had the opportunity to be the feature back but lost his chance with an early season fumble and some nagging injury issues. Given Forsett’s build and age he might get the chance again in the future but there is rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro biting at his heels.