Baltimore Ravens Draft Grades: Looking Back at the 2012 NFL Draft

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Bernard Pierce: Round 3, 84th Overall

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Bernard Pierce (30) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game in the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Pierce is a classic example of a tease. He showed a ton of potential in his rookie year and looked like he would form a formidable 1-2 punch with Ray Rice for years to come. Then Pierce face planted in 2013 and proceeded to completely blow his big chance as a starter in 2014. The nail in the coffin on his Ravens career came when Pierce was arrested this offseason.

Grade: C-

Gino Gradkowski: Round 4, 98th Overall

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Gino Gradkowski (66) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Bengals defeated the Ravens 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

If Kelechi Osemele was a stroke of genius by Ozzie Newsome, Gino Gradkowski was the mistake you want to forget. Gradkowski was downright awful when on the field and he almost got Joe Flacco killed, repeatedly, in 2013. It’s incredible that Gary Kubiak is giving him another chance with the Broncos, but maybe he sees something I don’t.

Grade: F

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