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Ozzie Newsome: Grading Every Ravens Draft Class

By Chris Schisler

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Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA;Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (73) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2007 NFL Draft

Draft Grade A

Ravens Selections

  1. Round 1: Ben Grubbs, OG (Auburn) 29th Overall Pick
  2. Round 3: Yamon Figurs, WR (Kansas State) 74th Overall Pick
  3. Round 3: Marshall Yanda, OG (Iowa) 86th Overall Pick
  4. Round 4: Antwann Barnes, OLB (FIU) 134th Overall Pick
  5. Round 4: LeRon McClain, FB (Alabama) 137th Overall Pick
  6. Round 5: Troy Smith, QB (Ohio State) 174th Overall Pick
  7. Round 6: Prescott Burgess, LB (Michigan) 207th Overall Pick

The Ravens managed to draft two of the best offensive guards in football in Ben Grubbs and Marshall Yanda. Yanda is still with the team and may end up in the ring of honor someday. The Ravens also added LeRon McClain who added some power to the Ravens running game in 2008. McClain was a good blocker but his heart was set on being a star running back. His most memorable play was a long run against the Cowboys.

The Ravens also got some special teams help in this draft. Prescott Burgess became a strong tackler on the special teams units. The Ravens got a ton of talent in this draft class. Yanda may end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the future. It is definitely hard to have a problem with the work of one Mr. Newsome in this draft.

The Ravens really began to get on a roll in the NFL Draft at this point. 2004 and 2005 were not Newsome’s best work. In 2006 the Ravens turned it back around and began a stretch of dominant drafting that built a constant in the AFC playoffs from 2008-2012.

Next: 2008 NFL Draft

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