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Ozzie Newsome: Grading Every Ravens Draft Class

By Chris Schisler

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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates after the Ravens' score a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates after the Ravens’ score a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2008 NFL Draft:

Draft Grade: A-

Ravens Selections:

  1. Round 1: Joe Flacco, QB (Delaware) 18th Overall Pick
  2. Round 2: Ray Rice, RB (Rutgers) 55th Overall Pick
  3. Round 3: Tavares Gooden, LB (Miami) 71st Overall Pick
  4. Round 3: Tom Zibikowski, SS (Notre Dame 86th Overall Pick
  5. Round 3: Oniel Cousins, OG (Texas El-Paso) 99th Overall Pick
  6. Round 4: Marcus Smith, WR (New Mexico) 104th Overall Pick
  7. Round 4: David Hale, OT, (Weber State) 133rd Overall Pick
  8. Round 6: Haruki Nakamura, DB (Cincinnati) 206th Overall Pick
  9. Round 7: Justin Harper, WR (VT) 215th Overall Pick
  10. Round 7: Allen Patrick, RB (Oklahoma) 240th Overall Pick

When the Ravens drafted Joe Flacco with the 18th overall pick, they finally had their franchise quarterback. The quarterback position had been a disaster for the Ravens since 1996. The Ravens finally found their guy. Until Flacco tore his ACL this season against the Rams, he had started every game of his career. Flacco has won more road playoff games than any quarterback in NFL history and has done some amazing things for the Ravens. Needless to say the overall impact of this draft is astronomical.

The Ravens also drafted Ray Rice in the 2008 draft. Rice was one of the most electrifying players in football from 2008-2012. His production started to decline in 2013 before his off field transgressions cost him his job. We all know what happened so I will spare you the details. The Ravens got two quality special teams players in Tom Zibikowski and Haruki Nakamura. It’s easy to see why the Ravens wanted to draft Tavares Gooden. He was a middle linebacker with sideline to sideline speed from Miami. That formula worked in the past but not with Gooden.

Next: 2009 NFL Draft

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