Few teams got more mileage out of the 2009 draft than the Ravens. Michael Oher started from Day 1 at right tackle. Lardarius Webb made a difference on kick returns and became a starter at cornerback in Week 12.
And from the undrafted player remnants, the Ravens pulled Dannell Ellerbe, who went from the inactive list in September to starter in December and January.
Bottom line: The Ravens got three starters from six draft picks and the free-agent market. For a team that went to the AFC championship game the year before, that is stunning. That's also knowing the player pool and knowing what works for your team.
As the 2010 draft nears, here's a review of what went well and what didn't in last year's draft.
First round (23rd pick overall): Oher, Mississippi
In hindsight: Who knew he would be this good? Twenty teams passed on the 6-foot-4, 310-pound tackle, including the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos twice each. Even teams that needed tackles looked past him, including Green Bay and San Francisco. The Packers opted for defensive tackle B.J. Raji with the ninth pick and the 49ers couldn't resist wide receiver Michael Crabtree with the 10th.
When Oher got past the Lions at the 20th pick, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome executed a trade to move up three spots to No. 23 to get him. Oher not only started every game, he moved effortlessly to left tackle when Jared Gaither went out with a neck injury – and played better than Gaither. Oher was the kingpin of the offensive line for what he meant and how he played. He was the fourth tackle off the draft board, but no rookie lineman played better.
Looking ahead: The Pro Bowl. Actually, several Pro Bowls.
Grade: A
Second round (57th pick overall): Linebacker/defensive end Paul Kruger, Utah
In hindsight: The Ravens loved Kruger's motor and his passion, even if he was raw. He played only two seasons at linebacker at Utah after starting his college career as a scout-team quarterback, and then left college early. He got high grades in character and intelligence, and projected at defensive end or either outside linebacker position. The problem was, he had never played special teams, even in high school, where he was a quarterback. That kept him off the field seven of the first eight games.
It was a long, frustrating year for Kruger, who started only one game (at Green Bay when Terrell Suggs was hurt). He contributed a huge overtime interception at home to help beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was inactive for both playoff games. If Kruger doesn't make that interception, the Ravens probably don't make the playoffs.
Looking ahead: Assuming Kruger packs on some muscle to shed blockers and learns to play special teams, there is no reason he can't become a big factor in the pass rush.
Grade: C-
Third round (88th pick overall): Webb, Nicholls State
In hindsight: Although the Ravens aren't big on drafting players from small schools, they took this small college safety and projected him at cornerback. It was brilliant. Webb exceeded all expectations and was starting at left corner in November against the Steelers. He also gave a jolt to the kick game with a 95-yard touchdown return and a 26.2 average. Ultimately, his season ended with a severe knee injury on punt coverage in Week 15.
Looking ahead: The injury will slow Webb's progress as a second-year player, but assuming the knee heals properly, he should have a very good career. At 5-10 and 175 pounds, he needed to add strength and weight in the offseason. His technique work could suffer initially because of the injury. If there are no setbacks – and that's a big if – Webb could and should be a starter again this season.
Grade: A
Fifth round (137th pick overall): Linebacker Jason Phillips, TCU
In hindsight: It was worth the fifth-round gamble on an active linebacker. But Phillips came in with a knee injury and never was able to show anything in training camp. He spent the year on injured reserve. This will be a big summer for him.
Looking ahead: There is room on the roster for a hustle guy who can play special teams and fill in at linebacker. Phillips has to earn it.
Grade: incomplete
Fifth round (149th pick overall): Tight end Davon Drew, East Carolina
In hindsight: Drew was a project at a position the Ravens needed reinforcements. He became a pass catcher his senior year at East Carolina, but it didn't translate in training camp. Cut and claimed by the Miami Dolphins, Drew was soon back on the Ravens' practice squad.
Looking ahead: Still at a position of need, Drew needs to show he can contribute as a blocker and on special teams. He's got a long way to go.
Grade: D
Sixth round (185th pick overall): Running back Cedric Peerman, Virginia
In hindsight: Peerman was a training camp body trying to make an impression on special teams. He showed athleticism, but couldn't work his way into the picture. He was cut and did not get re-signed to the practice squad.
Grade: F
Rookie free agents
In hindsight: It figured to be extremely difficult for any rookie free agent to make the team, let alone have an impact. But Ellerbe did as a big (6-1, 243-pound), physical linebacker. He flashed in training camp, but a knee injury kept him off the active roster the first three weeks. When he got a chance to play, he always gained ground and eventually became a starter in Week 15.
The Ravens also kept defensive back K.J. Gerard, wide receiver Eron Riley and outside linebacker William VanDeSteeg on the practice squad. Gerard got into three games before finishing the year on injured reserve.
Looking ahead: Ellerbe could be heir apparent to Ray Lewis, but it's way too early to tell. He is more of a brawler than Tavares Gooden, but doesn't have Gooden's athleticism. It will be interesting to see if Ellerbe can hold off Gooden and keep his starting job this summer. The others have a lot to prove in training camp.
Grade: B
Overall team grade: A
Given the weight of the rookies who succeeded – and made an impact -- against the negligible loss of those who didn't, the Ravens clearly deserve this high grade.