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It might have taken a while for the Ravens to make their first trip to the podium in the 2010 draft, but once Day Two got underway, GM Ozzie Newsome hit his stride.
After trading down and stockpiling picks on Thursday, the Ravens used their two second-round selections on guys who were considered by many as first-round talents in outside linebacker Sergio Kindle and defensive tackle Terrence Cody. In the third round, they also got a tight end with great upside in Ed Dickson.
Many draft analysts filed the Ravens' evening in the win column. Newsome wouldn't argue with them.
"We came up with a list of players," Newsome said of the Ravens' strategy entering the day. "At the top of that list were five players, and we got three of the five that we wanted.
"And not only did we get the players that we liked, but we feel like we filled some needs. Getting younger on defense is something that we wanted to do. To be able to rush the passer, that's what Sergio can do for us. To be able to stop the run, that's what Cody can do. And right now, we only have two tight ends on the roster. To be able to get Ed Dickson to add to that stable of guys we had was another need.
"So, not only did we target some guys, but we were able to meet some needs."
Director of player personnel Eric DeCosta put an interesting spin on the Ravens' first three picks.
"I think the biggest thing we did was we got guys we wouldn't want to play against," DeCosta said.
Sounds like a smart strategy to me.
Yes, there are questions about Kindle and, to a lesser extent, Cody.
But you can't argue with the upside that those two guys, as well as Dickson, present.
After waiting over 24 hours to finally make a pick, the Ravens got three players that they had rated highly. They will now enter the final day of the draft with four remaining picks in the final four rounds.
"It's exciting," DeCosta said. "I think the scouts and coaches are very excited, and hopefully we can carry that momentum into tomorrow."
