16 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baltimore Sports and Life: “With the retirement of Ricky Williams, Baltimore will have a different back-up RB this coming year. 2nd year backs Anthony Allen, and Damien Berry will get the first crack at that opportunity. Is there a RB likely to go in the 3rd to 5th round, that you believe would be a good fit with Baltimore? What did you like/dislike about Allen and Berry going into the draft last year?”

Wright: “As always there is a lot of depth at the running back position and there will be plenty of value in the middle rounds. In fact, don’t be surprised if a guy like Chris Polk of Washington, who everyone expects to come off the board in the top three rounds, slips to the last day. A couple of other guys I really like as potential steals in rounds three through five are Bernard Pierce of Temple, Robert Turbin of Utah St. and Edwin Baker of Michigan St. Then in the later rounds keep an eye on Vick Ballard of Mississippi St. and Terrance Gannaway of Baylor.”

Pickney: ".... If Baltimore does go with a mid-round running back in this draft, Allen and Berry could find themselves in a camp competition for the #3 running back spot and a spot on the opening day roster. Allen would be the prohibitive favorite in my estimation, in-part because his 6’1″ 230 pound size would provide a great change of pace for Baltimore in conjunction with Ray Rice. Temple RB Bernard Pierce is very much under the radar, but he has nice size and could, like Allen, prove to be a good change of pace with Rice...”

[BSLChrisStoner]

32 carries, 149 yards, 5 td's vs. MD last Fall.

[BSLChrisStoner]

ESPN: http://espn.go.com/c.../bernard-pierce

CBS Sports: http://www.cbssports.../bernard-pierce

National Football Authority: http://www.nationalf...ort-temple.html

[You Play to Win the Game]

As discussed in the other thread, this pick took me by surprise at first on the surface, but this could be great insurance in case negotiations with Rice get out of hand over the next year and he ends up walking.

[SportsGuy]

Good runner..needs to improve pass catching. All seem to like him.

[bnickle]

McGahee style back. I think he can give us what Willis did in '09 and '10.

[BSLChrisStoner]

McGahee style back. I think he can give us what Willis did in '09 and '10.

I generally like the pick, but might be hard to use him on 3rd down if he has no hands though. Will be interesting to hear how he is in blitz pick-up.

I was fairly optimistic about Allen (and Berry to a lesser degree), but is nice to not have to rely on either.

[bnickle]

Look at the third link Chris provided. It has video of all of his runs against Wyoming. You can see the good vision, cutting ability and power.

[ravens8589]

This was a great start to the draft.

Courtney Upshaw is a class act and you could see the excitement on his face. He has a great motor and there is no questioning his drive to play the game. He will provide great play for Baltimore. I expect huge things from this player.

Kelechi Osemele is a player with a very high ceiling. He is tough, and a very good player. Has some work to do but can come in right now and start at guard. I love this pick.

Bernard Pierce is a player I knew all along they would take. He is a hard runner with great vision to find cutbacks. He fits perfectly into the system and will prove to be a great get.

[BSLChrisStoner]

PressBox: http://www.pressboxo...log.cfm?ID=4759

[Chris B]

Pierce has agreed to a four year contract, according to Aaron Wilson.

[SportsGuy]

I think that only leaves Upshaw at this point, right?

[bnickle]

I think that only leaves Upshaw at this point, right?

Slotting system is so awesome. These things get done so quickly now. No holdouts and getting to all the mini camps is so crucial for these rookies.

[SportsGuy]

Slotting system is so awesome. These things get done so quickly now. No holdouts and getting to all the mini camps is so crucial for these rookies.

Yep...And for a team like the Ravens, who need these guys to fill holes now, it is even more important.

Gets these guys as much time in practice and learning the playbook, etc...as they can. Very important.

[Chris B]

I think that only leaves Upshaw at this point, right?

According to The Sun, Upshaw signed.

Just need Streeter and they will have signed all 2012 draftees.

[Chris B]

I think that only leaves Upshaw at this point, right?

According to The Sun, Upshaw signed.

Just need Streeter and they will have signed all 2012 draftees.

And less then 5 minutes after I type this, Aaron Wilson tweets that Streeter has agreed to terms.

[BSLChrisStoner]

CSN Baltimore: Pierce 'looking to turn heads.'
http://www.csnbaltim...925&feedID=6876