The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The Baltimore Ravens
The Big Question: Can Elam and Brown replace future Hall of Famers?
It's hard to find two teammates more valuable to their franchise over the past 12 to 15 years than Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. First-round safety Matt Elam and second-round linebacker Arthur Brown can't come close to replacing Lewis and Reed's leadership, but don't be surprised if the Ravens' defense is better this season than last.
If you grade the game instead of the name, it's obvious that Dannell Ellerbe outplayed Lewis last season. Reed simply didn't tackle well, and his range no longer is close to what it was in his prime.
Drawing pre-draft comparisons to former Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders, Elam offers speed and top-notch ball skills. He should slot in as a plug-and-play starter opposite Michael Huff in an improved secondary.
Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz compared Brown to San Francisco 49ersPro Bowl linebackerNaVorro Bowman for his instincts, speed and physicality. At the very least, Brown is an upgrade on Lewis in range of coverage.
Credit Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome for impressively rebuilding his defense on the fly after national media outlets obsessed over the team's big-name departures early in free agency.
Three takeaways
- With seventh-round pick Aaron Mellette the only wide receiver drafted by the Ravens, the team will have to rely on some combination of Jacoby Jones, Tandon Doss, Deonte Thompson and Tommy Streeter. Don't be surprised if Ed Dickson also takes on a bigger pass-catching role in two-tight end sets following the Anquan Boldin trade.
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- Space-eating third-round nose tackle Brandon Williams combines with veteran free-agent additions Chris Canty and Marcus Spears to give the Ravens a much-improved and deeper defensive line.
- Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach carries a steep $4.33 million salary-cap number, and the Ravens drafted Kyle Juszczyk in the fourth round. Don't be surprised if Leach is on the chopping block the next time the Ravens need to free up cap space.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
