Baltimore Ravens Draft Timmy Jernigan, Terrence Brooks, and Crockett Gillmore

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) reacts to a play against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens used their three selections in the second and third rounds of the 2014 NFL draft to select Timmy Jernigan, Terrence Brooks, and Crockett Gillmore.

At the end of the first three rounds with a total of 100 players selected, the Ravens have taken C.J. Mosely at #17, with the three aforementioned players at 48, 79, and 99.

Noting from the first round that Ozzie Newsome and the brain trust again chose from the perspective of their best athlete on the board rather than seeking to fulfill a specific need, the selection of nose tackle Timmy Jernigan in round two had a similar appearance. With the two third-round picks, the Ravens were able to address particular needs by picking up a safety in Brooks and an additional tight end with Gillmore.

Watching and charting the draft from a resource of consensus rankings of players over all positions, it is interesting to see that the Baltimore Ravens (and other perennial top organizations) seldom leave the first two pages. However, many of the annual second-tier squads are pulling names far from the top in an effort to grab a wild card to meet a specific need. In this overall talent ranking system, the first three Ravens picks were all above the selection number, whereas the fourth pick of Gillmore was of a player projected slightly below that position.

As the draft progressed toward the Ravens’ selection at #99, I was hoping that Towson running back Terrence West might be available and drafted. However, he was picked just ahead of the Ravens at #94 by the Cleveland Browns. So, West may be soon taking handoffs from Jonny Football, which is sad on one hand as playing for a division rival, though he will be seen twice a year by local fans.

Looking at the three players selected Friday evening …

Timmy Jernigan – Defensive Tackle – Florida State – 6’2” – 299 pounds

Some analysts projected Jernigan as a first-round selection. A couple of weeks ago, Chase Goodbread of NFL.com had Jernigan as the Ravens’ first round pick.

Though he has mixed reviews upon his skills, he was a mainstay for one of the top defenses in the country at Florida State. He has good quickness and movement, though scouts are critical of his hands and arms; yet none deny the talent is there to be a strong player.

Another criticism rather universally levied is that he appears to have some stamina and fitness issues, often looking very winded.

ESPN commentator Todd McShay said, “He’s a good player. But I don’t understand the scheme fit. There were a lot of other places you could have gone with this pick. Underwhelming.”

Terrence Brooks – Safety – Florida State – 5’11” – 198 pounds

The Baltimore Ravens went shopping back at Florida State and addressed a specific defensive need by drafting free safety Terrence Brooks.

Although slightly undersized, Brooks rates high with footballs scouts for his high level of athleticism. He has good balance, speed, agility, and quickness to go along with a 38-inch vertical that makes up for some lack of size. He is a hard hitter and aggressive player, though some criticize his hands as sub-par for grabbing errant passes.

Brooks actually only has two years experience at safety, having played at the corner previously. He is also a quality special teams performer – always a bonus for the Ravens.

ESPN’s McShay said, “This is a steal for the Ravens … physical presence near the line. Can cover. Good range. He’s always around the football. He can contribute immediately and will eventually develop into an every-down starter for this team.”

So the Baltimore Ravens could, with Matt Elam and Brooks, feature a Florida and Florida State pair playing next to each other!

Crockett Gillmore – Tight End – Colorado State – 6’6” – 260 pounds

The next to the last pick of the evening was this huge tight end for Joe Flacco to target. Scouts rate him well, speaking of his coordination and hand skills but criticizing his average speed and somewhat slow movement off the line. His blocking is commended.

This is another player who does not have a long tenure at the position, having played also previously as a defensive end.

An interesting item is that he came out of the same high school in Bushland, Texas as fellow college teammate Weston Richburg – the top-rated center who was taken at overall pick #43 by the Giants.

The one thing that Crockett Gillmore has that I especially like is a really cool first name! Writers like things like that … which makes me sorta sad again about not having Ha Ha, Kelvin, or Darqueze.

Oct 12, 2013; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Crockett Gillmore (10) pushes off on San Jose State Spartans linebacker Keith Smith (31) in the second quarter at Hughes Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports