2nd round (No. 60): EDGE John Uche, Michigan
Getting a player who will be a starter as a rookie from the second round is a hard task which makes finding such a prospect a huge win for any team in any draft. I found that exact player for Baltimore at a position of need, which makes this a steal.
Uche is still raw after not getting much playing time at Michigan until his senior year. However, his physical talent is apparent when you watch his tape which brings thoughts of tremendous upside with some more development. I also want to point out that Jim Harbaugh being Michigan’s coach could give the Ravens a better idea of Uche’s talent level than most other teams will get.
Still, as a rookie, Uche likely gets the starting nod for Baltimore given their lack of depth at outside linebacker. He’s speedy enough to handle early downs as an edge setter and drop back into coverage while being quick and explosive as a pass rusher — either inside or outside. He’s the type of guy you ask to go get the football and let his instincts and aggression figure the rest out.
Under defensive coordinator Don Martindale, Uche would be thrown all over the field as a weapon in his rookie year to create havoc for an offense. And Uche couldn’t ask for a better situation than the Ravens and Martindale to help him develop into a Pro Bowl player down the line.