Ben S with the pick....Ben apologized for his short write up. He's out of town and sent it on his Blackberry...Thanks Ben...
DE/LB Sergio Kindle, Texas.
Acting as the GM for the Ravens in the third year, I have to stay true to form and go with the BPA on our board...
With Ray Lewis bound to retire one of these years, it is essential that the ravens maintain the defense that the team has been known for for the past decade. Many fans will be looking for a receiver with this pick, but since the addition of Anquan Boldin those voices have quited down. Sergio comes in and contributes immediately opposite T Sizzle and helps to maintain the defense that is beginning to grow a little long in the tooth.
A safety wouldn't be a bad pick here, but with Earl Thomas off the board, kindle provides the safe pick. As a defender coming out of Texas, Kindle already comes with a strong collegiate pedigree. Mix that in with his versatility, and Kindle fits in perfectly with the Ravens. His speed off the edge will give plenty of options for him to get on the field, and there is a good possibility that kindle will make a legitimate run at the defensive rookie of the year award. Normally, picking for one of the best talent evaluators in the history of the NFL (Ozzie Newsome) would be a difficult task. But when a player like Kindle falls to 25, things are pretty easy.