With the 26th pick of Pride of Detroit's 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo. TonyDC is serving as the Ravens' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.
When I began researching the Baltimore Ravens it was apparent that CB, WR, DE and O-Line depth were their biggest needs. With three of their CBs unrestricted free agents (Carr, Washington and Wilson), I can understand why it was seen as the number one need. But it is now apparent that there is no one worth taking at the No. 26 spot without reaching.
When I asked Bruce at SB Nation's Baltimore Beatdown what he felt were the biggest needs for Baltimore in this draft, he said O-Line, pass rush and then WR, CB and ILB. I didn't see anyone at the WR position worth taking at this spot without it being a reach, either.
Getting Anthony Castonzo, who some say is arguably the best OT in the draft, this late is a no brainer. I suppose I could have chosen Gabe Carimi, Nate Solder or even Derek Sherrod here and been happy, but Castonzo seems like the most complete OT available with his ability to pass and run block. He should solidify the O-Line in Baltimore with Michael Oher for years to come. This also gives the Ravens the ability to test Oher at RT, which some say may be a better fit for him.
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Check out the 2011 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.