With the 27th pick in the first round and 26th (58th overall) in the second, the Ravens selected Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith and Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith as their first two 2011 draft picks.
Jimmy Smith, who many considered to possess top 15 talent, fell to the Ravens at 27 largely because of the well-publicized failed drug tests and alcohol related arrests during his college career. The Ravens were trying to trade down from the 26th to the Chicago Bears' 29th pick but a lack of communication between the Bears and the league prevented the transaction from happening. As a result, the Kansas City Chiefs picked at the 26 and the Ravens picked at 27.
Jimmy Smith is expected to develop into a formidable corner, under the tutelage of Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and other veterans, in the next few years.
The acquisition of Torrey Smith was not nearly as complicated. Titus Young was the only receiver drafted in the first 25 picks of the second round. Leaving Leonard Hankerson, Torrey Smith and Greg Little as the assortment of talent the Ravens could choose from. When it was the Ravens' turn, there was no hesitation or confusion.
The Ravens will likely insert T. Smith into the growing passing offense and be the deep threat Joe Flacco urgently needs.
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