A look back at the 2011 Ravens draft class

Three years is enough time to gauge a draft class.

You don't necessarily want to judge a group after one year, or even two, because it takes time for players to develop. But in the NFL, three years is a good place to get a feel for how certain players are progressing.

Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens' front office have earned a great reputation of drafting quality players over the years. So here's a look back at the 2011 class and how each player has produced over the past three years.

Jimmy Smith (first round, 27th overall)

The Ravens wanted Jimmy Smith all along, but wanted to take him at 29th overall after trading back with the Bears to get a fourth-round pick. A snafu occurred and Baltimore missed its original 26th pick as a result. So the Ravens went ahead and took Smith with the 27th overall selection.

It wasn't rosy early for Smith, who seemed to lack the physicality he had a reputation in college for at the NFL level. In his first two years, Smith started five of the 24 games he appeared in. In year three, Smith seemed to put it all together, starting all 16 games and finishing the season with two interceptions, 16 pass deflections and three forced fumbles. It looks like this pick is beginning to pay off.

Verdict: Success

Torrey Smith (second round, 58th overall)

Smith burst onto the scene in 2011 in Week 3 against the Rams, catching three touchdowns on his first three receptions while filling in for an injured Lee Evans. His speed on the outside has been a huge plus for the Ravens, as he's been Joe Flacco's primary deep threat.

As a rookie, Smith set a record with seven touchdowns (a mark Marlon Brown would tie in 2013). In three years, Smith has totaled 2,824 yards and 19 touchdowns — which included a 1,128-yard, four-touchdown line this past season. Smith's production has been more than the second-round status he was picked at.

Verdict: Best pick of the draft class

Jah Reid (third round, 85th overall)

After hitting on the first two picks, it appears the Ravens missed on Reid. There was a hope that the athletic lineman out of Central Florida could come in and be a potential long-term right tackle, with Michael Oher manning the left side. Not even taking into account Oher's inability at left tackle, Reid failed to show progress at the right tackle at the NFL level and was moved to left guard.

At left guard, Reid struggled in each of his seven starts in 2012. In 2013, Reid was simply an afterthought, with center A.Q. Shipley getting the go-ahead at left guard when Kelechi Osemele went on season-ending injured reserve with a back injury. This pick isn't turning out so well.

Verdict: Bust

Tandon Doss (fourth round, 123rd overall)

From the onset, Doss was groomed to be the eventual replacement for Anquan Boldin as an inside receiver. After not doing much of anything his first two seasons, Doss had an opportunity to step up into a bigger role in 2013. But he had a horrible training camp and was subsequently released. Then, an injury to Jacoby Jones saw Doss return.

Doss finished the season with 19 receptions for 305 yards and scored a memorable punt return touchdown against Houston. But as the season went on, Doss was an afterthought on offense. With the Ravens needing receiver help this offseason, you can't help but think Doss' time in Baltimore might be coming to an end.

Verdict: Miss

Chykie Brown (fifth round, 164th overall)

In three years, Brown has started one game, but that could be a result of the Ravens having a solid back end. Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb and Corey Graham form a solid trio at cornerback, with Brown providing solid depth at the position.

When given the opportunity, specifically in 2012 when the secondary experienced multiple injuries, Brown did impress with his physical play. He's someone that could make an impact as his career unfolds. If Graham doesn't return in 2014, then Brown could wind up battling for a position as a top three corner on the roster.

Verdict: Decent pick

Pernell McPhee (fifth round, 165th overall)

As a rookie in 2011, McPhee surprised the AFC North by finishing second on the team in sacks with six on the defensive line. But his 2012 season was limited by injuries and personnel issues, with McPhee finishing with just 1.5 sacks.

McPhee is now an outside linebacker so that he can be used more to rush the quarterback. He's adapted to the position and was used in a backup role this year. He picked up two sacks this year. McPhee possesses a ton of potential and could be a factor moving forward.

Verdict: Solid pick

Tyrod Taylor (sixth round, 180th overall)

Taylor has had three solid preseasons in a row but has yet to play meaningful minutes in a regular season game, for good reason, too. While you want a capable backup on your roster at that position, you don't necessarily want him to play. Joe Flacco has been extremely durable, preventing Taylor from seeing the field.

One thing, though, is that the Ravens have been vocal in their support in Taylor as their backup. He also offers a running threat when plays break down. His play during the 2013 preseason led a lot to believe he's a perfect fit as Flacco's backup.

Verdict: Solid pick

Anthony Allen (seventh round, 225th overall)

Allen wasn't able to make the 2013 roster due to his inability to crack the running back rotation, and with Kyle Juszczyk taking his role on special teams. But in his two-year tenure, Allen proved his worth as Jacoby Jones' lead blocker on special teams.

Jones gave Allen a ton of credit for springing him for the return touchdowns. Allen was a valuable, and unsung, asset, even if the Ravens only got one year of productivity out of him. Allen didn't turn out to be a long-term option on this roster. But how many seventh-round picks are?

Verdict: OK pick