With the 84th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens have selected Bernard Pierce, a running back from Temple who was expected to be drafted in the second round but ended up coming off the board late in the third.
The 6’1", 218 lb Pierce had a breakout 2011, rushing for 1481 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Owls this season. Pierce has the lateral agility and quickness to move against the grain. Has excellent vision and has the foot quickness to excel as a zone read back. Pierce has no problem with contact and consistently moved piles forward after first contact.
Pierce has had some durability issues and will need to add some size to keep him from staying on the injury list. Will also need to improve his pass catching ability, grabbing only 19 balls in his three years at Temple.
The Ravens' next pick is the 98th overall. The Ravens have addressed needs at safety, wide receiver, and on the defensive line, but they still have needs on the offensive line and with linebackers.
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