Round 3 (71st overall): Miami linebacker Tavares Gooden

6 feet 1, 233 pounds

Gooden was a big-time recruit coming out of high school, picking the Hurricanes over schools like Ohio State, LSU and Tennessee. The people over at NFL.com really like the pick for the Ravens:

Looking back in a few years, Gooden might be the best player taken on the second day. He has great athletic ability and gives the Ravens depth in a linebacker corps that is aging.

This South Florida Sun-Sentinel article says Gooden improved his draft stock at Miami's Pro Day. He played outside linebacker for most of his career, but switched to the middle as a senior because of injuries to other players. Gooden was named the team's defensive MVP.

"I don't think I've started to peak yet," Gooden said in the article. "I can't wait to show my skills at the next level."

Here's Scott Wright's scouting report on NFLDraftCountdown.com. Here's what Wright says about Gooden's weaknesses:

Instincts and awareness are questionable...A tad undersized...Is not stout at the point...Doesn't necessarily play with a nasty demeanor...He is not much of a pass rusher or blitzer...Did not make a lot of impact plays behind the line of scrimmage.

ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. had Gooden ranked as the second-best outside linebacker in the draft.

NFL.com's Mike Mayock had Gooden ranked as his third-best outside linebacker.

Here's Gooden's player page on Miami's Web site.

And a short YouTube video of Gooden:

And a breakdown from The Sun:

2007 statistics: Led team with a career-high 100 tackles (60 solo), including three stops for losses, an interception and three pass deflections.

Strengths: Athleticism. Should be able to make his mark on special teams right away. Can play inside and outside.

Weaknesses: Before last season, he missed time with injuries in the previous three seasons.