2012 NFL Draft - Pick 84: Bernard Pierce, RB, Baltimore Ravens

by Cory J. Bonini on April 27, 2012 @ 19:45:37 PDT

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The Baltimore Ravens selected Temple running back Bernard Pierce with the 84th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Fantasy analysis: Pierce, 6-foot, 218 pounds, offers a size contrast to Ray Rice and gives the Ravens a stronger presence in tough-yardage situations. A bit of a slasher, Pierce reminds of Matt Forte to a degree. He runs upright and may open himself up for injuries in the pros, however.

Pierce has late-round handcuff value in fantasy football leagues. The Ravens need to scale back Rice's touches to make him more efficient over the next few seasons, and Pierce will benefit, possibly near the goal line.

About Cory J. Bonini

Cory is KFFL's General Manager. In late 2002, he joined the KFFL staff as a research analyst and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1996. A member of the Fantasy Sports Trade Association, as well as Fantasy Sports Writers Association, Bonini has been featured in print, on radio and on scores of websites. Bonini co-hosted Big Lead Sports on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio from 2011 to 2012.

Bonini was recognized with the 2010 Best Article in Print Award from the FSWA and was a finalist for the same award in 2011. In '11, he finished first overall in the FSWA NFL experts challenge that featured 60 of the industry's best competitors. Follow @CoryKFFL