Baltimore sent picks No. 91 and No. 164 to Atlanta to move up…
Baltimore sent picks No. 91 and No. 164 to Atlanta to move up seven spots for Bernard Pierce. Pierce immediately became Ray Rice's primary backup and contributed 532 rushing yards as a rookie during the Ravens' Super Bowl championship season. Atlanta selected Lamar Holmes and Jonathan Massaquoi, both of whom provided some starting or rotational snaps. The Falcons found usable players, but Pierce's early production on a title team gives Baltimore the stronger return.
Atlanta Falcons Received
- pick 2012 3rd round pick (91st overall, Lamar Holmes)
- pick 2012 5th round pick (164th overall, Jonathan Massaquoi)
Baltimore Ravens Received
- pick 2012 3rd round pick (84th overall, Bernard Pierce)
Trade Analysis
Why Baltimore Targeted Bernard Pierce
The Ravens wanted another physical runner behind Ray Rice and moved from No. 91 to No. 84 to secure Temple's Bernard Pierce. Atlanta received Baltimore's fifth-round pick No. 164 as the price for moving down seven spots. The exchange was small enough that both teams had a realistic path to winning.
What Pierce Added Immediately
Pierce rushed for 532 yards and averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie. He gave Baltimore a useful change of pace during the regular season and remained part of the rotation through the club's Super Bowl XLVII run. His second season brought another 436 rushing yards, although his efficiency fell and his Baltimore tenure ended after 2014.
What Atlanta Found With Two Picks
The Falcons used No. 91 on offensive tackle Lamar Holmes and No. 164 on defensive end Jonathan Massaquoi. Holmes started 19 games across three Atlanta seasons but never became a stable long-term answer at tackle. Massaquoi provided rotational pass rush and totaled six sacks in three seasons. Together they gave Atlanta more than empty roster spots.
Why Baltimore Still Gets the Edge
Atlanta's quantity narrows the margin, but Pierce's best football came immediately and mattered on a championship team. His rookie production was more valuable than the peak contribution of either Falcons selection, while the extra fifth-round cost was manageable.
Final Verdict
Baltimore Ravens Win. Baltimore earns a B+ for landing a productive title-season runner. Atlanta receives a B- because Holmes and Massaquoi both contributed, making this a respectable trade-down despite missing the best immediate outcome.