Ravens take Temple RB Pierce in 3rd round of draft

By DAVID GINSBURG

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) The Baltimore Ravens have selected Temple running back Bernard Pierce with the 84th overall pick in the NFL draft.

The third-round selection was made after the Ravens made a trade with the Atlanta Falcons to move up seven notches. In exchange for Atlanta's pick, Baltimore gave the Falcons its third-round pick (91st overall) and a fifth-round choice (164th overall).

Pierce had a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons with Temple and finished his career ranked second in career yards rushing (3,570) despite playing only three seasons. The 6-foot, 218-pounder scored 53 career touchdowns, including 21 as a senior, when he finished with 1,481 yards on the ground.

He will try to become the backup to Ray Rice.

Earlier Friday, the Ravens picked linebacker Courtney Upshaw and offensive tackle Kelechi Osemele.

Updated April 27, 2012