Baltimore,Mo – April 21, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have cemented their status as an NFL draft juggernaut, with a new all-time ranking spotlighting five franchise icons as among the best picks at their respective draft slots. This historic list, crafted by Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated, reaffirms what Ravens fans have long celebrated: an unmatched knack for unearthing transformative talent.
At pick No. 24 in 2002, the Ravens landed a defensive maestro whose nine Pro Bowls and Hall of Fame trajectory redefined the safety position. His 61 career interceptions and relentless play anchored Baltimore’s 2000s dominance, earning him a spot as the draft’s premier No. 24 selection.
The 2018 draft’s No. 32 pick delivered a quarterback revolution. Traded up for by Ozzie Newsome, this dual-threat phenom shattered records with 1,206 rushing yards in 2019 and claimed two MVP awards by age 27. His 2024 haul—4,172 passing yards, 41 touchdowns—solidifies him as the NFL’s greatest No. 32 pick.
In 1996, the Ravens’ inaugural draft yielded a cornerstone at No. 4. This left tackle, an 11-time Pro Bowler, set the standard for offensive line excellence, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for Baltimore’s physical identity. His Hall of Fame plaque underscores his draft-day value.
A 2018 third-round gem at No. 83 proved a masterstroke. This tackle earned Pro Bowl honors before a blockbuster trade to the Kansas City Chiefs netted Baltimore a haul of picks. His rise from mid-rounder to elite lineman highlights the Ravens’ scouting prowess.
Pick No. 26 in 1996 brought a linebacker whose ferocity defined an era. With two Defensive Player of the Year awards and two Super Bowl rings, he remains a Baltimore legend, cementing his place as the draft’s top No. 26 selection.
Under Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, the Ravens have mastered the art of the draft, with these five picks—three first-rounders and two steals—shaping a perennial contender. Verderame’s analysis, spanning every draft since 1967, elevates Baltimore above most franchises, with only the Pittsburgh Steelers rivaling their hit rate.
As the 2025 draft looms, Eric DeCosta’s 11 picks offer hope for more gems. From Hall of Famers to MVPs, this ranking fuels Ravens fans’ pride, proving their team’s draft legacy is as storied as any in football.
