Ravens Flock

Since their inception in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have established themselves as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, largely due to their exceptional ability to identify and draft talent. Under the guidance of general managers like Ozzie Newsome and later Eric DeCosta, the Ravens have turned draft picks into Hall of Famers, Super Bowl MVPs, and perennial Pro Bowlers. Their draft philosophy—emphasizing physicality, versatility, and high football IQ—has produced a roster of players who define the team’s gritty, hard-nosed identity. Here’s a look at some of the best draft picks in Ravens history, players who not only excelled individually but also elevated the franchise to new heights.

Jonathan Ogden (1996, Round 1, Pick 4)

The Ravens didn’t just hit a home run with Ray Lewis in their inaugural draft—they hit a grand slam with their first-ever selection, Jonathan Ogden, taken 4th overall out of UCLA. Ogden, a towering 6’9”, 345-pound offensive tackle, redefined the position with his rare blend of size, agility, and technique. He became the anchor of Baltimore’s offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs during a career that spanned 12 seasons.

Ogden’s resume is impeccable: 11 Pro Bowls, nine All-Pro selections, and a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s. He played a critical role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV victory, neutralizing pass rushers and opening lanes for running back Jamal Lewis. Ogden’s consistency and dominance earned him a first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013. Drafting Ogden gave the Ravens an immediate star on offense, balancing their defensive identity and proving Newsome’s eye for talent extended across both sides of the ball.

Ed Reed (2002, Round 1, Pick 24)

If Ray Lewis was the heart of the Ravens’ defense, Ed Reed was the mind. Selected 24th overall in 2002 out of Miami, Reed slipped down the draft board due to concerns about his size (5’11”, 205 pounds). The Ravens, however, saw a ball-hawking safety with unparalleled instincts. Reed quickly proved doubters wrong, becoming one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history.

Reed’s career stats are staggering: 64 interceptions (seventh all-time), 1,590 interception return yards (an NFL record), and seven touchdowns off picks. His nine Pro Bowls, eight All-Pro nods, and 2004 Defensive Player of the Year award underscore his dominance. Reed’s defining moment came in Super Bowl XLVII, when he helped the Ravens secure their second title in 2012 before retiring the following year. His ability to read quarterbacks and turn takeaways into points made him a game-changer, and his draft selection remains one of Baltimore’s shrewdest moves.

Jamal Lewis (2000, Round 1, Pick 5)

While the Ravens are often celebrated for their defense, Jamal Lewis brought an offensive spark that complemented their bruising style. Drafted 5th overall in 2000 out of Tennessee, Lewis burst onto the scene as a rookie, rushing for 1,364 yards and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His punishing running style fit perfectly with Baltimore’s smashmouth ethos.

Lewis’s peak came in 2003, when he ran for 2,066 yards—then the second-most in a single season in NFL history—earning him First-Team All-Pro honors and a near-MVP season. His 295-yard performance against the Cleveland Browns that year remains one of the most dominant games by a running back ever. Lewis was instrumental in the Ravens’ 2000 Super Bowl run, providing balance to a defense-heavy team. Though injuries later hampered his career, his 7,801 yards with Baltimore rank him among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Terrell Suggs (2003, Round 1, Pick 10)

Terrell Suggs, or “T-Sizzle,” became the Ravens’ all-time sack leader and a relentless force off the edge. Drafted 10th overall in 2003 out of Arizona State, Suggs brought speed and power to Baltimore’s defense, traits that made him a nightmare for quarterbacks over his 17-year career (16 with the Ravens). His 139 sacks rank eighth in NFL history, and his 132.5 sacks with Baltimore are a franchise record.

Suggs earned seven Pro Bowl selections, a 2011 Defensive Player of the Year award, and two Super Bowl rings (2000 as a rookie contributor and 2012 as a key starter). His versatility—lining up as an outside linebacker or defensive end—allowed defensive coordinators to scheme creatively. Suggs’s longevity and production make him one of the Ravens’ most impactful draft picks, embodying their tradition of drafting disruptive defenders.

Lamar Jackson (2018, Round 1, Pick 32)

Lamar Jackson represents a new era for the Ravens, and his selection at 32nd overall in 2018—after a trade-up with the Eagles—may go down as the steal of the decade. A Heisman Trophy winner from Louisville, Jackson faced skepticism about his ability to play quarterback in the NFL, with some suggesting a position switch. The Ravens, however, believed in his dual-threat potential, and he’s since rewritten the record books.

Jackson’s 2019 season was historic: he became the second unanimous MVP in NFL history, throwing for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for a quarterback-record 1,206 yards. His electrifying playstyle has redefined the Ravens’ offense, leading them to multiple playoff berths and a 56-20 record as a starter (through early 2025). Still in his prime as of March 13, 2025, Jackson’s ceiling remains sky-high, and his draft selection could eventually rank atop this list.

Ray Lewis (1996, Round 1, Pick 26)

No discussion of Ravens draft picks can begin without Ray Lewis, the heart and soul of the franchise for 17 seasons. Selected 26th overall in the 1996 NFL Draft out of Miami, Lewis was a steal for a team that didn’t expect such a transcendent talent to fall into their lap. At the time, the Ravens were a fledgling organization, having just relocated from Cleveland, and Lewis became the cornerstone of their identity.

Lewis’s accolades speak for themselves: 13 Pro Bowl selections, 10 All-Pro honors, two Defensive Player of the Year awards (2000, 2003), and a Super Bowl MVP in 2000 when he led the Ravens to their first championship with one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. His 2,061 career tackles remain a testament to his longevity and relentless motor. Beyond the stats, Lewis’s leadership and intensity transformed the Ravens into a defensive juggernaut, setting the tone for decades. Drafting him was the first stroke of genius for Ozzie Newsome, then the team’s GM, and it laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Honorable Mentions

The Ravens’ draft history is littered with other gems: Haloti Ngata (2006, Round 1, Pick 12), a dominant defensive tackle with five Pro Bowls; Marshal Yanda (2007, Round 3, Pick 86), a Hall of Fame-caliber guard; and C.J. Mosley (2014, Round 1, Pick 17), a tackling machine who earned four All-Pro nods before leaving in free agency. More recent picks like Marlon Humphrey (2017) and Patrick Queen (2020) also show promise.

Conclusion

The Baltimore Ravens’ success in the NFL Draft is a testament to their scouting acumen and clear vision for team-building. From Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden establishing the franchise’s foundation, to Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs sustaining defensive excellence, to Lamar Jackson ushering in a dynamic offensive era, these picks have shaped a team with two Super Bowls and a perennial contender status. The Ravens continue to lean on their draft prowess, ensuring their legacy of greatness endures.