NFL
The Baltimore Ravens, in their history, have always been a team that builds through the NFL draft. They have always been a team that knows how to find the right players to fill holes on the Ravens. Since 1996, the Ravens have drafted 19 1st-rounders who have become perennial Pro Bowlers for the team. Even though the Ravens have had their share of hits, there were some misses as well in their history. But, these 5 Baltimore Ravens 1st rounders were the most impactful in this history of the Baltimore Ravens
1. Ray Lewis: 1996, 26th Pick, LB, Miami
When everyone thinks about the Baltimore Ravens, they always think about the most impactful player in franchise history, Ray Lewis. Drafted 26th overall from Miami, played 17 years, and was the last member of the 1996 original Baltimore Ravens. 13-time Pro Bowler, 7-time 1st team All-Pro, 2-Time defensive player of the year, and a Super Bowl MVP. The only Baltimore Ravens player to be on both Super Bowl-winning teams in 2000 and in 2012. Retired at the end of 2012 and went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on 1st ballot in 2018.
2. Ed Reed: 2002, 24th Pick, Safety, Miami
Ed Reed is considered by many to be the 2nd greatest draft pick in Baltimore Ravens history, drafted #24 overall. Reed’s football IQ is out of this world when you see him on the football in center field in Baltimore. Spent 11 of his 12 seasons in Baltimore, with 9 Pro Bowl selections and 5 1st team all pros. Also, named the 2004 defensive player of the year, and Super Bowl champion in 2012, his last season in Baltimore. Ed Reed, when on the football was someone that every quarterback had to watch out for to see where he was.
3. Jonathan Ogden: 1996, 4th, Tackle, UCLA
The honor of being the very 1st pick in the history of the Baltimore Ravens belonged to Johnathan Ogden. Ogden was drafted 4th overall in the 1996 draft out of UCLA and became a impactful piece for the OL. Also protected the blind side of Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks for all 12 years of his NFL career. In 11 of his 12 seasons in the NFL, he was selected to the Pro Bowl at Left Tackle. Jonathan Ogden was a huge foundational piece for the Baltimore Ravens from the start through their Super Bowl title run.
4. Terrell Suggs: 2003, 10th, OLB, Arizona State
In 2003, drafted 10th overall, Terrell Suggs became Ray Lewis’s partner in crime in the linebacking core. 2003, defensive rookie of the year with 12 sacks, and was named defensive player of the year in 2011. Holds the Ravens team record with 132.5 sacks in his 16 years with the Baltimore Ravens. Won 2 Super Bowl titles, one with the 2012 Ravens, and a 2nd in 2019 with the Kansas City Chiefs. And, with these accolades, we will see Terrell Suggs have a Hall of Fame Speech in Canton very soon.
5. Lamar Jackson: 2018, 32nd, QB, Louisville
31 other teams passed on Lamar Jackson, the Ravens traded back in the 1st round and drafted Jackson at #32. Before, the draft teams wanted him to switch to wide receiver, but Lamar Jackson said no. In his 8 years, Jackson went on to win 2 league MVPS, with one of them being a unanimous MVP. Also, holding the record for most rushing yards ever by a quarterback with over 6000 rushing yards. The presence of Lamar Jackson has made a lot of Ravens fans happy with the pick in 2018.
In their history, the Ravens have had their fair share of drafting excellent football players in the 1st round. Some have been franchise-altering for the Ravens, and others turned out to be busts. And, these 5 impactful players played their roles on the Baltimore Ravens in a big-time way.
