Baltimore Ravens: 5 best draft picks of all-time

A look back at the five best draft picks made by the Baltimore Ravens throughout their history. 

The Baltimore Ravens have been a blessed franchise for the most part. Despite coming into existence in 1996, they have won two Super Bowls and have had some of the best players ever at their respective positions. Most of the team’s success is due to their success at the NFL Draft. That is likely due to general manager Ozzie Newsome’s commitment to drafting the best player available regardless of position.

While they haven’t had as much success lately as they did early in their history, Baltimore’s success at the NFL Draft is something that all NFL teams should aim for. They’ve had so many good drafts, it’s hard to come up with their five best. Three of them are quite obvious since each of them either are in the Hall of Fame or inevitably will be in the near future.

Some honorable mentions that would likely be in the top five for any team (especially if you just look at picks since 1996):

• Peter Boulware, first round of the 1997 NFL Draft
• Adalius Thomas, sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft
• Marshall Yanda, third round of the 2007 NFL Draft
• Haloti Ngata, first round of the 2006 NFL Draft

The Ravens have had a ton of success in the NFL Draft in the later rounds, but it’s no coincidence that each of their five best draft picks of all-time came in the first round.

Next: #5: Joe Flacco