Former Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome has done a phenomenal job selecting players out of the NFL Draft.
Under Newsome, the Ravens have drafted 18 players who developed into Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame players.
Let's take a look at the best five draft pick in Ravens history.
5. LB Terrell Suggs (Round 1, 2003 NFL Draft )
Following a standout career at Arizona State University, the Ravens selected Terrell Suggs in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
During his 16-season career with Baltimore, Suggs recorded 855 tackles, seven interceptions, and 132.2 sacks. T-Sizzle was also known for his toughness and grit when he played for the Ravens. Out of his 16 seasons with the Ravens, T-Sizzle only missed 27 games.
When T-Sizzle retires, he'll most certainly be named to the NFL Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
4. OL Marshall Yanda (Round 3, 2007 NFL Draft)
Marshall Yanda had a phenomenal career with Ravens, finishing off with eight Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro selections, and a 2012 Super Bowl XLVII Champion.
The 13-year veteran played in 177 regular-season games, which is tied for the most by an offensive lineman in team history.
Yanda will be remembered as one of the greatest to ever wear a Raven uniform.
3. S Ed Reed (Round 1, 2002 NFL Draft)
After having an outstanding career at the University of Miami, the Ravens drafted Ed Reed in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Over his 12 year career, Reed earned nine Pro Bowl selections, was named first-team All-Pro five times and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004. In addition, Reed tallied seven career pick-six's, which is tied for 11th all-time in NFL history.
Aside from his phenomenal stats, Reed was also a mentor for his teammates in the locker room. Reed was also praised by New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick:
“Can't say I've ever coached against anybody better than Ed Reed in the secondary,” Belichick said.
Nevertheless, Reed has established himself as one of the best safeties in NFL history.
2. LT Jonathan Ogden (Round 1, 1996 NFL Draft)
Jonathan Ogden was the very first pick in Ravens' history. Several NFL analysts questioned Ozzie Newsome on this draft selection. However, Ogden proved to be one of the best offensive tackles in NFL history.
During his career with Baltimore, Ogden made 11 Pro Bowls as well as eight All-Pro teams. In addition, he played a vital role in the Ravens' XXXV Super Bowl run.
After retiring in 2008, Ogden was named to the Ravens Hall of Fame and was a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s. Ogden will forever be the cornerstone of the franchise.
1. LB Ray Lewis (Round 1, 1996 NFL Draft)
Following a standout career at the University of Miami, the Ravens selected Ray Lewis in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Little did anyone know that Lewis would become the best player in Ravens' history and perhaps the best linebacker in NFL history.
During his career with the Ravens, Lewis made 13 Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro teams, won NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice, and was the Super Bowl XXXV MVP.
After his outstanding NFL career, Lewis was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in just his first year of eligibility.
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