If you ever wanted an example of how important the NFL Draft is, just look at the 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense. Arguably the greatest defense of all time, the 2000 defense was built primarily through the NFL Draft. From 1996-1999 the Ravens drafted six of the starters on the historic defense.
It started in 1996 when the Ravens selected Ray Lewis with the 26th overall pick. Lewis was the middle linebacker and the centerpiece that Ozzie Newsome built the defense around. In 1997 the Ravens added three more starters to the mix. They drafted Peter Boulware, Jamie Sharper and Kim Herring with their first three choices in that draft.