Official Site of the Ravens · Apr 5, 2016
Ozzie Newsome: Ravens' Recent Draft Classes Haven't Met Early High Standards
The Ravens drafted three likely Hall of Famers between 1996 and 2004, but haven’t hit many Pro Bowlers since. Still, Assistant GM Eric DeCosta said he’s proud of the team’s draft classes.
It was tough, if not impossible, to go any direction but down when the franchise’s first two draft picks in 1996 were Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden and future Hall of Fame inside linebacker Ray Lewis.
The Ravens have put together A-plus draft classes for many years under General Manager Ozzie Newsome and, more recently, Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta. They’ve rightfully gained a reputation for being one of the best in the business, master craftsmen in evaluating and picking college talent.
