The 10 Best Ravens Draft Picks from the Last Decade
The Baltimore Ravens have always been one of the smartest teams when it comes to the draft. Picking just 10 of their best picks over the last 10 years isn’t easy, but let’s dive into some of the biggest names and steals they’ve landed since 2015.
Franchise Game-Changers
Lamar Jackson (2018, Round 1, Pick 32)
Grabbing Lamar at pick 32 was a game-changer. Fans were ready to move on from Joe Flacco, and when Ozzie Newsome made a move with Philly to snag Lamar, it paid off. He’s now a two-time MVP and one of the most electric players in the league, with one thing left to check off a Super Bowl ring.
Mark Andrews (2018, Round 3, Pick 86)
If getting Lamar wasn’t enough, the Ravens doubled down in 2018 by scooping up Mark Andrews in the third round. While Hayden Hurst was picked first, Andrews became the star. A 3-time Pro Bowler and Jackson’s go-to guy, he’s already set records for touchdowns by a Ravens tight end.
Marlon Humphrey (2017, Round 1, Pick 16)
Every defense needs a shutdown corner, and Humphrey’s been that dude since 2017. With four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nods, he’s one of the league’s top defensive backs and still improving.
Ronnie Stanley (2016, Round 1, Pick 6)
Stanley’s had his share of injuries, but when healthy, he’s one of the best left tackles around. A Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 2019, he’s spent nearly a decade protecting Ravens quarterbacks.
Future Stars in the Making
Kyle Hamilton (2022, Round 1, Pick 14)
When Hamilton fell to the Ravens in 2022, it was a steal. He’s already made two Pro Bowls and a couple of All-Pro teams in just three seasons. Smart, tough, and versatile he’s got superstar written all over him.
Tyler Linderbaum (2022, Round 1, Pick 25)
Another 2022 gem. Linderbaum has quickly become one of the best centers in football, earning two Pro Bowls in three years. Baltimore made the right call trading Hollywood Brown to get him.
Justin Madubuike (2020, Round 3, Pick 71)
Not many saw this one coming, but Madubuike’s turned into a beast on the defensive line. He exploded for 13 sacks in 2023 and earned himself a fat new contract. The guy’s just getting started.
Steals in the Later Rounds
Isaiah Likely (2022, Round 4, Pick 136)
Yet another 2022 win. Likely has quietly become one of the best tight end compliments in the league. His six-touchdown season last year showed what he can do and the best is ahead.
Matthew Judon (2016, Round 5, Pick 146)
Judon was a late-round find who became Baltimore’s top pass rusher before cashing in with the Patriots. He left with 32.5 sacks and two Pro Bowls as a Raven. Solid pick.
Za’Darius Smith (2015, Round 4, Pick 122)
Smith started strong in Baltimore and finished with a big year before heading to Green Bay, where he hit his prime. Still, his time with the Ravens was impressive and showed just how good Baltimore is at finding pass rushers late.
Final Thoughts
Between Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, the Ravens’ front office knows how to build a team through the draft. From top-tier talent to under-the-radar steals, they’ve nailed picks across the board and it’s a big reason why they stay competitive year after year.
