The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. With that in mind, it can be difficult to balance the mix of talent and value when picking out the 10 best selections from the last 10 years. But let's take a look at the team's rich history, and review those 10 best draft picks since 2015.
The Franchise Cornerstones
Lamar Jackson (2018, Round 1: Pick 32)
Lamar Jackson has proven himself as not just the best draft pick in the last 10 years, but one of the best in Ravens history. During the 2018 draft, fans clamored for Joe Flacco’s heir apparent. When former general manager Ozzie Newsome traded up to pick 32 with the Philadelphia Eagles, the Ravens got just that in Jackson.
Since then, the two-time MVP has quickly cemented himself as an all-time great. Each year he seems to get even better and opposing defenses have yet to figure out a plan to slow him down. As the 28-year-old gears up for his eighth season, he has one goal: to finally claim the elusive Lombardi Trophy.
Mark Andrews (2018, Round 3: Pick 86)
The selection of Jackson alone would’ve made the Ravens' 2018 draft class one of the better ones in recent memory, however, Baltimore found another future all-pro when they landed Mark Andrews at pick 86. While they selected tight end Hayden Hurst with their first selection on night one, they doubled down on tight ends with Andrews. While some scratched their heads, this proved to be a hit.
Since 2018, Andrews has been named to three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro first team. The pinnacle of his career thus far was his 2021 season, when he hauled in 107 passes for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns. While his production dipped last season, he was still a lethal red zone target and Jackson’s favorite weapon, catching 11 touchdowns, reaching 51 receiving touchdowns, setting a Ravens record.
Marlon Humphrey (2017, Round 1: Pick 16)
Every great team needs a lockdown corner, and since putting on a Ravens uniform in 2017, Marlon Humphrey has been just that. As former cornerback Jimmy Smith’s Ravens career came to a close, Humphrey quickly stepped in to replace him.
The eight-year veteran has four Pro Bowls to his name and two first-team All-Pro selections. With sticky coverage from the outside and the slot, Humphrey is one of the best and most versatile corners in the league. He continues to grow his game as well, reaching a career-high six interceptions, including his first career pick-six.
Ronnie Stanley (2016, Round 1: Pick 6)
On a list like this, it’s possible to not mention Ronnie Stanley. While there was a load of talent on the board with such an early pick, Baltimore was able to secure a franchise left tackle who would eventually protect their franchise quarterback’s blind side just a couple of years later.
Injuries have hampered Stanley’s tenure, but he has provided consistent play at a critical position. When he’s 100 percent, the Notre Dame product is a Pro Bowl talent, earning two in his career and an All-Pro first-team nod in 2019. Going into his 10th season, he is the second longest-tenured Raven currently on the roster to Justin Tucker.
The Future Perennial Pro Bowlers
Kyle Hamilton (2022, Round 1: Pick 14)
Looking at the future of this franchise, the conversation starts with Kyle Hamilton. Selected with the 14th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, everyone knew the Ravens pulled off the heist of the century. A player getting top-five hype somehow fell to the Ravens and they haven’t looked back since.
Every time Hamilton touches the field, he transforms the defense. From his IQ to his versatility, there’s not a player like him in the league. In his three-year career thus far, he’s earned two Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections (one first-team and one second-team). There’s no question the Ravens have found their next leader to go with their long history of defensive superstars.
Tyler Linderbaum (2022, Round 1: Pick 25)
In the same draft, Baltimore found their leader on the offensive side of the football. Another player ranked very highly, Tyler Linderbaum found his way to the Ravens at 25. This was possible thanks to a trade that saw them send wide receiver Hollywood Brown to the Arizona Cardinals, and eventually a trade back with the Bills at 25. It’s safe to say this has worked out in Baltimore’s favor.
Like Hamilton, Linderbaum already has two Pro Bowls in three seasons. He has yet to earn all-pro honors but has made a name for himself around the league. The 25-year-old is one of the most consistent and reliable players on Baltimore’s roster and looks to finally crack an All-Pro team next season.
Nnamdi Madubuike (2020, Round 3: Pick 71)
When Nnamdi Madubuike was selected out of Texas A&M with the 71st pick in 2020, not many expected him to become a dominant interior defensive lineman. During the 2023 season, that’s what he morphed himself into.
Across five seasons with the Ravens, Madubuike has tallied 28 sacks, including a 13-sack season in 2023 that earned him a massive contract extension. With two Pro Bowls under his belt and a second-team All-Pro selection, he is only growing as a player and will likely continue this pace to becoming a respected force in the league.
Late Round Steals
Isaiah Likely (2022, Round 4: Pick 136)
The Ravens had an embarrassment of riches in the 2022 NFL Draft and hit big on three names. Isaiah Likely joined a terrific draft class when he got the call that he was going to be a Raven at pick 136—and recently, he’s come into his own.
While the numbers don’t jump off the page, his impact is enormous. Likely and Andrews have formed one of, if not, the best tight end duos in the league. This past season, the former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer had the chance to prove himself. He did so by showcasing his authority in the red zone with a career-high six touchdowns. The opportunity will only continue to open more for Likely, and his best years could be ahead of him.
Mattew Judon (2016, Round 5: Pick 146)
In 2016, the Ravens selected a little-known pass rusher Matthew Judon out of Grand Valley State with the 146th pick. This turned out to be one of the best value picks in that draft, as he’s turned in a great resume through nine seasons.
While his best years didn’t come as a Raven, he was still their top pass rusher during his tenure and earned two Pro Bowls, totaling 32.5 sacks. He was a locker room and fan favorite but eventually would earn a big payday with the New England Patriots, where he’d have back-to-back double-digit sack seasons with 12.5 and 15.5, respectively. Although he spent just five seasons as a Raven, the Judon era was memorable.
Za’Darius Smith (2015, Round 4: Pick 122)
Za’Darius Smith was another steal. Baltimore selected him with the 122nd pick in 2015. Like Judon, his best years didn’t come as a Raven, but he was a key cog in the Ravens' pass rush during his Baltimore career.
Smith’s career got off to a hot start with a 5.5-sack season and was on an upward trajectory from there. In 2018, his last season in Baltimore and a contract year, he put up an impressive 8.5 sacks. He’d reach his peak with the Green Bay Packers, hitting a career-high 13.5 sacks in 2019. With 69 career sacks, this is one of the best picks from the last 10 years.
Newsome and Eric DeCosta have made a living off of hitting on draft picks. From elite talent to tremendous value to late-round steals, they’ve done it all—and the front office will continue to make the Ravens a formidable foe for years to come.