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Ozzie Newsome: Grading Every Ravens Draft Class

By Chris Schisler

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Aug 2, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens former player Jonathan Ogden poses with his bust during the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens former player Jonathan Ogden poses with his bust during the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

1996 NFL Draft

Draft Grade: A

Ravens Selections:

  1. Round 1: Jonathan Ogden, OT (UCLA) 4th Overall Pick
  2. Round 1: Ray Lewis, LB (Miami) 26th Overall Pick
  3. Round 2: De’Ron Jenkins, CB (Tennessee) 55th Overall Pick
  4. Round 5: Jermaine Lewis, WR (Maryland) 153rd Overall Pick
  5. Round 6: Dexter Daniels, LB (Florida) 172nd Overall Pick
  6. Round 6: James Roe, WR (Norfolk State) 186th Overall Pick
  7. Round 7: Jon Stark, QB (Trinity International) 238th Overall Pick

This was one of the most historical draft classes in NFL history. The Ravens had two first round picks and they spent them on two Hall of Fame Players. The Ravens got what many believe to be the greatest left tackle of all time in Ogden. Ogden was one of the most consistent players at the left tackle position, he was a truly dominant player. The Ravens also got another all-time great in Ray Lewis.

Newsome drafted the two players that he could build the team around. When you draft two players that end up enshrined in Canton (Ray Lewis will be a first ballot inductee) you’ve done something special in the NFL Draft. Jermaine Lewis was also a very nice pick. His performance as a kick returner would be very valuable to the Ravens,.

Next: 1997 NFL Draft

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