In Ozzie Newsome‘s curtain call as general manager, here’s a look back at his top five draft classes as the head of the front office for the Baltimore Ravens.
The 2018 NFL draft will be Ozzie Newsome’s last as the Baltimore Ravens general manager. He has been loved and also ridiculed by the fan base. However, the fans all know we couldn’t have asked for a better run. He has made rosters that include two Super Bowl wins and numerous playoff appearances. He has drafted at least four Hall of Famers along with 12 first-team All-Pros.
So to honor the incredible run Ozzie Newsome has had, let’s take a look at his best draft classes.
Honorable Mention: 2016 Draft Class
The only reason this one isn’t on here is that it’s too early. However, this could turn out to be one of the best. Ronnie Stanley is a monster at left tackle and Alex Lewis is great beside him at left guard. Tavon Young and Maurice Canady have been great when they have played at cornerback. Matthew Judon has a chance to be a great pass rusher. Willie Henry stepped in last year and excelled. Kenneth Dixon was great his first year before getting hurt for the 2017 season. Chris Moore has been great on special teams and not to mention Michael Pierce was a UDFA in this class as well.
5. 2006 Draft Class
Notables: DT Haloti Ngata (1st round), Dawan Landry (5th round), Sam Koch (6th round), Chris Chester (2nd round)
After a losing record in 2005, Ozzie needed a good draft to get the team back on track. He did just that one year later. Haloti Ngata was the plug up the middle for many years and many great Ravens defenses. Dawan Landry was a great player next to Ed Reed. Sam Koch has been one of the league’s best punters since his first game, while Chris Chester was a starter in the league at guard for many years.