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A look at Ozzie Newsome’s top 5 draft classes

By Connor Brooks

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 3: Baltimore Ravens General Manager/Executive Vice President and Hall of Fame tight end, Ozzie Newsome (L), presents former offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden of the Baltimore Ravens with his Hall of Fame bust during the NFL Class of 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on Aug. 3, 2013 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 3: Baltimore Ravens General Manager/Executive Vice President and Hall of Fame tight end, Ozzie Newsome (L), presents former offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden of the Baltimore Ravens with his Hall of Fame bust during the NFL Class of 2013 Enshrinement Ceremony at Fawcett Stadium on Aug. 3, 2013 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 10: Torrey Smith
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 10: Torrey Smith /

2. 2011 Draft Class

Notables: Jimmy Smith (1st round), Torrey Smith (2nd round), Pernell McPhee (5th round), Tyrod Taylor (6th round)

Jimmy Smith has been one of the best cornerbacks in the league but his inability to stay healthy late in seasons has hindered him. Torrey Smith became Flacco’s favorite deep target for many years and won another Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2018. Pernell McPhee was a rising star at outside linebacker but decided to take the money at Chicago. So far, it hasn’t been kind to him.

Tyrod Taylor, although he didn’t do much with Baltimore, has become one of the better quarterbacks in the league. In three seasons as a starter for the Bills, he ranked top 10 in QBR twice and top 15 all three years. That is better than Joe Flacco in each of those years (not saying I would trade, just saying). Ozzie finding Taylor in the sixth round is just another example of his ability to find gems when others aren’t looking.

1. 1996 Draft Class

Notables: Jonathan Ogden (1st round), Ray Lewis (1st round), Jermaine Lewis (5th round), DeRon Jenkins (2nd round)

I mean, was there ever any doubt? Ozzie started his Ravens career off with a bang. Two bangs, to be exact. His first to picks, Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, respectively, are now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You could argue that they are the best of all-time at their respected positions. Ray Lewis has become a pro football icon and likely the most prominent figure in team history.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Five possible third-round selections

Don’t forget Jermaine Lewis, who was the game’s best punt and kick returner for many years, as well as an excellent slot receiver. He ended up being an All-Pro twice. DeRon Jenkins was a plug-in starter but played meaningful snaps for much of his career. Needless to say, this is by far Ozzie’s best draft and quite possibly the best draft of all time.

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