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Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 draft picks in franchise history

By Ian Schultz

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 02: Ed Reed (L) and Ray Lewis arrive at the Fanatics Super Bowl Party at College Football Hall of Fame on January 5, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Fanatics)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 02: Ed Reed (L) and Ray Lewis arrive at the Fanatics Super Bowl Party at College Football Hall of Fame on January 5, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Fanatics) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 22: Linebacker Peter Boulware #58 of the Baltimore Ravens runs onto the field before the beginning of a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at PSINet Ravens Stadium on October 22, 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Titans won 14-6. (Photo by Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 22: Linebacker Peter Boulware #58 of the Baltimore Ravens runs onto the field before the beginning of a NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at PSINet Ravens Stadium on October 22, 2000 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Titans won 14-6. (Photo by Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images) /

Who are the top 10 NFL Draft picks of the Baltimore Ravens? Here’s my answer to that question:

*All stats are from Pro Football Reference*

*All-Pro’s are 1st Team Selections Only*

10. LB Peter Boulware- Fourth overall selection in 1997 

The 10th overall slot goes to the Florida State product who played all eight of his NFL seasons in a Ravens uniform.

Boulware was an instant contributor starting 16 games in his rookie year and tallying 11.5 sacks on his way to winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his tenure in Baltimore as well and recorded three 10+ sack seasons throughout his career. He was also a driving force on the 2000 Super Bowl team helping to lead a defense that many consider the best of all time.

Boulware likely could have soared higher on this list had knee injuries not ended his career at age 31. He retired as the Ravens all-time sack leader (with 70) until Terrell Suggs passed him in 2011. Honorable mention for the 10th spot included Chris McAllister and Ronnie Stanley. 

9. DT Haloti Ngata- 12th overall selection in 2006

The two-time All-Pro and former Oregon Duck played the first nine years of his career with the Ravens before a three year stint with the Lions and a one year run with the Eagles.

Ngata made an impact in his first career game turning in an epic interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

It ended up being just one of five interceptions of Ngata’s career. He was a five time Pro-Bowler and 2012 Super Bowl Champion with the Ravens as well. Only twice throughout Ngata’s career did the Ravens rushing defense finish outside of the Top 10 and he had a ton do with that. Also he broke Ben Roethlisberger’s nose once which was a legendary moment in Ravens history as well.

8) OG Marshal Yanda– 86th overall selection in 2007

If this were a column based on the return on investment of the players the Ravens have drafted, it would be tough to keep Yanda out of the top three.

The recently retired mainstay of the Ravens offensive line started 166 games during his 13 year career in Baltimore. Another key aspect of Yanda’s game is his overall versatility as it seemed like he spent time at every position along the Ravens offensive line over the years, including LT.

The two-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler will be sorely missed along the Ravens offensive line this season as he awaits a possible call to Canton in a few years.

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