Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 draft picks in franchise history

3. S Ed Reed- 24th overall selection in 2002

You’ve likely heard some iteration of the follow adage: 2/3 of the Earth is covered by water and the other 1/3 is covered by Ed Reed.

Reed arrived in Baltimore in 2002 out of the University of Miami and had five interceptions and 12 passes defensed in his rookie campaign. He also added a blocked punt return for a touchdown in what became a sign of things to come for the greatest safety of all time.

Throughout his career, Reed had 13 career regular season touchdowns by way of fumble return, interception return, blocked punt return, and punt return. His propensity for trying to take every turnover back to the house became synonymous with Ravens football over his tenure in Baltimore.

Often times, Reed would even lateral to teammates that he felt might have a better opportunity to put points on the board. Even when this backfired, that was Ed being Ed. In his 11 seasons in the Charm City, Reed had a touchdown in eight of them.

Reed was a five-time All-Pro and took home the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award after he finished with nine interceptions, 17 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdown returns.

REEEEEEEEED was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2019.

2. T Jonathan Ogden- 4th overall selection in 1996

The Ravens made Jonathan Ogden the first pick in the history of the franchise on on April 20, 1996. The UCLA product started 176 games in his 12 year career in Baltimore racking up 11 Pro Bowls, four All-Pro selections, and a 2013 National Football League Hall of Fame induction.

Ogden was the bookend left tackle for over a decade in Baltimore and was consistently they key cog in what were strong offensive lines throughout his tenure in Baltimore. Protecting the blind side of the QB has always been a huge task and Ogden was the best left tackle in the business throughout most of his illustrious career.

There was a ton of discussion leading up to the draft on whether the Ravens should take Ogden or RB Lawrence Phillips if both presented themselves at fourth overall. The selection of Ogden turned out to be a wise one as he helped establish the smash mouth nature we saw for so long as the identity of Baltimore football. Phillips washed out of the NFL after three disappointing seasons.

Ogden remains a staple of Ravens football and if often spotted at M&T Bank Stadium and around town flashing his million dollar smile. JO has a claim to the spot as well being the first ever selection and putting together the career that he did as well.

1. LB Ray Lewis- 26th overall selection in 1996

How many times can a GM say that the first two draft picks of their tenure, and in this case the team’s existence would go on to become Hall of Famers?

The undersized Lewis was selected at 26 overall out of the University of Miami and instantly became an impact player starting 13 games and finishing his rookie season with 110 tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception. Little did the Ravens know, it would be one of 13 100+ tackle seasons for the future Ravens legend.

The accolades are extremely impressive. 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Super Bowl Champion, 2000 Super Bowl MVP, 2018 Hall of Fame inductee. You want stats? Lewis is second in team history with 31 interceptions, second in forced fumbles with 19, first among defensive players with 20 fumble recoveries, fourth in sacks with 41.5, and is the Ravens all-time leader in tackles.

Lewis was the straw that stirred the drink on many of the Ravens elite defenses over the years. From 2000-2012, the Ravens had just two seasons where the finished outside of the top 10 in total defense and in both years, Lewis missed significant time? Coincidence? Methinks not.

Lewis was the heart and soul of Ravens football throughout his tenure in Baltimore. A leader and a player like none before him in Baltimore and likely none after him will be able to live up to the legend either.