Top 15 best draft picks in Baltimore Ravens history
By Justin Fried
12. Todd Heap, TE, Ravens (31st overall – 2001)
Much like with Humphrey, we may very well see Mark Andrews eventually establish himself as the best tight end in team history. But given his longevity, it’s hard to argue that anyone but Todd Heap deserves that honor right now.
Heap was drafted with the 31st overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Ravens were looking for another cornerstone to build around on offense.
While Heap was never a star, he did make two Pro Bowls early in his career, and he held down a key role in the Ravens’ offense for 10 years until his departure in 2011.
Heap currently ranks second all-time in receptions and receiving yards in Ravens history and ranks first in receiving scores. He absolutely deserves a spot on this list.
11. Jamal Lewis, RB, Ravens (5th overall – 2000)
Jamal Lewis is one of the greatest Ravens players of all time and one of the best running backs of his generation. Some will argue this is even too low for the longtime Ravens great.
Drafted fifth overall in 2000, Lewis burst on the scene as a rookie and quickly established himself as one of the best backs in the NFL. He returned from a knee injury in 2002 and quite frankly never looked back.
Lewis remains the Ravens’ all-time leading rusher with a whopping 7,801 yards over just six years including his historic 2,066-yard season in 2003.
The only reasons he doesn’t rank higher come down to his lack of longevity, the value (he was the fifth overall pick, after all), and because the Ravens have just made so many great draft picks over the years.
Nonetheless, Jamal Lewis is obviously a legend.