When it comes to the NFL Draft, no one does it better than the Baltimore Ravens. Whether it has been Ozzie Newsome or Eric DeCosta handling the general manager duties, Baltimore has brought in countless talented rookies. After a recent extension, the team’s 2018 class just made history.
Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Zach Sieler cashed in on back-to-back 10 sack campaigns, inking a three-year $67.75 million contract with the team. The contract keeps him in Miami through 2029.
Sieler was Newsome’s last draft pick as general manager of the Ravens. While it never worked out in Baltimore for the 29-year-old, who was waived in December 2019, he caught on with the Dolphins after being claimed off waivers. He quickly became a rotational piece there and broke out as a legitimate sack threat in 2023 and has been dominating since.
It is safe to say Sieler made Newsome proud. He caps off a strong class that has seen various players find their footing in the NFL. Along with Sieler, it included Hayden Hurst, Lamar Jackson, Orlando Brown Jr., Mark Andrews, Anthony Averett, DeShon Elliott, and Bradley Bozeman. Baltimore also signed talented players in Darious Williams and Gus Edwards in undrafted free agency.
The Sieler deal puts Baltimore in NFL history. The group is earning more money in future contracts than any other draft in league history, per ESPN insider Adam Schefter, and it is no surprise the Ravens are the team to set the record.
Baltimore Ravens' new milestone showcases outstanding draft skills
2018 is one of the many elite Ravens draft classes across their 29-year history. Since their inception in 1996, Newsome and DeCosta’s draft philosophy has been a gold standard. Heading into the 2025 season, they continue to set the blueprint for teams throughout the league on how to build through the draft. The crazy part is, 2018 might not even be their best work.
In 1996, Baltimore kicked off their franchise by drafting two Hall of Famers, Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, with their first two selections, and also drafted lethal return man Jermaine Lewis in the fifth round. 2008’s class was spearheaded by Joe Flacco and Ray Rice, who helped lead the way to a Super Bowl 47 victory. Finally, Baltimore's 2022 selections have to be considered one of the best drafts in recent history. It includes Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, Travis Jones, Daniel Faalele, and Isaiah Likely, all of whom have bright futures in the NFL.
After two weeks of training camp, Baltimore’s haul in the 2025 NFL Draft could compete with those draft classes as one of the best. It is a lofty set of expectations for the rookies, but with 11 selections and several perceived steals, they have the chance to reach greatness.