When it comes to the NFL Draft, most people assume the best talent comes from the top 5 or 10 picks. That’s where the media hype lives, and where the “can’t-miss” players typically land. But that's not always the case. That kind of logic doesn’t necessarily always add up. The Baltimore Ravens have built their success by playing contrarian and manipulating the draft board wherever they land.
And now, they’ve got the receipts to back it up.
In an article from Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick, the highest-graded first-round picks at every slot over the past decade were revealed. And guess what? Two Ravens made the cut—at No. 16 and No. 32. Marlon Humphrey and Lamar Jackson. One cornerstone on each side of the ball. Both franchise-defining talents. Neither a top-15 pick.
The Ravens are back on the clock at pick No. 27 this year, and while that may not sound sexy to the casual fan, history says Baltimore fans should feel pretty good about it regardless.
Ravens prove again it’s not where you draft, it’s who you draft
Let’s start with Marlon Humphrey.
Per Chadwick: “Humphrey has been a constant in Baltimore’s secondary and is coming off the highest-graded season of his career, placing seventh among all cornerbacks with a 79.0 mark. He’s a ballhawk with 19 interceptions and 15 forced fumbles throughout his career so far.”
Humphrey’s production speaks for itself, but what sets him apart is how long he’s sustained it at one of the toughest positions to scout. He’s been a fixture in Baltimore’s secondary since 2017, and the value they got at pick No. 16 is exactly what teams hope for picking that late in the draft.
Then there’s Lamar.
Chadwick writes: “The Ravens traded up to the final pick of the first round in 2018 so that they could select Jackson and secure a fifth-year option on his rookie contract. It’s fair to say that move worked out well for Baltimore, as Jackson is already the greatest quarterback in franchise history. He has two MVP awards to his name at just 28 years old and already has the most career rushing yards by a quarterback (6,173).”
It’s almost funny how casually that’s written—like finding the greatest player in franchise history at pick No. 32 is a thing that happens often. It's astonishing what Jackson has been able to accomplish so far. He is the most electric player in league history, and his story is far from over. Crazy 31 teams passed on him back in 2018.
This is what sets the Ravens apart. They don’t need a top-5 pick to hit big. They identify stars, trust their board, and stick the landing. Whether it’s a future All-Pro, Pro Bowl corner or a generational quarterback, the front Eric DeCosta and the office have proven they can find gold anywhere in the first round.
It wasn't a filler pick when they selected Nate Wiggins last year at No. 30. So no, the 27th pick isn’t just some filler spot. If the Ravens’ track record means anything, it’s another chance to find a real difference-maker.