The Baltimore Ravens have long been lauded as one of the best-run organizations in the NFL, but The Athletic’s latest survey of sports executives took that reputation to new heights.
In a poll of 40 executives and coaches across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, the Ravens were ranked as the top NFL front office and third overall among all major sports leagues. This is how the rankings were determined: "We polled the same number of executives and coaches (40) each time and used the same scoring system to rank front offices: First-place votes were worth 10 points, second-place seven, third-place five, fourth-place three and fifth-place one."
Here's how the top 10 teams shook out per polling numbers:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 354 points (29 first-place votes)
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 284 points (19 first-place votes)
- Baltimore Ravens: 259 points (15 first-place votes)
- Tampa Bay Rays: 258 points (12 first-place votes)
- Dallas Stars: 251 points (17 first-place votes)
- Boston Celtics: 250 points (9 first-place votes)
- Tampa Bay Lightning: 187 points (9 first-place votes)
- Kansas City Chiefs: 174 points (13 first-place votes)
- Florida Panthers: 173 points (9 first-place votes)
- San Fransisco 49ers: 151 points (3 first-place votes)
That’s rare air for any franchise, let alone one operating in a league as competitive and parity-driven as the NFL. The Ravens trailed only the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Dodgers in the rankings, a testament to their consistency, adaptability, and ability to foster long-term success. This recognition is well-earned for a franchise that’s known nothing but excellence since its inception.
The survey credited Baltimore’s leadership trio of owner Steve Bisciotti, general manager Eric DeCosta, and head coach John Harbaugh for setting a standard few can match. Under DeCosta’s leadership, the Ravens have maintained the foundation laid by legendary GM Ozzie Newsome, who built two Super Bowl-winning teams.
The article stated: "It's been more than five years since Ozzie Newsome stepped down as Baltimore's GM. His disciples have kept the Ravens in contention nearly every year since. Eric DeCosta, who was a player personnel intern for the Ravens' inaugural season in 1996 and has been with the organization ever since, took the reins from Newsome in 2019, and Baltimore's 56 victories over his first five seasons were tied for the third-most in the league."
Even as the NFL landscape evolves, the Ravens remain a perennial contender, thanks in large part to a front office that just doesn’t miss.
The Ravens claim the top spot in NFL front-office rankings
What makes the Ravens stand out from the pack? According to The Athletic, it’s all about consistency. This organization knows exactly what it means to be a Raven, and every decision—whether it’s at the draft, in free agency, or through trades—lines up with that identity. As one NFC executive put it, “They know what a Raven is and understand how to win with those guys.”
Eric DeCosta has been steering the ship since taking over from the legendary Ozzie Newsome in 2019, and let’s be honest—he’s crushed it. From expertly handling Lamar Jackson’s contract situation (turning a trade request into a five-year, $260 million extension) to landing key pieces like Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Zay Flowers, DeCosta’s moves always seem to hit the mark.
Additionally, the Ravens’ front office has an eye for mid-round steals like Isaiah Likely and Nnamdi Madubuike. And let’s not forget the Hollywood Brown trade—turning a disgruntled wideout into Tyler Linderbaum, who’s now one of the best centers in the league, is the definition of savvy. It’s this mix of sharp drafting, smart trades, and roster building that sets Baltimore apart.
That success doesn’t just stay in Baltimore, either. The Ravens’ influence is all over the league. Former staffers like Joe Hortiz (Los Angeles Chargers) and Ian Cunningham (Chicago Bears) are making their marks elsewhere, a testament to the system Newsome and DeCosta have built.
It’s no wonder the Ravens ranked as the top NFL team and 3rd overall in The Athletic’s poll of executives across the four major sports. For comparison, the next NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs, didn’t show up until 8th overall. Baltimore’s combination of consistency, vision, and results puts them in a class of their own.
With a front office running like a well-oiled machine and a team primed to compete, another Lombardi Trophy feels less like a matter of “if” and more like “when.”