15. WR/KR Jermaine Lewis (fifth round, 1996)
Not only was Lewis a nice story as a local connection coming from the University of Maryland, but his home-run ability as a return specialist was a major asset in the organization’s early years when consistency was tough to find on either side of the football. Lewis also produced two different seasons in which he recorded over 600 yards as a wide receiver before settling into a near-exclusive return role.
Lewis was most valuable in the field-position game when the defense emerged as one of the best in the business but the offense continued to lag behind with few playmakers. The two-time Pro Bowl selection still holds the franchise records for punt return touchdowns and punt return yardage, but his kickoff return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV was regarded by most as the final nail in the coffin of the New York Giants as the Ravens won 34-7 to secure their first NFL championship.
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