Tying the second-worst record in their 20-year history, the Ravens are now slated to pick higher in the draft than they have in 16 years.
Following a 24-16 loss to Cincinnati to conclude the regular season, Baltimore (5-11) is set to pick sixth in the 2016 NFL Draft beginning April 28 in Chicago. It would be the Ravens’ highest draft choice since taking running back Jamal Lewis with the fifth overall pick in 2000, a pick originally owned by the Atlanta Falcons.
General manager Ozzie Newsome has an impeccable history of drafting players in the top 10, choosing Hall of Fame left tackle Jonathan Ogden as well as several Pro Bowl selections in Lewis, linebackers Peter Boulware and Terrell Suggs, and cornerback Chris McAlister. The only unsuccessful top 10 pick in franchise history was wide receiver Travis Taylor, who was taken five spots after Lewis in 2000.
The Ravens entered Sunday in the eighth spot before wins by Miami and San Francisco bumped them to the sixth position. Newsome hasn’t been scheduled to pick in the top 10 since 2008 when he held the eighth pick before trading back and eventually taking quarterback Joe Flacco with the 18th choice.
Tennessee will have the first overall pick followed by Cleveland, San Diego, Dallas, and Jacksonville.
Draft selections in the top 10 in franchise history (overall pick in parentheses)
1996 — OT Jonathan Ogden (fourth)
1997 — LB Peter Boulware (fourth)
1998 — CB Duane Starks (10th)
1999 — CB Chris McAlister (10th)
2000 — RB Jamal Lewis (fifth)
2000 — WR Travis Taylor (10th)
2003 — LB Terrell Suggs (10th)
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
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