Harv currently writes for Abstract Sports, the Sports History Network, and the magazine Gridiron Greats. Harv wrote the published book "Pro Football's Most Passionate Fans" and as a professional writer has had articles published in an array of sports publications.
Baltimore Ravens - Best Number One Pick for Every Team in NFL Draft History
As we look back on the Baltimore Ravens' first-round draft history it is important to keep in mind this team was the old Cleveland Browns before owner Art Modell moved them to Baltimore. After relocating, with their very first draft process, the Ravens had two spots in the first round and made the most of both. With the fourth overall pick, they drafted Jonathan Ogden who would become one of the best offensive tackles during his playing time in the NFL. Incredibly, their second pick in that opening round was not until the 26th overall and 25 other teams passed on a man named Ray Lewis. All Lewis would do is go out and have a Hall of Fame career and become one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers ever. The Ravens who have won two Super Bowls since their debut in Baltimore had had fantastic drafts including another Hall of Fame inductee, Ed Reed. He was a first-rounder in 2002. Todd Heap preceded him the year before. Two years before landing Reed, Baltimore found Jamal Lewis in the first round. From 2000 to 2006, the Baltimore Ravens drafted these first-rounders: Lewis, Heap, Reed, Kyle Boller, Terrell Suggs, Mark Clayton, and Haloti Ngata. In 2008 it would be Joe Flacco who came a year before the 23rd pick overall in 2009, Michael Oher. Then just three years ago it was current flashy quarterback Lamar Jackson. But best for Baltimore? Hands down Ray Lewis closely followed by Ed Reed.
Honorable Mentions: Duane Starks (1998), Chris McAlister (1999), Peter Boulware (1997), Jimmy Smith (2011), C.J. Mosley (2014)
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