Who Worked and Who Didn’t for the Baltimore Ravens’ Last 10 First-Round Selections
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the NFL’s most successful franchises in terms of drafting talent. Over the years, they have established a reputation for making shrewd selections in the NFL Draft, particularly in the first round. The Ravens have consistently found ways to develop and integrate young players into their system, contributing to the team’s overall success. However, not every first-round pick has panned out as expected. Some players have exceeded expectations, while others have struggled to live up to their potential.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the last 10 first-round selections for the Baltimore Ravens and evaluate who worked out for the team and who didn’t. By examining these selections, we can better understand the franchise’s approach to building a competitive roster and how the Ravens have managed to sustain success despite a few missteps along the way.
1. 2023 – Zay Flowers (Wide Receiver, Boston College)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Flowers was one of the most dynamic wide receivers in college football and a standout performer at Boston College. Known for his explosive speed, sharp route-running, and ability to make plays after the catch, Flowers was seen as a potential game-changer for the Ravens’ offense.
The Outcome: Too early to fully assess. Zay Flowers has only played a handful of games by the start of the 2023 season, so it’s still too soon to judge whether he will be a success. However, early returns suggest that Flowers is on track to be a contributor to the Ravens’ offense, especially after Baltimore made significant moves to improve its receiving corps, including the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr. and the selection of Flowers.
Verdict: The jury is still out, but Flowers has the tools to be a star in the Ravens’ offense, and the early signs are promising.
2. 2022 – Kyle Hamilton (Safety, Notre Dame)
The Pick: In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected Kyle Hamilton with the 14th overall pick. Hamilton was widely considered the best safety prospect in the draft and was praised for his versatility, range, and playmaking ability. Many believed he could be a future All-Pro in the NFL.
The Outcome: Kyle Hamilton has quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in the Ravens’ secondary. As a rookie, he started 12 games, recording 3 interceptions and 2 sacks. Hamilton’s ability to cover ground in the secondary and contribute as both a deep safety and a box player has been critical to the Ravens’ defense.
Verdict: Success. Hamilton is living up to the hype, and his playmaking ability makes him a cornerstone piece of the Ravens’ defense for years to come.
3. 2021 – Rashod Bateman (Wide Receiver, Minnesota)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Bateman was seen as one of the most polished receivers in the class, with excellent route-running, speed, and hands. The Ravens needed a legitimate playmaker at wide receiver to complement their run-heavy offense, and Bateman was expected to be that guy.
The Outcome: Bateman has shown flashes of potential but has been limited by injuries. After a strong start to his rookie season, Bateman was sidelined by injuries, including a foot injury that caused him to miss a significant portion of the 2022 season. In his limited time on the field, Bateman has shown good chemistry with quarterback Lamar Jackson, but his inability to stay healthy has hindered his development.
Verdict: Incomplete. Bateman’s talent is clear, but his injury history has been a concern. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential to be a solid contributor for the Ravens.
4. 2020 – Patrick Queen (Linebacker, LSU)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Patrick Queen with the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Queen was one of the best linebacker prospects in the draft, known for his speed, leadership, and playmaking ability. The Ravens were in need of a dynamic linebacker who could both cover and rush the passer, and Queen was expected to fill that role.
The Outcome: Patrick Queen has had an up-and-down career with the Ravens. He has shown moments of brilliance, particularly in his rookie season, when he played a key role in the Ravens’ defense. However, he has also been inconsistent at times, struggling with coverage duties and missed tackles. Queen has shown improvement each season, but he hasn’t yet developed into the superstar many expected.
Verdict: Mixed. Queen has been a starter and has contributed to the defense, but he hasn’t yet become the elite linebacker the Ravens were hoping for.
5. 2019 – Marquise Brown (Wide Receiver, Oklahoma)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Marquise “Hollywood” Brown with the 25th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Brown was a speedster who made a name for himself at Oklahoma, and the Ravens hoped he would provide the deep threat their offense had been missing.
The Outcome: Marquise Brown had a solid, if unspectacular, career with the Ravens. He had some good seasons, including a strong 2021 campaign where he went over 1,000 receiving yards. However, Brown never fully became the dynamic No. 1 receiver the Ravens were hoping for. In 2022, Brown was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he has continued his career.
Verdict: Moderate success. Brown showed flashes of greatness and provided a deep threat for the Ravens but didn’t fully live up to expectations as a top-tier wide receiver.
6. 2018 – Hayden Hurst (Tight End, South Carolina)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Hayden Hurst with the 25th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Hurst was a highly productive tight end at South Carolina and was expected to provide a reliable pass-catching option in the Ravens’ offense.
The Outcome: Hayden Hurst struggled to find consistent playing time in Baltimore with the emergence of Mark Andrews, the Ravens’ other tight end. After two seasons, Hurst was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he had a more prominent role in the offense. While Hurst has had a solid career, he never fully developed into the top tight end the Ravens had hoped for.
Verdict: Failure in Baltimore. The Ravens drafted Hurst to be a key part of their offense, but the emergence of Andrews and Hurst’s lack of impact led to him being traded away.
7. 2017 – Marlon Humphrey (Cornerback, Alabama)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Marlon Humphrey with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Humphrey was one of the top cornerbacks available and was expected to be an immediate starter in Baltimore’s secondary.
The Outcome: Marlon Humphrey has developed into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He has been a key part of the Ravens’ secondary for years, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and becoming known for his physicality, ball skills, and ability to lock down top receivers. Humphrey is considered one of the leaders of the Ravens’ defense and has consistently played at a high level.
Verdict: Success. Humphrey has been a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense and one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
8. 2016 – Ronnie Stanley (Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Ronnie Stanley with the 6th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Stanley was considered one of the best offensive tackles in the draft and was expected to be a cornerstone piece for the Ravens’ offensive line.
The Outcome: Ronnie Stanley has been one of the top offensive tackles in the league when healthy. He made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and has been a crucial part of protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside. However, Stanley has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, which has limited his availability and somewhat hindered his long-term impact.
Verdict: Success (with some caveats). Stanley has been a key player when healthy, but his injury history has kept him from being the consistent presence the Ravens had hoped for.
9. 2015 – Breshad Perriman (Wide Receiver, UCF)
The Pick: The Ravens selected Breshad Perriman with the 26th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Perriman was a fast, explosive receiver out of UCF who was expected to be a deep threat in the Ravens’ offense.
The Outcome: Breshad Perriman was a major disappointment for the Ravens. After a promising start to his rookie season, he struggled with drops and consistency, and injuries further hindered his development. Perriman’s career never took off in Baltimore, and he eventually left the team, bouncing around the NFL for a few years without ever fulfilling his potential.
Verdict: Failure. Perriman never became the player the Ravens expected and remains one of their most disappointing first-round picks.
10. 2014 – C.J. Mosley (Linebacker, Alabama)
The Pick: The Ravens selected C.J. Mosley with the 17th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Mosley was one of the top linebacker prospects in the draft and was expected to be a leader on the Ravens’ defense for years to come.
The Outcome: C.J. Mosley was a highly productive linebacker for the Ravens during his first five seasons, making four Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro honors. Mosley was known for his leadership, intelligence, and sideline-to-sideline range. However, after the 2018 season, Mosley left in free agency to sign with the New York Jets, where he continued his career.
Verdict: Success. Mosley was a key player for the Ravens during his time in Baltimore, and while he left the team, his impact was undeniable.
