As the 2026 NFL draft draws near, a look back at the Baltimore Ravens' first-round selections under General Manager Eric DeCosta reveals a strategic approach to team building. Since taking the helm in 2018, DeCosta has overseen a series of impactful draft choices, culminating in a roster strengthened by emerging talents and established stars. This retrospective offers an overview of the players who have joined the Ravens through the first round, assessing their contributions and shedding light on the team's ongoing development.
DeCosta's tenure as GM has been marked by a relatively restrained approach to trades, yet his keen eye for talent has yielded significant results. A prime example is the acquisition of All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who has quickly become a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. Hamilton's versatility and elite performance underscore DeCosta's ability to identify and secure game-changing players early in the draft. The Ravens currently hold 11 picks in the upcoming draft, providing ample flexibility for strategic maneuvers, whether moving up or down the draft board to secure desired prospects.
Looking at recent first-round additions, the 2025 draft brought Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia. In his rookie year, Starks showcased his potential by participating in 15 games, registering 84 total tackles and two interceptions. While his pass coverage grade suggests room for growth, his solid debut indicates a promising future. The 2024 draft saw the selection of cornerback Nate Wiggins, who emerged as the Ravens' top-graded rookie. Wiggins' strong performance in 15 games and playoff starts highlights his potential to become a defensive stalwart, significantly bolstering the team's secondary.
The 2023 draft class included wide receiver Zay Flowers from Boston College, acquired through a strategic trade. Flowers made an immediate impact, recording 77 receptions for 858 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, earning consecutive Pro Bowl nods. In 2022, alongside Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens also drafted center Tyler Linderbaum from Iowa. Linderbaum quickly established himself, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl honors before moving to the Raiders as the highest-paid center in NFL history, a testament to his rapid ascent and the Ravens' ability to develop top-tier offensive linemen.
The 2021 draft featured wide receiver Rashod Bateman from Minnesota and edge rusher Odafe Oweh from Penn State. Bateman, after a strong 2024 season, contributed 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. Oweh, a physically gifted athlete, was a high-upside pick, showcasing immense potential despite having limited football experience at the time of his selection. The 2020 draft saw the Ravens select linebacker Patrick Queen from LSU. Although now with the Steelers, Queen's time with the Ravens was productive, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023 with impressive tackle, sack, and takeaway numbers.
The 2019 draft brought wide receiver Marquise Brown from Oklahoma. Brown was a leading receiver for the Ravens, recording 195 catches for 2,361 yards and 21 touchdowns in three seasons before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals in a move that netted the Ravens additional draft capital. This trade, occurring after the selection of Rashod Bateman in the previous year's draft, reflects the dynamic nature of NFL roster management and the continuous effort to optimize talent. Each of these first-round choices under Eric DeCosta illustrates a focused effort to build a competitive and resilient team, balancing immediate impact with long-term potential.