Baltimore Ravens: Ranking the 10 Best Players in Team History

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates with Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) after their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed a lot of success in their first 20 seasons in the NFL, highlighted by two Super Bowl victories. Here are the 10 players that have made the Ravens one of the league’s best franchises over that span.

The 2015 season marks the 20th season since former owner Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Charm City to form the Baltimore Ravens. It was a rough transition for the team as the city of Cleveland fought to retain the Browns, but there is no denying that the move was exactly what was needed to get Modell a franchise would compete.

The franchise has been remarkably consistent during their first 20 years of existence as they have 13 seasons with a record of .500 or better, and have produced some of the league’s best over that short period. You can make a case that three Ravens are the best players at their respective position during this generation, if not the history of the NFL.

They are just some of the remarkable achievements for a franchise that has been in the league for just two decades. The ultimate blow for Browns fans is that Baltimore has made the playoffs 10 times, won the division four times and won two Super Bowl since the year 2000. Cleveland has just one playoff appearance during the same timespan.

The Ravens have been known for phenomenal defensive play since their inception, but our list of the top-ten players is split basically right down the middle. The list includes five offensive players, four defensive standouts and a special teamer that is one of the greatest of all-time.

Before we get into our top-10, here are five honorable mentions that just missed the list:

• Guard Marshal Yanda
• Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata
• Wide receiver Derrick Mason
• Cornerback Chris McAlister
• Defensive end Michael McCrary

It was hard to leave some of these names off the upcoming list, particularly Yanda. He has been the best at his position for five years, and will crack the top-10 if he adds a couple more Pro Bowl seasons to his resume.

Let’s cut to the chase, starting with the first of many on this list that was a part of the best defense in the history of the NFL, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.

Next: No. 10: Top Pass Rusher of 2000