Baltimore Ravens: Was Ozzie Newsome’s Final Draft Worth an A Rating?
By Steve Rudden
The Baltimore Ravens came into the 2018 NFL with a bunch of needs, and they filled every one of them with 12 draft picks.
It was a head-scratcher when the Baltimore Ravens didn’t draft one of the two top projected wide receivers in the NFL Draft in the first round, but Ozzie Newsome had other needs to fill. He was able to draft the top tight end in the draft while trading back twice in the first round.
Hayden Hurst might be 25, but he’s a solid tight end and will help Joe Flacco and the offense. I’m projecting Hurst to have at least 60 receptions with five touchdowns in 2018.
This draft was different for the Baltimore Ravens as they went the offensive route in eight of the 12 rounds. Newsome went out of his way to try to shore up the offensive line. We know Marshal Yanda won’t be around forever, so it’s a good idea to find his potential replacement now.
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In the last few drafts, the Ravens missed on some players and therefore the team has struggled. In the past, Newsome has been a wizard when it comes to finding talent in the later rounds. It’s no secret that if the Ravens drafted better, they probably wouldn’t have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons.
With Ozzie Newsome leaving after 2018, he made sure the Baltimore Ravens roster would be set up for success for years to come with this draft class. It’s now up to the players to learn from the coaching staff in order for them to be successful in the NFL.
Next: Ravens Select QB Lamar Jackson in 1st Round
It’s hard to predict how successful a draft class is until a few years after, but what grade would you give Ozzie Newsome’s final draft for the Baltimore Ravens? Would you be willing to give Ozzie an A rating for the number of players he was able to draft and the needs that were addressed?