Ozzie Newsome has directed Baltimore’s drafts since 1996 and produced a success rate with high picks unequaled in the NFL. Every first- and second-round pick from the last five drafts has become a starter, and all but one is still with the Ravens.
But the Ravens’ personnel vice president dismisses any ideas suggesting that he has a unique eye for talent.
“You have to remember that for the last five years we’ve been drafting in the top 10,” Newsome said. “It’s easy to get a starter when you’re in the top 10. There’s more hits than misses there.”
Newsome, a Hall of Famer with more receptions (662) for more yards (7,980) than any other tight end in NFL history, may have drafted virtually every member of the Ravens’ defense, but there are times when Newsome the player gets the better of Newsome the executive.
“I told [all-pro linebacker] Ray Lewis that there isn’t a defensive coordinator who wants to feed his family who would put him one-on-one with me at tight end,” Newsome said. “He thinks he could cover me. No way. [Defensive coordinators] wouldn’t even do that.”