Aaron Wilson’s analysis of the Ravens’ draft day track record that has generated eight Pro Bowl selections out of 13 first-round picks since the team’s inaugural season:
1996 Jonathan Ogden OT UCLA 4th
Comment: Future Hall of Fame selection was a wise choice considering recidivist criminal runner Lawrence Phillips was the alternative. Massive left-side anchor has been selected to 10 Pro Bowls.
Current status: Although Ogden said he will ponder retirement and hasn’t publicly declared his decision, team officials and teammates expect him to return.
1996 Ray Lewis LB Miami 26th
Comment: Intimidating tackler has twice been named NFL Defensive Player of the Year with eight Pro Bowl selections. Regarded as a future Hall of Fame lock and has been compared favorably to other middle linebacker legends like Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke and Jack Lambert.
Current status: Under contract through 2008 at $6.5 million per season.
1997 Peter Boulware LB Florida State 4th
Comment: Marvin Lewis’ convincing argument that Boulware would revolutionize the outside linebacker position led to acquisition of a four-time Pro Bowler who produced a franchise-record 70 sacks.
Current status: Enshrined in the Ravens’ Ring of Honor last year, Boulware recently tried out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the Florida automobile dealership owner wasn’t signed.
1998 Duane Starks CB Miami 10th
Comment: Scrappy, undersized defender returned an interception for a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV victory. Never made the Pro Bowl, but has had a good career with 25 interceptions.
Current status: After bouncing around the NFL since leaving Baltimore in 2002 for a lucrative free-agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals, Starks is under contract with the Oakland Raiders after appearing in just three games last season.
1999 Chris McAlister CB Arizona 10th
Comment: Imposing three-time Pro Bowl cornerback has hit full stride since overcoming maturity issues, intercepting 22 career passes with five touchdowns. Recognized as a physical tackler who excels in bump and run coverage.
Current status: Entrenched as the team’s top cover guy, he’s under contract through 2010 and is due a $6.5 million base salary for 2007.
2000 Jamal Lewis RB Tennessee 5th
Comment: Powerful former NFL Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003 after helping spearhead Super Bowl run as a rookie. Dealt with legal problems, knee and ankle surgeries and a suspension for violating league’s substance-abuse policy, Lewis’ production and explosiveness dipped since breakthrough season.
Current status: Recently signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns after Baltimore released him rather than pay him a $5 million roster bonus.
2000 Travis Taylor WR Florida 10th
Comment: Never realized the vast potential he flashed under Steve Spurrier, constantly struggling with his hands and health. During five frustrating seasons, he averaged 40.8 receptions, 551.8 yards and three touchdowns. Never produced a 1,000-yard season.
Current status: After two decent seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Taylor was declared an unrestricted free agent and is currently unemployed.
2001 Todd Heap TE Arizona St. 31st
Comment: Two-time Pro Bowl tight end has become a popular fan figure with his willingness to sacrifice his body for acrobatic catches. Ravens’ all-time leading receiver has already caught 316 career passes for 3,658 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Current status: Signed a six-year, $30 million contract extension in 2005.
2002 Ed Reed S Miami 24th
Comment: Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who intercepted nine passes in 2004 and has 27 career interceptions. Gambling instincts usually pay dividends. Known for his gritty tackles and well-timed blitzes.
Current status: Baltimore rewarded Reed with a six-year contract extension last summer worth nearly $40 million.
2003 Terrell Suggs LB Arizona St. 10th
Comment: Two-time Pro Bowl selection has registered 40 sacks in four seasons with three interceptions, 14 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. One of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers has become an all-around player who defends the run well.
Current status: Heading into final year of rookie contract, the team plans to submit a contract extension proposal to Suggs before the draft.
2003 Kyle Boller QB Cal-Berkeley 19th
Comment: Promising athleticism and arm strength never translated into a consistently reliable NFL passer. Boller was replaced as the starter last year by veteran Steve McNair and performed solidly as a backup last season.
Current status: Entering the final year of his contract, Boller is expected to leave Baltimore after this season.
2004 Pick traded to New England Patriots to acquire Boller.
2005 Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma 22nd
Comment: Athletic, undersized target began to emerge as team’s top wide receiver last season with career-high 67 receptions for 939 yards and five touchdowns.
Current status: Under contract through 2009 after signing five-year, $8.2 million rookie contract.
2006 Haloti Ngata DT Oregon 12th
Comment: Bulky, mobile run-stopper started every game as a rookie last season for NFL’s top-ranked defense. Registered 51 tackles, one sack and one interception and garnered some all-rookie accolades.
Current status: Signed a five-year, $11.9 million contract last summer.
Baltimore Ravens’ scouting department
General manager Ozzie Newsome, vice president of football administration Pat Moriarty, director of college scouting Eric DeCosta, director of pro personnel George Kokinis, assistant director of pro personnel Vince Newsome, national scout Joe Hortiz, national scout Lional Vital, area scout Chad Alexander (Midwest), area scout Joe Douglas (Northeast), area scout Daniel Jeremiah (West), area scout Andy Weidl (West) and area scout Jeremiah Washburn (Southwest).
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland.
