Since winning Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens have made the playoffs just two times. A major criticism among fans has been the lack of talent drafted since 2012, especially on the offensive side of the ball. This series will look back at all of Baltimore’s drafts following their Super Bowl victory, starting with 2013.
2013 Draft Picks
- Round 1, Pick 32 S Matt Elam
- Round 2, Pick 56 LB Arthur Brown
- Round 3, Pick 94 DT Brandon Williams
- Round 4, Pick 129 DE John Simon
- Round 4, Pick 130 FB Kyle Juszczyk
- Round 5, Pick 168 OT Ricky Wagner
- Round 6, Pick 200 DE Kapron Lewis-Moore
- Round 6, Pick 203 G/C Ryan Jensen
- Round 7, Pick 238 WR Aaron Mellette
- Round 7, Pick 247 DB Marc Anthony
The Ravens had two massive Hall of Fame-sized holes to fill on defense following the retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis and departure of safety Ed Reed in free agency. Not only were Lewis and Reed two of the best of all time at their respective positions, they were also two of the brightest football minds in the game and incredible leaders for years in Baltimore.
The Ravens first two picks attempted to address this problem by selecting safety Matt Elam in the first-round and linebacker Arthur Brown in the second. Neither player panned out, which led many to prematurely label this draft as one of the worst in franchise history.
Elam is considered one of the biggest busts under Ozzie Newsome’s tenure as GM. Still, Elam’s rookie season was filled with promise, combining for 77 tackles as well as recording an interception. As Elam entered his third year in 2015, injuries began to set him back. He would miss the entire 2015 season with a torn bicep, as well as half of the 2016 season before being activated from injured reserve. He would only play nine more games for the Ravens since the team did not pick up his fifth-year option. Brown was an ever bigger disappointment, only totaling 17 tackles while in Baltimore from 2013 to 2015.
Newsome’s finest work came in the middle rounds of the draft in recent years, with 2013 being the best example. A strong rebound in the middle rounds would salvage this draft. Defensive tackle Brandon Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, tackle Ricky Wagner and center Ryan Jensen would go on to make considerable contributions. All four players became the highest paid at their position for the time, though only Williams remained in Baltimore.
Verdict
Best pick: Brandon Williams
Worst pick: Arthur Brown
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