Recent early-round misses put pressure on Ravens entering NFL draft

The visible reminders of general manager Ozzie Newsome’s drafting and team-building prowess have remained untouched during the ongoing $45 million renovation project at the Ravens’ Under Armour Performance Center.

Take a couple of steps into the foyer of the training facility and you’ll see the Hall of Fame bust of offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, Newsome’s first-ever draft pick for the Ravens. To the right of that is a small statue of linebacker Ray Lewis, the organization’s second-ever pick who will all but certainly have a Hall of Fame bust soon. Look to the left and there are the two Lombardi Trophies, shimmering proof of the Ravens’ ascent as an organization.

Newsome’s sterling reputation as an executive and evaluator is well-earned. His drafting record, however, wears the blemishes of recent early-round misses that have become more pronounced since the Ravens’ victory in Super Bowl XLVII. As Newsome and the Ravens front office enter another draft Thursday night, the pressure is on perhaps more than ever before to cash in on their seven picks and fill several holes on a roster that hasn’t been good enough to make the playoffs in three of the past four years.

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