Ranking the 13 greatest Ravens players ever, from Lamar Jackson to Ray Lewis

The Baltimore Ravens came into NFL existence in 1996. Although they are extended branch of another franchise, their history matches more of that of an expansion team. 

During their first 30 seasons, the Ravens have had a lot of success, including two Super Bowl victories and 16 playoff trips. A lot of performers have contributed to those rich results.

The Sporting News ranks the 13 best players in Ravens history, from their current offensive superstar to their all-time defensive leader. 

Legend's take: "To be there at the beginning [of a rebuild], nobody will ever forget that. We grew together, not only as a team, but as a city. Rod Woodson, Ed Reed, Peter Boulware ... there's just too many great players from that team to name them all. It's a privilege and an honor to have worn one color for my whole career." — Ray Lewis

Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player's strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.

MORE: Complete list of Super Bowl MVP winners through the years

13. Peter Boulware (1997-2005)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: The Ravens smashed this No. 4 overall pick out of then national champion Florida State. Peter Boulware was another leader of their linebacker corps, joining Jamie Sharper and Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Boulware was an active pass rusher, with 11.5 sacks during his rookie season and 15 as his career high in 2001. He also was adept at creating takeaways through clutch forced fumbles and interceptions.

Place in Ravens history: Boulware was essential to the dominant defense who won Super Bowl 35 over the Giants, playing well off Lewis cleaning up everything from the middle. He also stood out with his playoff performances.

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12. Chris McAlister (1999-2008)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Chris McAlister is third in career interceptions as a Raven behind only Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. He was a well-rounded cover corner who tended to make big plays on the ball to complement the front seven.

Place in Ravens history: While Reed is the franchise best safety, McAlister was the most venerable cornerback in a consistent run of the team fielding top defenses.

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11. Justin Tucker (2012-2024)

(Getty Images)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: There was some debate over Justin Tucker's inclusion as a kicker given his unceremonious exit from his Ravens tenure in the wake of some concerning off-field misconduct. But on the field, his productivity, consistent accuracy and range are Hall of Fame worthy.

Place in Ravens history: Tucker was the best all-around field-goal kicker in the modern NFL before being released by the Ravens and suspended for 10 games. It's uncertain how much that's changed his legacy as a clutch fan favorite.

MORE: What to know about Justin Tucker allegations

10. Todd Heap (2001-2010)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls

Why he made SN's list: Todd Heap didn't disappoint as then the last first-round draft pick (No. 31) overall in 2001. As of 2025, he was second all-time as a Raven with 467 catches, third in receiving yardage (5,492) and second in receiving TDs (41).

Place in Ravens history: Before Mark Andrews burst on the scene as a 2018 third-rounder, Heap topped the pile for Ravens' receiving tight ends over Dennis Pitta and others. He edges Derrick Mason as a past go-to guy to make this list.

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9. Mark Andrews (2018-active)

Mitch Stringer

Accolades: 7 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro

Why he made SN's list: Mark Andrews already was the franchise leader in receiving TDs (51) going into the 2025 season and is set to surpass Derrick Mason to take the Ravens' career receiving triple with receptions and receiving yards. The third-round steal out of Oklahoma in 2018 has been a dynamic downfield hybrid wideout and reliable red zone finisher for the Lamar Jackson passing era.

Place in Ravens history: Andrews is the best tight end they've ever had, and when he retires, he will be their best all-around receiver, period, with a real shot at the Hall of Fame.

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8. Marshal Yanda (2007-2019)

Accolades: 13 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Marshal Yanda went from versatile backup taken in the third round of the 2007 draft from Iowa to a dominant run-blocking mainstay at right guard. He was terrific in his prime, of huge help building to the early starting days of QBs Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson.

Place in Ravens history: Although it was difficult to displace Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, Yanda, with some Hall of Fame potential himself, is easily the best interior offensive lineman who's ever played for them.

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7. Joe Flacco (2008-2018)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 1-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN's list: Joe Flacco didn't make a Pro Bowl team or get an All-Pro nod, and his numbers weren't prolific in general. But he had one terrific playoff run after the 2012 season, in which he threw a record 11 TD passes and led the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl 47. He had an impressive 10-6 playoff record (.625) to go with 96-67 (.589) in the regular season with consistent winning in the John Harbaugh era.

Place in Ravens history: Flacco, before the arrival of his two-time MVP successor Lamar Jackson, was the best and biggest-winning quarterback to stabilize a troubled position group as a critical first-round pick. Although he's extended his career as a backup and bridge QB for multiple teams such as the rival Browns, his time as Baltimore's franchise leader stamps his career with a ring.

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6. Haloti Ngata (2006-2014)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Haloti Ngata was a massive intimidating defensive tackle built well for the team's classic 3-4 front at 6-foot-4, 340 pounds. The No. 12 overall draft pick in 2006 had 25.5 sacks, coming through as an inside pass rusher when needed, but known most for stout disruption vs. the run. 

Place in Ravens history: Ngata did finish his career playing with stints for the Lions and Eagles, but the big, fun Tongan has lit up his legacy with a presence larger than life both on and off the field.

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5. Terrell Suggs (2003-2018)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, 1-time NFL forced fumbles leader, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Terrell Suggs is far and away the best edge rusher and outside linebacker in Ravens lore, having a huge lead for the most sacks by a Raven at 132.5. He was relentless in getting to the QB, always looking for a strip sack or a game-changing play vs. the run. He also played at a high level for a long time without slowing down much.

Place in Ravens history: If it weren't for Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, Suggs would go down as the best defensive player the Ravens ever had. At 6-foot-3, 265 pounds, the No. 10 overall pick out of Arizona State delivered with high energy and fiery leadership on top of his spectacular play in taking over some games.

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4. Lamar Jackson (2018-active)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL passing TDs leader, 1-time NFL passer rating leader 

Why he made SN's list: Lamar Jackson came into the league with concerns on whether he could develop into a reliable downfield passer as the No. 32 and final first-round pick in the 2018 draft. The Ravens started by tailoring their offense to his special dual threat abilities. Now that he's become a dangerous and efficient passer, he has transcended his complete game in two unique schemes. He also is definitely the most exciting Raven so far, with his dazzling athleticism and arm talent.

Place in Ravens history: Jackson might be on his way to No. 1 on this list as he's a near-lock for the Hall of Fame with two MVPs already in hand before age 29. He should end up No. 1 in most QB categories ahead of Joe Flacco whenever he's done with his career, assuming he stays healthy into his 30s.

MORE: Ranking the best QBs taken with picks 1-32, from Peyton Manning to Lamar Jackson

3. Jonathan Ogden (1996-2007)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 11 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Jonathan Ogden, taken No. 4 overall out of UCLA in the 1996 draft, was the first first-round pick the team ever made. The future Hall of Fame lockdown pass protector didn't disappoint as the much-needed long-term foundational piece, staying an elite left tackle for more than a decade at 6-foot-9, 345 pounds. After starting his career as a rookie guard, his frame made him more suited to crush blocking overall on the outside.

Place in Ravens history: Ogden was the first superstar for the franchise, and with his selection. then GM Ozzie Newsome would kick off a string of smart personnel decisions to build big-time winning teams. Ogden's importance, especially as massive run blocker, is even greater in that he boosted an offense with QB issues before both Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson.

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2. Ed Reed (2002-2012)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 3-time NFL interceptions leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Ed Reed, as one of the best ball-hawking Hall of Fame safeties to ever play, holds the Ravens' record with 61 career interceptions and is No. 7 overall in NFL history, right behind Hall of Fame contemporary Charles Woodson. Reed had a knack for reading QBs and reacting to their their passes well, whether or not they were under duress.

Place in Ravens history: Reed was another offensive weapon playing on the defensive side and was an ideal force down the middle to flank Hall of Fame inside linebacker Ray Lewis. Reed missed being on the first Super Bowl team and that special defense, but his work helped add up to the team's second Super Bowl ring.

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1. Ray Lewis (1996-2012)

Accolades: 17 seasons, 13 Pro Bowls, 7-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 3-time NFL combined and solo tackles leader, 2-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super MVP

Why he made SN's list: Ray Lewis is considered by many to be right up there with Dick Butkus as the best linebacker, period, in NFL history. Rangy and ferocious, relentless and fearless, the Hall of Famer played like his presence was everywhere at once, flying around against the run and covering well vs. the pass. He was a tackling machine who used his intense intimidation to break down the will of offensive opponents. 

Place in Ravens history: Lewis is he best player to ever don a Ravens uniform, wire to wire since he was stolen behind Jonathan Ogden at No. 26 overall in the 1996 draft out of Miami. He also is one of the greatest inspirational leaders the game has ever seen, as nothing compares to how his signature "Squirrel Dance" would fire up his teammates.

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