Ravens GM Addresses Pros and Cons of Drafting Non-Premium Positions Early

Baltimore's top executive talks about the benefits and potential long-term costs of going against the grain in the first round.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented shapes and planes in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the Ravens' draft strategy of prioritizing the best overall players over traditional positional value.The Ravens' unconventional approach to the NFL Draft has yielded both success and challenges, as they prioritize building a well-rounded roster over positional value.Kansas City Today

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta discussed the team's history of drafting non-premium positions like safety, linebacker, and center in the first round, and how it has both paid dividends and created challenges down the road with fifth-year contract options.

Why it matters

The Ravens have bucked the league-wide trend of prioritizing 'premium' positions like quarterback, edge rusher, and wide receiver in the first round, instead focusing on building a well-rounded roster. This strategy has led to Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers, but also tough contract decisions when it's time to retain those players.

The details

DeCosta acknowledged that while taking non-premium positions early can provide immediate impact, it can also lead to problems when it's time to pick up those players' fifth-year contract options, which are not position-specific. This has happened with Ravens first-rounders like C.J. Mosley, Patrick Queen, and Tyler Linderbaum. However, DeCosta said the team will continue to take the best player available, regardless of position, if that player can 'change the face of your program'.

  • The Ravens have drafted several non-premium position players in the first round dating back to 1996.

The players

Eric DeCosta

The general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, who discussed the team's strategy of drafting non-premium positions early in the NFL Draft.

Ray Lewis

A Hall of Fame linebacker drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 1996, one of the team's iconic players at a non-premium position.

Ed Reed

A Hall of Fame safety drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 2002, the team's first-ever first-round pick at the safety position.

C.J. Mosley

A Pro Bowl linebacker drafted by the Ravens in the first round, one of the team's successful picks at a non-premium position.

Patrick Queen

A linebacker drafted by the Ravens in the first round, who presented contract challenges for the team due to the fifth-year option rules.

Tyler Linderbaum

A center drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 2022, another example of the team's willingness to take non-premium positions early.

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What they’re saying

“I know we've been a team that has gone off-script and taken some non-traditional, non-premium positions with some success.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens

“It can present some problems for you, especially if the guys end up being pretty good, because then you've got an issue, in some ways, with the fifth-year option.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens

“If the guy's a great football player who can change the face of your program, you're going to take him, right? If the guy's special, and you think he can really impact – you go back, and you think about the Baltimore Ravens over the last 30 seasons – some of our very best players that we've had that are in the Hall of Fame with non-premium positions.”

— Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens

What’s next

The Ravens will continue to evaluate the best players available in the upcoming NFL Draft, regardless of position, as they look to build the most well-rounded roster possible.

The takeaway

The Ravens' willingness to buck league-wide trends and draft non-premium positions early has paid off with Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers, but also created challenges with retaining those players long-term. However, the team remains committed to this strategy as they believe it gives them the best chance to build a championship-caliber roster.