For the last few years, Ozzie Newsome has been criticized for some of his selections in the draft. In 2015, he selected wide receiver Breshad Perriman, who is considered one of the worst draft picks in Ravens history. 2016 and 2017 saw the Ravens draft Ronnie Stanley an offensive linemen and Marlon Humphrey a cornerback. While these two first round picks had solid rookie years, other draft picks like Bronson Kaufusi, Nico Siragusa, and Kamalei Correa have yet to play any meaningful snaps. Also with the Ravens missing the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, it was time to show that Ozzie Newsome was serious about winning now.

His offseason got off to a great start when the Ravens signed Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead. But with the draft in full swing, Ozzie Newsome had to do something brilliant and magical, right? The 2018 NFL draft started the way many expected with quarterback Baker Mayfield going to the Clevland Browns. Teams made trades to move up or down depending on the player or position, it was business as usual in the draft.

Ozzie Newsome gets creative in the first round

The Ravens were to select at number 16 and many thought that the Ravens would take wide receiver Calvin Ridley or DJ Moore. Another option was to take Lamar Jackson, a quarterback from Louisville. Instead, Ozzie Newsome opted to trade down to number 22 in order to acquire more draft picks.

The Ravens number came up again and Newsome elected to trade down again to number 25. This time the Ravens made drafting an offensive player priority instead of trading the pick. Hayden Hurst, a tight end was drafted due to his size, his ability to catch and run, but also to help Joe Flacco.

Mike Mayock, an NFL analyst, said after the Ravens selected Hurst, "He can play outside, use his body, pivot to get away from the safety, catches the ball naturally.

He's an athlete folks. He's willing to participate in the run game and that's why the Ravens like him." But the night was far from over.

Ravens select their quarterback of the future

The end of the first round saw the Ravens trade back into the first round to many peoples surprise. But the way it happened was pure magic. Ozzie Newsome was able to use picks he acquired from earlier trades in the night to move into the last pick of the first round.

Earlier in the night, it was predicted that Ozzie Newsome would select Lamar Jackson. Ozzie Newsome didn't disappoint. Lamar Jackson was the 32nd pick and immediately gave the Ravens fan base something to be excited for. Everyone at the draft, from the analysts to the fans, were excited and surprised. Lamar Jackson was the pick that the Ravens are looking to be the future of the franchise and the way the Ravens can cut ties with Joe Flacco at the end of the upcoming season. Head Coach John Harbaugh said, at the post-draft press conference, that Joe Flacco is the Ravens quarterback and Lamar Jackson will be the backup.

Lamar Jackson will be the starting quarterback at some point for the Baltimore Ravens, but for now, he is happy to be the backup and learn from Joe Flacco and the Ravens coaching staff.

This was a first-round Ravens fans won't soon forget because it was exciting, memorable, and shocking. Yes, the Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome landed two first-round picks, but by trading down he acquired nine more draft picks to use in this year's draft. Time will tell if Ozzie Newsome's last draft will be memorable or forgettable. Lamar Jackson said in his draft interview with Deion Sanders that he "Will bring a super bowl championship to Baltimore. Believe that." Here's hoping that Joe Flacco's heir apparent and the future of the franchise is right.
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