Eric DeCosta wrapped up his first season as the Baltimore Ravens’ general manager. By all accounts, DeCosta did a great job of finding capable free agents and trades, plugging them into Baltimore’s system to great results. Whether it was during the offseason or in the middle of the season, DeCosta seemingly got the right guys for the job, helping propel the Ravens to a franchise-best 14-2 record.
But a big portion of what DeCosta will be evaluated on is how his draft picks eventually turn out. Though a rookie campaign is hardly indicative of how a career will turn out, the teams that get the most from their draft picks early tend to be the teams still in the hunt in January.
Let’s take a quick look back at who the Ravens chose in the 2019 NFL draft and how their rookie seasons went.
1st round (No. 25) – WR Marquise Brown
One of the biggest concerns for Brown coming into the 2019 NFL draft was his injury history and smaller frame. While Baltimore could have easily gone into the pick willing to have a limited rookie campaign due to Brown’s foot injury, they actually got him back in time for Week 1. However, Brown dealt with injuries all season long, ultimately missing two games and not quite getting to 100% at any point in his rookie season.
Still, Brown had an admirable season, especially by Ravens rookie wide receiver standards. He caught 46 passes for 584 yards and seven touchdowns.
When compared to the rookie seasons of every other wide receiver Baltimore has ever had, Brown sits near the top in every category. Brown ranks third in receptions, second in receiving yards and is tied for first in receiving touchdowns for a single season. If he can get healthy and faster for his second season, the Ravens might have broken their draft curse at wide receiver finally.
Grade: B-
Brown / Ferguson / Boykin / Hill / Powers / Marshall / Mack / McSorley / Mekari