Jackson, Ed Reed Among Biggest Draft Steals Since 2000
Sports Illustrated’s Justin Melo named the biggest steal in every draft since 2025, and two Ravens picks made the list: Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed (2002) and Jackson (2018).
"We try to avoid first-round selections, but we'll make an exception for getting one of the greatest safeties of all time at No. 24 overall," Melo wrote. "Ed Reed had a profound impact on the Baltimore Ravens. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in his third campaign (2004), was a nine-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl XLVII. His 1,590 career interception return yards is an all-time record."
Regarding Jackson, who was the final pick in the first round, Melo wrote: "Lamar Jackson has gone from questionable prospect to two-time MVP winner. Some wondered if Jackson, described as a run-first quarterback at Louisville, could even play the position in the NFL. He's one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the game has ever seen."
Tight end Mark Andrews, who was taken in the third round (86th overall) in 2018, received an honorable mention.
Two current Ravens not drafted by Baltimore who were deemed the biggest steal of their respective drafts were defensive tackle Calais Campbell (Round 2, No. 50 overall, in 2008) and running back Derrick Henry (Round 2, No. 45 overall, in 2016).