The Ravens have the 29th-overall pick in this year’s draft, which is the second time Baltimore has selected in that spot during the franchise’s 17-year history.
The Ravens can only hope that this year’s pick turns out as well as the last time they drafted at No. 29, when they took offensive guard Ben Grubbs from Auburn. Grubbs went on to become the Ravens starting left guard for five seasons and made the Pro Bowl last year before signing a big contract with the Saints this offseason.
Grubbs isn’t the only player taken at No. 29 who has enjoyed some success in the NFL, as several teams have been able to find gems near the back of the first round.
Here’s a look at every player who has been taken in that spot since the Ravens entered the league in 1996:
2011: Chicago Bears, Tackle Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin: The offensive tackle struggled during his first season in the NFL, as he dealt with a knee injury and only ended up playing in two games.
2010: New York Jets, Cornerback Kyle Wilson, Boise State: Wilson has played every game during his two years with the Jets, primarily serving as an extra defensive back. He had two interceptions last year.
2009: Buffalo Bills, Center Eric Wood, Louisville: Wood has been the Bills’ starting center since coming into the league. His biggest problem has been staying healthy, as he has yet to play a full 16-game season.
2008: San Francisco 49ers, Defensive end Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina: Balmer has largely been a disappointment during his time in the NFL. He has bounced around to three teams and played just three games last year with the Redskins.
2007: Baltimore Ravens, Guard Ben Grubbs, Auburn: Grubbs has been one of the most successful players on the list. He made the Pro Bowl last year and is considered one of the best guards in the NFL.
2006: New York Jets, Center Nick Mangold, Ohio State: Mangold is likely the top player on this list. He has started all but two games during his six years in the NFL and has made four Pro Bowls.
2005: Indianapolis Colts, Defensive back Marlin Jackson, Michigan: Jackson lasted five seasons in the NFL before a knee injury ended his career in 2010. He did win a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2007.
2004: Atlanta Falcons, Wide receiver Michael Jenkins, Ohio State: Jenkins has primarily been a possession receiver during his eight seasons in the NFL. He spent seven seasons with the Falcons and played last year with Minnesota.
2003: Green Bay Packers, Linebacker Nick Barnett, Oregon State: Barnett has been a solid linebacker during his career, spending eight seasons in Green Bay and last season with Buffalo. He has started more than 100 games in his career and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 2010.
2002: Chicago Bears, Tackle Marc Colombo, Boston College: The early years of Colombo’s career were marred with injuries in Chicago, but he found success at his second stop in Dallas. Colombo has started for the Cowboys and Dolphins for the last six seasons.
2001: St. Louis Rams, Defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, Ohio State: Pickett has been a solid defensive lineman throughout his 11 years in the NFL. He has been a starter for the Packers since 2006 and won a Super Bowl in Green Bay in 2010.
2000: Jacksonville Jaguars, Wide receiver R.Jay Soward, USC: Soward didn’t pan out as an NFL receiver and lasted only five seasons in the league. He played only 13 games during that stretch and caught only 14 passes during his career.
1999: Minnesota Vikings, Defensive end Dimitrius Underwood, Michigan State: Underwood never materialized in the NFL and was out of the league after four seasons. He registered just four tackles in his career.
1998: Miami Dolphins, Running back John Avery, Mississippi: Avery’s career in the NFL was short-lived, as he played just three seasons.
1997: New England Patriots, Defensive back Chris Canty, Kansas State: Canty had a solid start to this career with the Patriots, but he then went to Seattle and New Orleans and was out of the NFL after four seasons [add].
1996: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tackle Jamain Stephens, North Carolina A&T: Stephens had a productive seven seasons in the NFL, playing for the Steelers and Bengals. Injuries were a problem for him as he never played a compete 16-game season.
