The Ravens front office has long believed in drafting and developing their core talent rather than relying on veteran acquisitions. General manager Eric DeCosta has repeatedly said the draft is the “lifeblood” of the organization, and a quick glance at the roster explains why. Outside of Roquan Smith, all of the Ravens’ key long-term players were acquired via the draft.
College football’s annual all-star games are key scouting opportunities for the Ravens. The East-West Shrine Bowl is one of the premier events of the circuit and provide a pool of the top collegiate talent from which the Ravens regularly find future players.