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The Baltimore Ravens Top 100 countdown reaches one of the most difficult sections of the entire project, with the players ranked between Nos. 20 and 11 representing a tier filled with franchise record holders, championship contributors, longtime starters, and some of the most recognizable names in team history. This group includes offensive playmakers who helped carry Baltimore through multiple eras, special teams icons who shaped the franchise's identity, and defensive pieces who played important roles in championship seasons.
No. 20 belongs to Arthur Jones, whose development into a disruptive interior defensive lineman helped strengthen Baltimore's front during the early years of the John Harbaugh era. A fifth-round pick in 2010, Jones steadily earned a larger role before becoming a key starter on the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII championship team. His ability to create pressure from the interior, stop the run, and deliver in critical moments made him one of the most valuable young defenders on a roster filled with veterans, and his touchdown recovery in the Super Bowl remains one of the memorable plays from Baltimore's second championship season.
Qadry Ismail checks in at No. 19 after giving the Ravens one of their first legitimate vertical threats. Known as “The Missile,” Ismail brought speed, production, and big-play ability to an offense still trying to establish itself in the franchise's early years. His 1999 season remains one of the strongest receiving campaigns in team history as he logged 16 games played, 68 receptions, 1,105 yards, six touchdowns, a career-high 258 receiving yards in a single game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and he later played an important role on the Super Bowl XXXV championship team, helping balance an offense that was built around the running game and one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
At No. 18 is Jermaine Lewis, one of the most electric return specialists in Ravens history. Lewis was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and became one of the defining players of the franchise’s early years because of his ability to change games on special teams. His two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the 2000 season helped swing momentum for a championship team, and his performance in Super Bowl XXXV, including an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, cemented his place among Baltimore’s most memorable playmakers.
Jamie Sharper lands at No. 17 after serving as one of the most important linebackers on the Ravens’ historic 2000 defense. Overshadowed at times by Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware, Sharper was a complete player who could run, cover, and finish tackles in space. His consistency helped give Baltimore one of the deepest linebacker groups in NFL history, and his role in the Super Bowl XXXV championship season remains a major part of the franchise’s defensive foundation.
No. 16 belongs to Shannon Sharpe, whose Ravens tenure was brief but unforgettable. Already one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history when he arrived in Baltimore, Sharpe gave the Ravens leadership, credibility, and postseason production at a time when the offense needed a stabilizing presence. His 96-yard touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game helped send Baltimore to its first Super Bowl, and his personality and championship experience made him a perfect fit for a veteran team built to win immediately.
Sam Koch checks in at No. 15 as one of the most important specialists in franchise history. A sixth-round pick in 2006, Koch spent 16 seasons with the Ravens and became one of the most innovative punters of his generation. His directional punting, ability to control field position, and chemistry with Justin Tucker and Morgan Cox helped Baltimore build the NFL’s premier special teams operation for more than a decade. Koch’s value was not always reflected in traditional statistics, but his consistency and creativity changed how the organization approached the kicking game.
At No. 14 is Ray Rice, one of the most productive offensive players the Ravens have ever had. A second-round pick in 2008, Rice became the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense during the transition from the defensive-led teams of the early 2000s to the Flacco-era contenders. His vision, balance, receiving ability, and toughness made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat running backs at his peak, and his fourth-and-29 conversion against the San Diego Chargers remains one of the most iconic regular-season plays in team history. Rice’s career ended in controversy, but his on-field production places him among the franchise’s most accomplished offensive players.
Todd Heap ranks No. 13 after spending a decade as one of the most dependable players in Ravens history. A first-round pick in 2001, Heap became the franchise’s first true offensive centerpiece after the Super Bowl XXXV era and provided reliable production through years of quarterback instability. His size, hands, and red-zone ability made him one of the NFL’s better tight ends during his prime, and his longevity helped him remain one of the most beloved offensive players the organization has produced.
Derrick Mason lands at No. 12 as arguably the most reliable wide receiver in Ravens history. Signed before the 2005 season, Mason gave Baltimore a polished route runner, a tough competitor, and a consistent target during a period when offensive stability was often difficult to find. He produced multiple 1,000-yard seasons with the Ravens, became a trusted option for several quarterbacks, and later helped ease Joe Flacco’s transition into the NFL. His toughness, professionalism, and production make him one of the best free-agent additions in franchise history.
Matt Stover rounds out the group at No. 11 and narrowly misses the top 10 after serving as one of the defining players of the franchise’s first decade. After the team relocated from Cleveland, Stover became the most dependable scorer in team history and one of the most accurate kickers of his era. His field goals carried Baltimore through seasons when the offense struggled to produce touchdowns, and his steady presence helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV. For years, Stover represented reliability, professionalism, and the narrow-margin football that shaped Baltimore’s identity.
The players ranked between 20 and 11 show how deep the Ravens’ all-time roster has become since the franchise launched in 1996. This tier includes players who made Pro Bowls, set team records, delivered unforgettable postseason moments, and helped win championships. As the countdown moves into the top 10, the remaining names represent the highest standard in franchise history, where longevity, dominance, honors, and championship impact all become essential parts of the debate.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens Top 100 rankings: Franchise greats fill spots 20 through 11
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No. 20 belongs to Arthur Jones, whose development into a disruptive interior defensive lineman helped strengthen Baltimore's front during the early years of the John Harbaugh era. A fifth-round pick in 2010, Jones steadily earned a larger role before becoming a key starter on the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII championship team. His ability to create pressure from the interior, stop the run, and deliver in critical moments made him one of the most valuable young defenders on a roster filled with veterans, and his touchdown recovery in the Super Bowl remains one of the memorable plays from Baltimore's second championship season.
Qadry Ismail checks in at No. 19 after giving the Ravens one of their first legitimate vertical threats. Known as “The Missile,” Ismail brought speed, production, and big-play ability to an offense still trying to establish itself in the franchise's early years. His 1999 season remains one of the strongest receiving campaigns in team history as he logged 16 games played, 68 receptions, 1,105 yards, six touchdowns, a career-high 258 receiving yards in a single game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and he later played an important role on the Super Bowl XXXV championship team, helping balance an offense that was built around the running game and one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
At No. 18 is Jermaine Lewis, one of the most electric return specialists in Ravens history. Lewis was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and became one of the defining players of the franchise’s early years because of his ability to change games on special teams. His two kickoff returns for touchdowns in the 2000 season helped swing momentum for a championship team, and his performance in Super Bowl XXXV, including an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, cemented his place among Baltimore’s most memorable playmakers.
Jamie Sharper lands at No. 17 after serving as one of the most important linebackers on the Ravens’ historic 2000 defense. Overshadowed at times by Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware, Sharper was a complete player who could run, cover, and finish tackles in space. His consistency helped give Baltimore one of the deepest linebacker groups in NFL history, and his role in the Super Bowl XXXV championship season remains a major part of the franchise’s defensive foundation.
No. 16 belongs to Shannon Sharpe, whose Ravens tenure was brief but unforgettable. Already one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history when he arrived in Baltimore, Sharpe gave the Ravens leadership, credibility, and postseason production at a time when the offense needed a stabilizing presence. His 96-yard touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship Game helped send Baltimore to its first Super Bowl, and his personality and championship experience made him a perfect fit for a veteran team built to win immediately.
Sam Koch checks in at No. 15 as one of the most important specialists in franchise history. A sixth-round pick in 2006, Koch spent 16 seasons with the Ravens and became one of the most innovative punters of his generation. His directional punting, ability to control field position, and chemistry with Justin Tucker and Morgan Cox helped Baltimore build the NFL’s premier special teams operation for more than a decade. Koch’s value was not always reflected in traditional statistics, but his consistency and creativity changed how the organization approached the kicking game.
At No. 14 is Ray Rice, one of the most productive offensive players the Ravens have ever had. A second-round pick in 2008, Rice became the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense during the transition from the defensive-led teams of the early 2000s to the Flacco-era contenders. His vision, balance, receiving ability, and toughness made him one of the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat running backs at his peak, and his fourth-and-29 conversion against the San Diego Chargers remains one of the most iconic regular-season plays in team history. Rice’s career ended in controversy, but his on-field production places him among the franchise’s most accomplished offensive players.
Todd Heap ranks No. 13 after spending a decade as one of the most dependable players in Ravens history. A first-round pick in 2001, Heap became the franchise’s first true offensive centerpiece after the Super Bowl XXXV era and provided reliable production through years of quarterback instability. His size, hands, and red-zone ability made him one of the NFL’s better tight ends during his prime, and his longevity helped him remain one of the most beloved offensive players the organization has produced.
Derrick Mason lands at No. 12 as arguably the most reliable wide receiver in Ravens history. Signed before the 2005 season, Mason gave Baltimore a polished route runner, a tough competitor, and a consistent target during a period when offensive stability was often difficult to find. He produced multiple 1,000-yard seasons with the Ravens, became a trusted option for several quarterbacks, and later helped ease Joe Flacco’s transition into the NFL. His toughness, professionalism, and production make him one of the best free-agent additions in franchise history.
Matt Stover rounds out the group at No. 11 and narrowly misses the top 10 after serving as one of the defining players of the franchise’s first decade. After the team relocated from Cleveland, Stover became the most dependable scorer in team history and one of the most accurate kickers of his era. His field goals carried Baltimore through seasons when the offense struggled to produce touchdowns, and his steady presence helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV. For years, Stover represented reliability, professionalism, and the narrow-margin football that shaped Baltimore’s identity.
Final analysis
The players ranked between 20 and 11 show how deep the Ravens’ all-time roster has become since the franchise launched in 1996. This tier includes players who made Pro Bowls, set team records, delivered unforgettable postseason moments, and helped win championships. As the countdown moves into the top 10, the remaining names represent the highest standard in franchise history, where longevity, dominance, honors, and championship impact all become essential parts of the debate.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens Top 100 rankings: Franchise greats fill spots 20 through 11
Continue reading...