Ravens GM Explains Getting Input from Lamar Jackson, Others on NFL Draft Prospects

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta discussed the input that Lamar Jackson and the rest of the team's players have on draft prospects at the 2025 NFL scouting combine on Thursday.

"I think when you've got the best in the business playing for you, it's wise to consider their opinions at different times," DeCosta told Fox Sports' Peter Schrager (1:50 mark). "I think it's a great way to build relationships with your guys. To ask them about players they might have played with, guys they've seen on TV, guys from their home towns, they feel part of the process."

DeCosta previously detailed the communication he has with Jackson, which often includes an offseason visit.

"I'll get texts from him, and there have been some years where I've gone down and visited with him," DeCosta said on Tuesday, per RavensVault's Sarah Ellison. "I'll probably do that again - take a trip down to Florida and spend some time with him."

While every Ravens player doesn't have influence on the front office's personnel decisions, the two-time MVP's opinion carries weight.

"Listen, Lamar is a stakeholder," DeCosta explained, via Ellison. "He's a partner. He's earned that right to have that type of input and opinion. A lot of guys haven't earned that right, but Lamar has earned it. It's important. it's necessary. I welcome his input."

Baltimore has proven to be adept at finding talent in the draft, building a roster that has been able to remain a postseason contender throughout Jackson's tenure. The Ravens have made the playoffs in six of the past seven seasons.

This includes Baltimore's 2024 campaign, as it finished with a 12-5 record. The Ravens had nine players voted to the initial Pro Bowl rosters, the most in the NFL.

Of those nine players, six were drafted by Baltimore. Fullback Patrick Ricard, who earned Pro Bowl recognition, was also signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017.

As the Ravens look to compete for a playoff spot once again during the 2025 season, DeCosta is open to feedback from Jackson as well as others on the team's roster once again.