40 executives and coaches voted on a poll for the top 10 offices
The Ravens are long known around the NFL as a model franchise and top-run organization in sports. Annually, expectations for the club start at a playoff appearance. The front office’s role in managing the cap, roster and coaching changes are a big part of that. That was proven recently by The Athletic, where 40 coaches and NFL executives were asked to vote on the top front offices in the league.
What are the Top 10 front offices in NFL? Here’s how 40 executives and coaches voted
“They know what a Raven is and understand how to win with those guys.”
https://t.co/OmnACklGmh— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 26, 2024
The Baltimore Ravens took the top spot in the poll. Not only did they receive the most first-place votes, they received the second-most non-first-place points, dominating the entire poll.
A stable owner and trustworthy front office are non-negotiable ingredients to sustainable success on the NFL field.@jeffphowe, @SandoNFL, @ByMikeJones and @DMRussini compiled the top 10 by soliciting votes from 40 high-ranking executives and coaches.https://t.co/gGDp9HLgb5 pic.twitter.com/OCI2caI301
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 26, 2024
Noted in the article, Ozzie Newsome, where the article said he was “commonly referred to as the best GM in history”, stepped down but the Ravens have been in contention ever since. Eric DeCosta took over in 2019 for Newsome and The Athletic talked extensively about what he’s done with the roster. They praised his handling of Lamar Jackson’s contract and his ability to draft with guys like Hamilton, Flowers, Linderbaum, Madubuike, and Likely, ranging from first-round talent to day three draft picks. They also talked about his ability to sign impact veterans, mentioning guys like Henry and Van Noy, but let’s not forget signings like Maulet, L.J. Fort, Kevin Zeitler and more over the years.
Another important note was the Ravens seem to thrive on “consistency,” understanding the types of players that fit in with the organization. The phrase “Play Like A Raven” has stuck around and delivered successful teams nearly every year, with DeCosta and the front office being a massive part of that. The fact their philosophy is spread across the league is proof enough of how well thought of they are, with Joe Hortiz and Joe Douglas studying under Newsome and Decosta and being general managers now.
The Ravens are a quality organization and the rest of the league agrees. There’s a reason the expectations from this fanbase are so high coming into each season.