The Ravens have been looking for leaders on and off the field in previous draft classes. They’ve been looking for young, socially conscious, campus leaders who can add to their already impressive locker room. This year will be no exception. And Josh Paschal fits the bill, not just with his play on the field – that stands on its own merit, but with his character off it too. That, only adds to the case that he be marked with a red star on the Ravens draft board this April.

There was another constant though, by his side – Eric DeCosta. So I think EDC makes a fascinating case study in humility, self-development and team-building. He saw a great team-builder change his approach and build two different teams – he was there for all of it. But also because there was so much success, particularly in the draft, during Ozzie’s tenure, that it would be so easy to fall into the crash and burn pitfall that lies in wait if he were to try and replicate Ozzie’s approach, lock, stock and barrel.

“It means absolutely nothing for you to have these gifts breathed into you, for you to hold your breath and not exhale them back into the world. So my challenge to you: continue to exhale your time, your resources, your love, your empathy, your compassion.“ Daelin Hayes was a captain, his senior year at Notre Dame, but he isn’t just a leader of football players. He is a leader. Period. The quote above is from the Juneteenth Rally last year at Notre Dame where Hayes spoke and marked himself as a leader of the community, not just on the football field.