Editing Baltimore Ravens (section)

===The early years and Ted Marchibroda era (1996–1998)===
In the [[1996 NFL draft]], the Ravens, with two picks in the first round, drafted offensive tackle [[Jonathan Ogden]] at No. 4 overall and linebacker [[Ray Lewis]] at No. 26 overall.<ref name="d783">{{cite web |last=Beaucage |first=Nathan |title=Ravens' 1996 draft class ranked as best in last 25 years |website=Ravens Wire |publisher=USA Today |date=April 21, 2018 |url=https://ravenswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/21/ravens-1996-draft-ranked-best-in-the-last-25-years/ |access-date=August 16, 2024}}</ref> Both Ogden and Lewis went on to play for the Ravens for their entire professional careers and were both inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].

[[File:Jonathan Ogden.jpg|thumb|left|[[Jonathan Ogden]] at the [[2006 Pro Bowl]]. Ogden played offensive tackle for the Ravens from 1996 through 2007 and was elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 2013.]]
The 1996 Ravens won their opening game against the [[Oakland Raiders]], but finished the season 4–12 despite receiver [[Michael Jackson (wide receiver)|Michael Jackson]] leading the league with 14 touchdown catches. The [[1997 Baltimore Ravens season|1997 Ravens]] started 3–1. [[Peter Boulware]], a rookie defender from [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]], recorded 11.5 sacks and was named AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year. The team finished 6–9–1. On October 26, the team made its first trip to [[Landover, Maryland]] to play their new [[Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area|regional rivals]], the [[Washington Redskins]]. The Ravens won the game 20–17. On December 14, 1997, the Ravens played the final professional sporting event at Baltimore's historic [[Memorial Stadium (Baltimore)|Memorial Stadium]], winning 21–19 over the [[Tennessee Titans|Tennessee Oilers]].

[[1998 Baltimore Ravens season|1998]] marked the opening of a new stadium for the Ravens, currently known as [[M&T Bank Stadium]], but originally named "[[PSINet]] Stadium" after the now-defunct internet service provider which purchased the original naming rights. Quarterback [[Vinny Testaverde]] left for the [[New York Jets]] before the season, and was replaced by former Indianapolis Colt [[Jim Harbaugh]], and later [[Eric Zeier]]. Cornerback [[Rod Woodson]] joined the team after a successful stint with the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], and [[Priest Holmes]] started getting the first playing time of his career and ran for 1,000 yards. The Ravens finished 1998 with a 6–10 record. On November 29, the Ravens welcomed the Colts back to Baltimore for the first time in 15 years. Amidst a shower of negative cheers towards the Colts, the Ravens won 38–31.