Eric DeCosta

Eric DeCosta, in his 5th year overseeing college personnel, was honored in 2005 by The Sporting News as one of the top young stars in sports. DeCosta, 36, who has been with the Ravens’ organization since the team’s 1st year in Baltimore (1996), manages the Ravens’ draft preparation and coordinates the evaluation and ranking process of hundreds of NFL draft-eligible prospects.

1996-2007: (with Baltimore) 2007: Led the Ravens during the NFL Draft, selecting G Ben Grubbs (Auburn) as the team’s 1st-round pick (29th overall)...Along with GM Ozzie Newsome, DeCosta and his staff followed with WR/RS Yamon Figurs (Kansas State) and G/T Marshal Yanda (Iowa) both in the 3rd...In the 4th round, the Ravens selected LB Antwan Barnes (Florida International) and Alabama FB Le’Ron McClain...Baltimore rounded out the draft with 2006 Heisman Trophy winner QB Troy Smith (5th round, Ohio State) and LB Prescott Burgess (6th, Michigan). 2006: Drafted rookie standouts DT Haloti Ngata (10th overall) and S Dawan Landry (5th round). 2005: Selected WR Mark Clayton (22nd overall), who had a record-breaking rookie year, and G Jason Brown (4th round). 2003: Was named director of college scouting...Drafted 2003 Defensive Rookie of the Year LB Terrell Suggs...Eric’s scouting group has also brought in key players such as OLB Jarret Johnson, and up-and-comers T Adam Terry, G/C Jason Brown, G/C Chris Chester and WR Demetrius Williams since he became director. 1998-2002: Was the Ravens’ Midwest area scout and evaluated a number of players who eventually became Ravens draft picks...Spent time researching and analyzing draft-day trades and helped evaluate free agent prospects for the pro personnel department...Worked with both the college and pro scouting staffs on the draft and free agency. 1998: Was promoted to area scout, after spending time in the fall of ’97 scouting the Midwest.

1995: (with Washington) Earliest NFL experience came with a training camp internship in the Redskins’ player personnel department.

1993-95: (with Trinity College) 1994-95: In a graduate fellowship, Eric coached D-Line and LBs while earning his master’s degree in English. 1993: Was an intern coach for Trinity’s WRs.

COLLEGE: Earned degrees in English and the classics from Colby, receiving dean’s list honors (1990-92)...Was a 3-year football letterman and captain at the LB position at Colby...As a senior, he was selected as the Millett Award recipient for outstanding athletic contributions over his 4 years.

PERSONAL: Attended Taunton (MA) HS, where he played FB and LB, earned 3 varsity letters, and as a senior, was voted team captain...Is active with a number of charity organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Orphaned Starfish Foundation (dedicated to working with orphanages and homes for battered children in the developing world), and the Boys and Girls Club...Has assisted with numerous fundraisers and other charitable events for each organization...Eric is also on the board of directors for the Maribeth Merrigan Foundation, which raises money for cancer research and cancer patient support...An avid runner, Eric, his wife, Lacie, their daughter, Jane Elizabeth (4), and their newborn son, Michael Litz, reside in Baltimore.

COACHING BACKGROUND: 1994-95 (Trinity College)

PERSONNEL BACKGROUND: 1995 (Washington Redskins); 1996-2007 (Baltimore Ravens)