Steve Bisciotti Made Unusual Decision for Ravens During Draft

Most NFL teams leave draft decisions up to the general manager.

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In some situations, head coaches give their input to draft a certain player, but the final call rests with the general manager, who oversees the scouting department.

The Baltimore Ravens did something unusual during the 2026 NFL Draft, with owner Steve Bisciotti deciding the selection in the fifth round. Bisciotti did his homework on prospects this offseason before deciding to select running back Adam Randall out of Clemson with the No. 174 pick.

Randall rushed for 814 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He added 36 receptions for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the passing game.

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Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters this weekend that Bisciotti “was begging” to make a pick in this year’s draft. DeCosta offered him duties for one pick on Day 3. It appears Bisciotti chose Randall in part because of his close ties with Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

“When we were down in Florida, Steve was begging for a draft pick and he owns the team. I said, ‘Yes, Steve, of course you can have a draft pick,'” DeCosta said, via the Ravens.

“So we decided on our last fifth-round pick. He did his research and studied the tape, talked to people. He has a really good relationship with the Clemson head coach.”

Some NFL owners shy away from the perception that they dabble too much in the front office. It makes it easier to shift the blame on head coaches and front office personnel. However, it does appear that some choices in the first round are often made at a level higher than that of a general manager.

Bisciotti has never been shy about his power as an owner. He made it clear that it was his decision to fire John Harbaugh after the Ravens failed to make the playoffs in January.

On Saturday, Bisciotti executed his powers to land a running back with ties to a close relationship. It remains to be seen how that will work out.

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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 4:02 PM.