Eric DeCosta

After leading the team’s college scouting department for six years, Eric DeCosta was promoted to director of player personnel in 2009. DeCosta works with GM Ozzie Newsome to oversee both the college and pro scouting departments. A graduate of the Ravens’ “20/20 Club,” Eric joined the franchise in an entry-level position in 1996, the team’s first in Baltimore. He was honored in 2005 by The Sporting News as one of the top young stars in sports and was selected to both the 2008 Baltimore Business Journal and Baltimore Magazine “40 under 40” group. He also served on the eight-member committee to interview and select Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in 2008. During DeCosta’s tenure as scouting director, the Ravens drafted Pro Bowlers LB Terrell Suggs (’03) and FB Le’Ron McClain (’07) and a number of other key contributors, including OLB Jarret Johnson (’03), WR Mark Clayton (’05), C Jason Brown (’05), DT Haloti Ngata (’06), G Ben Grubbs (’07), T Jared Gaither (’07 Supplemental Draft) and QB Joe Flacco (’08).

1996-2009: (with Baltimore) 2009: Promoted to director of player personnel, following six successful seasons as scouting director...Continues to oversee the Ravens’ draft process, “stacking the draft board” as well as evaluating primary draft-eligible players.

2008: Led the Ravens during the NFL Draft, selecting Flacco (18th overall), who became the Diet Pepsi (fan vote) Rookie of the Year in 2008.

2007: The Ravens drafted All-Rookie Team performer G Ben Grubbs (Auburn) as the team’s first-round pick (29th overall)...Also selected T Jared Gaither in the fifth round of the Supplemental Draft...Both O-linemen have already cemented themselves on the left side of the Ravens’ line.

2006: Drafted All-Rookie Team standouts DT Haloti Ngata (12th overall) and S Dawan Landry (fifth round)...Baltimore also selected top-notch P Sam Koch (sixth round).

2005: Selected All-Rookie Team honoree WR Mark Clayton (22nd overall), who had a record-breaking first year, and C/G Jason Brown (fourth round).

2003: Was named director of college scouting...Drafted 2003 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year LB Terrell Suggs.

1998-2002: Was the Ravens’ Midwest area scout...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 1997 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 the 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 three-year football letterman and captain at LB at Colby...As a senior, he was selected as the Millett Award recipient for outstanding athletic contributions over his four years.

Personal: Attended Taunton (MA) HS, where he played FB and LB, earned three varsity letters, and as a senior, was voted team captain...Is active with a number of charities, 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 countless 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 (6), and son, Michael Litz (2), reside in Baltimore.