Ravens GM Eric DeCosta Calls Geno Stone 'Best Seventh-Round Pick We've Ever Had'
Rarely do seventh-round picks pan out in the NFL, but the Baltimore Ravens found an exception when they drafted safety Geno Stone out of Iowa.
Even then, things didn't pan out immediately for Stone. Stone was even cut by the Ravens before re-signing with them. Now, after finishing second in the league in interceptions in 2023, he's been touted by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta as the greatest pick the franchise has ever made in the final round of the draft.
Geno Stone gets an interception.
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"Geno might be the best seventh-round pick that we've ever had – playmaker, attitude, special teams," DeCosta said. "[He had] just an excellent season [in 2023]. He has been cut, been brought back. I love his cerebral nature, [and] I love his attitude on the field. He fancies himself an overachiever; I love that about him."
Stone had seven interceptions last season, which only trailed Dallas Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland, who had nine. His performance helped anchor the best defense in the NFL, as the Ravens allowed the fewest points per game (16.5), led the league in sacks (60) and were tied for first in turnovers (31).
Where Stone's future lies is a big question mark, though. He's one of many pending free agents on the Ravens defense, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and linebacker Patrick Queen.
In a perfect world, Baltimore would be able to keep all three players, but given its cap situation, the odds they all return are slim to none. Even if Stone's future lies elsewhere, DeCosta believes he will continue to have success.
"We're fortunate that we have some good safety depth, and I'm not really sure exactly what that means for Geno and the Ravens, but regardless, I know he's going to be a great pro," DeCosta said. If he doesn't come back and play with us, he's going to be a great player for somebody else, and I would expect him to have a great career."
