Drafted in the second round (34th overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Virginia, Jamie Sharper arrived in Baltimore as a long, athletic linebacker built for modern defensive schemes. Operating alongside Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware, Sharper formed one of the most formidable linebacking corps in NFL history, serving as a versatile, playmaking anchor during the franchise's initial rise to championship glory.

Sharper provided a lively and reliable presence on the field, with great pursuit and instinctive coverage. He comfortably lined up as a strongside linebacker, ready to engage tight ends at the line, blitz on passing downs, or drop back into zone coverage with ease. His speed helped him quickly close the gap on runners, and his reach gave him a special advantage when intercepting passes over the middle.

Sharper's versatility peaked during the historic 2000 Ravens defense, which set the NFL record for the fewest points allowed in a 16-game regular season with 165. While Lewis covered the middle, Sharper discreetly recorded 76 combined tackles, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries throughout the regular season.

His pivotal moment came during the postseason journey to Super Bowl XXXV. In the AFC Championship Game versus Oakland, Sharper made a vital interception of Rich Gannon, returning it 45 yards to help secure a key touchdown. Two weeks afterward in Super Bowl XXXV, Sharper achieved two sacks and four tackles as Baltimore overwhelmed the New York Giants 34–7 to win the Lombardi Trophy.

In 2001, Sharper achieved his best statistical season in Charm City, recording a career-high 6.0 sacks, 108 combined tackles, and a defensive touchdown. After that season, the Houston Texans picked him in the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft, making him a key part of their defense from the start. In 2003, Sharper led the NFL with an impressive 166 combined tackles.

In his five years in Baltimore, Sharper played in 80 regular-season games (79 starts) without missing a single contest, recording 328 tackles, 14.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles.