The Ravens appear to be trending toward selecting offensive line help early, with multiple reports pointing to interior protection at the offensive guard position as a top priority. Under Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta, Baltimore has long built their identity through physical, dominant trench play, and early draft intel suggests that approach will continue in 2026. After missing the playoffs for just the second time in the past eight seasons, the Ravens moved on from John Harbaugh, hired Jesse Minter, and the defensive-minded head coach has taken the early steps to build a juggernaut of a coaching staff.
Minter’s next step will be to rebuild a defense that ranked 14th in success rate (43.4%) and 29th in pressure rate (32.1%). Declan Doyle takes over as offensive coordinator, and any success he’ll have starts with a revamped offensive line. After a near-MVP season in 2024, Jackson was battered and missed four games, getting sacked 36 times, the third most of his career.
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While the Ravens have remained competitive up front, there are lingering questions about consistency and long-term stability at guard and center. This draft class features several versatile linemen who can play multiple interior spots, aligning with the Ravens’ preference for flexibility and depth. Tyler Linderbaum has departed, and the Ravens’ offensive line struggled at times, with the very apparent weak spot at offensive guard. The Ravens’ offensive line took a big step backward in 2025, both as a unit and individually. In 2025, Baltimore finished 28th in PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating (82.8) after allowing 155 pressures, 17 sacks, on 501 snaps. Daniel Faalele is a free agent and should depart, while Andrew Vorhees is a cut candidate. In 969 snaps, Vorhees allowed three sacks, and his 54.6 grade from PFF was 60th out of 81 offensive guards. Rookie Emery Jones Jr. spent most of the season rehabbing a shoulder injury, but he only had a 50+ PFF grade in the three games he was active.
Based on 2026 NFL mock drafts and expert reports, the Baltimore Ravens, holding the No. 14 pick, are widely projected to target the following positions, with edge rusher being the only defensive position of urgency.
Utah’s Spencer Fano or Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane are frequently linked at this spot and would offer immediate upgrades.
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If Baltimore pivots are looking to find Zay Flowers a unique running mate, USC’s Makai Lemon, Washington’s Denzel Boston, or Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are under consideration.
Identified as a key need due to a desire to strengthen the defensive front, Keldrick Faulk, T.J. Parker, and Akheem Mesidor are players to watch.
A surprise high-upside pick, such as Kenyon Sadiq, could make the Ravens offense unstoppable in 2026.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Draft: Ranking the positions most likely to be picked 14th overall
