There's fresh energy with a new staff in the Under Armour Performance Center, led by Head Coach Jesse Minter. A strong rebound season isn't March Madness.
Some serious talent has departed during free agency, but the Ravens have added some key pieces, including a proven pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson. Meanwhile, more talent is on the way, with next month's draft approaching and Baltimore holding 11 picks.
Nobody knows how good the Ravens will be in 2026, but that's part of what makes the NFL so intriguing. Many teams that missed the playoffs last season like the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals have legitimate reason to believe that 2026 will be a special season.
The betting odds for the Ravens’ win total this upcoming season is 11.5, the highest in the NFL. In the behind-the-scenes look at the Ravens' virtual interview with Minter, he spoke about the "difference between standards and expectations." Baltimore will have high standards.
As I attempt to take my mind off my busted NCAA Tournament bracket, here are my thoughts on the Ravens, all in 50 words or less:
- Either Spencer Fano or Vega Ioane would be a solid pick for Baltimore at No. 14. Some pundits believe Fano can play either guard or center. Baltimore could use plug-and-play linemen to join Ronnie Stanley, Roger Rosengarten, and John Simpson. That's a recipe for a solid line.
- A secure pocket for Lamar Jackson and consistent holes for Derrick Henry would expand the playbook for Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle. When Jackson and Henry are cooking, the Ravens' offense eats.
- Corey Bullock, Danny Pinter, and Jovaughn Gwyn should have a spirited competition for playing time this summer. But I expect the Ravens to draft a center. They need as many options as possible as they adjust to life without Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
- ESPN's Jamison Hensley wrote there has been “growing optimism” that Nnamdi Madubuike will return from his neck injury. No further details were provided. His return would be great news for Madubuike and the Ravens.
- Keylan Rutledge of Georgia Tech is a guard prospect who ESPN’s Jordan Reid sees as a fit for the Ravens. If the Ravens don't take Fano or Ioane in Round 1, perhaps they'll target Rutledge on Day 2.
- It's fine to wait until Day 2 or 3 to draft a wide receiver. I think Devontez Walker has shown enough to be trusted in a bigger role. Walker has chemistry with Jackson and a nose for the end zone.
- I anticipate the Ravens drafting at least one tight end, even if they sign a veteran. Eli Stowers of Vanderbilt is a Day 2 prospect to keep in mind. Stowers played tight end for Clark Lea at Vanderbilt. Minter was Lea's defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt for one year.
- Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic wrote that LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane could be a target at No. 14. However, Delane had a strong showing at his Pro Day and may be gone before Baltimore makes its choice. The odds favor the Ravens taking an offensive player in Round 1.
- I'm curious to see if Mike Green blossoms as a pass rusher in Minter's defensive system. We know Green has immense talent. And Minter has shown a knack for getting defensive players to level up.
- SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., will be the site of next year's Super Bowl. That was Minter's home field when he was the Los Angeles Chargers' defensive coordinator. Minter would love to lead the Ravens out of the tunnel in February.
