50 Words or Less: Ten Thoughts on the Ravens Before the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine kicks off next week, and the Ravens are seeking a strong draft class to help them address their needs.

Here are 10 thoughts as the Ravens' scouts, front office, and coaches prepare for Combine week in Indianapolis, all in 50 words or less:

• The notion of Baltimore drafting a wide receiver at No. 14 seems to be gaining traction. I'm eager to see big-bodied targets Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) and Carnell Tate (Ohio State) at the Combine. Either might fit nicely into Baltimore's attack as playmakers for Lamar Jackson.

• New Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle worked with three receivers in Chicago last season who had almost identical yards receiving - D.J. Moore (682), Rome Odunze (661), and Luther Burden (652). Having a host of reliable targets helps everyone on offense eat.

• Doyle said he wants the Ravens to chase explosive plays on offense. It takes playmakers to do that. Baltimore may lose tight end Isaiah Likely in free agency, which could make drafting another playmaker more of a priority.

• Penn State guard Vega Ioane is the player most linked to the Ravens heading into the Combine. Baltimore hasn't drafted a guard in Round 1 since Ben Grubbs in 2007, but the Ravens need more consistent guard play next season. Ioane could be part of the solution.

• Most NFL teams will have a different offensive play-caller in 2026 than they did in 2025. That's another sign of the immense coaching turnover this offseason. Ten new head coaches, 21 new offensive coordinators. No wonder some say NFL really stands for "Not For Long".

• Doyle sounds totally prepared for his first time as a play-caller at age 29. I've listened to him answer questions on "The Lounge" podcast and at his introductory press conference. Nothing seems to faze him. I think opposing defensive coordinators will have a hard time surprising Doyle.

• NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said on a conference call that this draft is loaded with edge rushers. In his most recent mock, Jeremiah had three edge rushers going in the top 10 and seven going in the first round. Scouting pass rushers is high on Baltimore’s Combine to-do list.

• New Head Coach Jesse Minter and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver have proven they can scheme up pressure during their coaching careers. I think they'll be looking for versatile defensive players at the Combine who have at least three characteristics – smarts, strength, and speed.

• General Manager Eric DeCosta watches tons of tape, sometimes at the expense of sleep. DeCosta told the "The Inner Circle" podcast he gets to his office at 3 a.m. on weekends, then returns home at 10 a.m. The plan is to lose sleep now, win games later.

• Minter knows the Ravens believe in building through the draft. He has finished hiring his coaching staff. Now Minter is looking for more players. The Combine will help him identify the prospects that he and the Ravens covet most.

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