Two Reasons for Optimism About a New-Look Interior Offensive Line
Upgrading the interior offensive line was a top priority for the Ravens this offseason, even before three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency.
Fortunately, this year's draft has a deep interior offensive line class.
"There hasn't been a draft with four full rounds worth of quality interior offensive linemen in quite some time. This year's prospect pool offers just that," NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote. "Furthermore, this draft is filled with potential tackle-to-guard converts who bolster the position group even more."
The Ravens have already signed guard John Simpson and return guards Emery Jones Jr. and Andrew Vorhees. The Ravens are also fortunate to have one of the league's most respected offensive line coaches in Dwayne Ledford, who was hired by new Head Coach Jesse Minter as Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator.
Offensive line coach hires don't get splashy headlines, but FanDuel Sports Network's and former pro offensive guard Mike Golic Jr. said the impact of the Ravens bringing in Ledford shouldn't be overlooked.
"They this offseason pulled in one of my favorite O-line coaches in the NFL in Dwayne Ledford," Golic Jr. said on ESPN’s “The Mina Kimes Show.” "He is, for my money, maybe the best pure outside zone coach in the NFL. So we'll see if they'll let him kind of major in that with that group. It's a scheme that can cover up for some of your issues at times, just based on what it affords you.
"If you sold me on the idea of them taking a guy that needs a little bit of seasoning there, I trust him to try and help get that group right to go along with the tackle tandem they have there."
How Ravens' New Coaching Staff Will Influence Draft Decisions
NFL.com’s Matt Okada looked at the seven teams that have new head coaches and new offensive and defensive coordinators and how the coaches' plans for the season inform their team's draft decisions.
"More than any other franchise on this list, we're likely to learn the most about the new Ravens regime from its moves in the draft," Okada wrote. "If Baltimore focuses on the interior of the offensive line, picks up a Day 2 tight end and even adds a fullback in the later rounds, we can expect [Offensive Coordinator Declan] Doyle to hold the status quo for the offensive scheme.
"Alternatively, the Ravens could draft an 'X' wide receiver – Daniel Jeremiah has mocked them Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson at 14th overall – and then focus on filling out the defense alongside new signee Trey Hendrickson and mainstays Kyle Hamilton and Nate Wiggins."
Regarding what the Ravens' defensive approach could look like under Minter and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver, Okada wrote: "Over Minter's two seasons as DC for the Chargers, they blitzed at a bottom-10 rate and played the second-most zone coverage in the league – though their 46.8% pressure rate when blitzing was third-highest in that span. New DC Anthony Weaver's Dolphins also used a high rate of zone, and both L.A. and Miami used split safeties with very high frequency, as well.
"Ultimately, you can anticipate the 2026 Ravens looking a little less aggressive overall; expect them to adjust their game plan and approach effectively when needed."
Jaylinn Hawkins Is One of the Best Value Free-Agency Signings
Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron identified five value signings that have the potential to make a significant impact, and the Ravens landing safety Jaylinn Hawkins on a two-year deal reportedly worth $10 million was among them.
Hawkins is the latest example of the Ravens' right-player, right-price philosophy.
"After a breakout season as a key contributor to the Patriots' run to Super Bowl 60, Hawkins was expected to be one of the best under-the-radar free agents on the market," Cameron wrote. "The 28-year-old safety profiles as a massive value, and you don't have to look far to see why. He steps into a role vacated by Alohi Gilman, whom the Ravens traded for this past season.
"Gilman, who was also a free agent this cycle, signed a three-year, $24 million deal with the Chiefs. While Gilman is a good player and $8 million per year isn't a massive amount for a starting safety, it's one example of many safeties who earned significantly more than Hawkins despite his showing this past season. In all, 10 safeties signed for more on average than Hawkins this offseason, despite his top-15 PFF overall grade at the position this past season."
Two Ravens Players Poised for Breakout Seasons
Ravens Wire’s Glenn Erby named five Ravens who are breakout candidates. Here's a look at two:
OLB Mike Green
"Green got off to a slow start, but eventually found his footing down the stretch. Overall, Green played 713 snaps, finishing with a 46.3 grade from PFF, 3.5 sacks, 19 pressures, and 14 quarterback hits. With Minter entering the process, Green's production should jump tremendously after the Ravens signed Trey Hendrickson."
WR Devontez Walker
"A highlight reel when he's in the lineup, Walker had six catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns on eight targets in 12 games in 2025. Walker has seven catches on 11 career targets, for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Five of his seven catches have gone for over 20 yards. Dating back to his rookie season, Walker's first three catches all went for touchdowns. Walker may never be the second or third option, but Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle has to figure out more snaps in key situations for the pass-catcher."
