The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away and the Ravens have a full arsenal of 11 picks.
Here are my thoughts, all in 50 words or less:
- The Ravens made a slam-dunk pick last year with Malaki Starks, a player heavily mocked to the team that filled an immediate position of need. But the Ravens have surprised us many times before. In 2017, nobody had Marlon Humphrey to the Ravens because they already had two starting cornerbacks.
- That brings me to this year's surprise candidate: Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. McCoy missed all last season with a knee injury, but his 2024 tape was elite, and he shined at his recent Pro Day. Arguably the best cornerback in the draft might be available at pick No. 14.
- The Ravens have three starting cornerbacks in Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie, who they re-signed. But you can (still) never have too many corners. McCoy could contribute immediately and would give Baltimore premier long-term security at one of the game's most important positions. Plus, the secondary must improve.
- Penn State guard Vega Ioane is still the most popular mock draft pick, and for good reason. Baltimore's offensive line must be upgraded and Ioane would instantly do so. He's the perceived "safe" pick. The Ravens are in win-now mode. Might that impact how close they stick to their board?
- One factor to think about with Spencer Fano vs. Ioane is versatility. The Ravens don't have an immediate offensive tackle need, which would mean the big Utah blocker would play inside as a rookie or even for two years (maybe even center). But he would be a long-term tackle option.
- There's steam behind the Ravens drafting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq after ESPN's Peter Schrager tabbed him in his mock. Sadiq is an alluring talent and a freakish athlete. He would be a fun toy in Declan Doyle's offense. But is he a luxury in a tight end-rich draft?
- The tight end rankings in this year's draft are all over the board after Sadiq. That presents an opportunity to find value for the Ravens, who could draft two. Baltimore has a strong history of finding mid-round gems, such as Mark Andrews in the third round.
- The Ravens reportedly brought in tight end David Njoku and defensive tackle D.J. Reader for free-agent visits over the past few weeks. This could be a veteran stay-in-touch approach to see what Baltimore gets in the draft first. I remember the same script with Rock Ya-Sin in 2023.
- The excitement at the Under Armour Performance Center this week was palpable and real. Any time there's such a massive change with nearly two decades with the same head coach, it's jarring. But it was clear, hearing from some of the team's leaders, that fresh air was needed.
- It was good to hear Zay Flowers so adamantly say he wants to stay in Baltimore long-term. He could've juked that question just like he does to defenders. It was also impressive to hear him say he's been flying up to Baltimore weekly to be around and meet with coaches.
