Eric DeCosta
Getty
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta sits down at the Combine podium.
The Baltimore Ravens begin a new era with a recently installed coaching staff. Yet, one analyst believes there is a major hole on each side of the ball that demands attention. Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballantine notes that losing center Tyler Linderbaum significantly impacts the offensive line’s interior, stating:
“Tyler Linderbaum’s departure could leave a massive hole in the middle of the offensive line, but we’ll go with guard for now. Daniel Faalele is also a pending free agent, and the Ravens need maulers up front to maximize Lamar Jackson.”
While the possible loss of Linderbaum continues to weigh heavily on management, Baltimore also must deal with the need for a new starter at right guard. Faalele, while never the fanbase’s favorite, acquitted himself well enough at times to stay. However, with the No. 14 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Ravens can go in a new direction.
“Olaivavega Ioane should garner first-round consideration from them in the draft.”
Ioane, the Penn State product, is a close-quarters brawler who embraces the fight in the middle of the line. While he does engage in heavy-handed conflict, Ioane also presents a solid foundation that will fill the hole and provide time.
Granted, No. 14 may not appear as the preferred spot for a guard, but the Ravens need to rebuild their line’s interior. According to Pro Football Focus, Ioane last surrendered a sack in 2023, against Maryland. Since then, he played two-plus seasons without doing so.
If Baltimore doesn’t want to draft a guard that high, they could wait until the second round. Players like Emmanuel Pregnon from Oregon and Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis are early Day Two options.
Vega Ioane
GettyPenn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane participates during the 2026 NFL Combine.
Increasing Pressure Solves Defensive Issues from 2025
Similarly, the pass rush needs help. After a season of 30 sacks, Baltimore must find a way to increase that number. Head coach Jesse Minter’s defense is predicated on rushing the passer, creating immediate chaos at the line of scrimmage. To facilitate that, his edge rushers must provide boundary chaos that forces hurried decisions.
During 2025, the team traded Odafe Oweh to the Los Angeles Chargers. Oweh, a former first-round pick, tallied his first double-digit sack season. Ballantine describes the perfect fit for the Ravens’ rush issues.
“A reunion with Odafe Oweh, who had success with Jesse Minter in Los Angeles, or signing Boye Mafe would be an ideal move.”
Odafe Oweh
GettyFormer Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh celebrates a safety during a November 9, 2025 game.
The uncertainty around Oweh could center around the fact that Baltimore traded him, and he succeeded elsewhere. However, Minter served as his defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, helping him have a breakout season. Meanwhile, Mafe, fresh off a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks, is a similar player without the ten-sack season.
In fact, last season the former second-round pick started only four games while playing all 17. Spotrac lists his market value at $12.2 million. Would the Ravens commit that annual amount to a player who has started just 15 of his last 34 games played?
Boye Mafe
GettySeattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe tackles Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during 2026 NFC Chmapionship.
Jackson’s Contract Remains Biggest Chess Piece in 2026
Management needs to juggle these issues, along with the overarching one regarding quarterback Lamar Jackson’s contract. The Ravens want to lower his cap number by extending him. If they are able to do so, that lower cap number grants them space to fill the voids and also upgrade other positions. Jackson, to his credit, appears to want to stay in Baltimore, which makes the extension easier. Without question, Baltimore’s ability to navigate both the draft and free agency hinges upon Jackson’s deal. Can they work something out in short order?