Baltimore Ravens
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Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with Rashod Bateman #7 of the Baltimore Ravens after Bateman caught a touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The Baltimore Ravens will have a lot to address when it comes to the NFL draft.
According to ESPN, the team has to address three positions to become a better team in 2026. The top three needs are Wide Receiver, Interior Offensive Line, and Defensive Tackle.
“The Ravens’ biggest need is clearly fortifying the interior offensive line for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Baltimore has the major challenge of replacing Tyler Linderbaum. After the signing of longtime backup center Danny Pinter, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens selected a center in the first or second round.” The ESPN article says.
The Baltimore Ravens Must Protect Lamar Jackson
Anyone who watched Baltimore Ravens football in 2025 knows that interior offensive line was a major issue. The catalyst of this issue is Daniel Faalele. Faalele did not have a great season. He allowed 30 pressures, four sacks, and three quarterback hits in 2025. He is not expected to be back with the Ravens in 2026.
“Faalele is going to be a free agent for the Ravens, and the possibility of him returning is pretty slim. Baltimore will either add a replacement guard via free agency or the draft or let Emory Jones Jr. take over in 2026.” Anthony Miller wrote in a Sports Illustrated article.
Though Baltimore lost Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, general manager Eric DeCosta is confident they can find a center in the NFL draft.
“I think we have a pretty good history of drafting centers,” general manager Eric DeCosta said earlier in free agency. “So, I’m confident we can do that.”
The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran center Danny Pinter who previously played for the Indianapolis Colts. Pinter was an All-MAC selection at Ball State in 2019 and a 5th round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. In 2025, Pinter played just 139 snaps in a backup role, earning a 56.5 PFF grade in six appearances last season.
“In 2024, Pinter appeared in 14 games and started at center in Weeks 13 and 15, earning a career-high 82.9 Pro Football Focus overall grade as a starter in the Colts’ Week 13 win over the New England Patriots.” Glenn Erby wrote in a Ravens Wire article.
Wide Receiver and Defensive Tackle
Having a Wide Receiver to go along with Zay Flowers has been a struggle. Many thought that Receiver might be Rashod Bateman, but he regressed in 2025. Taking yet another Receiver in the first or second round may do the Ravens justice.
With Flowers still being on a rookie deal, he has outperformed it completely. Zay Flowers has established himself as the Ravens number one wideout.
The twitchy first round draft pick in 2023 caught 86 passes in the 2025 season. Flowers ranked 7th in total receiving yards with 1,211. In 2023, he recorded 858 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2024, he recorded 1,059 yards and 4 touchdowns. Out of all of Baltimore’s receivers over the past three years, Flowers has been the most consistent.
Furthermore, Defensive tackle is also a hole in the Ravens defense right now. Baltimore signed Edge Rusher Trey Hendrickson to a long-term deal earlier in March. With the Ravens being deep at a every other level of their defense, they must get some depth in the interior defensive line.
Nnamdi Madubuike’s return status is uncertain due to a 2025 neck injury which kept him sidelined for the majority of the season. If the Baltimore Ravens can get the big guy back, this would add another impressive layer to their defense. With a brand-new coaching staff, the Ravens’ defense could turn heads during the 2026 season.