### **Pundit Says It's 'Vital for Ravens to Land an Impactful Pass Catcher in the Draft'**
There are varying opinions as to what the Ravens' biggest need is entering the draft, but [Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano](https://www.si.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-needs-every-afc-team-after-free-agency) feels strongly that it's wide receiver.
"File this under things that have been said about Baltimore over the past few years: Lamar Jackson needs better wide receivers," Manzano wrote. "Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker can't be the top three options at the position heading into the 2026 season. It's going to be vital for the Ravens to land an impactful pass catcher in the draft, especially after tight end Isaiah Likely left to join coach John Harbaugh in New York."
Manzano is correct that the Ravens need to bolster their wide receiving corps, and it's a safe bet they will do so [in the draft and perhaps in free agency as well](https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-wide-receiver-room-draft-jordyn-tyson-zay-flowers-devontez-walker-free-agency). Wide receiver prospects Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), Makai Lemon (USC), and Carnell Tate (Ohio State) have gone to the Ravens at pick No. 14 in mock drafts.
That said, let's not underestimate what the three receivers Manzano mentioned are capable of.
Flowers has emerged as a No. 1 wide receiver and was a Pro Bowler the past two seasons. Bateman is one year removed from a breakout season in which he had 756 yards and nine touchdowns, and General Manager Eric DeCosta is looking forward to seeing what Bateman can do with new Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle. DeCosta is also excited about the big-play ability of Walker, who showed flashes of it last season.
In looking at the Ravens' other draft needs, Manzano said "there's also a massive hole at center left by Tyler Linderbaum." Manzano also criticized the team's overall offseason performance.
"It's been a rough offseason for the Ravens, even with the addition of Trey Hendrickson," Manzano wrote.
There are a lot of pundits who disagree with that assessment, as the Ravens have received generally high marks for their offseason moves. Moreover, it's only March. The Ravens have 11 draft picks and free agency isn't over.
"I think this team's going to look different come September. We're excited about it," DeCosta said last week. "There are a lot of opportunities for us to get better, and we plan to do that."