The NFL draft is three weeks away, and the Baltimore Ravens have major decisions ahead. Based on the free agency period so far, the Ravens rank fourth in the league in total financial value of talent lost, with $74.3 million in outgoing contracts. Eight primary starters and contributors have found new homes, leaving Baltimore with the ninth most cap space at $29.5 million and a stockpile of 11 draft picks.
With another season of championship aspirations on the horizon, here are the prospects who could give the Ravens a boost heading into the 2026–27 campaign.
Round One: Olaivavega Ioane – OG
Olaivavega Ioane 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for Penn State, OG
With the 2026 draft being a very deep class for interior offensive line talent, no one comes close to the ability and potential of Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.
Baltimore has recognized that its offensive line needs a major upgrade after last season’s regression. The Ravens allowed 45 sacks, their most since 2021, and both starting guards finished last in the league in pass block win rate. The moves began gradually, starting earlier in the offseason with the hiring of former Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, followed by bringing back interior lineman John Simpson on a three-year, $30 million deal.
Ioane is not just a position of need — he is widely regarded as the best offensive guard in the draft, with elite size and standout pass protection. He allowed zero sacks and three pressures over 310 pass blocking snaps in 2025 for the Nittany Lions. Pro Football Focus graded him at 80 overall, ranking 13th out of 686 guards in the country. He also earned an 87 in pass blocking, ranking 20th, and finished the season as a second-team All-American.
A lot of talk about Vega Ioane to the Ravens and let me tell you he is a helluva player and a perfect scheme fit for an outside zone system! 😉 if you’re the ravens you might wanna sign a free agent guard and also draft one. #BuildTheTrenches pic.twitter.com/PF3GHXsdbe
— DraftNerd (@TALKINGBALL1) January 16, 2026
What makes the fit even better is that Ioane will transition from a zone run scheme at Penn State to a similar system in Baltimore. Ioane measured similarly to Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, with slightly larger hands at 10½ inches and a 335-pound frame. His explosiveness is not hindered by his size, as he recorded a 31.5-inch vertical jump.
Olaivavega Ioane is a must-have for Baltimore at pick No. 14, and with Ledford’s guidance, there is a real chance the Ravens have found their next great interior lineman.
Round Two: Peter Woods – DT
Peter Woods NFL Draft Profile: Week 12 Scouting Report for the Clemson ...
Peter Woods ended last season projected as a top 15 prospect, but injuries during the pre-draft process have caused his stock to dip. The Ravens have long been a franchise that capitalizes on players who slip beneath the surface, and Woods at pick No. 45 would further reinforce that draft philosophy.
Woods had a slight dip in production last season at Clemson — 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2025 — compared with his dominant sophomore year, when he posted 28 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and three sacks in 2024. But when you turn on the tape, it is clear Woods is one of the best run-stopping defensive tackles in this draft.His quick twitch is evident on every rep, paired with violent hands that allow him
Peter Woods (6’3 315) Clemson
+ 10.1% stop rate as a run defender
+ 16.0% pass rush win rate on true pass sets in 2025 (22% in 2024)
+ Quick feet
+ Active and competent hand usage
+ Violent pop in his hands
+ Explosiveness off the snap
– Sack production
– Needs to expand his… pic.twitter.com/3VY2cYj4a0
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 9, 2026
The primary knock from scouts and analysts is that Woods does not always finish tackles cleanly, but that is a correctable issue with proper coaching.
For Baltimore — a team that allowed 2.1 yards before contact last season — Woods would be a tremendous asset to further fortify the front four. And with the possibility of star defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubike returning from injury becoming more realistic, Woods would be able to play his natural three-technique role.
Round Three: Ted Hurst – WR
Ted Hurst NFL Draft Profile: Scouting Report, Stats, Highlights ...
Fans and media alike have been clamoring for the Ravens to add an “X” receiver for nearly six seasons, and Georgia State’s Ted Hurst would be a steal for that role at pick No. 80.
Hurst’s last two seasons have trended upward since he transferred from Division II Valdosta State in 2023. He earned back-to-back All-Sun Belt honors, including a first-team All-SBC selection in 2025 after posting 71 receptions, 1,004 yards and six touchdowns.
Georgia State Wr Ted Hurst 6’3 185lbs shows polish as a route runner, very good hands and shows burst on the deep ball! My Comp George Pickens! pic.twitter.com/7zRhq1rJSD
— DraftNerd (@TALKINGBALL1) January 18, 2026
Hurst brings a 6-foot-4, 206-pound frame with a blend of speed, running a 4.42 at the combine. He can run the full route tree, has strong hands and an impressive catch radius, and is not afraid to block in the run game. Many scouts compare Hurst to Cowboys receiver George Pickens.
If the Ravens plan to move on from Rashod Bateman, Hurst could make an immediate impact and be an ideal running mate alongside Zay Flowers.
Round Four: Jager Burton- OC
Why Jager Burton believes his second shot at center will succeed for UK ...
With Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum departing in free agency, the Ravens have a glaring hole at center. Kentucky’s Jager Burton, at pick No. 115, could fill it under Ledford’s guidance.
Draft analyst Tony Pauline reported that Ledford traveled to Kentucky’s pro day and that the Ravens have been “especially connected” to Burton. Burton checks the physical boxes at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds with 32¾-inch arms. He allowed zero sacks and 12 pressures on 457 pass blocking snaps and posted a 9.87 Relative Athletic Score(RAS).
Kentucky C Jager Burton continues to grow on me through this process. Reportedly hit a 4.45 short shuttle according to some at his pro day pic.twitter.com/b1iHqs8x7x
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 13, 2026
His blend of football intelligence and athleticism could make him a long-term anchor in Baltimore.
Round Five: Hezekiah Masses, Roman Hemby, Nate Boerkircher, Red Murdock
The fifth round gives the Ravens a bulk of compensatory picks at their disposal. There is a reality where Baltimore may not use all four selections and instead move picks for future draft capital, but there is also a strong chance the team uses all four.
Overall, look for the Ravens to target a mixture of prospects with play-now potential and long-term developmental upside.
Pick 154: Hezekiah Masses, CB (Cal)
2025 Week 14 Preview: SMU Mustangs @ California Golden Bears | Underdog ...
Cal defensive back Hezekiah Masses would add another ball-hawking corner who can hold his own in man coverage. Masses recorded 13 pass breakups last season, along with an ACC second-best five interceptions. In 2025, he allowed a 49.2 percent completion rate against him and earned an 81.2 coverage grade. Masses could become a key secondary piece for Baltimore, capable of taking over slot or field corner responsibilities as Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie enter their early 30s. Some mock drafts project Masses as a fourth-rounder, but a possible slide due to athletic testing would not be surprising.
Hezekiah Masses (6'1 179) California
+ Ball production in 2025 with 13 passes defensed and 5 interceptions on the season
+Anticipation and eye discipline in coverage
+ Mirroring ability
+ Special teams ability
+49.2% completion rate against allowed during the 2025 season with an… pic.twitter.com/aIUxYNELRX
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 31, 2026
Pick 162: Roman Hemby, RB (Indiana)
NFL Draft Notebook: Indiana's Roman Hemby emerging as a late-round gem ...
The Ravens could look toward a running back to eventually succeed Derrick Henry, and Indiana’s Roman Hemby fits that mold. Hemby brings tough running and enough burst to beat defenders to the edge, along with excellent ball security — only two fumbles on more than 700 carries. At 6 feet and 207 pounds, he showed during the College Football Playoff that defenders often hesitated to tackle him, and he consistently fell forward for extra yards. He also adds value as a receiver, with more than 1,000 career receiving yards and five touchdowns as a pass catcher.
Roman Hemby (6’0 207) Indiana
+ Physicality in pass protection
+ Ball security with just 2 fumbles on over 700 rushing attempts
+ Experienced player as a four-year contributor between Maryland and Indiana with almost 3,500 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns
+ Receiving… pic.twitter.com/wZOMJSGw3M
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 26, 2026
Pick 173: Nate Boerkircher, TE (Texas A&M)
Top 25 roundup: No. 16 Texas A&M rallies late to edge No. 8 Notre Dame ...
Baltimore could turn to their usual mid-round magic at tight end with Texas A&M’s Nate Boerkircher. Boerkircher brings a strong presence in the run game, earning a 72.2 run blocking grade last season. On film, he shows explosiveness at the point of attack, whether working in motion on split-zone runs or executing combo blocks with the tackle. Despite posting only 198 receiving yards last season, Boerkircher has shown he can run effective routes and win contested catches — evidenced by his 75 percent contested catch rate. With Baltimore frequently operating out of 12 personnel, Boerkircher could make an impact as both a run blocker and a receiver.
Nate Boerkircher (6’5 245) Texas A&M
+ Powerful at the point of attack as a blocker
+ 72.2 run blocking grade in 2025
+ 86.4% completion rate when targeted during the 2025 season
+ 75.0% contested catch rate
+ 3 touchdowns on his 19 catches in 2025
+ Work ethic as a former… pic.twitter.com/2b3kZ4eERv
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) March 28, 2026
Pick 174: Red Murdock, LB (Buffalo)
UB's Murdock honored as All-American
The Ravens can bolster their linebacker room with Buffalo’s Red Murdock. Murdock was not only one of the best linebackers in the Group of Five last season but also a top two tackler in the entire FBS over the past two years. The two-time All-MAC selection and 2025 second-team All-American plays with downhill urgency, shooting through gaps like a missile and finishing plays efficiently. He also brings big-play ability, finishing his collegiate career as the NCAA’s all-time forced fumble leader with 17, breaking the record previously held by NFL All-Pro Khalil Mack. With Baltimore averaging 10 missed tackles per game last season, Murdock would be a valuable addition alongside Roquan Smith and Teddye Buchanan.
Red Murdock (6’1 236) Buffalo
+ Tone-setter physicality
+ Highly productive with almost 300 tackles over the past two seasons
+ NCAA record 17 forced fumbles
+ Quick to diagnose and react
+ 91.3 run defense grade in 2025
+ Non-stop motor
+ Almost 2,200 career snaps played
+… pic.twitter.com/KhtghsmgOV
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026
Round Six: Eli Heidenrich – WR/HB
Navy's Eli Heidenreich earns national recognition
At pick No. 211, the Ravens could add a player who fits perfectly into Declan Doyle’s unpredictable offensive scheme in Navy’s dynamic playmaker Eli Heidenrich. During his time with the Midshipmen, Heidenrich was a true Swiss Army knife, finishing the 2025 season with 941 receiving yards and six touchdowns, along with 499 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
Navy RB Eli Heidenrich’s (6-0, 206) 53-man NFL value is 🔥
In 3 years:
⚓️169 rushes, 1157 yds (6.8 YPC), 7 TD
⚓️109 catches, 1994 yds (18.3 YPC), 16 TD
➖34% Target Rate (99.6th percentile)
➖4.53 YPRR vs Man (99.6)
➖3.8 YPRR vs Zone (98.4)
🎥@elfantasyoso https://t.co/PHw6ouqtA7 pic.twitter.com/gvv0gBdcNG
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 25, 2026
His Combine numbers show how easily his athleticism can translate to the next level. He posted a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, a 6.55 in the 3-cone drill, and a 4.22 shuttle — all nearly identical to Christian McCaffrey’s testing numbers.
For those disappointed by Keaton Mitchell’s departure in free agency, Heidenrich profiles as a player who could step into an expanded version of the role Mitchell held in Baltimore.
Round Seven: Taylen Green, Brett Thornson
Pick 250: Taylen Green, QB (Arkansas)
Arkansas starting quarterback Taylen Green returning for final season ...
With their second-to-last selection, the Ravens can add depth at quarterback with Arkansas’ Taylen Green at No. 250. Green is a freak athlete at 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds, posting a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score. The question surrounding him is his inconsistent passing mechanics, despite having a strong arm and poise in the pocket.
Taylen Green 60.7% Completion, 2714 PYDS, 777 RUYDS, 27 Total TDs, 11 INTs 2025 Season Highlights.
6'5⅞, 4.36 40-Yard Dash, 43.5" Vert, 11’ 2’’ Broad Jump at the combine.pic.twitter.com/3kFAdWZsSK https://t.co/gMSiYVcwd6
— Football Performances (@NFLPerformances) March 1, 2026
This has led some analysts to suggest Green may need to switch positions, with many comparing him to Terrelle Pryor. Baltimore could take another developmental swing similar to its 2018 move, when the team drafted a quarterback who faced similar scrutiny regarding his throwing ability during the pre-draft process.
Green would have the opportunity to sit and learn behind two-time MVP dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jackson and Pro Bowl dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Pick 253: Brett Thornson, P (Georgia)
3,505 Thorson Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images - Getty Images
With the 253rd and final pick in the draft, the Ravens can fill the void left by All-Pro Jordan Stout by selecting Georgia punter Brett Thornson.
UGA Punter Brett Thorson weighed in at 240 at the Senior Bowl
🐶45.6 career punt yard average
🐶Longs each year: 75, 60, 60, 66
🐶2025 Ray Guy winner
Melbourne, Australia native attended ProKick Australia for HS & is funny as hell
First punter drafted
pic.twitter.com/QooqPL558M
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) January 27, 2026
The Melbourne dairy farmer turned football player would be a strong addition to the special teams unit. He averaged 45.6 yards per punt for his career, with a long of 75 yards. His ability to flip the field is evident, as most of his punts over the last two seasons were downed inside the 20-yard line.
Thornson won the Ray Guy Award last season as the nation’s top punter, though there is some concern about his lack of experience as a holder on field goal and PAT attempts.