The 2026 NFL Draft is just weeks away, and one analyst believes he already knows who the Baltimore Ravens will select with their first-round pick. The Ravens have had one of the most eventful offseasons in recent memory, replacing John Harbaugh with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, losing several key free agents on the open market, and almost trading for Maxx Crosby before pivoting to longtime division rival Trey Hendrickson. This is still one of the league’s better rosters, but they have a glaring weakness along the interior offensive line.
With this in mind, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon believes that the Ravens will inevitably select Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th-overall pick. This has been a common selection in Ravens mock drafts across the league, and the big-bodied offensive lineman should immediately make an impact if this prediction comes to fruition.
“The Ravens need to replace three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum, and the interior offensive line was a major issue even before Linderbaum’s departure,” Gagnon writes. “Ioane can make a major immediate impact as the best guard in this class.”
Ravens Predicted to Draft Penn State Guard Olaivavega Ioane
It’s easy to see the logic in Gagnon’s prediction, as the Ravens have struggled to solve the guard position for years now. While tackle and center have never been an issue, Baltimore has always struggled to solidify the left and right guard positions. While Simpson’s return is a fine short-term fix to one guard spot, Ioane should be a long-term fixture along the offensive line.
The Penn State product is a downhill, physical type of player who has no issue imposing his will on opposing defensive tackles. This throwback style of play makes him a perfect match for Baltimore’s offense, as he should clear lanes and allow battering ram Derrick Henry to build up plenty of momentum before crashing into linebackers.
Additionally, it can’t hurt to add more help along the offensive line. Quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled with injuries last year, and keeping him as healthy as possible is paramount to the success of this team. Baltimore already lost Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders, so adding someone like Ioane in this mock draft should help the Ravens keep an above-average line as they chase a championship in 2026.
Other Options
Olaivavega Ioane is a top 15-20 player in this draft class, and the Ravens have a clear need at the position. On paper, this match makes all the sense in the world. However, it’s hard to call anything “inevitable,” especially midway through the first round.
Everyone in the world knows the Las Vegas Raiders will select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the first-overall pick, but the rest of the draft is up in the air. If a premium player falls to the 14th-overall pick, the Ravens could simply go for the best player available. Arizona’s Jordyn Tyson, for instance, offers elite upside but could slip due to injury concerns. Baltimore has never shied away from high-risk, high-reward gambles, and they could prefer him Ioane if both players are on the board.