The Baltimore Ravens drafted 11 total players in this year’s rookie class. Only four of them were on the defensive side of the ball or special teams. What role will each of these incoming first-year players play in their rookie season? Let’s break it down and predict what 2026 has in store for them.
Young was drafted by the Ravens in the second round after he fell to No. 45 overall. Many pundits, and the Ravens themselves, had the Missouri alum graded much higher on their board — and for good reason. Young is a well-rounded edge rusher who should be a seamless fit in the Ravens’ defense. His strong edge-setting and run defending ability will allow him to see the field right away on early downs. Young also possesses pass-rushing upside that will hopefully continue to develop as the season goes on.
He’s an aggressive, high-motor defender that Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver will likely want to see the field often. Young is joining an edge rusher depth chart that features Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, and Tavius Robinson above him currently. Hendrickson and Green will be the Ravens’ primary rushers on passing downs, but Young will factor into the rotation early on will the potential for his role to grow.
**Prediction:** Rotational Edge Rusher
In the fifth round, the Ravens drafted Rivers who was expected to be taken earlier on Day 3. Rivers is the only defensive back in the team’s draft class. The 5-foot-9 cornerback is undersized and lacks great length but compensates with good technique and athleticism. Rivers played above his size as an outside corner in college but projects to be a better inside defender in the NFL given his physical profile. In four seasons at Duke, Rivers was a playmaker with seven interceptions, 16 tackles for loss, 29 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two touchdowns. Rivers is joining a crowded group of cornerbacks in the back-half of the Ravens’ depth chart that includes Keyon Martin, Robert Longerbeam, Bilhal Kone, and Marquise Robinson. His roster spot is not necessarily guaranteed depending on how many corners the Ravens want to keep and the competition this summer should be fierce. Given his draft status and traits, though, Rivers should be able to fill a backup slot/nickel role for the team early on while also serving as a core special teamer.
**Prediction:** Backup Slot Cornerback
The Ravens drafted a punter this year for just the third time in franchise history. That player, Eckley, will step in as the early frontrunner to replace Jordan Stout. Eckley was evidently high on the team’s draft board in terms of specialists and will have the chance to develop under special teams guru Randy Brown. The only other punter the Ravens have brought in this offseason is Luke Elzinga, who went undrafted out of Oklahoma last season and was not signed by a team. Eckley should be able to beat out Elzinga this summer and win the starting role.
**Prediction:** Starting Punter
The first of the Ravens’ two seventh-round selections was Benny, who is a good value pick based on where many anticipated he’d be drafted. Benny has pedigree having been at Michigan since 2021. He’s a high-level run defender and consistent tackler at the defensive tackle position. Benny does not project to be a disruptive pass-rusher in the interior but can make an impact in two-gap fronts on early downs. Benny is joining a crowded defensive line group, where he’ll have to compete for a roster spot with other youngsters like Aeneas Peebles and C.J. Okoye. If Benny makes a strong enough impression this summer, the Ravens could opt to part ways with a veteran — Broderick Washington or John Jenkins — to make room and create opportunity. Benny’s trajectory could also be influenced by the health status of Nnamdi Madubuike.
**Prediction:** Practice Squad or Backup Defensive Tackle
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