### **Looking at How Ravens Rookies Have Performed in Preseason**
[ESPN’s Jamison Hensley](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49717208/nfl-rookie-2026-nfl-draft-training-camp-preseason-257-picks-report-cards) evaluated how each of the Ravens' draft picks have looked in the preseason. Here are his thoughts on their first three picks:
_Round 1 (No. 14): G Vega Ioane_
"Ioane will be the Ravens' starting right guard when the regular season begins after working with the first team since his first practice. Coaches and teammates have praised Ioane for carrying himself like a veteran."
_Round 2 (No. 45): OLB Zion Young_
"Young has impressed the coaches with his physicality. He is expected to back up Tavius Robinson as the strong-side linebacker but should have the opportunity to start next season."
"He is primed for a big role in the offense after being the star of training camp. By making highlight plays nearly every day this summer, Lane has positioned himself to be the No. 3 receiver behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman."
On a side note, two Ravens players were among [Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookies](https://www.pff.com/news/highest-graded-nfl-rookies-after-week-2-of-the-2026-preseason) after Week 2 of the preseason: undrafted offensive tackle Diego Pounds (No. 3, 90.9 grade) and fifth-round safety Chandler Rivers (No. 8, 88.4).
"Pounds is the highest-graded offensive lineman in the NFL so far this preseason," PFF's Gordon McGuinness wrote. "He has been on the field for 15 pass-blocking snaps and has yet to allow a sack hit or hurry. He's also produced a 91.1 PFF run-blocking grade on 19 run-blocking snaps.
"On the field for 40 coverage snaps, Rivers has been targeted six times but allowed only two receptions for six yards while recording a pair of pass breakups. He has allowed an NFL passer rating of just 42.4."