The Baltimore Ravens are beginning a brand new era of football in the next few months, as John Harbaugh is out and Baltimore will try everything in their power to get back on top of what has become a wide-open AFC North.
The 2026 NFL Draft could be the best way for Baltimore to immediately start adding some talent to the mix, as they could take what was perhaps the league's most disappointing defense and instantly have them looking like one of the more feared units in the league once more.
In FanSided's recent 2026 3-round mock draft, the Ravens are prioritizing fixing the defensive line above all else. This starts with using the No. 14 overall pick on Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk, all while the Day 2 picks revolve around getting a run-stuffer and man-coverage corner.
With the No. 45 pick in the second round, Baltimore will select Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter. At No. 80 overall, the Ravens will add to their oft-maligned secondary by picking Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun. These three could form the foundation of a dynamite new-look defense.
Ravens overhaul defense with Keldric Faulk in 2026 3-round NFL Mock Draft
Faulk is a bit of a tweener, as some wonder if he is athletic enough to play as an edge full-time in the NFL or big enough to kick inside to defensive tackle. No matter what happens, Faulk is more than just a bundle of physical tools, as he does have incredible get-off for a pass rusher his size.
Baltimore's front office has historically valued players who could move around the defensive line and play multiple roles, and Faulk certainly checks those boxes. If he blows people away at the NFL Combine, don't be surprised if the Ravens consider trading up for someone as talented as Faulk.
With Nnamdi Madubuike's status up in the air, adding a run-stuffer next to Travis Jones could ensure this defense is not pushed around again under whoever is hired to succeed Harbaugh. Hunter is a massive space-eater with a bit more upside as a pass rusher than most mammoth tackles his size.
Igbinosun isn't the smoothest athlete, and penalties have become a problem in the last few years, but there are a few 6-2 cornerbacks that are as effective at tackling in the open field and locking down in man coverage as he is, making him worthy of a prime Day 2 selection for Baltimore.