The Baltimore Ravens have a lot of needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. And with those needs, there are a lot of possible outcomes.
Many people believe they have the Ravens pinpointed down to an offensive lineman selection at No. 14. That’d make a lot of sense given the need at guard, and especially center after the departure of Tyler Linderbaum. However, like usual, general manager Eric DeCosta hasn’t shown his cards and has wiggled around just about every draft question possible.
Sure, interior offensive line is likely the top need, but there are a few different ways that Baltimore could play their hand once it’s their turn to pick. Here are three best-case scenarios that would have the Ravens coming out of the first round feeling like kings.
3 best-case scenarios for Baltimore Ravens at No. 14
Drafting Vega Ioane
Keep it simple, EDC. If Vega Ioane (Penn State) is there, and there’s no stunning draft falls, you take him. It should really be that easy.
Ioane has probably been the most-mocked prospect to Baltimore, and it’s easy to see why. He’d be an easy plug-and-play guard for a team that could use another player there. They signed John Simpson in free agency, but the other side is rather uncertain. Ioane would add some certainty.
The Penn State product is as sturdy as it gets in pass protection. His ability to maintain a clean pocket on almost every snap is something Lamar Jackson missed desperately in 2025. It’s time to invest heavily in your two-time MVP. Ioane is the guy.
As the 15th-ranked prospect on FanSided's top-50 big board, Baltimore's selection at No. 14 should be right in Ioane's sweet spot. Get it done.
Jordyn Tyson falls to the Ravens
If you’re a Ravens fan, you’re probably rooting for either one of two scenarios. One, you’re Team Ioane, and hope Baltimore makes the chalk pick. Or two, you’re on Team Wide Receiver. If you want another wideout for new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s offense, look no further than Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State).
Tyson was once believed to be a potential draft faller. Pre-draft questions surrounding his hamstring injury had people believing he could fall all the way out of the first round. Now, after reminding everyone of the player he is at a recent workout, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that he even makes it to the Ravens’ draft slot.
Still, with two completely different opinions on Tyson, there’s no telling how his draft story will be written. At 6-foot-2, he possesses an unbelievable ability to go up and snatch the ball out of the air, and pairs that with impressive athleticism to create space. If Baltimore wants a shiny new toy for Jackson, a big-bodied weapon like Tyson should be the guy they go after.
Baltimore replaces Tyler Linderbaum with Spencer Fano
Four years ago, the Ravens were in a spot where they were in dire need of a center. They selected Tyler Linderbaum with the 25th pick. Now, Linderbaum is a member of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Baltimore is right back in that spot. Do they draft another center in the first? They just might.
Spencer Fano (Utah) seems like he could potentially be the top center prospect if he makes the transition to that spot. He could also be a guard at the next level, which would still make him a fit in Charm City. Regardless of where he plays, it seems like the interior offensive line is in his future due to his 32-inch arms (third-percentile among offensive tackles).
The reasons that Fano projects so strongly as a center are his feet and hands. He’s just so quick in both areas. He gets hand strikes off quickly and showcases steady footwork to stay on his assignments and mirror oncoming pass rushers. He’s usually first to the spot, too, when asked to get out in space on run plays.
If it ends up being Fano at 14, it’d be a smart investment.
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