4 winners (and 2 losers) from Ravens 2026 mandatory minicamp

The Baltimore Ravens can finally take a bit of a breather. They completed their offseason program, finishing with a two-day mandatory minicamp.

Let's get things straight. The Ravens still have a lot to work on. It’s just the start of the new era led by Jesse Minter. However, minicamp revealed some telling information as the team prepares for a pivotal 2026 campaign.

Here are four winners and two losers from Baltimore’s 2026 mandatory minicamp.

Baltimore Ravens’ minicamp winners and losers

Winner: Lamar Jackson

We all know that Lamar Jackson is going to bring it in 2026. He remains one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and just like every year, he’s going to be in the MVP conversation entering the season. What makes him a winner at minicamp is not actually his play, but the play of those around him.

It starts with the coaching staff, specifically offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson had the utmost praise for Doyle at minicamp, mentioning that his system is mind-blowing. It’s clear that he’s eager to work with the 30-year-old coach, and it sounds like the two have started off on the right foot.

Rookie wide receivers Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt could come ready to give Jackson the help he needs earlier than some might expect. The two have had their moments, and Sarratt had one of the more notable plays with an impressive contested catch. Like Doyle, Jackson has a lot of belief in the rookie duo, too.

If those newcomers can give Jackson the help he needs on offense, he could have one of his best years yet.

Winner: The Top Rookies

Speaking of rookies, Baltimore’s top two rookies, Vega Ioane and Zion Young, came to play at minicamp.

It might be tough to gauge how Ioane truly played given that the pads haven’t gone on, but he looked like a starting-caliber talent. Specifically, he caught the eye of veteran leader Roquan Smith, who highlighted the rookie’s physicality.

From start to finish, Young was a constant standout of the offseason program. It kicked off at OTAs, and he kept it rolling through minicamp. From his play on the field to the mentality he continued to showcase day in and day out, he was nothing short of impressive.

Loser: Corey Bullock and Nick Dawkins

The Ravens’ center battle has yet to take much shape. It’s still an open competition. However, it sounds like it’ll be between Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter. Those two took the bulk of reps at minicamp. Of course, that’s bad news for Corey Bullock and Nick Dawkins.

Many believed that Bullock had a realistic opportunity to win the starting center job. It doesn’t seem like that’s the case, though. He didn’t really get looks there. That could ultimately not only spell an end to his hopes of being a starter, but possibly even his hopes of making the 53-man roster.

For Dawkins, he’s got a serious uphill climb ahead. He desperately needed a hot start, and that didn’t happen. While both Gwyn and Pinter did well, Dawkins failed to make much of a name for himself.

This could definitely change once the pads go on, but up to this point, Bullock and Dawkins have fallen behind the rest of the depth chart.

Loser: Diego Pavia

Diego Pavia was probably the most interesting addition to the Ravens’ rookie class. He comes to Charm City as the 2025 Heisman Trophy runner-up. That’s fun. In the same breath, though, there are plenty of doubts about him translating to the NFL level.

Those doubters very well could be right. Pavia is immersed in a battle for Baltimore’s QB3 spot, and he might be in last place in that race.

Skyler Thompson has reportedly separated himself from the undrafted rookie duo of Pavia and Joe Fagnano. When the team signed Thompson, it already put Pavia in a tough spot, and Thompson’s solid performance might seal Pavia’s fate.

Winner: Trenton Simpson

Vega Ioane wasn’t the only one to draw praise from Roquan Smith. The 29-year-old was also impressed by one of his running mates at linebacker, Trenton Simpson.

“This is the best I've seen [Simpson] since I've been around,” Smith said at minicamp.

Simpson has been getting first-team reps with Teddye Buchanan still recovering from injury. He needed to make the most of that big-time opportunity, and he has done just that.

With a coach like Jesse Minter in his corner, as well, Simpson could have a breakout year on the horizon. He’s mentioned that he believes Minter’s scheme will benefit his style of play, and it looks like he’s getting back on track after a troublesome 2025 season.

Winner: Ryan Eckley

Rookie sixth-round pick Ryan Eckley has a tall task in front of him. He’s being asked to replace All-Pro punter Jordan Stout, and so far, he’s definitely shown the ability capable of taking over the punting duties.

Eckley has it all. He’s flexed an absolute cannon of a leg, executed with precision, and has the type of confidence that not many can match.

Eckley does have some competition, but in all honesty, he may have already won the job. While he’s battling Luke Elzinga right now, Eckley has pretty much blown him out of the water in every way imaginable. It’s been an excellent start for the Michigan State product.

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