The Baltimore Ravens brought in a loaded 2026 NFL Draft class. It may not be the typical fireworks you see from them, but it was a strong weekend. And when you have 11 selections, you’ll have a chance for many hits. Some could even end up being home runs.
Among the Ravens’ best picks are their two top selections: first-rounder Vega Ioane and second-rounder Zion Young. However, their best draft move may come from one of their fifth-round selections. They picked Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers at No. 162, which is considered an absolute steal.
Rivers has an extremely high ceiling as a slot corner in the NFL. He could even be a day one contributor. For 2025 undrafted pickup Keyon Martin, who made the team out of preseason last year and became a fan favorite, he could be watching prime competition for his spot walking through the door.
Baltimore Ravens could force fan favorite on the outside looking in of roster spot after notable draft pick
The cornerback room is quickly becoming crowded. Sure, Chandler Rivers was the only cornerback selection, and the secondary was horrific last year, but it’s being rebuilt.
The Ravens are technically getting two other rookie corners entering 2026 in the form of Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. Both lost the entirety of 2025 to injuries prior to the regular season. In free agency, they also re-signed Chidobe Awuzie and added safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who provides versatility as a slot corner. That could further push Keyon Martin on the ropes, but the obvious competition here is Rivers.
Rivers did an admirable job as an outside corner with the Duke Blue Devils; however, at 5-foot-9 with 29 ⅜-inch arms, he’s pretty much going to be forced into a slot corner role at the NFL level. His athleticism, smooth footwork, and aggression and energy should pave the way for an easy transition into that area.
Regardless of what Rivers and Martin showcase this offseason and preseason, it’ll ultimately come down to special teams. That’s where late-round rookies like Rivers win roster spots. For Martin, who still has a lot to prove, he will likely have to continue earning reps there. He’s shown promise, but hasn’t been consistent enough on defense. As it looks right now, a spot on the special teams will remain his top path to a 53-man roster spot in 2026.
Unfortunately, Baltimore just can’t keep everyone. Martin has been a fun player in his short time in Charm City, and Rivers certainly looks the part. The fact of the matter is, though, roster spots are limited. It sucks. The Ravens just drafted 11 players, added a number of others as undrafted free agents, and made some big free agent splashes.
There’s talent being added everywhere, and for players like Martin, their roster spots are anything but a guarantee. Oh, and a new coaching staff makes their road even tougher.
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