The NFL Draft is always a spectacle. Teams draft their next franchise stars that they hope can take them to new heights, and coaching and development are put to the test in the later rounds. It’s those later rounds that the Baltimore Ravens have to dominate in this year’s draft.
The Ravens need depth. A lot of it. They’ve lost 12 players in free agency, many of whom provided crucial play as rotational options and special teamers. And under Jesse Minter, he could be looking to reshape the defense in 2026.
While the Ravens only lost Jake Hummel at the linebacker spot, it could still be a position that they look to address. Trenton Simpson has been on a downward trend, so it could make sense to select his replacement on Day 3.
Micah Huff, a writer for Trojans Wire, believes USC’s freakish 6-foot-7 linebacker Eric Gentry could fit Baltimore’s system. Huff wrote:
“Jesse Minter was a great hire for the Ravens as he will bring back tough, physical, defensive-minded play for Baltimore. Roquan Smith is getting older, and he seems to be losing a step. The Ravens got good play from their rookie linebacker last season in Teddye Buchanan. Having Eric Gentry being developed and reaching his ceiling on a defense that already has Kyle Hamilton seems really scary.”
Eric Gentry could find an ideal fit with the Baltimore Ravens’ defense
Gentry doesn't appear to be an NFL game-changer. At least not yet. However, as a potential late-round option, teams will certainly be interested in his 6-foot-7 frame. He could be a consistent threat in coverage with his stupidly wide wingspan, and he was already a bit of a game-wrecker last year with five forced fumbles.
Rob Ryan, USC’s assistant head coach for defense and linebackers, thinks the world of Gentry. He’s truly a mismatch versus tight ends.
“I’ve never coached a guy who can cover every tight end in the country. [Gentry] can,” Ryan said back in 2025. “That’s the difference. That’s where he’s gotta be excellent, he’s gonna excel at the next level…When he gets up there, he’s gonna be special.”
Gentry brings exciting ability in zone and as a blitzer due to his size, but it’s also a blessing and a curse. Sure, he’s 6-foot-7, but that can create trouble in the open field with a slower change of direction. He’s just 221 pounds, as well. The slight frame makes him an easy target for oncoming blockers. Right now, he lacks the power to shed blocks in the run game consistently.
Flaws aside, there may be an open spot for a linebacker on Baltimore’s roster. It’s more than likely a spot that the front office will take a stab at with one of their 11 selections. If they want upside, Gentry could be a unicorn-like draft target.
If he were to develop well under defensive guru Jesse Minter, that rare build Gentry brings to the table could build a fearsome duo playing alongside a lengthy playmaker in Kyle Hamilton. Throwing lanes over the middle of the field would be extremely hard to come by, and running lanes could become really tight.
After losing ground to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, the Ravens should be aggressive in the 2026 NFL Draft, emphasizing not only league-ready talent but also prospects with immense potential. Gentry's potential as an expected late-round pick could be through the roof.