A strength of the Baltimore Ravens has always been their ability to build through the NFL Draft. Throughout their highly successful history, they’ve been able to consistently build stout rosters because of their drafting prowess. Even after hiring Jesse Minter and entering a new era of Baltimore football, that won’t change.
The Ravens have more glaring needs than they’d like to admit this offseason. In 2025, they were thought to have one of the best rosters in the NFL. It quickly became apparent their team was flawed, and those fatal weaknesses played a huge role in them unraveling in an 8-9 season.
The front office will be looking to reload every chance they get throughout the offseason. However, the draft will still be their top priority when making significant roster additions. In this three-round mock draft, we used Pro Football Focus’ Mock Draft Simulator to solve glaring needs for Baltimore.
Ravens make major additions to their roster in three-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 1, Pick 14: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Most Ravens fans wouldn’t be too fond of this pick. The Ravens have taken a defensive back in the first round in three of the last four years, and cornerback, while a need, may not even be a top-three need. However, if Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy is available, he might be the best option at pick 14.
McCoy is certainly a risk. He didn’t play in 2025 due to an ACL tear that he suffered in offseason workouts, and has just two years of starting experience. The time he has been on the field, though, has been elite.
McCoy was a standout freshman at Oregon State and quickly transferred to Tennessee for his sophomore campaign. He proved he can handle the pressure of the SEC, holding his own with four interceptions and nine pass breakups.
The 20-year-old has prototypical size for a cornerback, smooth athleticism, and elite ball skills. His patience in digesting routes and steady footwork allow him to stay in phase on most reps, while also competing very well in contested catch situations. He’s widely considered a top-two corner in this year’s draft.
Baltimore needs outside corner help. Nate Wiggins appears to be the future on one side, but with Chidobe Awuzie hitting free agency and Marlon Humphrey taking a step back in 2025, the Ravens’ cornerback room is in question. McCoy could stabilize it and build an elite duo with Wiggins.
Round 2, Pick 45: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
After an abysmal defensive season in 2025 and hiring a defensive-minded coach in Jesse Minter, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Ravens’ first two picks were defenders. The new coaching staff has made it clear they're looking to change the vibe on defense. After snagging McCoy in the first round, they add Missouri edge rusher Zion Young here in the second round.
Pass rush is probably Baltimore’s biggest need. They had just 30 sacks last season, and while the team could use a more proven piece, Young would make them a more formidable rotation and could help form an exciting duo for the future alongside Mike Green.
With four years of experience, Young has been battle-tested between time in the Big Ten at Michigan State and the SEC at Mizzou. He finished his college career in style. He had a career-high 6.5 sacks and a very impressive 16.5 tackles for loss. The 21-year-old is a versatile piece, which is exactly what Minter and company need on the defensive side.
Young has good size with plenty of power. It allows him to beat opposing offensive linemen on passing downs, while also setting the edge at an elite level. He’s an electric run defender who sets the tone on early downs and flashes as an immovable force in those situations.
The Missouri star is the type of player every NFL defense needs. When your defensive line is going through the struggles that Baltimore’s is, Young could help shift them in the right direction.
Round 3, Pick 80: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Let’s finally give the Ravens some help on offense. Offensive guard may be the most crucial need there, but with Emery Jones Jr. likely filling one spot, it may be wiser to get a proven veteran in free agency. Instead, Baltimore adds Notre Dame wide receiver Malachi Fields with this pick.
When he has had true receiver help, quarterback Lamar Jackson has usually had more undersized speed threats at his disposal. He needs some size on the outside, and Fields is just that. At 6-foot-4, 218 pounds, Fields could develop into the reliable X wideout that Jackson has lacked.
After four years at Virginia, Fields transferred to Notre Dame for his fifth and final college season. He didn’t put up elite numbers, but was very efficient in the chances he got. He finished with 36 receptions, 630 yards, five touchdowns, and a strong 17.5 yards per reception.
Fields is among the best contested catch artists in this year’s draft. His size, strong hands, and ability to high-point the football make him an agonizing assignment to guard on every down. He’s never going to win with his route running, but his frame can simply overwhelm those in coverage and create throwing windows.
Ultimately, Fields is the archetype of a player that the Ravens should look to pair alongside two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers, who is set to dominate under offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Fields is the ideal complement and another fun piece for Doyle to use. With Lamar Jackson’s supreme ball placement, too, Baltimore may be the perfect fit for him.
