The Baltimore Ravens’ roster has undergone a lot of changes through the first two weeks of free agency. They lost 11 players, many of whom earned themselves a very nice payday, and have added seven players up to this point. Most of the starting units may look the same, but the depth and rotational options will certainly look different.
The highlight of Baltimore’s offseason has undoubtedly been the signing of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. After backing out of the Maxx Crosby trade, the front office was still able to net a game-changing pass rusher, inking Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract. That’s a massive upgrade from where they were last year.
The moves made so far are making Baltimore’s draft plans clearer. Following the Hendrickson addition in particular, that should pretty much rule out an edge rusher at pick 14.
Baltimore Ravens can pretty much rule out an edge rusher at 14
After posting only 30 sacks in 2025, there was a point this offseason where edge rusher was the biggest need. They needed a sack artist to lead the way next to 2025 third-round pick Mike Green next season. They now have that in Hendrickson, who has 81 career sacks. Safe to say, the front office will be looking elsewhere when it’s their turn to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The edge class isn’t expected to be that terrific by the time the 14th overall selection rolls around anyway. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech’s David Bailey, and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese are all expected to be picked far before then. It's an incredibly smart move by general manager Eric DeCosta to address that area with a proven stud in free agency, and leave that selection for another key need.
Those other needs could include interior offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. The Ravens have been known for going with the best player available, but those three needs are more pressing than any other spot.
The need for a guard still remains even after signing John Simpson, and the departure of Tyler Linderbaum throws center in the first round conversation, too. Wideout could be in play due to Baltimore’s overwhelming lack of size and the shortage of production outside of two-time Pro Bowler Zay Flowers last year. The team could also use corner help, given the horrific secondary and Marlon Humphrey’s regression in 2025. Each of those position rooms is desperate for more talent, more so than at outside linebacker.
Baltimore shouldn’t be done acquiring more pass rushers, and they’re likely not, given that they wanted to pair Trey Hendrickson with Maxx Crosby. However, it’s no longer a need they should focus on with their 14th selection.