Ravens' OTAs are sparking an intense rookie battle that's just heating up

The Baltimore Ravens’ rookie class is taking center stage at OTAs. Obviously, much of the spotlight is shining on Jesse Minter and Lamar Jackson, but this time is when we’re really introduced to the exciting rookie classes. For Baltimore, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding theirs.

In the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens made 11 selections. As much potential as there is, the fact of the matter is that Baltimore probably won’t be able to keep all of them. And even if they can, not all of them will get meaningful snaps out of the gate. That’s what makes these months so important for them.

One of the more intense battles of the offseason is between the rookie wide receivers, third-rounder Ja’Kobi Lane and fourth-rounder Elijah Sarratt. They are coming to play. There’s a lot at stake for them, and the competition is heating up a bit.

Baltimore Ravens watching key rookie competition take off at OTAs

Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt have been hot names through the first two weeks of OTAs. That’s going to come naturally with two of your top four draft picks. However, they’re doing things right, and they're already building a good connection with Lamar Jackson.

Between the two, Sarratt might have the edge. We haven’t heard a ton thus far, and it’s only OTAs obviously, so the pads haven’t even gone on yet. Still, Sarratt has found his name in the headlines a bit more when it comes to on-field play. He’s put together some strong practices, and could be making his way up the depth chart if it continues.

That’s not to say that Lane hasn’t been putting together good days. After an impressive showing in rookie minicamp, he's continued to do his thing. In this Lamar Jackson highlight package, Lane caught a couple of passes from the two-time MVP. Blink, and you might miss it.

In addition to that, it’s clear that Jackson already loves Lane, as made clear from this social media clip below.

Realistically, both Lane and Sarratt should get at least some sort of rotational reps in 2026. Lane has a good draft pedigree as a third-round pick, and Eric DeCosta has said Sarratt was the top player on their board when they picked at No. 115. There should be plans for both, but the real battle they might be entrenched in could be for that WR3 spot.

As it stands, Baltimore really only has two starters set in stone. Or at least we can assume as much. Zay Flowers is undoubtedly the go-to guy for Jackson, and Rashod Bateman, despite the down year in 2025, is widely expected to remain the WR2. As for the third man in the rotation, that could be Devontez Walker, but it could also be Lane or Sarratt.

The Ravens’ draft process underscored at least some sort of uncertainty at wideout. If that’s the case, the rookies’ early OTA performance might give them a chance at earning meaningful reps in the early-going. It may end up being one or the other this year, though, and with that in mind, they’ll have to continue to amp up the intensity.

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