While this year's NFL free agent class has been at the center of attention, the 2026 NFL Draft is slowly creeping up on teams. For the Baltimore Ravens, who are very much a draft-heavy team, the coming weeks will be a major priority.
Pro Days started to take place on March 16, allowing teams to get up close and personal with some of the prospects they could be after in this year’s draft. On Wednesday, the Ravens were in attendance for Penn State’s Pro Day, specifically working with guard Olaivavega Ioane.
Penn State is having its Pro Day today and per my colleague @AkronJackson, Ravens OL coach Dwayne Ledford is amongst those in the house.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 18, 2026
Penn State’s top prospect is G Vega Ioane who has been connected to Ravens throughout pre-draft process.
Fans are hoping that new offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford can save Baltimore’s horrific line from last year. Ledford was helping out as an assistant in Ioane’s drills, and if he ends up liking what he sees, it may be hard to keep him away from the Ravens when they pick at 14. They've been connected with Ioane in mock drafts, and it's clear they’re not done adding in the trenches.
Coach Ledford is now assisting with individual drills for the O-line. He and standout Guard Vega Ioane have talked a lot.#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/gvMtap2HUm
— KMack Sports (@KMackSports) March 18, 2026
The Baltimore Ravens may not be done improving their line after Vega Ioane Pro Day attendance
The Ravens already improved one of their guard spots. They signed John Simpson to a three-year, $30 million contract early in free agency, who should help stabilize the left guard spot. However, after losing Tyler Linderbaum and facing uncertainty at right guard, the line is far from complete.
Sure, there’s a good amount of depth on the interior, but none of it, outside Simpson, is proven starting talent. Andrew Vorhees has had a rough go of it, Emery Jones Jr. has potential as a 2025 third-round pick, although it remains to be seen if he can become a starter, and recent signings Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter are likely backups. It would make a ton of sense if Baltimore chose Ioane with their first-round pick.
Ioane brings the power to the interior. He can set a strong anchor, absorbing contact and stopping defenders dead in their tracks. His technique is solid, as well, showcasing accurate punches and impressive grip strength. While his athleticism is below average, he makes up for that in pretty much every other area of his game.
Ultimately, after adding Simpson and all that depth, guard may no longer be the most pressing need. It’s likely more critical at center and wide receiver at this point. However, Baltimore should put all their focus on protecting quarterback Lamar Jackson after what happened in 2025. Providing him with a trustworthy guard would do wonders for the offense next season.