The Baltimore Ravens will be playing for a playoff spot in Week 18. After a weekend that saw them pull off a huge win over the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers falter with a chance to win the division, the Ravens will have a do-or-die game against the Steelers on Sunday.
For Baltimore and its fans, it felt like the perfect late Christmas present. An underwhelming season that appeared to be all but over has miraculously turned into one with realistic playoff hopes. And on Monday, the Ravens unwrapped yet another late gift from under the tree.
General Manager Eric DeCosta and the front office love to build through the NFL Draft. For years, they have prided themselves on compiling draft picks, doing their due diligence on the scouting front, and winning come draft time. They have an even bigger shot to keep doing that in the 2026 NFL Draft.
After Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White logged 70% of playing time this year, Baltimore added to their pile of compensation picks. They now have four of such picks and 11 selections for the upcoming draft.
Thanks to 70% playing time in BUF, Tre’DaviousWhite has qualified for a Comp pick & the Ravens are now slated for the max of 4 Comp picks in April - 5th (Stephens), 5th (Mekari), 7th (Harrison) & 7th (Jones). White cancels the Hopkins signing. This will give the Ravens 11 picks. https://t.co/8p2hIJtu6T
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) December 29, 2025
Ravens reload more draft picks into their arsenal
The Ravens have mastered the art of bringing in draft picks through the compensation formula. Throughout the team’s history, some notable names selected via comp picks include Sam Koch, Le’Ron McClain, Kyle Juszczyk, and, more recently, Isaiah Likely.
In last year’s draft, Baltimore landed four comp picks. With their fourth-round pick, they traded down and eventually selected Carson Vinson. With their fifth-rounder, they traded down again and picked up Tyler Loop. With their two sixth-round comp picks, they added Aeneas Peebles and Robert Longerbeam. Their trades also allowed them to add ammo for future drafts.
It’s clear the hit rate isn’t high on these late-rounders, but they’re shots worth taking. Obviously, the Ravens should still look to land a superstar like Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby with all the draft capital they have. They can do that with these extra picks, and it should give them an edge in trade negotiations if he becomes available.
However, this team also needs depth. Several injuries in 2025 have exposed depth problems. In a year where many expected contributors failed to step up, as well, the additional selections can help add that depth.
Regardless of how DeCosta opts to use their 2026 draft picks, he should be able to put together a strong roster come next year’s regular season.