While they’re in the midst of bringing in an almost completely new coaching staff, the Baltimore Ravens are undoubtedly working tirelessly to scout for the 2026 NFL Draft. Even under their new head coach, Jesse Minter, General Manager Eric DeCosta’s heavily draft-oriented process of roster building will likely reign supreme again this offseason.
The Ravens are picking higher than they would’ve liked to in this year’s draft. Their 2025 season was a complete disaster. They finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021. As a result, they hold the 14th selection in this year’s draft.
The last time Baltimore picked 14th overall, it worked out extremely well. They picked safety Kyle Hamilton with that selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Three Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams later, it’s safe to say it was a home run.
This year’s draft is expected to be weaker, but at pick 14, there will be plenty of talent to choose from. In NFL.com writer Eric Edholm’s first mock draft, he has the Ravens adding offensive line help. Penn State offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane was selected at that spot. Edholm writes:
“A classic Ravens pick, Ioane profiles as a future Pro Bowl guard. He’s physically ready for trench duty inside and would be a Day 1 starter in Baltimore.”
Classic pick is the perfect way to describe this pick. Not only would Baltimore get the best player available at an undervalued position, but they’d also be digging into a college pipeline they trust: Penn State.
DeCosta has a strong relationship with Penn State. His daughter went there, and during his tenure as the Ravens' general manager, he has drafted four Nittany Lion prospects. Those include quarterback Trace McSorley, outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, punter Jordan Stout, and outside linebacker Adisa Isaac.
Not all of them have been hits, but he and the team’s front office certainly like picking from there. Ioane would also fill a crucial need at offensive guard.
Ravens fill a major need in recent NFL mock draft
The interior offensive line was a disaster in 2025. Guards Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele made up one of the worst duos in the NFL. With rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. expected to take over one side in 2026, Ioane would immediately be set to take over on the opposite side.
Ioane is a powerful blocker who delivers accurate hand strikes with good pop. He can anchor his side of the line, clearing out running lanes and using his strong base to keep a clean pocket. He also maintains his positioning with above-average body control, which Baltimore lacked from both Vorhees and Faalele last year.
Ioane isn’t an athlete by any means. Much of the areas in which he falls short have to do with subpar athleticism and quickness. Still, technique-wise, he’s the best there is at the college level. And with the Ravens’ power run schemes with running back Derrick Henry, Ioane would fit right in.
Overall, Ioane is the exact type of player that quarterback Lamar Jackson and Henry were missing in 2025.