Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens did address the lack of high-end offensive line play on the roster in the 2026 NFL Draft, as they used the No. 14 pick to select standout Penn State guard Vega Ioane. Despite Ioane's status as a premier pick, the center spot remains vacant after Tyler Linderbaum left for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Ravens may have wanted to double-dip at interior offensive line, as Ioane is not going to be a potential convert to the center spot, but GM Eric DeCosta revealed that such an option would not be possible after many top targets were taken away.
DeCosta, who is talking more than he usually does, explained on The Lounge podcast that Baltimore didn't expect either of their top centers in Iowa's Logan Jones and Florida's Jake Slaughter to go off the board before the third round, but the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Chargers did just that.
Ioane is going to be a rock-solid starter for a very long time, but the center spot specifically remains a sore spot, and Baltimore is going to undergo a major downgrade at such a pivotal position in a year that could lead to major changes if they miss the playoffs once again.
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta says team just missed top center prospects in NFL Draft
The favorite for the center job seems to be Corey Bullock, who joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in the 2024 season. Bullock hasn't started a game in the NFL, and asking him to come in and replace Linderbaum can lead to disaster, especially with another NFL neophyte in Ioane lining up next to him.
James Daniels and Graham Glasgow are two players who have starting experience who remain unsigned at this point. While neither of them is a difference-maker, they can provide average or slightly below-average play without breaking the bank for a Ravens team that isn't too financially flexible right now.
The worst part about the Ravens' center problem is the fact the offensive line is pretty solid around center. Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten are a robust tackle duo, and the guard tandem of Ioane and the recently returned John Simpson on the other side are very complementary due to Ioane's light feet and Simpson's heavy hands.
DeCosta may not be done making additions due to his admission that center is at the front of his mind.
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