After the Baltimore Ravens started their 2025 campaign with a disastrous 1-5 record, many were already focusing on the upcoming offseason. However, they seem to be well on their way to turning their ship around, owning a 3-5 record and a two-game win streak entering a Week 10 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Still, their roster has a ton of holes, even after encouraging trades for safety Alohi Gilman and outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones. Both players are in the last years of their current deals, so while General Manager Eric DeCosta brought in reinforcements in critical areas, he will likely have to go back to the drawing board in the 2026 offseason.
Of course, the Ravens could easily re-sign Gilman and Jones, but that is not a guarantee. Nor is bringing back current contributors in contract years like center Tyler Linderbaum, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and defensive lineman Travis Jones. Most key players will be brought back, but as the cap situation gets tight, Baltimore may be forced to move on from other pieces.
This all makes the 2026 NFL Draft that much more crucial. DeCosta has had some successful draft hauls, especially when it comes to first-round picks. He will have the chance to do that again next May.
Ravens land Peter Woods in recent 2026 NFL mock draft
FanSided’s Cody Williams constructed a first-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft following an insane deadline. While it is not likely that Baltimore will land a pick as high as they currently are, Williams has them selecting defensive lineman Peter Woods out of Clemson with the 11th pick. Williams wrote:
“Concern seems to be bubbling up about the long-term future of Nnamdi Madubuike on the Ravens defense. And for a unit that's largely underperformed this season, that could be a real problem. While Baltimore is in this range (all signs point to a late-season push), they have to take advantage with a difference-maker like Peter Woods. With elite movement skills and explosiveness at 300+ pounds, he can be a move piece up front that John Harbaugh will be thrilled to have.”
With the status of defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike still up in the air after he suffered a neck injury in Week 2, picking Woods would make sense. Even if Madubuike is back on the field before the 2026 regular season, the Ravens need an impact player like Woods.
While defensive tackle Broderick Washington still has one year left on his contract, he will likely get cut to free up money this offseason. With Jones set to hit unrestricted free agency following this season, too, the defensive line situation could be in turmoil. Jones is a suitable replacement, and even if all goes well in the offseason, a defensive line trio of Madubuike, Jones, and Woods could be unstoppable.
Woods also has scheme versatility, making him an even more obvious pick for DeCosta and Baltimore’s front office. Although 11th overall would be considered a draft fall in Woods’ case, if he is still on the board by the time the Ravens pick, they should run that card up to the podium immediately.