The Baltimore Ravens can finally get a move on with their season. After a two-week search for John Harbaugh’s replacement, they opted to hire former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Thursday. With a new leader at the helm, they can now figure out how they’ll look to improve their team, and surround Minter with the best constructed roster.
Of course, it could start with many of Minter’s former players coming over. The Chargers have a strong free agent class, and a lot of those lie on the defensive side of the football. With Minter being a defensive guy, Baltimore’s defense is set for rapid change this offseason. And they need it, given their 2025 performance.
However, the offense needs a reset, too. Most notably, the offensive guard spot needs an upgrade. While they could draft a replacement for right guard Daniel Faalele in the NFL Draft, that position could use a more proven piece. That could turn their attention to wide receiver with the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mel Kiper gives Ravens wide receiver help in latest mock draft
The way his first mock draft falls, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. certainly thinks Baltimore could address wideout. He gives quarterback Lamar Jackson the perfect weapon in USC’s Makai Lemon. Kiper writes:
“Lemon is one of my favorite prospects in this class. He attacks the ball in the air, and you can see his competitiveness in the way he plays the game. Like Zay Flowers, he's on the smaller side at 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds. But also like Flowers, he still has inside-outside flexibility. Lemon went for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns this past season, and that kind of production could help get Lamar Jackson back to MVP levels.”
Lemon plays like a quarterback’s best friend. He might be the most intelligent wide receiver in this year’s draft. His instincts and ability to create separation and find soft spots in coverage are second to none. He has excellent hands, naturally plucking the ball out of the way, and showcasing a strong catch radius despite his shorter stature.
That size might be put into question, especially when it comes to a potential fit in Charm City. The Ravens need a bigger receiver who can win with physicality and beat press coverage. Lemon doesn’t always prove he is capable of that, but he plays bigger than 5-foot-11 and provides the separation ability that Baltimore desperately needs more of.
Other spots like pass rusher and offensive guard are certainly more pressing needs, but the Ravens should address those positions with current NFL-caliber talent. Additionally, there is so much talent at wide receiver in this year’s draft that Baltimore can’t afford to overlook that need. That makes Lemon a strong possibility at 14.