The Baltimore Ravens revamped their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft. That should come as no shock; it’s a common occurrence. However, this year felt a bit different.
With their 11 selections, it’s pretty obvious that not only were the trenches a major priority, but so were prospects who play with fearlessness and precision. It’s hard to beat relentlessness and preparation, and that's exactly what they added. Baltimore is trying to get back to that “Play like a Raven” mentality, and it felt like every one of their picks emphasized that in a big way.
Perhaps the player who exemplifies that the most is fifth-round cornerback Chandler Rivers. NFL draft expert for CBS Sports, Ryan Wilson, recently graded every team’s draft, and he gave the Ravens the eighth-best mark at an ‘A.’ His favorite pick? Chandler Rivers. It was a steal. He has the exact traits that Baltimore is looking for.
Baltimore Ravens got the exact kind of player they’re looking for in fifth-round pick
In Wilson’s write-up on Rivers, he highlights his preparation and ability to win even with his 5-foot-9 frame. It’s what makes him one of the more exciting rookie corners. Wilson wrote:
“Do not be fooled by Chandler Rivers' standing 5-foot-9 or weighing 185. I would instead encourage you to hone in on 4.40 40 time and 39-inch vertical. In talking to him at the Senior Bowl, he does not care who you match him up against because he will always be the best prepared player on the field. "It's just you hone in on their craft and what they're good at, what they're not good at, and how they'll be used by the offense that they're in," he told me back in January – and that shows up consistently on tape.”
That’s what playing like a Raven is all about. Rivers has the “it” factor. While his smaller stature could be a problem in the NFL, he plays much bigger than his size, and that physicality can give opposing wide receivers problems. As Wilson wrote, he also pays extra attention to the details, and Baltimore’s new head coach and defensive guru, Jesse Minter, will absolutely love that.
Rivers comes into a good situation, too. The Ravens needed help at corner after a poor season from the secondary. There should be opportunities for him to get involved throughout his rookie campaign. In the same breath, there are also some talented pieces in the corner room…at least on paper.
The trio of Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, and Chidobe Awuzie could return to form with a far better defensive playcaller in Minter. And even if they don’t, specifically Humphrey, the knowledge each of them has will do wonders for Rivers’ early development. There's so much for him to learn.
Ultimately, Rivers will likely start his NFL career as a special team contributor. He’ll have to challenge 2025 undrafted corner Keyon Martin for his snaps, and then go from there. Rivers’ detail-oriented and fearless playstyle favors him, though. It’s hard to see how coaches wouldn't instantly fall in love with him. He’s the perfect fit.
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