Every year during draft season, there are a few picks that become staples for mock drafts because they make too much sense. Whether it be because a prospect is the best player available, the prospect meets a team’s need, or it’s just a good culture fit, there are always a handful of selections in the first round that seem inevitable.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently tried to identify the mock draft picks that feel inevitable for 2026, and the Baltimore Ravens were one of the six teams listed. With Baltimore set to have their first pick at No. 14, Gagnon made the case that the franchise selecting Penn State interior offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane is destined to happen.
Bleacher Report says Baltimore Ravens drafting Olaivavega Ioane feels inevitable
The reason why this matchup feels inevitable is simple: Baltimore really needs to improve its interior offensive line. They've only really added John Simpson. Ioane is one of the best interior linemen in the draft, who’s expected to go in the range that the Ravens are picking. Gagnon laid those factors out in the piece.
"The Ravens need to replace three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum, and the interior offensive line was a major issue even before Linderbaum's departure. Ioane can make a major immediate impact as the best guard in this class."Brad Gagnon (Bleacher Report)
Of course, no team, but the one picking first, can guarantee anything about the draft, so there is a small chance that Ioane is off the board before Baltimore even gets the opportunity to select a player. There’s also the possibility that the Ravens just pick another player over Ioane, which Gagnon acknowledged, saying Baltimore could focus on a position like receiver.
However, it does make the most sense for the Ravens to rebuild the interior of the offensive line, and there isn’t a better option in the 2026 class than Olaivavega Ioane. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, the lineman was a dominant people mover who thrived as a run blocker and in pass protection. That’s exactly what Baltimore needs.
If the Ravens are going to get back to contending, they have to be able to consistently run the football and keep Lamar Jackson healthy. Olaivavega Ioane can help the team accomplish both of those objectives.