The Baltimore Ravens are entering draft season. After a free agency full of ups and downs, and excitement and agony, Baltimore has fielded a roster capable of reaching the Super Bowl in 2026. However, they need a strong showing in the 2026 NFL Draft to have a shot of reaching those dreams.
While the defense appears to be much improved with the addition of Trey Hendrickson, as well as the contracts handed out to Jaylinn Hawkins and Chidobe Awuzie, the offense is quickly becoming a concern. They lost Tyler Linderbaum, and both their backup tight ends, and have yet to make many additions there. The offensive line is among their biggest needs.
The line needs help pretty much everywhere you look. The center spot is an obvious hole, they still need talent at guard, and even the depth at tackle is a bit questionable. Between the guard and tackle needs, the Ravens could solve that with one pick. Iowa’s Gennings Dunker could bring an immediate boost.
Baltimore Ravens would be smart to draft a player like Gennings Dunker
Dunker is an exciting prospect. He starred at tackle with the Hawkeyes, starting in 38 games at right tackle, acting as a mainstay there. Although most scouts project him to kick inside to guard, that guard-tackle versatility is exactly what a team like the Ravens needs.
Baltimore did well to improve at guard by signing John Simpson, but it remains a huge question mark with the likes of Andrew Vorhees, Emery Jones Jr., Jovaughn Gwyn, and Danny Pinter potentially patrolling the other side. None of those guys would currently give the coaching staff much confidence, but maybe a guy like Dunker could provide more certainty.
The Ravens need some help at tackle, too. It goes without saying that they’re set at the two starting spots. Ronnie Stanley has been a franchise left tackle for 10 years, and Roger Rosengarten is steadily growing to be an above-average right tackle. However, Stanley’s health has been a red flag throughout most of his career, particularly over the last six seasons. That’s where Dunker could come in.
Sure, Carson Vinson flashed in preseason action and his one snap in the regular season, but the team needs more depth. Outside of Vinson, the only other backup tackle rostered is Gerad Lichtenhan, and he was on the practice squad for all of 2025. Dunker could be a far more suitable backup in case things go wrong.
Overall, there are plenty of other prospects in this year’s draft who could provide similar versatility. A guy like Utah’s Spencer Fano could answer the call, and even add center to his list of roles. Dunker could give Baltimore a better bang for their buck, though, as he’s expected to be a Day 2 selection. Going in that direction could allow them to boost the wide receiver room in the first round, while also gaining significant assistance on the offensive line.