March 30, 2026, 8:37 a.m. ET

The Baltimore Ravens have long treated the NFL Draft like a chess match rather than a sprint. They rarely force picks based on immediate need, instead allowing the board to come to them while leaning on one of the league’s most trusted scouting departments. That patience has consistently paid off, especially on Day 2. Baltimore has built a reputation for uncovering starters and long-term contributors during rounds two and three. Holding pick No. 45 in the second round, they find themselves in a sweet spot once again.

In a deep and balanced draft class, that selection could offer a blend of value and upside, exactly the type of opportunity Baltimore thrives on. Whether it’s reinforcing the trenches, adding pass-rush juice, or bolstering the offensive line, several intriguing options could be on the table when they’re back on the clock.

Zion Young Young stuck his head in on 42 tackles and added 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups to his collegiate resume during his final season at the NCAA level. An excellent week at the Senior Bowl worked in his favor, as he has climbed the ladder on several teams’ draft boards. One would expect he climbed on the Ravens’ as well.

Max Klare hauled in 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns en route to First-team All-Big Ten honors. He stands at six-foot-four. He weighs 246 pounds and should be proud of how he has bounced back from a 2023 season-ending ankle injury.

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This First-Team All-Big 12 nod also earned First-Team All-American honors during his one-and-done campaign with the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He also spent time with the Auburn Tigers (2021) and the UCF Knights (2022-24).

In total, during 52 games that spanned four seasons, he collected 172 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. He’ll need refinement, but he should be a valuable commodity to the NL team that drafts him.

Some may see Sam Hecht as a reach in Round 2. Arguments can be made to support that theory. One can also argue he’s better than Connor Lew (Auburn) and Jake Slaughter (Florida Gators), whom some will rank higher. He had a decent week at the NFL Combine. Keep tabs on how teams view him as we near the NFL Draft at the end of April.

Emmanuel Pregnon, guard, Oregon Ducks

Emmanuel Pregnon could be available at 45. He’s also someone who could vanish from the board a few spots before Baltimore is back on the clock to make their second selection. He should be among everyone’s top five guards in this class. By comparison, he isn’t as good as Vega Ioane (Penn State), but he’s probably a notch above Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M Aggies)

In the end, Baltimore’s second-round decision will come down to value, not noise. If history tells us anything, whoever they select at No. 45 has a strong chance of becoming the next name added to a long list of Ravens draft success stories. This should be fun. The end of April can’t get here fast enough.