April 18, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t often discussed for carrying glaring weaknesses into an offseason as of late. This time, they are, and two of the most obvious have been discussed ad nauseam. A recent note from an NFL writer put things into perspective in a way that’s hard to ignore. ESPN’s Ben Solak recently offered his theory on ‘how all 32 teams can ace their picks and needs.’

He details a troubled Ravens area, two of them actually. We’re all well aware of the holes along the interior of the offensive line. That leaves much to be desired, but Baltimore’s pass rush may have been worse. Pressure rate wasn’t just inconsistent last season. It was dangerously close to being the worst in football. If not for the Carolina Panthers, the Ravens would have finished dead last in pressure rate.

That’s not just a flaw. That’s a problem, and Solak put that idea into the proper context. With 11 picks in the coming NFL draft and 11 overall, he echoes the thoughts of many. Baltimore needs an edge rusher desperately, but will probably tackle the O-line first.

“Daniel Faalele (who has since followed coach John Harbaugh to the New York Giants) and Andrew Vorhees were consistent problems in pass protection. John Simpson was signed to take over one of the interior spots, but there’s a big void at center now that Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Raiders… Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane is accordingly the chalk pick at No. 14, and deservedly so. But if the Ravens get beat there, I’d imagine they’re interested in Keldric Faulk (Auburn) along the edge, as new coach Jesse Minter likes strong run defenders at his edge spots.”

Despite their needs at EDGE, Baltimore continues to be connected to wide receivers and interior offensive linemen as more urgent necessities. Offensive line help, particularly on the interior, makes sense. Prospects like Olaivavega Ioane have been floated as strong options, and no one would argue against reinforcing that unit after last season’s struggles.

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But this is where priorities come into play. You can’t consistently win in today’s NFL without affecting the quarterback. The Ravens know that as well as anyone. It has been part of their identity for years. That identity slipped in 2025, and the numbers back it up, but players at other positions continue to take center stage. Solak mentions that as well.

“Don’t sleep on a first-round receiver such as Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) or Makai Lemon (USC), either. The WR2 behind Zay Flowers has been Rashod Bateman for years now, yet he has never risen to the call. With Isaiah Likely gone and Mark Andrews getting older, Kenyon Sadiq’s (Oregon) range starts here as well.”

There are also layers to the current situation. Trey Hendrickson adds proven production, but one player doesn’t fix an entire unit. Questions remain about depth, consistency, and long-term stability. Mike Green’s development is still uncertain, and relying solely on internal growth would be a risky bet.

The good news is the draft offers solutions.

This edge class is deeper than it has been in recent years, which gives Baltimore flexibility. They don’t necessarily have to force a pick at No. 14, but they also can’t afford to wait too long. If anything, this feels like a year where doubling down at the position wouldn’t be excessive. It would be necessary. Because if the Ravens want to get back to who they’ve always been, it starts up front. And this time, it can’t wait, but no one should be shocked if it does wait until at least day three.