The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec: “Is a guard the best use of the 14th pick? If your answer is yes, you probably are well aware of the struggles the Ravens had at both guard spots last season. Ioane certainly wouldn’t be a sexy pick, but he would be a very functional one. He’s the top guard in the draft and has Pro Bowl upside. The Ravens could plug him in from Day 1 and not have to worry about that spot for at least five years. That would be a nice luxury to have, particularly for a team that hasn’t gotten enough quality from that position in recent seasons.”
Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports: “There are big needs on defense, but this team will always go as Lamar Jackson goes, and keeping the running game strong will always be vital. To that end, the Ravens could look to improve the interior of their offensive line, and Vega is easily [the] top guard prospect in this year’s class. He has the polish and physical tools to make an immediate impact for a team that will be hungry to get back to the postseason.”
Ayrton Ostly, USA Today: “Two of Baltimore’s five offensive line starters from last year are hitting free agency, including left guard Daniel Faalele. Ioane is the best pure-interior offensive line prospect in the class and would be a road-grading presence in the middle for the Ravens’ run game under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.”
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: “Vega Ioane looks like a Ravens offensive lineman, right? He is big, powerful and can grind down the opposition in the rugged AFC North. With Daniel Faalele scheduled to hit free agency and coming off a bit of regression last season, Baltimore has an opportunity to upgrade in the trenches — a core belief Jesse Minter likely holds given his proximity to both Harbaughs over the past decade.”
Jacob Camenker, USA Today: “Guard was one of the Ravens’ biggest weaknesses last season, and their interior offensive line could take an even bigger blow if center Tyler Linderbaum leaves in free agency. Ioane is the clear-cut best interior blocker in this year’s draft, and Jesse Minter may have an interest in adding him after seeing how the Chargers’ poor interior blocking was the team’s undoing in 2025.”
Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: “Ioane is the best interior offensive lineman in this draft. As Penn State’s left guard, he didn’t allow a sack in his last two college seasons, which spanned 27 starts and 776 pass-blocking snaps. Ioane throws people out of the club in the run game and is strong when elevating to the second level to block linebackers and defensive backs. In pass protection, he stays right up on rushers with great knee bend and change of direction. Baltimore’s guards struggled in 2025, so this pick mitigates that issue.”