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General manager Eric DeCosta
The Baltimore Ravens stand in a familiar spot. With the 14th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, they have not picked this high since left tackle Ronnie Stanley heard his name called with the sixth-overall pick in 2016. This is the by-product of extensive success in making the playoffs. Now, general manager Eric DeCosta will need to play his next course of action. With a fairly high pick, the Ravens have options. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec lists five positions the team can choose from.
“Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta protects his team’s draft plans fervently. Even when he provides morsels of information, it’s worth asking whether it’s legitimate or if he’s trying to put out some smoke screens to disguise the team’s intentions.”
“So you can cross off quarterback and safety. However, every other position could be in play. And with the Ravens’ adherence to the best player available drafting philosophy, it’s probably wise not to rule anything out in the first round.”
What positions does he believe Baltimore can choose from?
Wideout Presents Options for Lamar Jackson’s Offense
Aside from Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ wideouts did not distinguish themselves in 2025. No receiver, other than DeAndre Hopkins, who features with ten or more catches, boasts a 50% catch percentage. As a result, building trust with Lamar Jackson becomes difficult. Baltimore needs an X receiver, a bigger target that will play on the outside. Names like Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Makai Lemon (USC), and Denzel Boston (Washington) spring to mind.
Tate is the contested-catch threat who could be a menace in the red zone. Meanwhile, Tyson runs crisper routes, winning with quickness and foot speed. Boston represents a combination of the aforementioned two. New offensive coordinator Declan Doyle succeeded in Chicago with another Washington product, Rome Odunze.
GettyReceiver Denzel Boston scores a touchdown against UC-Davis during a September 6, 2025 game.
Offensive Line Could Become A Position of Need
With center Tyler Linderbaum set to potentially make history and right guard Daniel Faalele heading to free agency, Baltimore needs an upgrade. Zrebiec lists Spencer Fano (Utah), Vega Ioane (Penn State), and Francis Mauigoa (Miami). Fano seems redundant for the Ravens. The team already employs Stanley and Roger Rosengarten on the outside.
In contrast, Ioane and Mauigoa present an interior blocking presence. The former Hurricane thrives in the run game. On the other hand, the ex-Nittany Lion can handle both aspects. The Ravens need a guard in case Linderbaum re-signs or they grab one from free agency.
GettyFrancis Mauigoa in pass protection during the College Football Playoff Semifinal on January 8, 2025.
Defensive Line, Once a Strength, May Need Bolstering
Nnamdi Madubuike proclaimed that he would return to the team after suffering a season-ending neck injury. In his stead, Travis Jones led the team in sacks and provided a power-based internal disruption with surprising nimbleness.
Zrebiec lists Florida’s Caleb Banks and Clemson’s Peter Woods. These could be the most polar opposite players on the list. Banks is a six-foot-six, 327-pound mauler with excellent feet and power. Woods is smaller, but he possesses the immediate burst off the snap teams will covet.
GettyDefensive lineman Caleb Banks forces a fumble against LSU.
Edge Rusher is a Must-Have
In Jesse Minter’s defense, the edge will line up on the line of scrimmage in a five-man front. Akheem Mesidor (Miami), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) entered the conversation. Of the three, Faulk is the most versatile, with the ability to secure the edge but also play as an interior lineman. At six-foot-six and 285 pounds, is he too large to play edge exclusively?
Mesidor presents an athletic palette. However, he turns 25 on April 1 and could be 29 by the time of his first contract, which many consider too old. Howell is the wildcard. With an added 10-15 pounds, he could start as a situational pass rusher once he adds to his game to become a three-down player.
GettyKeldrick anticipates the snap against Missouri during an October 18, 2025.
Cornerback Remains A Position of Need
Zrebiec discusses Mansoor Delane (LSU) and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) as choices. Delane is a polished product with a gliding style and strong positioning, awareness, and vision as a defender. McCoy needs some refinement, but if the switch to zone becomes permanent, the Ravens may want an infusion of youth.
De Costa will never divulge his draft plan. Yet most of these players could fit what Baltimore is looking for.
GettyCornerback Mansoor Delane celebrates breaking up a pass.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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