The Ravens view the draft as a collaborative effort, and Head Coach Jesse Minter loved his new role in the process.
“It was incredible,” Minter said, reflecting on his first draft as a head coach. “We talked about this all the way back, but this is the job I wanted because of the people here and how they operate.”
Toughness, physicality, and versatility were among the traits Minter valued in the 2026 class. The blueprint began when Baltimore selected guard Vega Ioane on Day 1, followed by rugged outside linebacker Zion Young and 6-foot-4 wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane on Day 2.
Talent is always important, but there’s nothing wrong with size, especially in a smashmouth division like the AFC North.
“Obviously, you start with Vega and just him setting the tone for the draft class,” Minter said. “Zion, again, he is a big physical, tough, rugged player. Ja’Kobi is a big matchup guy – he has size, speed, length, catch radius, and an ability to make tough plays.
“I just think if you go all the way down the list, it is a really physical group. With the big, strong, tough, physical team that we’re trying to have here … all these guys fit that bill.”