![\"D.J.](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/GettyImages-842300912-e1774797784395.jpg\")
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The Baltimore Ravens are “expected” to sign a 330-pound free agent after the 2026 NFL draft.<\/p>\n
Few teams in the NFL stockpile compensatory draft picks as well as the Baltimore Ravens<\/a>, and the franchise is preparing to work the system again by waiting until after the 2026 NFL<\/a> draft to sign a 330-pounder who\u2019s still available in free agency.<\/p>\n Nose tackle D.J. Reader<\/a> has already met with<\/a> the Ravens, and the former Detroit Lions<\/a>, Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> and Houston Texans<\/a> run-stuffer even underwent a physical. That\u2019s according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston<\/a>, who also reported Reader \u201cis expected to sign with a team post-draft. Could be #Ravens, but other #NFL teams are in on Reader, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Waiting on Reader represents a risk if, as Wilson stated, there are other suitors<\/a> in the mix. The veteran interior D-lineman remains one of the formidable forces able to play over center in the league, but Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has good reason to bide his time.<\/p>\n Ravens Playing Long Game in Free Agency and the Draft<\/p>\n Playing the waiting game fits what the Ravens have traditionally done in order to gear up for the next draft. As Dan Duggan of The Athletic<\/a> explained, \u201cRavens are huge on playing comp pick game. Post-draft signings don\u2019t factor into the formula.\u201d<\/p>\n Ravens are huge on playing comp pick game. Post-draft signings don\u2019t factor into the formula. Starting to think that might be why the Giants are slow-playing RG\/DT. Could even do visits now to lay the groundwork for a deal https:\/\/t.co\/PxZTGUAfxq<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u2014 Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Stockpiling comp picks has become a happy habit on DeCosta\u2019s watch. The Ravens managed to snag a quartet of extra choices this year, \u201cmaintaining Baltimore\u2019s NFL lead with 64 comp picks since 1994,\u201d according to NFL Network\u2019s Tom Pelissero<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Ravens tie the Eagles and Steelers with four compensatory picks in the 2026 draft, maintaining Baltimore\u2019s NFL lead with 64 comp picks since 1994. https:\/\/t.co\/urWNJPzbu7<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \u2014 Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Keeping in stock with additional selections for the future fits DeCosta\u2019s preference for building via the draft<\/a>, rather than leaning into the veteran market. His strategies will be tested by the Ravens facing genuine problems<\/a> after an exodus of talent during free agency.<\/p>\n DeCosta can plug the gaps by making smart use of his 11 picks this year, before selectively choosing from the capable veterans still looking for work after the draft.<\/p>\n Few of the latter fit the bill as well as Reader.<\/p>\n D.J. Reader Answers Obvious Need<\/p>\n The Ravens need Reader because he\u2019s a throwback big body over the ball. A hulking presence able to play in a phone booth, hold double teams and clog running lanes.<\/p>\n Putting mass at the heart of their front seven has long been a signature method of building defenses for the Ravens. Their method is reflected by the presence of 6-foot-4, 341-pound Travis Jones<\/a> in the starting lineup, but quality depth is missing.<\/p>\n Reader can offer experience and physicality as a disruptive rotational player. He\u2019d take snaps as a traditional zero technique to afford Jones a rest, while putting Reader in the same alignment would allow the Ravens to move the younger lineman around.<\/p>\n Isolating Jones on the edge would disrupt offenses that like to run laterally. A necessary ploy in a modern game dominated by zone-based, stretch runs.<\/p>\n New head coach Jesse Minter and his chosen defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver need to be able to mix and match personnel up front. They won\u2019t have the luxury of doing so without a credible and deep rotation.<\/p>\n Putting Reader into the mix with Jones and two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike<\/a>, provided he returns at 100 percent<\/a>, and any lineman DeCosta takes from this draft class, would turn a perceived weakness into a team strength.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tJames Dudko<\/a> covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Ravens\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t