The Baltimore Ravens are preparing for the 2026 NFL draft, which begins in two weeks. Key veterans and players on expiring contracts may be significantly affected by the new draft class.
Key points
Ravens begin nine-week offseason workout program
2026 NFL draft starts in two weeks
Impact on key veterans and players on final year of contracts
Scouting department and GM preparing for the draft
Ten players identified as most impacted by the draft
Baltimore RavensNFL
The BaltimoreRavens began their nine-week offseason workout program on Monday, and while veterans and new free-agent additions are hard at work, the scouting department and GM Eric DeCosta are preparing for the first round of the NFL draft, which kicks off two weeks from tonight.
New draft classes are always impactful, and the trickle-down effect starts with key veterans, players on the final year of their deals, and young players in jeopardy of being replaced.
With the draft fast approaching, we're looking at ten Ravens who'll be impacted the most by the three-day weekend.
RB Derrick Henry-Justice Hill
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) takes a handoff from quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) takes a handoff from quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The current roster has Henry, Justice Hill returning from injury, and Rasheen Ali, who, after Keaton Mitchell wasn't tendered, joined the Chargers on a two-year deal. More depth could be added via the draft with Henry, 32 years old, and Hill entering the final year of his deal. Baltimore adding a running back in the first two or three rounds could alter the depth chart.
Q&A
Which Baltimore Ravens players are most affected by the 2026 NFL draft?
Ten Ravens players, including key veterans and those on the final year of their contracts, are expected to be impacted by the upcoming draft.
When does the 2026 NFL draft start?
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off two weeks from now, marking the beginning of a three-day event.
What is the significance of the Ravens' offseason workout program?
The offseason workout program is crucial for veterans and new free-agent additions as they prepare for the upcoming season and the draft.
How does the NFL draft impact veteran players?
The NFL draft can lead to changes in the roster, affecting veterans, especially those in their final contract year, as new talent may replace them.
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DeVontez Walker-Rashod Bateman
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) scores a touch down during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) scores a touch down during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
The look and hierarchy of this group could change over the next few weekends, depending on what happens in Rounds 1 and 2 of the NFL draft. Bateman is under contract through 2029 and has been the subject of trade talks following an injury-filled 2025 season. With DeAndre Hopkins not expected to return, the depth behind the big two is limited. Devontez Walker is a touchdown machine but remains unproven heading into Year 3. LaJohntay Wester will return punts, while Cornelius Johnson and Dayton Wade are likely to have roles on the practice squad.
Durham Smythe-Mark Andrews
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) during practice at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Andrews is beginning the first year of a contract extension, while Smythe is on the roster for one year. Baltimore has been linked to Kenyon Sadiq, and a tight end addition could be impactful.
Andrew Vorhees-Emery Jones
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees (72) lines up prior to the snap during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Andrew Vorhees (72) lines up prior to the snap during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
At guard, veteran John Simpson returns after spending his past two seasons with the New York Jets, while Eric DeCosta has raved about last year's third-round pick Emery Jones Jr.Andrew Vorhees returns. An offensive guard in Round 1 or Round 2 could put Vorhees or Jones on the outside.
Jun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Corey Bullock (67) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Jun 10, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Corey Bullock (67) looks on during an NFL OTA at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
With three-time Pro Bowl Tyler Linderbaum in Las Vegas as the highest-paid center in NFL history, the Ravens could choose to draft a center. Former Maryland star and undrafted free agent Corey Bullock could be a player to watch, while Jovaughn Gwyn and Danny Pinter offer positional versatility.
Tavius Robinson-Mike Green
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green (45) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Mike Green (45) in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Hendrickson is the big fish and the guy who'll close games out when the Ravens have a lead. Second-round pick Mike Green returns after posting 3.5 sacks in 2025, and 2023 fourth-round pick Tavius Robinson returns after dealing with injury but posting 4.5 sacks. Adisa Isaac and second-year Kaimon Rucker offer depth. A first or second-round edge rusher could shake things up.
Teddye Buchanan-Jay Higgins
Aug 23, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) runs away from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jay Higgins IV (49) during the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Aug 23, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Josh Johnson (14) runs away from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jay Higgins IV (49) during the third quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
The 29-year-old Roquan Smith had another 100+ tackle season and is under contract for two more seasons. Still, the countdown has begun for when Baltimore moves on from the perennial Pro Bowl pick. Teddye Buchanan is coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 15, while Trenton Simpson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Jay Higgins IV and Carl Jones offer depth.
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) warms up during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2025; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop (33) warms up during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Tyler Loop will return after missing a 44-yard game-winning field goal attempt in Pittsburgh, ending the Ravens' playoff hopes with a Week 18 loss to the Steelers. Overall, Loop, who was drafted in the sixth round last season, connected on 30 of his 34 field goal attempts. Loop's 88.2% conversion rate ranked fourth among rookie kickers over the past five seasons, trailing Cameron Dicker (95.5%), Brandon Aubrey (94.7%), and Cam Little (93.1%). Baltimore adding a kicker would be impactful.
