2026 NFL Draft: 11 Ideal prospects for the Ravens after free agency

The Baltimore Ravens approach the NFL Draft with one of the most consistent philosophies in football: land the best player available, build through value, develop talent, and maintain a physical identity on both sides of the ball. Under general manager Eric DeCosta, Baltimore has continued to prioritize versatility, toughness, and football intelligence.

Baltimore has the No. 14 overall pick in April's draft, and the Ravens have only picked higher than 14th once in the past 20 years. Back in 2022, Baltimore landed Kyle Hamilton after the now All-Pro safety and Notre Dame All-American slid out of the top 20. Baltimore has several needs (WR, OL, Edge, DL), but could feel comfortable with the "drafting the best player" approach that the organization has become synonymous with.

The legendary Ozzie Newsome was always steadfast in his "BPA" approach, allowing Baltimore to annually stockpile a deep, talented roster of players with high ceilings who can blend in and offer versatility at key positions. The Ravens don't need to chase needs—they need to trust their board. Baltimore's success has always come from discipline and player development, not reaching for immediate fixes.

If the Ravens stay true to that identity, they'll come away from the 2026 NFL Draft with players who fit their system, elevate their roster, and help push them closer to championship contention.

With a revamped coaching staff and an emphasis on reestablishing defensive dominance, the Ravens have multiple paths in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are 11 ideal prospects who align with Baltimore's system and long-term vision.

CB Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Delane is a potential top-10 pick and the best cornerback available after a dominant season at LSU, where he only allowed 14 catches on 35 targets across 11 games, intercepting two passes and breaking up seven others. Among 128 qualifying college cornerbacks, Delane allowed the second-best passer rating in man coverage (28.3) and ranked first in zone coverage (14.6).

TE Kenyon Sadiq

Mel Kiper's No. 1 at tight end in the 2026 draft and No. 10 overall. Sadiq was a key figure in the Ducks' explosive offense last year. Sadiq led all tight ends in college football in touchdown catches with eight and was the Ducks' second-leading pass-catcher with 560 yards, catching 51 passes for an Oregon team that finished the season 13-2 and returned to the College Football Playoff.

A young player who is still developing, Sadiq, 20, had five catches and 29 yards in the 56-22 loss to the Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Sadiq lacks dominant size at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds, but his run-after-catch skills are elite, and he's a proven red zone contributor who had six dropped passes in 2025.

WR Carnell Tate

Ohio State is Wide Receiver U, and Emeka Egbuka is the most recent star wideout to come out of Columbus. With Jeremiah Smith slated for 2027, Tate is putting up some serious numbers and showing why he is a top prospect for this class. Tate averaged 18.2 yards per catch last season. He is a precise route runner with great hands and outstanding body control.

Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

A disruptive interior presence, Woods fits perfectly with Baltimore's tradition of dominant defensive line play. His strength and quickness would immediately impact the rotation.

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

One of the most instinctive defensive backs in the class, Downs offers range, tackling, and leadership—traits the Ravens covet in the secondary.

Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State

An explosive edge rusher with high upside, Dennis-Sutton fits Baltimore's pass-rush philosophy and rotational approach.

Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn

A dynamic and versatile pass rusher, Faulk ranked eighth in the SEC with 45 total pressures in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus. Overall, Faulk finishes his college career with 73 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.

EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois

Jacas is a versatile edge rusher whose combination of size (6'3", 270 pounds) and athleticism aligns well with the Ravens' style. He led the Big Ten with 11.0 sacks during the regular season, ranking sixth in the nation. He also tied for 13th nationally (and third in the Big Ten) with three forced fumbles, bringing his career total to seven, which ties him for sixth in Illinois' career record book. With 27.0 career sacks, he holds the record for the most among active Big Ten defenders and ranks fifth nationally in FBS. Jacas started all 12 regular-season games, recording 43 total tackles (23 solo), 13.5 tackles for loss, 11.0 sacks, six quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and one pass breakup. In a rivalry win against Northwestern on November 29, 2025, he contributed four tackles (two solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and two QB hurries.

EDGE Zion Young, Missouri

Young, a transfer from Michigan State, started all 13 games at the JACK position last season. He recorded a total of 23 tackles, including 9 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (TFL), and a team-high 9.0 sacks, along with one interception. His average of 0.69 sacks per game ranked him 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 34th-ranked pass rusher in the nation with a grade of 80.9. He ranked 13th nationally among all edge players in Pass Rush Productivity (PRP) with a score of 10.5, which is calculated using a formula that combines sacks, hits, and hurries relative to the number of times he rushes the passer. PFF credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine quarterback hits. Young was also named to the Second Team All-SEC by league coaches.

EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech

A first-team All-Big 12 selection, Height has 32 tackles, including 8 1/2 sacks, last season.

EDGE LT Overton, Alabama

Overton is a versatile edge rusher standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 278 pounds, showcasing significant potential as a pass-rusher. In his final season, he played in 13 games, starting 12. He recorded a total of 42 tackles, including six tackles for loss (totaling 28 yards) and four sacks (for a loss of 23 yards). Additionally, he contributed four quarterback pressures and had one pass breakup. Overton received preseason All-America recognition from ESPN.com, earning first-team honors, and was named a third-team preseason All-American by Athlon. He was also selected for the Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which is awarded annually to the top defensive player in college football. Furthermore, he was included on the watch lists for the Wuerffel Trophy, the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, and the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

Jalen Stroman, S/Nickel, Notre Dame

A versatile and hybrid defensive back in the mold of Ar'Darius Washington, Stroman offers versatility and special teams ability, which should give him a chance to contribute immediately. Stroman is a hybrid defender, and even more beneficial, the Ravens' new defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach, Mike Mickens, was with Stroman at Notre Dame last year.

CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

During his final season, Ponds started 14 games and missed one due to injury (at Iowa). He was named the Defensive MVP of both the Rose Bowl and the Peach Bowl. He was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award and received first-team All-America honors from The Sporting News. Additionally, he earned second-team All-America selections from the Associated Press, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He also received All-America recognition from The Athletic (2nd team), CBS Sports (2nd team), On3 (2nd team), and Sports Illustrated (1st team). Furthermore, he was named first-team All-Big Ten by both the conference's media and coaches panels.

Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State:

Ioane plays with intense power and quickness, using 330 pounds of elite force, earning second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation as an offensive guard. Ioane is the 158th Nittany Lion (192nd selection) to be named an All-American by an NCAA-recognized outlet (AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation). Ioane was selected to the All-Big Ten Second Team in 2024 and to the Honorable Mention Team in 2023. He'll exit State College after playing in 44 games and making 32 starts at Penn State. According to PFF, he allowed zero sacks and three pressures in 310 pass blocking snaps in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 11 prospects Ravens should target in 2026 NFL Draft