The Baltimore Ravens are focusing on strengthening their interior defensive line in the 2026 NFL Draft, seeking impactful players rather than just depth. Kayden McDonald from Ohio State is highlighted as a top prospect due to his elite run-stopping ability and potential for growth.
The Baltimore Ravens have never strayed far from their identity. They win in the trenches. Think about guys like the late, great Tony Siragusa, Haloti Ngata, Sam Adams, and Brandon Williams. That's enough to make even the hardest person smile. This is an organization that has long built depth along the defensive front. They rotate bodies and wear teams down. That formula has worked for years, but heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, there's a sense that the interior defensive line needs more than just another body.
Baltimore needs impact. With uncertainty surrounding key pieces and a need for both depth and long-term stability, they find themselves in a position to address the interior. It seems other needs should be addressed in Round 1, but the good news is, if the decision is to wait on a defensive/nose tackle, this class provides value after Round 1.
If the Ravens want a tone-setter against the run, Kayden McDonald's name is one to know. His 2025 season showcased elite run-stopping ability, anchoring the middle with power, discipline, and consistency. He clogs lanes, finishes plays, and forces offenses to adjust. The pass-rush upside is still developing, but for a team that values interior toughness, McDonald offers immediate impact with room to grow. He racked up 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup in 2025.
Caleb Banks is a traits-based projection with intriguing upside. His size, length, and athleticism make him an ideal fit on multiple fronts, especially for a defense that values versatility. When he plays with proper leverage, he's difficult to handle. The inconsistency shows up at times, but the flashes are enough to believe there's more there. In the right system, Banks could become a disruptive force.
Woods might be the most versatile of the group. No one would blame anyone for outranking the top two guys on this list if they decide to do so on another. He brings a strong blend of size, quickness, and athleticism, along with the ability to line up in multiple spots. His first step allows him to create disruption early in reps. The production hasn't fully lived up to the hype yet, but the tools are evident. If he refines his pass-rush approach, his ceiling rises significantly.
Lee Hunter offers reliability.He's a steady run defender with surprising athleticism for his size and enough pass-rush ability to stay on the field in multiple situations. His consistency and effort stand out. He may not have the highest ceiling, but he feels like a safe addition who can contribute early.
Miller is the projection play. He has the frame, quickness, and natural twitch teams look for, but the production hasn't caught up yet. There's development required, particularly as a pass rusher. Still, the traits give him a chance to outplay his current evaluation. To make long stories shorter, Baltimore doesn't have to force this pick, but if they want to reestablish dominance up front, adding the right interior presence could be one of the most important moves they make this entire draft. If the Ravens get this right, they won't just be adding depth. They'll be restoring a standard, the kind that has defined Baltimore football for decades.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: NFL Draft: 5 best defensive tackle fits for the Ravens
Kayden McDonald from Ohio State is identified as a leading prospect for the Ravens, showcasing strong run-stopping skills and potential for development.
The Ravens need to address their interior defensive line for both immediate impact and long-term stability, focusing on adding more than just depth.
In the 2025 season, Kayden McDonald recorded 65 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a pass breakup, demonstrating his effectiveness as a run-stopper.
The Ravens have historically built their success around a strong defensive front, relying on players who can dominate in the trenches and wear down opposing offenses.
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