The Baltimore Ravens are looking to capitalize on top prospects that may fall in the NFL draft. Their strategy focuses on selecting the best available talent rather than filling specific needs.
Key points
Ravens focus on best-player-available strategy
Eric DeCosta is the Ravens' general manager
Opportunity arises in the middle of the first round
Mansoor Delane is a key prospect for the Ravens
Patience and discipline are hallmarks of Ravens' drafting
Mentioned in this story
Baltimore RavensEric DeCosta
Mansoor DelaneNFL DraftLSU Tigers
The Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to letting the draft come to them, often capitalizing on top-tier talent that unexpectedly slides down the board with a best-player-available approach. Under general manager Eric DeCosta, the organization has built a reputation for patience and discipline, trusting its evaluations rather than forcing picks to meet perceived needs.
That approach creates opportunities, especially in the middle of the first round, where a falling prospect can instantly change the outlook of a draft class. If the board breaks in their favor, Baltimore could be in position to land a difference-maker—one of several players who may not be expected to be available but would be ideal fits if they are.
We've identified five dream picks.
CB Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts to a stop on fourth down against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts to a stop on fourth down against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
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).
WR Carnell Tate
Q&A
What are the top prospects the Ravens want in the NFL draft?
The Ravens are interested in several players who may unexpectedly fall in the draft, including cornerback Mansoor Delane from LSU.
How does the Ravens' draft strategy work?
The Ravens employ a best-player-available approach, allowing them to take advantage of talent that slides down the draft board.
Who is the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens?
Eric DeCosta is the general manager of the Baltimore Ravens, known for his patient and disciplined drafting style.
Why is it important for the Ravens to capitalize on falling prospects?
Landing a falling prospect can significantly enhance the Ravens' draft class and improve their overall team outlook.
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) scores a touchdown over Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jaden Mangham (3) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) scores a touchdown over Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jaden Mangham (3) during the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
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.
Edge Rusher David Bailey
Texas Tech's David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
2025 stats through 11 games: 57 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 62 pressures, five run stops, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups
A transfer from Stanford, Bailey is a professional pass-rusher who recorded 14.5 sacks over three seasons for the Cardinals. With the Red Raiders, his 21.5% pressure rate was second in the nation, and he had 12.5 sacks through his first 11 games.
LB Sonny Styles
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Styles was a 2025 First-team All-American (The Sporting News), team co-captain, Block "O" Award recipient, first-team All-Big Ten Conference, Academic All-Big Ten, and blazed a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.
RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half of a NCAA football game against Syracuse at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend.
Derrick Henry is a future Hall of Famer who is also 32 and set to begin his first year under a new, revamped coaching staff and offensive system. Baltimore could make a move to secure their first if the former Notre Dame running back slips past five or six. Love is an explosive runner who possesses great burst and acceleration, with the top-end speed to run away from opposing defenders. In 2025, Love led the team with 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Additionally, he finished fourth on the team with 27 receptions, totaling 280 receiving yards, and amassing 1,652 yards from scrimmage.
