Eric DeCosta: Vega Ioane was my top player in the NFL draft

“My Favorite Player in the Entire Draft”: Why Vega Ioane Was the Pick

There was real trade buzz when Baltimore went on the clock at No. 14, but in the end, Eric DeCosta didn't overthink it.

Speaking on The Lounge Podcast, DeCosta made it clear the Ravens weren't going to pass on their top target. They stayed put and got their guy in Vega Ioane.

“It was tense and exciting. We had some teams calling to trade back, maybe one or two spots. We were open to it, but we really loved the player we took — Vega Ioane (also referred to as Venga / Vega). He was my favorite player in the entire draft. Extremely physical, smart, tough, great balance, and he can start right away. He checked every box and fits exactly what we look for.”

The glowing endorsement highlights just how confident Baltimore is in Ioane's ability to contribute immediately. Known for his physicality and technical consistency, he fits the Ravens' long-standing emphasis on building strength in the trenches.

By resisting the temptation to move down and instead selecting a player they viewed as a perfect fit, the Ravens doubled down on their identity—prioritizing toughness, intelligence, and readiness to compete from Day 1. That's not typical GM speak; that's conviction. Baltimore explored moving back, but when the board gave them their top-rated player, they didn't get cute. They locked it in. And based on how DeCosta talks about him, this feels like more than just a first-round pick—it feels like a tone-setter.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Eric DeCosta calls Vega Ioane a perfect fit for Ravens offensive line