Ranking the 8 defenders the Ravens have met with ahead of NFL Draft

There had to be two Baltimore Ravens teams last season. That's the only logical answer. How else can one explain the Jekyll-and-Hyde product we all witnessed weekly? Think about it. This will all make sense once we have a thorough conversation. One minute, they're chugging along and grinding out hard-fought wins where they scored pretty well and did just enough defensively. Next, they're scoring at will while simultaneously losing the ability to stop anyone on the other sideline.

They say 'defense wins championships,' and for a team that is home to legends like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, that's easy to appreciate. Some think a 6-3 final score is 'boring'. In Baltimore, such a game will evoke great memories. The point? There are many paths to seeing this team reclaim its rightful place as the cream of the AFC North crop. No one would complain if this organization chose one where they returned to the days when teams feared its defense. That means addressing one of the top needs, the gaps along the defense front.

Baltimore rarely tips its hand, but when patterns emerge, they're hard to ignore. If the predraft process has revealed anything, it's this: Baltimore is once again prioritizing the trenches.

Armed with 11 picks, they can truly make some headway on that front and add some difference-makers. Here's the good news. They have interviewed several. Here's a ranking of eight who are hugely intriguing and possibly the most talented.

1. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn Tigers

Keldric Faulk's versatility and size stand out almost immediately. He's not just a pass rusher. He can set the edge, play inside as a rush defensive tackle, and impact multiple fronts.

For a defense that values flexibility, he checks a lot of boxes. In 2025, he was named Third-team All-SEC after being named to the conference's All-Freshman Team two years prior.

2. Kayden McDonald, defensive tackle, Ohio State Buckeyes

Kayden McDonald feels like a classic Ravens fit. He's a tone-setter against the run with elite production in that area. His ability to anchor the middle and control gaps would immediately strengthen the interior.

3. Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Gators

Caleb Banks is more of a projection with high upside than a finished product that teams desire so often, but the traits are hard to ignore. His length and athleticism give him upside as both a space-eater and a disruptive interior presence.

4. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson Tigers

Peter Woods brings explosiveness and versatility. He can line up across the front and create disruption early in plays. If his pass-rush plan develops, his ceiling rises significantly.

5. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri Tigers

Zion Young is one of the more intriguing upside plays. He flashes quickness and closing ability, and while he's still developing, the tools suggest there's more to unlock.

6. R. Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma Sooners

R Mason Thomas wins with burst and athleticism. His track background shows up in his first step, making him a situational pass-rush threat early with room to grow into more.

7. Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State Nittany Lions

Dani Dennis-Sutton offers a blend of power and length. He's physical at the point of attack and has shown flashes as a pass rusher, making him a strong developmental option with starter upside.

8. Landon Robinson, DT, Navy Midshipmen

Landon Robinson may not carry the same buzz, but he brings effort, discipline, and familiarity through coaching ties. Those connections matter, especially for a team that values fit as much as talent.

The message here isn't subtle. Baltimore is playing around. They're preparing to reload with some key pieces up front. They don't need to chase trends. They simply need to return to what they've always trusted. If this draft goes the way these meetings suggest, the Ravens won't just be adding bodies in the trenches. They'll be reinforcing the identity that has defined them for decades.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the 8 defenders the Ravens have met with