Ravens handed so-so grade by analyst for NFL Draft haul

Ravens handed so-so grade by analyst for NFL Draft haul originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens are seen as one of the teams to beat in the AFC, and with the franchise's draft haul, could be key in pushing the organization forward in 2026.

The Ravens had a big roster issue at center, a position that needs urgent reinforcement after Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency.

Olaivavega Ioane was taken in the first round as the interior of the offensive line was fixed, but the center position is still a need.

For Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, he's given the Ravens a B- grade for their draft haul.

"While the Ravens didn’t draft a center to replace Tyler Linderbaum, they did a nice job with almost everything else," Verderame wrote. "On the first night, Baltimore landed the best interior prospect in the draft, selecting Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane. Come Friday evening, the Ravens took Missouri edge rusher Zion Young to rotate into the pass rush before selecting their first of two receivers, Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt.

"If one of the wideouts ends up becoming a factor, and Baltimore gets some juice from Young in the pass rush, those will be considered huge wins over the draft’s final two days."