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Ravens select punter Ryan Eckley at pick No. 211 of the NFL draft
TL;DR
The Baltimore Ravens selected punter Ryan Eckley with the No. 211 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Eckley, a standout from Michigan State, brings strong punting skills that could impact the team's special teams strategy.
Key points
- Ravens selected punter Ryan Eckley at No. 211 in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Eckley averaged 48.5 yards per punt at Michigan State
- He was named second-team All-American and Big Ten Punter of the Year
Mentioned in this story
Michigan State University
Jordan StoutBaltimore RavensRyan Eckley
The Baltimore Ravens made a notable special teams move in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting punter Ryan Eckley with the No. 211 overall pick. The addition of Eckley could signal a potential shift at the position, with the rookie entering the mix as a possible replacement for All-Pro punter Jordan Stout.
The move comes almost 20 days after Baltimore signed Luke Elzinga to a deal ahead of off-season workouts.
Eckley arrives from Michigan State with a strong leg and the ability to control field position, traits that are critical in Baltimore's emphasis on special teams. His consistency and hang time give him an immediate chance to compete, especially in a system that values precision and situational awareness. In 2025, Eckley was named a second-team All-American by the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) and ESPN. He also earned third-team AP All-American honors. Eckley became the second Spartan to be recognized as the Big Ten Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year and received consensus first-team All-Big Ten accolades from the league’s coaches and media. Additionally, he was honored as a first-team All-Big Ten player by USA Today and the AP. Eckley led the FBS with an impressive punting average of 48.5 yards, which ranks as the second-best single-season average in Michigan State University history.
Furthermore, he topped the Big Ten with 23 punts of over 50 yards during the regular season, and he successfully placed 20 punts inside the 20-yard line, including 10 inside the 10-yard line, with four of those being downed at the 1-yard line.
For the Ravens, this selection reflects their willingness to continually evaluate and upgrade every phase of the roster, including special teams. Whether Eckley steps in right away or pushes for the role over time, Baltimore is clearly prioritizing competition and long-term stability at the punter position.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens add Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley at pick No. 211
Q&A
What are Ryan Eckley's punting statistics from college?
Ryan Eckley averaged 48.5 yards per punt, ranking as the second-best single-season average in Michigan State history, and had 23 punts over 50 yards.
How does Ryan Eckley compare to Jordan Stout?
Ryan Eckley is seen as a potential replacement for All-Pro punter Jordan Stout, bringing strong leg strength and consistency to the Ravens' special teams.
What awards did Ryan Eckley receive in college?
Eckley was named a second-team All-American by the AFCA and ESPN, and he also received third-team AP All-American honors and was recognized as the Big Ten Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year.
