Experts give the Jets solid 2026 NFL Draft grades
Experts Praise Jets' Performance in 2026 NFL Draft with Solid Grades
The Ravens have selected punter Ryan Eckley, relying on the evaluation of senior special teams coach Randy Brown. Eric DeCosta emphasized the importance of trusting Brown's judgment in specialist positions.
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When it comes to specialists, the Ravens don't overthink it; they trust their process. That was the case again with punter Ryan Eckley, a player Baltimore targeted based heavily on the evaluation of senior special teams coach Randy Brown.
Eric DeCosta made it clear how much that trust matters:
“Well, I don't get involved in that too much. And I don't want to create a monster, but he's already been created. He's already been created. But [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] does a phenomenal job. He does. And so, it's probably the two positions that, if Randy comes to me and says, ‘This is the guy that we need,’ I'm going to accept it. Normally, I'd be a little skeptical, and I want to watch the tape and do my homework and put my eyes on the guy, but when Randy does this and says, ‘Yes, this is the best one,’ then that resonates. And I think our track record with kickers, punters and long snappers is pretty good. So, it's not something I'm going to mess with. Now, I might fight with him as to when we have to draft the guy or what round – but as far as being the best and ranking – I think he's the best at that.”
That track record speaks for itself.
Baltimore has consistently found and developed high-level specialists, and Eckley now steps into that pipeline. With elite holding ability and strong punting traits, he could quietly become one of the more important additions from this class.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: DeCosta explains trust in Ravens special teams scouting
The Ravens chose Ryan Eckley based on the strong evaluation from senior special teams coach Randy Brown.
Randy Brown is the senior special teams coach whose evaluations are highly trusted by the Ravens' management in selecting specialists.
Eric DeCosta places significant trust in Randy Brown's recommendations, especially for kickers, punters, and long snappers.
Experts Praise Jets' Performance in 2026 NFL Draft with Solid Grades
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