The case for and against the Ravens drafting OL in Round 1

LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 28: Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) looks to block in the third quarter of a Big 12 football game between the Utah Utes and Kansas Jayhawks on November 28, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In next week’s NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens will enter the weekend equipped with 11 total picks at their disposal. That includes the No. 14 overall selection in the first round on Thursday night. The Ravens traditionally stick to their “best player available” drafting strategy but also have a few prominent roster needs to address.

General Manager Eric DeCosta and the team’s brain trust could go a number of directions with their first pick, one of which is drafting an offensive lineman. Let’s break down the case for and against the Ravens drafting an offensive lineman in Round 1.

The Case For:

Inconsistent offensive line play and poor pass protection was one of the Ravens’ pitfalls in the 2025 season. They started the same five-man unit for nearly the entire season, but the group never gelled together and did not round into a formidable unit despite their continuity.

Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times in only 13 games, which is the third highest sacks taken mark of his career. He regularly was under duress and had to scramble to evade pressure. The Ravens’ pass blocking was particularly an issue in the interior of the offensive line, which was plagued by up-and-down guard play. While they signed a competent veteran in John Simpson to occupy one starting spot, the Ravens still need to upgrade at the opposite guard position. Rising sophomore Emery Jones Jr. has potential to emerge as a starter but is still unproven. On top of that, they now need to find a new starting center after three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency.

In addition to needing two new starters, the Ravens could also use improved depth at the offensive tackle position. Ronnie Stanley has a checkered injury history and is now 32 years old. Behind him and right tackle Roger Rosengarten, the only pure offensive tackle is Carson Vinson, who was a developmental fifth-round pick last year. When Stanley missed time last season, the Ravens plugged in veteran Joseph Noteboom on the left side and the results were not great.

This year’s draft class features several viable first-round options that may be available for the Ravens to draft. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane is considered by some to be the best offensive line prospect despite being a pure guard. Offensive tackle Spencer Fano has inside-outside versatility, while fellow tackle prospect Francis Mauigoa might fit the “best player available” profile if he were to slide on draft night. Any of these players would be an instant upgrade for the Ravens at offensive guard or center while offering long-term benefit and upside as well.

The Case Against:

While the Ravens have clear needs at two of their interior offensive line positions, they also have holes to fill elsewhere. It’s very possible that the best player on the Ravens’ board come pick No. 14 plays another position, such as cornerback or wide receiver, for example. That shouldn’t prelude the Ravens from drafting for a lesser need as they look to obtain as much talent as possible to compete for a Super Bowl.

In the past, the Ravens have been able to quickly develop non-first round offensive linemen into starter-level players. That includes interior prospects like Bradley Bozeman (sixth round) and Ben Powers (fourth round), as well as offensive tackles Orlando Brown Jr. (third round) and Roger Rosengarten (second round). Incoming offensive line coach Dewayne Ledford is highly regarded for player development, and he could pay dividends for the Ravens’ young offensive linemen.

Given this, should the Ravens draft an offensive line prospect beyond Round 1, there’s still the potential for them to emerge as a contributor early on. That is also still the case for Emery Jones Jr., who showed promise in limited action last season and could thrive with a full healthy offseason.

This year’s draft class is deep on offensive linemen and there are a number of quality guards and centers who should be available on Days 2-3. Players like Jake Slaughter (Florida), Emmanuel Pregnon (Oregon), and Chase Bisontis (Texas A&M), among others, might be ready to take on offensive snaps right away.

Do you think the Ravens should draft an offensive lieeman in the first round this year? Share your thoughts below and join in on the discussion!