Unexpected NFL comparison adds intrigue to draft prospect Vega Ioane

The Baltimore Ravens have been connected to Vega Ioane for weeks now. At this point, it's no longer speculation. It's a legitimate possibility. His name is one we see in mock drafts at the 14th overall selection. Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq have also been mentioned frequently, but it's Ioane's name that we see most often. Baltimore's need along the interior offensive line has been well documented, and it only grew more urgent following the departure of Tyler Linderbaum. Add in the ripple effect of the Dexter Lawrence move within the division, and the importance of reinforcing the trenches becomes impossible to ignore.

Ioane may not be the flashiest pick at No. 14, but he might be one of the most logical. That’s what makes a recent comparison from a draft expert so interesting. In his NFL.com draft profile, Lance Zierlein listed Cooper Beebe as Ioane’s pro comp.

Prototypical guard for physical run schemes with thick limbs, a broad frame and plus core strength. Ioane plays with excellent contact balance and technique on both base blocks and double teams. He uses his hips and hands for leverage and displacement when drive blocking. However, he lacks athleticism and foot quickness to operate effectively as a move blocker. He pass sets with good posture and a firm punch and can anchor against power. Though quicker at a lighter weight in 2025, he will struggle with twitchy interior defenders who cross his face in the run game and attack his edges in protection. Despite scheme dependence, Ioane projects as an early starter with a high floor.

It’s not the name most expected. Beebe wasn't a top-15 pick. He entered the league as a third-round selection. He recently transitioned from guard and is now the Dallas Cowboys' starting center, but a deeper dive could reveal where the comp originates. Sure, he has carved out a reputation as a steady, dependable presence rather than a headline-grabber. His game is built on consistency, intelligence, and a physical edge that shows up snap after snap. In other words, he does the dirty work.