The Baltimore Ravens selected punter Ryan Eckley from Michigan State with the 212th pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Eckley was recognized as the Big Ten's best punter in 2025 and is the first punter chosen in this draft.
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The Baltimore Ravens drafted a punter.
It's not a common move, but it's what the Ravens did in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 212th pick: It's Ryan Eckley out of Michigan State.
Eckley was the Big Ten's best punter in 2025, and he's the first punter off the board in this draft.
A year after picking Tyler Loop to be their kicker with a draft pick, the Ravens do it with punter here.
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To put it simply: They needed one.
The Ravens have Luke Elzinga on the depth chart for competition with Jordan Stout gone, but you don't make this pick for anything but a starter.
Eckley should start in 2026.
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The Ravens drafted Ryan Eckley because he was the best punter in the Big Ten in 2025, indicating his high potential and skill level.
Ryan Eckley was selected in the sixth round with the 212th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ryan Eckley was the first punter off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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In 2025, he was a third-team All-American.
He averaged 48.5 yards per punt a year after averaging 47.9 yards per punt. Both those totals led the Big Ten.
Eckley can boom it, and the right-footer should start from day one. That's not a bad thing to get in the sixth round.