Why Ravens might 'regret' using 14th overall pick in NFL Draft on unusual position

TL;DR

The Baltimore Ravens used their 14th overall pick in the NFL Draft on offensive guard Vega Ioane, a choice that may lead to regret due to the unusual position. Typically, teams prioritize premium positions in the first half of the first round.

Key points

Ravens needed to improve their offensive line
They selected Vega Ioane with the 14th overall pick
Offensive guard is not a premium position in the draft

Vega IoanePenn StateBaltimore Ravens

Why Ravens might 'regret' using 14th overall pick in NFL Draft on unusual position originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens entered the draft needing to improve the interior of their offensive line.

That's not often something teams do in the first half of the first round, though.

The Ravens had the No. 14 pick, and they did it anyway, taking offensive guard Vega Ioane out of Penn State.

He's a high-quality player, but he doesn't play one of the premium positions usually taken that high.

2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available

Did Ravens make a mistake with 14th pick?

Only time will really tell, but there's risk here.

ESPN's Jamison Hensley called it almost immediately into question in some analysis after the selection.

"Will Baltimore regret using such a high pick on a non-premium position?" Hensley writes. "Teams are typically taking quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive tackles, cornerbacks and edge rushers in the top half of the first round -- not interior offensive linemen. Over the past decade, only five guards have been selected in the top half of the first round: (sixth), (14th), Alijah Vera-Tucker (14th), (15th) and (12th). There have been mixed results with as many Pro Bowl players (Nelson and Lindstrom) as players no longer with their original teams (Vera-Tucker and Green)."

Q&A

Why did the Ravens choose Vega Ioane with the 14th pick in the NFL Draft?

The Ravens selected Vega Ioane to improve their offensive line, despite him playing a less common position for a top draft pick.

What are the implications of drafting an offensive guard so early?

Drafting an offensive guard early may limit the team's ability to address more critical positions typically prioritized in the first round.

Who is Vega Ioane and what makes him a high-quality player?

Vega Ioane is an offensive guard from Penn State, recognized for his skills, though his position is not traditionally valued as highly in the draft.