Will the Ravens regret ignoring two solid center prospects in Round 4?

It’s hard not to smile when you watch Elijah Surratt play. The former Indiana Hoosiers standout was electric in 2025, leading the nation in receiving touchdowns and proving to be one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football. Now, he brings that ability to the Baltimore Ravens, where the expectation is that he’ll help elevate an already evolving offense.

There’s just one question lingering in the background. Was he the right pick at that moment?

Best player available vs. team need

This is the debate that surfaces every draft cycle. Do you take the best player on your board, or do you address your most pressing need? Baltimore has long leaned on discipline, often trusting its board over outside noise. In Surratt’s case, it’s easy to see why. He offers production, size, and upside, and he fits the team’s emerging identity of building a more physical offense. Make no mistake. Context matters. This isn't a knock on Sarratt. It's merely food for thought. The Ravens entered this draft with a noticeable hole at center after Tyler Linderbaum departed for the Las Vegas Raiders.

While selecting Olaivavega Ioane in Round 1 addressed part of the interior, it didn’t fully solve the long-term question in the middle. And that’s where the second-guessing begins. It's fair to ask a question.

Missed opportunity or calculated patience?

Two intriguing center prospects came off the board shortly after Baltimore made its Sarratt selection. Connor Lew went to the rival at No. 128, while Sam Hecht followed at No. 144 to the . Both were viewed as solid Day 3 options in what many considered a deep offensive line class. That depth makes the decision more interesting. This wasn't a year where viable linemen were scarce. Starters, or at least developmental ones, were available well into the later rounds. Baltimore chose to pass.