Eric DeCosta and the Ravens are feeling a renewed sense of excitement around their second life with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The first-rounder was part of the agreement in place with the Raiders that would’ve sent pass rusher Maxx Crosby to Baltimore and the 14th pick to Las Vegas in a multi-pick trade voided by DeCosta. The Ravens cited concerns over Crosby’s physical, and they quickly moved to sign former New Orleans Saints and Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Ravens are not “rebuilding” from DeCosta’s vantage point but have a new head coach for the first time 19 years and have plenty of prominent players to replace. Center Tyler Linderbaum signed a massive contract with the Raiders, and former coach John Harbaugh lured free agent tight end Isaiah Likely to New York to play for the Giants.
“We recognize the fact that we want to add some additional talent on the offensive and defensive line, certainly, but we’ve also got a bunch of other positions that we have to address as well,” DeCosta said.
DeCosta said he sees a slight drop in talent after the middle of the first round, putting the Ravens in position to stay put and find a blue-chip player or use the asset to move back and accumulate additional selections. New head coach Jesse Minter said he has found players who could be available as late as the sixth round who fit needs and scheme for Baltimore.
“There’s a lot of talent on both sides of the line of scrimmage,” Minter said. “Any good football team, it’s always been that way, where you’re good on the line of scrimmage. No matter if you’re coming off a year when you’re the best offensive line or the best defensive line, I think you’re always looking to keep those areas as a strength.”
DeCosta didn’t deny the Ravens are high on multiple tight ends in the draft. How good? The GM said the Ravens might draft more than one. Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq is similar to Likely and projects as a top-20 pick. If an elite offensive lineman falls into the lap of the Ravens, DeCosta sounds inclined to add one with multiple interior line spots open entering the 2026 season. Utah’s Spencer Fano has met with the team multiple times.
“I think Fano can play wherever you want him to play,” DeCosta said. “He can play tackle, he can play guard. He’s a good athlete, tough. He’s a good player.”
–Field Level Media
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