Andrew Buller-Russ
Barring another trade, the Baltimore Ravens will be adding a prospect with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23. Ravens draft projections and predictions have been all over the place thus far, with some focusing on the offensive interior, and a large collection predicting a wide receiver.
There’s no way to know which prospects will be available by the time the Ravens are on the clock next Thursday, but there’s a good chance that one of the several first-round receiver prospects will still be up for grabs. The Ravens may also have the opportunity to select the top-ranked offensive guard, Vega Ioane, but is selecting a non-tackle the best value in the top half of the first round?
ESPN’s Ravens insider Jamison Henley believes Baltimore is far more likely to target a receiver. In fact, he suggests there’s a “strong chance” the Ravens select a pass-catcher with the 14th overall pick.
“Offense is the Ravens’ likely direction to improve quarterback Lamar Jackson’s supporting cast. Interior offensive line is the biggest need, but the Ravens have never selected a guard or center in the top half of the first round. There is a strong possibility of adding a wide receiver to pair with Flowers. In the past seven drafts, the Ravens have selected three wide receivers in the first round. The most intriguing pick would be tight end Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) because Baltimore’s top pass-catching option at tight end is Mark Andrews, who turns 31 at the start of the upcoming season.”
ESPN’s Jamison Henley on Ravens’ first-round draft plans
Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is widely expected to be selected before the Ravens are on the clock, but between USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Indiana’s Omar Cooper, and Oregon’s tight end Kenyon Sadiq, one of the four is sure to be available at 14.
The Ravens haven’t been afraid to target a receiver in the first round in recent years, targeting Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in 2021 and Zay Flowers with the 22nd overall pick in 2023. Both are starting receivers in Baltimore, but there’s still room for another pass-catcher to emerge, and it could be another first-round pick.
Related: Baltimore Ravens Urged to Trade First-Round Pick for Superstar Receiver
