2 Players Who Could Be First Round Draft Picks in 2026: Baltimore Ravens Edition

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Austin Walls | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 1:27 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens had a down year in 2025, despite finishing second in the AFC North. They went 8-9 and missed the playoffs altogether for the first time since 2021. They will have the No. 14 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. The Ravens could address a number of needs. However, with new head coach Jesse Minter at the helm, the Ravens could do anything.

Looking at it from an objective view, the Ravens should draft offensively. One of their weakest units is their wide receiver group. Zay Flowers is the best one. If he was on any other team, he would struggle to be the second wide receiver. The Ravens also might go after a tight end. Mark Andrews is good, but getting older and is injury prone. This upcoming season, he will turn 31. In the position the Ravens are in, they could also go after a top offensive lineman to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson. Doing so is never flashy, but never wrong. So who will the Ravens take?

WR Makai Lemon, USC

The first potential draftee for the Ravens is the reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner. Lemon spent three years in SoCal progressively getting better and having the best season of his career last year. While it wasn’t enough to get USC into the College Football Playoff, Lemon was considered one of the best receivers in the game and he will likely be the second wide receiver off the board in the draft. Only Ohio State’s Carnell Tate will go ahead of him.

With how poor the Ravens wide receivers are, Lemon would slot right in. In his collegiate career, he has 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns. Lemon will be an instant starter wherever he ends up. If the Ravens take him, he will be the No. 1 wide receiver in his rookie year.

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

The other likely option for the Ravens is to get the replacement for Mark Andrews. Sadiq is one of the most athletic tight ends coming out of college football since perhaps Kyle Pitts. However, while he has incredible upside, there are some negatives to Sadiq’s game. Most of the hype comes from Sadiq’s potential, not from what he actually did. He is more of a receiving tight end, but he can block too. He would be a red zone nightmare for any defensive matchup.

In his three-year career with Oregon, he made 80 catches for 892 yards, 11 of which went for touchdowns. He could be the best option for the aging Andrews and the next weapon for Jackson.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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