Baltimore Ravens Bolster Trenches In Latest Mock Draft

The Baltimore Ravens missed the playoffs, fired longtime head coach John Harbaugh, and are moving forward with former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter calling the shots. This is the first time in forever that someone other than Harbaugh will be responsible for coaching up whoever the Ravens select, so all eyes should be on any mock draft that comes out between now and the start of the big event.

While the Ravens lost several key players in free agency, they still have a first-round pick after the Maxx Crosby trade fell apart. In a recent mock draft, Bleacher Report‘s Brandon Thorne made his case for why the Ravens should select Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.

“Baltimore already brought back John Simpson but could still afford to upgrade the other guard spot, especially if the class’s top-rated prospect at the position is still on the board,” Thorn said. “Ioane provides a stouter presence than the team has had in years, possessing the demeanor and play-strength to reshape the offense’s identity.”

Ravens Select Guard Vega Ioane In Latest Mock Draft

The Ravens have struggled to solve the guard position for years now. While tackle and center have never been an issue, Baltimore has always struggled to solidify the left and right guard positions. While Simpson’s return is a fine short-term fix to one guard spot, Ioane should be a long-term fixture along the offensive line.

The Penn State product is a downhill, physical type of player who has no issue imposing his will on opposing defensive tackles. This throwback style of play makes him a perfect match for Baltimore’s offense, as he should clear lanes and allow battering ram Derrick Henry to build up plenty of momentum before crashing into linebackers.

Additionally, it can’t hurt to add more help along the offensive line. Quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled with injuries last year, and keeping him as healthy as possible is paramount to the success of this team. Baltimore already lost Tyler Linderbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders, so adding someone like Ioane in this mock draft should help the Ravens keep an above-average line as they chase a championship in 2026.