Main Photo: Kirby Lee Imagn Images

Ravens Support Lamar Jackson In Latest Mock Draft

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 3:00 PM ET

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, Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports made his case for why the Ravens should select Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane.

“I imagine Vega Ioane has one of the highest floors of any prospect in this class at 6-foot-4, 323 pounds, and he allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits and just four pressures in 2025,” Dajani writes. “Keeping Lamar Jackson upright is how the Ravens can win a Super Bowl, and Ioane will make sure he’s not sacked 36 times in a season again.”

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane (71) against the Boise State Broncos during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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