The Ravens entered the 2026 NFL draft looking to add immediate contributors to a roster with championship aspirations, and Baltimore once again leaned into value, versatility, and toughness. From potential Day 1 starters to developmental pieces who could carve out key rotational roles, several rookies have clear paths to meaningful snaps this fall. Whether it’s adding explosiveness on offense, depth in the secondary, or physicality in the trenches, the Ravens’ latest draft class has the potential to shape the AFC North race quickly. Here’s an early ranking of Baltimore’s draft picks based on their projected impact during the 2026 season.
1-14: G Vega Ioane
Impact rookies aren’t always a guarantee, but the former Nittany Lions road grade represents the closest thing to a sure future Pro Bowler at his position. A physical and athletic marvel who’s already made a presence at the Under Armor Performance Center, Vega Ioane is a Day 1 starter at either right or left guard. Over his final two seasons in Happy Valley, Ioane didn’t allow a single sack and drew zero holding penalties.
6-211: P Ryan Eckley
Eckley arrives from Michigan State with a strong leg and the ability to control field position, traits that are critical in Baltimore’s emphasis on special teams after losing Jordan Stout to the Giants. His consistency and hang time give him an immediate chance to compete, especially in a system that values precision and situational awareness.. Eckley led the FBS with an impressive punting average of 48.5 yards, which ranks as the second-best single-season average in Michigan State University history.
4-133: TE Matthew Hibner
Lamar Jackson loves an athletic tight end, and we’re predicting that Lamar Jackson falls in love with Matthew Hibner. Hibner appeared in all 13 games last season and started in 12. At SMU, He recorded four receiving touchdowns and had four games with at least four receptions. Notably, he had a season-high of five catches on two occasions.
3-80: WR Ja’Kobi Lane
A big and athletic target, Lane finished his three-year USC career with 99 receptions for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns. In 11 games last season, Lane had 49 receptions for 745 yards and four scores. For Baltimore, this pick represents another step toward surrounding its offense with more dynamic weapons, giving OC Declan Doyle flexibility in how it deploys his passing attack moving forward.
2-45: OLB Zion Young
Young recorded a total of 23 tackles, including 9 solo tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (TFL), and a team-high 9.0 sacks, along with one interception in his final season at Missouri. His average of 0.69 sacks per game ranked him 19th nationally and fourth in the SEC. PFF credited him with 37 quarterback hurries and nine quarterback hits. Young was also named to the Second Team All-SEC by league coaches. Still, Trey Hendrickson is a guaranteed starter, while Young will battle 2025 second-round pick Mike Green and Tavius Robinson for edge rusher snaps. Calais Campbell’s return also impacts some things.
4-115: WR Elijah Sarratt
Sarratt arrives as a productive and reliable possession target, coming off a strong 2025 season at Indiana, where he totaled 65 receptions for 830 yards and 15 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to finish plays and score for the National Champion Hoosiers.
5-162: CB Chandler Rivers
Rivers is a two-time All-ACC honoree, earning a first-team selection in 2024 and a second-team selection in 2025. He could see immediate playing time in the slot.
5-174: RB Adam Randall
At Clemson, Randall showcased his dual-threat ability, becoming just the fourth player in program history to record at least 750 rushing yards and 750 passing yards. His ability to contribute in multiple ways — whether as a runner, passer, or gadget option — adds another layer to an already creative offensive scheme.
5-173: TE Josh Cuevas
Cuevas brings experience from a major program at Alabama, where he developed as a reliable option in both the passing game and as a blocker. His ability to contribute in multiple roles fits the Ravens’ preference for tight ends who can line up in different spots and create matchup challenges.
7-250: DT Rayshaun Benny
The 6-3, 298-pound Benny played several different positions at Michigan under former Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
7-253: G Evan Beerntsen, OL
A well-traveled college athlete, Beernsten spent six seasons at South Dakota State before spending his final college year at Northwestern. The 25-year-old spent most of his time at right guard and offers the potential to slide to center.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Early ranking projects biggest rookie impact for Ravens