The Baltimore Ravens are already experiencing some big changes after a disappointing season. Longtime Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh was let go after 18 seasons, though it looks like he won’t be out of work for long. The Ravens are conducting a thorough search for a new head coach after finishing the season 8-9 and missing the playoffs, despite entering the season believed to be one of the contenders in the AFC.
Once their new coach is hired, the Ravens will turn to addressing the roster. Several areas need reinforcements, none more so than the defense — at all three levels. Baltimore had one of the league’s worst defenses in 2025 despite a late-season surge, and they could use more pass rush help, better run defense, and more bodies in the secondary.
But the offense could use some attention too, especially at the guard spots along the interior of the offensive line and at wide receiver. With two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson under center and plenty of star talent scattered across the roster, the Ravens are primed for a quick turnaround under a new coach. To do that, however, they’ll need to be smart with how they approach free agency and the draft.
Dane Brugler’s Latest Mock for the Baltimore Ravens
GettyEAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 15: Olaivavega Ioane #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions before a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 15, 2025 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler is one of the most respected, knowledgeable, and informative draft evaluators in media. He’s a great talent evaluator on his own and does a tremendous amount of research into each prospect’s history and film to inform his opinions. He also has league sources and he provides good intel on where teams might be leaning closer to the draft.
On Thursday, he released his latest 2026 mock draft, updated with the new info that Oregon QB Dante Moore will be returning to school. His pick for the Ravens is Penn State G Olaivavega Ioane, a smooth, powerful guard with lots of experience.
“Like last year when the Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker at No. 12, the Ravens selecting a guard wouldn’t get major headlines and might be unpopular with the fan base,” Brugler wrote. “But Ioane is a high-floor prospect and should be mentioned among the better players in this class.”
“The last time Baltimore held the 14th pick, in 2022, it drafted a ‘non-premium’ position (safety Kyle Hamilton) — that has worked out just fine.”
Olaivavega Ioane Would Be a Great Pick for the Baltimore Ravens
Ioane got a late start to his football career, going against his parents’ wishes and joining his high school football team as a sophomore. Since then, he’s blossomed into an elite pass protector with a devastating power profile in the run game. He’s played left guard, right guard, and center for the Nittany Lions, eventually settling at left guard.
With the versatility to play in multiple run blocking schemes, Ioane is a smooth mover in space who can beat defenders to his spots and drive them off the line of scrimmage in power. He’s an advanced pass protector with keen awareness and a toughness that will endear him to fans, teammates, and coaches alike. If the Ravens do select Ioane, he’d be an immediate upgrade to Jackson’s protection in Baltimore.
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