The case for and against the Ravens drafting OL in Round 1
LAWRENCE, KS - NOVEMBER 28: Utah Utes offensive lineman Spencer Fano (55) looks to block in the third quarter of a Big 12 football game between the Utah Utes and Kansas Jayhawks on November 28, 2025 at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images In next week’s NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens will enter the weekend equipped with 11 total picks at their disposal. That includes the No.
14 overall selection in the first round on Thursday night. The Ravens traditionally stick to their “best player available” drafting strategy but also have a few prominent roster needs to address. General Manager Eric DeCosta and the team’s brain trust could go a number of directions with their first pick, one of which is drafting an offensive lineman.
Let’s break down the case for and against the Ravens drafting an offensive lineman in Round 1. The Case For: Inconsistent offensive line play and poor pass protection was one of the Ravens’ pitfalls in the 2025 season. They started the same five-man unit for nearly the entire season, but the group never gelled together and did not round into a formidable unit despite their continuity.
Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times in only 13 games, which is the third highest sacks taken mark of his career. He regularly was under duress and had to scramble to evade pressure. The Ravens’ pass blocking was particularly an issue in the interior of the offensive line, which was plagued by up-and-down guard play.
While they signed a competent veteran in John Simpson to occupy one starting spot, the Ravens still need to upgrade at the opposite guard position. Rising sophomore Emery Jones Jr. has potential to emerge as a starter but is still unproven.
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