Ravens sign first round pick Vega Ioane ahead of rookie minicamp

In a move that's been mocked and expected for weeks, the Baltimore Ravens selected Penn State All-American guard Olaivavega Ioane with the No. 14 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was precise and relaxed, allowing the draft to come to them and then capitalizing on top-tier talent that unexpectedly slid down the board with a best-player-available approach.

With the two-day rookie minicamp set to kick off, The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec reports that Ioane is signed, sealed, and delivered for day one of practice after putting pen to his four-year rookie deal. Ravens have officially signed first-round pick Vega Ioane, per source. Neither side wasted any time.

Ravens rookie minicamp starts tomorrow. — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 30, 2026 The Ravens are built to contend now, and Ioane is an immediate Day 1 starter at left guard opposite John Simpson, bringing elite physicality and explosive traits to an offense that's centered around Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Ioane didn't allow a sack in his two years as a starter at Penn State, and unlike the previous regime, he didn't draw a single penalty flag either.

Ioane is a welcome addition, as quarterback Lamar Jackson was sacked 36 times last season, with a great amount of pressure coming up the middle. The move is an immediate response to the Bengals trading the No. 10 pick to the Giants for Dexter Lawrence.