Ravens Mock Draft Pick After Maxx Crosby Trade Revealed

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. projects Baltimore to select a versatile offensive lineman in the first round.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 1:55pm

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In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Baltimore Ravens selecting Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano with the 14th overall pick. Kiper notes that Fano's versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line, including potentially replacing center Tyler Linderbaum, makes him an appealing option for the Ravens after they backed out of a trade for Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

Why it matters

The Ravens' decision to sign Trey Hendrickson in free agency after the Crosby trade fell through left them with a need to address the offensive line in the draft. Fano's ability to play tackle, guard, and even center gives Baltimore flexibility to plug holes across their front five.

The details

Kiper wrote that Fano 'is steady as a pass protector, with double-digit starts at each tackle spot. But with 32⅛-inch arms, he might actually slide inside at the next level.' The ESPN draft analyst also noted that teams worked out Fano at center during the combine, indicating he could potentially replace Linderbaum if needed. In addition to Fano, Kiper mentioned wide receivers Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon as other potential first-round options for the Ravens.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.

The players

Spencer Fano

A versatile offensive lineman from the University of Utah who can play tackle, guard, and center.

Maxx Crosby

A star pass rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders who the Ravens were previously in trade talks to acquire.

Trey Hendrickson

A defensive end who the Ravens signed in free agency after the Crosby trade fell through.

Tyler Linderbaum

The Ravens' current starting center, whom Fano could potentially replace.

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver prospect who Kiper mentioned as another potential first-round option for the Ravens.

Makai Lemon

Another wide receiver prospect who Kiper said could be a fit for the Ravens in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“It appeared this pick was going to Las Vegas. Instead, Baltimore will still be on the clock at No. 14.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst (clutchpoints.com)

“Fano is steady as a pass protector, with double-digit starts at each tackle spot. But with 32⅛-inch arms, he might actually slide inside at the next level.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst (clutchpoints.com)

“Teams worked out Fano at center during the combine, and he could absolutely handle that role as a replacement for Tyler Linderbaum on the Ravens. Fano could also join new addition John Simpson as a starting guard. And on top of all that, he'd provide much-needed depth behind Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten at tackle.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, where the Ravens will have the 14th overall pick and look to add offensive line help or a wide receiver.

The takeaway

The Ravens' decision to back out of the Maxx Crosby trade and sign Trey Hendrickson in free agency has left them with a need to address the offensive line in the draft. Versatile Utah tackle Spencer Fano could be an ideal first-round pick, as he has the ability to play multiple positions and potentially even replace center Tyler Linderbaum if needed.