Ravens Could Make History in NFL Draft

Baltimore has a major need at offensive line after losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and tension of a football offensive line, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.An abstract, Cubist-inspired illustration captures the chaos and intensity of the offensive line as the Ravens look to rebuild their trenches.Las Vegas Today

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a significant hole at center after Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency. NFL.com's Kevin Patra notes that the Ravens have never selected a center or guard in the first half of the first round, but that trend could change this year as the team looks to shore up its offensive line to protect star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Why it matters

The Ravens' success is heavily dependent on Lamar Jackson's performance, and with the loss of Linderbaum, the team's offensive line is now a major question mark. Addressing this need early in the draft could be crucial for Baltimore to remain a contender in the AFC.

The details

With Linderbaum now with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Ravens' starting center is currently Corey Bullock, which is likely not an ideal long-term solution. The team could look to select an offensive lineman like Spencer Fano or Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th overall pick, which would mark the first time in franchise history the Ravens have taken a guard or center that high in the draft.

  • Tyler Linderbaum departed the Ravens in free agency this offseason.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback whose success is heavily dependent on the play of the offensive line.

Tyler Linderbaum

The former Ravens center who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency, leaving a major hole in Baltimore's offensive line.

Corey Bullock

The Ravens' current starting center, though he may not be the long-term solution.

Spencer Fano

A potential offensive line prospect the Ravens could target with the 14th overall pick.

Olaivavega Ioane

Another offensive line prospect the Ravens could consider with their first-round selection.

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What they’re saying

“The loss of Tyler Linderbaum stings Baltimore, which now has a significant need in the middle of the offensive line. Both guard and center are question marks at this stage. The Ravens have never selected a player at either position in the first half of the first round. Will they snag a lineman at No. 14?”

— Kevin Patra, NFL.com Writer

What’s next

The Ravens will have a chance to address their offensive line needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, where they hold the 14th overall pick. It remains to be seen if they will buck their trend and select a guard or center in the first half of the first round for the first time in franchise history.

The takeaway

The Ravens' success is heavily tied to Lamar Jackson's performance, and with the loss of Tyler Linderbaum, shoring up the offensive line has become a top priority for the team. Addressing this need early in the draft could be crucial for Baltimore to remain a contender in the AFC.