NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
With at least then 2 weeks to go until the 2026 NFL draft, Baltimore and 31 other teams are preparing. To bring in the next group of talented college football players to showcase their talents on Sundays and beyond. The Baltimore Ravens will be looking to add to their already talented roster, with players looking to make an impact. With 11 picks in the entire NFL draft, the Ravens will be looking for players who “Play Like A Raven”. It is the calm before the storm that is called the NFL draft for the Baltimore Ravens.
1st Round Pick #14: Reuben Bain Jr, DE, Miami
Earlier in the offseason, the Baltimore Ravens had a deal in place for Maxx Crosby before backing out. Then they pivot to Plan B by signing free agent Trey Hendrickson to a 4-year deal for the pass rush. Last year, the Ravens drafted Mike Green from Marshall in the 2nd round, who showed some flashes in year one. But in 2025, the Ravens struggled to get sacks, ranking at the bottom of the league with only 30. This proves that the Baltimore Ravens’ pass rush would need some help in the upcoming NFL draft.
Reuben Bain Jr from Miami is a pass rusher who fits the motto “Play Like A Raven” from the start. Bain has a high-end motor and a disruptive, consistent pressure that can get to quarterbacks. His talents alone would make him at least a top 5 pick in the NFL draft. But the length of Reuben Bain’s arms gives teams a concern that his arm length might scare teams away. But if he falls to the #14 pick, the Ravens should pounce on Reuben Bain Jr with that pick.
Round 2 Pick #45: Emmanuel Pregon, G, Oregon
The Baltimore Ravens’ most needed help on this team, as it stands, is on the interior offensive line. Both the center and right guard positions are the 2 spots that need to be fixed on the offensive line. The right guard position is a position that will need to be addressed within the first 2 rounds. Having strong guards can help both the passing game and the running game, especially with Lamar Jackson as your quarterback. A right guard that I see fits the motto of “Play Like A Raven” is Emmanuel Pregon from Oregon.
Emmanuel Pregon is a bruising Offensive guard from Oregon, 6’5 320 ibs, who could be a day 1 starter. In 2025, played 910 snaps at Oregon and only allowed 1 sack in his senior year. Plays a very powerful and physical style of guard that can solidify both passing and running protection for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens, since 2020, have been looking to find their long-term RG since Marshal Yanda retired. And Emmanuel Pregon can be the guard the Ravens have been looking for in the long-term on the offensive line.
Round 3 Pick #80: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State
The center position is another position on the Offensive line that can be filled out by the NFL draft. Tyler Linderbaum left by free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders on a 3-year deal. Beefing up the offensive line will not only help Lamar Jackson but the running attack as well. Having a strong center hiking the ball can help Lamar Jackson execute the plays down the field. A center is a big need for the offensive line to be successful in 2026 for the Baltimore Ravens.
Sam Hecht from Kansas State is a center who can offer movement, range, and stability to the Offense line. In 2025, Hecht played 759 snaps at center and earned a PFF grade of 80.3, 4th among centers. Allowed in his senior year only 7 pass pressures, zero sacks, and hits against opposing pass rushers. Hecht would be a perfect fit for the motto “Play Like A Raven” for this team. Sam Hecht would be the perfect replacement for Tyler Linderbaum at the center position on the offensive line.
Round 4 Pick #115: Michael Trigg, TE Baylor
Both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar left for new teams by free agency, leaving Mark Andrews as the only TE. The Baltimore Ravens will need to get more firepower for Lamar Jackson and the offense in 2026. Tight ends have been a lifesaver for this offensive especially with Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Baltimore has a great history in the past of drafting from Todd Heap, Dennis Pitta, to Mark Andrews. And, this draft could be lining up for the Ravens to draft another tight end for the future.
Michael Trigg from Baylor is a 6’4 240-pound tight end from Baylor who is talented with excellent traits. Traits that Trigg is good at are yards after a catch, breaking tackles downfield, and being a red zone threat. Had a good senior year with 694 yards and 6 touchdown catches, 14 yards per catch in 2025. But one downside to him is that he does have a knack for dropping passes on routine routes. If he can fix those mistakes, I could see Michael Trigg and Mark Andrews as a formidable tight end duo.
