NFL
By: Joey MacDonald
The 2026 Baltimore Ravens draft class, on paper, looks like a really solid draft class by general manager Eric Decosta. Coming in, the Ravens needed to fix some holes on a very talented roster, and they did in the draft. They filled up the holes with exciting young rookies who will make big splashes for the Baltimore Ravens in 2026. On the field, it will be the start for this crop of rookies to settle in with the purple and black. And, these 5 rookies, I believe, will make the biggest impact for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2026 regular season.
1. Vega Ioane
The Ravens 1st pick of the 2026 draft, Vega Ioane, will have an immediate impact on the Offensive Line. The highly talented guard will make Lamar Jackson’s life a lot easier, protecting him at the Left Guard spot. Ioane looks already looking strong in minicamp after getting some praise from some of his teammates for his body of work. His presence on the Offensive Line will be known this season as he joins a revamped offensive line in 2026. Vega Ioane will make the biggest impact of any rookie for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2026 NFL season.
2. Elijah Sarratt
Elijah Sarratt is another Ravens rookie who I believe will make an immediate impact on the offense with Lamar Jackson. So far, his minicamp has his coaches and teammates excited about what Sarratt can bring to the Ravens. The 4th round pick from Indiana can make an early impact with his skill set in Declan Doyle’s offense. During minicamp, he has already been turning heads with some catches he’s been making and running after the catch as well. And, if he has a great preseason, don’t be surprised if he becomes a starter later on in the season.
3. Zion Young
Round 2 pick, Zion Young, has already been looking to make a huge impact for the pass rush on defense. In minicamp, Young has been impressing DC Anthony Weaver with his overpowering skills against the offensive line in drills. The pass rush struggled last year, and it looks like it was upgraded nicely with the selection of Zion Young. Young’s ability to get in the back has been an eye-opener for the coaches, too, in minicamp. Along with last year’s pick of Mike Green, Young and Green could set up for a forbidden pass-rushing duo.
4. Ja’Kobi Lane
The second wide receiver drafted in round 4 is making an impact in minicamp with his catch-making ability. His build and height can make it easy for catches to come his way later on in the regular season. In 11-on-11 drills, Lane has been catching both short and intermediate passes with both Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman out. Having a wide receiver with good hands and a catch radius can go a long way for high offensive numbers. And Ja’ Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarrratt, both mid-round picks, can become valuable impact players for the offense.
5. Ryan Eckley
The Ravens will have a new punter after Jordan Stout left via free agency for the New York Giants. That’s where the Ravens took Michigan State’s Ryan Eckley in the 6th round as their new punter. In minicamp, Eckley has been bombing punts all over the field, where he averaged 48.5 yards per punt. Ryan Eckley will have shoes to fill with the departure of Jordan Strout, who had all-pro honors last season. And, if they can exceed those expectations, then the Ravens will have their punter of the future in Ryan Eckley.
Overall:
The 2026 Baltimore Ravens draft class looks like they can make a huge impact in 2026 and beyond. If they can put on the field come regular season, then the sky’s the limit for this team. Having impactful rookies on this team can show how stacked the Baltimore Ravens are in the AFC.
