Ravens Draft Strategy: Filling Holes, Building Depth

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome in. This is NFL News Today, where the league meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. The Baltimore Ravens are deep into their 2026 offseason, gearing up for head coach Jesse Mentor's first year with eyes on the playoffs. They lost eight key starters and contributors last week, including an all pro punter and a versatile tight end, but softened the blow by signing edge. Russia Trey Hendrickson to a four-year deal. On top of that, they snagged a league-high four compensatory draft picks after free agent departures. Teams like the Ravens thrive in the draft compensation game, turning losses into future assets. With roster holes at linebacker, edge, offensive line and tight end, they're eyeing day three prospects for high upside, late-round steals that fit. Mentor's defensive scheme, fans and analysts see this as a smart reset, especially with aging stars like linebacker Rokwan Smith needing backups. The departures hurt depth, but the comp picks give general manager Eric DeCosta extra ammo

1:02to rebuild without big spending. Standouts on their radar include Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter for his instincts, Michigan's Jason Barham with 32 tackles and four. Sacks last year and Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauff, a second team all-American. Tight ends like Eli Raritan and Michael Trigg bring receiving pop, while edge rushers the Dom Tucker and Ramello Height offer sack potential. As the draft nears, these developmental gems could plug gaps and spark the defense, setting Baltimore up for a stronger run back to contention.