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Ravens Sign Undrafted Center Nick Dawkins as Linderbaum Replacement

4/26/2026

Summary

Ravens Sign Dawkins

The Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted center Nick Dawkins on April 25, 2026 to replace Tyler Linderbaum.
GM Eric DeCosta said the team preferred drafted centers, so they chose pass-rusher Zion Young at No. 45 while the Bears selected Logan Jones and the Chargers selected Jake Slaughter in the round.
Dawkins, a former Penn State captain, reunites with guard Vega Ioane, and analysts say his 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame and quick feet may offset limited strength.

Summary

Ravens Draft Depth

On Day 3 the Ravens drafted CB Chandler Rivers, TE Josh Cuevas, RB Adam Randall, WR Ja’Kobi Lane and edge rusher Zion Young, favoring depth, leaving interior-line needs unmet.
DeCosta said tight end is a priority after losing Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar and hired OL coach Dwayne Ledford.
The Ravens fell from the league-best red-zone touchdown rate in 2024 to 27th in 2025, sparking a search for an end-zone target.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL introduced a hard salary cap of about $34 million for the 1994 season, teams like the San Diego Chargers were forced to cut or trade veterans and turn to cheaper undrafted talent. That cost-saving model persists; in 2026 the Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted center Nick Dawkins to address interior-line depth, echoing the cap-driven roster strategies of the 1990s.

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Ravens Sign Dawkins

The Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted center Nick Dawkins on April 25, 2026 to replace Tyler Linderbaum.
GM Eric DeCosta said the team preferred drafted centers, so they chose pass-rusher Zion Young at No. 45 while the Bears selected Logan Jones and the Chargers selected Jake Slaughter in the round.
Dawkins, a former Penn State captain, reunites with guard Vega Ioane, and analysts say his 6-foot-4, 305-pound frame and quick feet may offset limited strength.

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