Ravens' Draft Dilemma: No Center Selected in 2026

All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum left Baltimore in 2025 free agency for the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving a “Linderbaum-shaped hole” on the line that had anchored quarterback Lamar Jackson’s snaps since the 2022 draft. The Ravens entered the 2026 draft with 11 selections and a clear need to replace the three-time Pro Bowler.

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Baltimore used its early picks on guard Vega Ioane (14th), edge rusher Zion Young (45th), and receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (80th) but did not draft a center. GM Eric DeCosta said two centers they liked—Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter—were taken in the second round, and that trading up would have cost too many assets.

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• Draft picks: 11; centers drafted: 0.

Ravens' back-to-back draft picks again sidestep a blatantly obvious weakness

• Centers selected by other teams: Logan Jones (Chicago Bears, 45th) and Jake Slaughter (Los Angeles Chargers, 63rd).

Eric DeCosta Explains Why the Ravens Didn't Draft a Center

• Undrafted free-agent signing: Nick Dawkins, 6-foot-4, 305 lb, two-year starter and team captain at Penn State.

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• Current interior linemen: Corey Bullock, Jovaughn Gwyn, Danny Pinter.

Ravens' back-to-back draft picks again sidestep a blatantly obvious weakness

DeCosta called the lack of a drafted center “unfortunate” but asserted the roster “has a solution” and that a center would be taken if the highest-rated prospect remained on the board. He also confirmed a plan to address tight end on Day 2 and described Day 3 as “scout’s day,” noting remaining holes at center, tight end, and defensive line.

Ravens Select EDGE Zion Young, WR Ja’Kobi Lane In Second Day Of 2026 NFL Draft

Analyst Jeff Zrebiec warned, “it’s hard to fill every single need with three picks,” emphasizing the missed chance to replace Linderbaum. Sportswriter Jason La Canfora labeled the situation “desperate,” urging the front office to sign veteran interior linemen. Multiple commentators noted the Ravens prioritized a pass rusher over a more pressing interior need.

Sports Illustrated

All sources agree the Ravens liked two centers who were taken early, but they differ on DeCosta’s exact wording—some quote “there were a couple of centers that we really liked,” while others paraphrase. No source details a concrete plan beyond signing Dawkins, leaving a gap in how the team will secure a starting-level center before training camp.

Eric DeCosta Explains Why the Ravens Didn't Draft a Center

The Ravens retain a sixth-round pick (No. 211) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 250, 253). Analysts suggest targeting veteran centers such as Graham Glasgow, Cornelius Lucas, DJ Humphries, or Cam Robinson. New offensive-line coach Dwayne Ledford is expected to develop existing interior players, and Nick Dawkins will compete for snaps in preseason.

Ravens' back-to-back draft picks again sidestep a blatantly obvious weakness

• “DeCosta said there were two centers they "really liked" who both went in the second round.” — Eric DeCosta, GM, Ravens

Eric DeCosta Explains Why the Ravens Didn't Draft a Center

• “If the center winds up being the highest rated guy when we're on the clock, that will be the pick.” — Eric DeCosta, GM, Ravens

Ravens' back-to-back draft picks again sidestep a blatantly obvious weakness

• “The Ravens failed to address center, or deep threat, in anything close to a meaningful manner.” — Jason La Canfora, Writer

Sports Illustrated

• “a high-football-IQ field general and functional mover” — Dane Brugler, Analyst

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