Full Breakdown
Ravens Exit 2026 Draft Without a Center, GM DeCosta Explains Strategy
4/28/2026, 5:29:58 AM
Draft Outcome: No Center Selected
Baltimore Ravens finished the 2026 NFL Draft with 11 rookie picks but no center. Their first-round pick was offensive lineman Vega Ioane; a seventh-round pick was guard Evan Beerntsen, leaving the vacancy left by former Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum unfilled.
Context: Linderbaum’s Departure
Tyler Linderbaum left the Ravens in free agency, creating a clear need for a true center. Analysts identified the position as a top offseason priority.
Draft Decisions and Options
GM Eric DeCosta said the Ravens “really liked” two centers—Logan Jones (57th overall, Chicago Bears) and Jake Slaughter (63rd overall, Los Angeles Chargers). Both were taken after the Ravens used their second-round pick (45th overall) on edge rusher Zion Jones. DeCosta noted that trading up would have cost third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks, a price he deemed prohibitive. The draft also added guard Vega Ioane, edge rusher Zion Jones, and receivers Ja’Kobi Lane, Elijah Sarratt, and Matt Hibner.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the edge-rusher taken at pick 45: one article lists Zion Jones in the second round, another lists Zion Young in the first round.
Official Statements from Management
DeCosta called the situation “unfortunate” but expressed confidence in the roster. He said the team lacked “the ammunition” to maneuver higher in the draft and that the selected players would form “a great offensive line” once assembled. He added that, after reviewing the board, he “probably wouldn’t do anything differently.”
Criticism from Fans and Media
Media commentator Ryan Mink and some fans argued that failing to address the center vacancy was a major oversight, labeling it “one of the Ravens’ biggest needs” heading into the season.
Offseason Move: Signing Danny Pinter
In March, the Ravens signed former Indianapolis Colts center Danny Pinter. Pinter earned All-MAC honors at Ball State in 2019, was a fifth-round pick in 2020, and posted an 82.9 PFF grade as a starter in 2024 before a reduced role in 2025. DeCosta said he expects “a plan at the position” and confidence that competition will decide the starter.
What’s Next
Training camp will feature competition among Corey Bullock, Jovaughn Gwyn, Danny Pinter, and other interior linemen. DeCosta anticipates the offensive line will be solidified before the September opener.
Verbatim Quotes
- “there were a couple centers that we really liked,” — Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens
- “So, [it’s] unfortunate, but I’m ecstatic with the players that we were able to get.” — Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens
- “So, [it’s] unfortunate, but I’m ecstatic with the players that we were able to get. Honestly, like looking at this list of players, I probably wouldn’t do anything differently.” — Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens
- “Probably prohibitive for us to get up that high in the draft,” — Eric DeCosta, General Manager, Baltimore Ravens
