The NFL Draft is only a couple of weeks away, and draft rankings are becoming even clearer. If things stay as they are now, the top needs of the Baltimore Ravens heading into the draft are offensive line (especially the interior), edge rusher, defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback.
The good thing for the Ravens is that there should be a player who fits both need and value available when they make their selection in the first round at pick 14. Below are five first-round draft targets for the Ravens and their fantasy football impact.
1. IOL-Olaivavega Ioane-Penn State
It feels like this pick is just meant to be. The Ravens’ biggest weakness is the interior of their offensive line. It was their biggest weakness going into the offseason, and now, with the loss of Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum, this is an even greater need.
Olaivavega Ioane may end up being the best offensive lineman in this class when it is all said and done. He may not be quite as versatile as some of the other options, but he has the potential to be a consistent Pro Bowl-level guard at the next level.
Ioane is a fierce and physical offensive lineman, and his nasty mentality would fit the Ravens’ culture. He has incredible power and body control. His size and strength allow him to create momentum and drive through interior pass rushers. He sets with great posture and can anchor down in pass-blocking situations. Ioane is built for a downhill, up-the-middle run game like the one the Ravens run with Derrick Henry, making this a great fit.
You would not see a direct impact on fantasy football numbers from Ioane, but his presence would be felt. He would give Lamar Jackson more time in the pocket and open up running lanes for both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Both the rushing and passing numbers should increase with this addition.
2. OL-Spencer Fano-Utah
Spencer Fano can be found higher in most rankings than Olaivavega Ioane. These are two incredible but different prospects. Ioane may be the better stand-alone guard, but Fano’s versatility is unmatched in this draft class.
Fano is still a very good guard and could be a Pro Bowl-level player himself, but his ability to play any position on the line makes him incredibly valuable. He was a three-year starter for Utah and played both left and right tackle. However, his best position at the NFL level may be guard, where the Ravens could plug him in immediately.
Fano has great footwork and athleticism, allowing him to stay engaged in blocks and get out on pulls to lead downfield. He does lack elite strength and will need to develop more power to become a complete player.
Fano could have a major indirect impact on fantasy football. He can help keep Lamar Jackson upright and healthy, which benefits players like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. He would also contribute as a strong run blocker for Derrick Henry. Fano’s excellent footwork will allow him to get out and block on the edge for Henry, while also clearing holes up the middle.
3. WR-Jordyn Tyson-Arizona State
Another one of the Ravens’ needs is wide receiver. DeAndre Hopkins is a free agent, so behind Zay Flowers, the current options are Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker.
Bateman is a former first-round pick, but injuries and inconsistent usage have prevented him from fully living up to expectations. Walker, a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, entered the league as a raw prospect with upside based on his speed and size. Both players could use more opportunities for usage in order to determine what their real potential is, but the best thing for the organization would be to add some competition to the wide receiver room.
Jordyn Tyson would provide that competition for the WR2 spot. If you take injuries out of the equation and focus purely on film, he might be the best receiver in this class. Tyson can line up anywhere, runs smooth routes, and has the ability to execute a full route tree. He doesn’t have top-notch speed, but he has enough speed to run vertical routes and get downfield. Tyson has a great ability to make contested catches and excellent body control. He also has a unique ability to high point the football.
The biggest concern is his injury history, which could make him a risk. At his best, he has a skill set similar to DeAndre Hopkins. At worst, his career could resemble Rashod Bateman’s.
If Jordyn Tyson were selected to the Ravens, he would have both direct and indirect effects on fantasy football. As mentioned above, Tyson has unique abilities and I could see him being a threat right out of the gate for the Ravens. He can play any position so they could move him all over the field. He could be a middle of the draft pick that ends up being a decent flex option for you this year and maybe even a WR2 if he really starts off hot this season.
Indirectly, if he does well this year it could have some negative effects on both Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. He could steal targets from both players and lower their effectiveness on your fantasy football teams.
4. Edge-Akheem Mesidor-Miami
The Baltimore Ravens signed outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson this offseason. Hendrickson is a former All-Pro who led the NFL in sacks just two years ago in 2024. However, the Ravens could still use more firepower when it comes to rushing the passer. The Baltimore Ravens ranked 30th in the league in total sacks last year and former starter Kyle Van Noy is now a free agent.
There are hopes that last year’s second-round pick Mike Green can make a jump this upcoming season. Green led college football with 17 sacks in 2024 and was one of the top prospects in last year’s draft class. However, Green dropped to the second round because of off the field issues and the Ravens may have gotten a steal.
Even with Hendrickson and the potential development of Green, the Ravens could use more depth and competition. Akheem Mesidor would be a strong fit.
Mesidor is a relentless pass rusher with an endless motor, and he would fit in well with the Raven’s culture. Akheem doesn’t quit on plays and will go until the whistle blows. Mesidor is more of a power rusher than a speed rusher. He utilizes his bull rush and hands to manipulate and dominate offensive linemen and tight ends. He is particularly effective when moving inside and attacking guards. Akheem continuously pursues the play with speed and intelligent angles. He can drop and spy the quarterback as well.
Not only could Mesidor create competition at the edge position, but I could see packages that contain Hendrickson, Green and Mesidor on the field all at the same time. This would be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Mesidor could cause problems for fantasy managers as well. His pass rushing ability will put pressure on fantasy quarterbacks to get rid of the ball early, making it hard for them to get the ball to your fantasy receivers and causing sacks and turnovers in the process. Mesidor’s relentless pursuit for the football will make him a terror for fantasy running backs as well.
5. CB-Jermod McCoy-Tennessee
The Baltimore Raven’s drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins in the 2024 NFL Draft and they still have veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Chidobe Awuzie also re-signed, giving them a solid cornerback group—but there is room for improvement.
Marlon Humphrey is 29 years old and has shown some possible signs of decline recently. Awuzie was a solid piece for the Ravens last year, but he is 30 years old and he would be more valuable as a depth piece or a player to come in during certain packages.
If the Baltimore Ravens were to draft cornerback Jermod McCoy it could elevate this secondary significantly. It would create a pair of young and talented cornerbacks on the outside and it would allow them to move Marlon Humphrey into a more natural nickel role. The Ravens will eventually be moving on from both Humphrey and Awuzie and they would have their starting cornerbacks set up for when that happens.
Jermod McCoy may be the best cornerback talent in this draft. He had a great 2024 season in college but missed the entire season last year because of an ACL tear. He is incredible in press coverage. McCoy uses a one-handed jam and keeps his balance while staying in stride with receivers. McCoy has an unusual talent to bait the quarterback while in zone coverage. He can show space and recover to make a play on the ball. While not a heavy hitter, he is reliable in open-field tackling.
McCoy’s injury last year could cause him to drop far enough for the Ravens to snag him. If it wasn’t for his injury, he may have been a top 5 to top 10 pick in this year’s draft, so he could be another steal for the Baltimore Ravens.
Jermod McCoy could be a nightmare for your fantasy receivers. He could be a shutdown corner causing some down weeks for both your fantasy receivers and quarterbacks.
At least one of these talented players should be available when the Ravens pick at No. 14. Each prospect aligns well with the team’s needs. While the Ravens typically draft based on value rather than need, this could be a year where both align perfectly.
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