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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson offered a strong endorsement of the organization's 2026 draft class on Wednesday as the team continued organized team activities and the early integration of another large rookie group into a roster carrying championship expectations.
The Ravens entered the draft with significant roster flexibility and once again leaned heavily into building organizational depth, selecting 11 players for the second consecutive year while adding versatility, athleticism, and developmental upside across the roster.
Baltimore's approach reflected the philosophy that has consistently defined the franchise under general manager Eric DeCosta and, before him, executive vice president Ozzie Newsome. Rather than focusing solely on immediate starters, the Ravens targeted players capable of contributing in multiple roles while strengthening long-term roster depth around one of the AFC's most talented cores.
The offensive additions immediately stood out.
Baltimore selected USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round before adding Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt in the fourth, giving Jackson two large-bodied pass catchers capable of thriving in contested situations.
Lane finished his USC career with 99 receptions for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns, while Sarratt emerged as one of college football's most productive possession targets during Indiana's national championship season.
The Ravens believe the additions can further diversify an offense now operating under first-year coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson has already spoken this offseason enthusiastically about Doyle's offensive vision and the collaborative relationship developing between the quarterback and play-caller.
Baltimore also added significant depth across the offensive line and at tight end.
Guard Vega Ioane arrived after two standout seasons at Penn State, during which he reportedly allowed no sacks and committed no holding penalties. Tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas provide additional versatility in formations that Baltimore hopes will continue evolving around Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the run game.
Defensively, the Ravens focused heavily on athleticism and pass-rush production.
Edge rusher Zion Young arrives after posting nine sacks in the SEC last season while earning second-team All-SEC recognition. Baltimore also strengthened its secondary with Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers and added interior defensive line depth through Rayshaun Benny.
The Ravens supplemented the class further with versatile offensive weapon Adam Randall and punter Ryan Eckley, whose 48.5-yard punting average led the FBS last season. Baltimore enters 2026 with substantial expectations after another playoff appearance and an aggressive offseason focused on maximizing the franchise's championship window around Jackson. The Ravens added veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson earlier in the offseason and continue building one of the league's deepest rosters under first-year head coach Jesse Minter.
Jackson remains central to all of those plans.
The two-time MVP spoke on Wednesday about enjoying the transition to Doyle's offense and described the new system as "a breath of fresh air" as Baltimore continues to build chemistry throughout organized team activities.
The quarterback's endorsement of the rookie class reflected broader optimism surrounding a roster Baltimore believes is capable of competing deep into January once again. Training camp remains two months away, but the Ravens already appear energized by both the incoming talent and the organization's direction heading into 2026.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson likes Ravens draft haul entering OTAs
Continue reading...
The Ravens entered the draft with significant roster flexibility and once again leaned heavily into building organizational depth, selecting 11 players for the second consecutive year while adding versatility, athleticism, and developmental upside across the roster.
Baltimore's approach reflected the philosophy that has consistently defined the franchise under general manager Eric DeCosta and, before him, executive vice president Ozzie Newsome. Rather than focusing solely on immediate starters, the Ravens targeted players capable of contributing in multiple roles while strengthening long-term roster depth around one of the AFC's most talented cores.
The offensive additions immediately stood out.
Baltimore selected USC wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round before adding Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt in the fourth, giving Jackson two large-bodied pass catchers capable of thriving in contested situations.
Lane finished his USC career with 99 receptions for 1,363 yards and 18 touchdowns, while Sarratt emerged as one of college football's most productive possession targets during Indiana's national championship season.
The Ravens believe the additions can further diversify an offense now operating under first-year coordinator Declan Doyle. Jackson has already spoken this offseason enthusiastically about Doyle's offensive vision and the collaborative relationship developing between the quarterback and play-caller.
Baltimore also added significant depth across the offensive line and at tight end.
Guard Vega Ioane arrived after two standout seasons at Penn State, during which he reportedly allowed no sacks and committed no holding penalties. Tight ends Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas provide additional versatility in formations that Baltimore hopes will continue evolving around Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the run game.
Defensively, the Ravens focused heavily on athleticism and pass-rush production.
Edge rusher Zion Young arrives after posting nine sacks in the SEC last season while earning second-team All-SEC recognition. Baltimore also strengthened its secondary with Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers and added interior defensive line depth through Rayshaun Benny.
The Ravens supplemented the class further with versatile offensive weapon Adam Randall and punter Ryan Eckley, whose 48.5-yard punting average led the FBS last season. Baltimore enters 2026 with substantial expectations after another playoff appearance and an aggressive offseason focused on maximizing the franchise's championship window around Jackson. The Ravens added veteran pass rusher Trey Hendrickson earlier in the offseason and continue building one of the league's deepest rosters under first-year head coach Jesse Minter.
Jackson remains central to all of those plans.
The two-time MVP spoke on Wednesday about enjoying the transition to Doyle's offense and described the new system as "a breath of fresh air" as Baltimore continues to build chemistry throughout organized team activities.
The quarterback's endorsement of the rookie class reflected broader optimism surrounding a roster Baltimore believes is capable of competing deep into January once again. Training camp remains two months away, but the Ravens already appear energized by both the incoming talent and the organization's direction heading into 2026.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson likes Ravens draft haul entering OTAs
Continue reading...
