What We Learned From the Ravens’ Draft

Declan Doyle’s offense has new priorities.

Wacker: “Here’s a list of everything we know about Declan Doyle’s offense: Players think it’s going to be ‘electric,’ explosive plays are one of three non-negotiables (along with physical and detailed), and it will utilize Jackson’s legs as an ‘eraser of mistakes’ rather than a set play call. Sure sounds like Doyle wants Jackson to air it out more.

“The Ravens jumped on third–spherical extensive receiver Ja’Kobi Lane greater than some projected he’d go, however they covet his upside and catch radius. He’s an enormous receiver who Ravens coaches wish to make the most of in the purple zone — one thing the earlier teaching employees promised and did not do with DeAndre Hopkins. Fourth-round extensive receiver Elijah Sarratts thrives extra on the perimeter. Back-shoulder throws are his largest power, in keeping with the fourth-round pick of Indiana. The go ball, out-route towards the left sideline and slant as much as the proper accounted for 60% of his route tree manufacturing, in keeping with the soccer knowledge website SumerSports.

“Whether they’re good enough to immediately contribute or not, adding Lane and Sarratt is at least an indication of the offense’s new direction.”

It had its virtues, however this Ravens draft zagged many times.

Walker: “The Ravens loaded up on targets and protectors for Jackson. They checked some expected boxes, drafting a pair of solid all-around tight ends, SMU’s Matthew Hibner and Alabama’s Josh Cuevas, to learn behind Mark Andrews. Their track record at the position suggests at least one of those guys will be a real player, even if neither is ready to fill Isaiah Likely’s (or even Charlie Kolar’s) shoes in 2026.

“They took the high punter on many boards in Michigan State’s Ryan Eckley, who’ll attempt to fill Jordan Stout’s spot. They added a basic worth choose in undersized Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers — quick, sensible and one in every of the most prolific defensive playmakers in school soccer. It’s simple to ascertain Rivers shining on particular groups and steadily forcing his approach onto the area as a nickel again.

“But they left other needs — a new starting center, an early-round defensive lineman to hedge against the health concerns around Nnamdi Madubuike — to be addressed by other means. When we thought they’d build their offensive line, they drafted two wide receivers. After opening with their eyes on the trenches, they used five of their next six picks on skill positions.”