We’re officially over a week from the 2026 NFL draft, and Ravens GM Eric Decosta held his annual State of the Process address on Wednesday. DeCosta talked about roster building, the draft board, and how the organization will approach restocking and retooling a defense that suffered significant departures.
With the Raiders on the clock and the draft just nine days away, here are takeaways from the predraft press conference.
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Spencer Fano could be the guy
We’ve mocked Vega Ioane to Baltimore for months, but DeCosta sounds primed to snag Utah right tackle Spencer Fano and insert him at offensive guard. The Ravens GM confirmed a belief that Fano could make the switch to the interior.
Eric DeCosta on positional depth
Baltimore has needs at tight end, offensive guard, center, wide receiver, and edge rusher. DeCosta highlighted the depth in this draft and stated he’s comfortable Baltimore can fill all of their needs.
Ravens could double dip at tight end
Baltimore lost Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar in Free agency, and while Mark Andrews will return, the Ravens will address this deep position.
DeCosta on roster strength
Baltimore has elite talent at key positions, but there are holes, and DeCosta highlighted wanting to be strong from top to bottom.
DeCosta on NIL
Thanks to NIL, college players are returning to school and receiving hefty paydays for their services. On the downside, those players enter the NFL banged up and having played hundreds more snaps.
DeCosta on Nnamdi Madubuike
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle has been working out with the team, but there’s still no idea if and when he’ll be available for football activity. On Wednesday, DeCosta stated that Madubuike’s status or lack thereof won’t dictate Baltimore’s draft strategy.
Jesse Minter at his first NFL Draft
The famed defensive playcaller will take part in his first draft weekend as a Heald coach, and Minter reflected on the three-day weekend.
DeCosta on 11 picks
The Ravens have 11 picks for the second year in a row, but it’s unclear whether they’ll use all 11, as they did in 2025.
DeCosta on Raven potentially trading up
Baltimore has the 14th pick but sits outside the sweet spot for elite, top-ten talent. DeCosta focused on the Ravens having guys with similar grades and only trading up if the player they covet is still on the board.
Building around Lamar Jackson
Whether it’s an offensive guard, wide receiver, or tight end, it appears that Baltimore will go offense in Round 1 with the No. 14 pick.
Eric DeCosta on Vega Ioane
DeCosta said Penn State’s Vega Ioane looks like he’s “straight out of central casting” for a guard. Pick 14 could come down to Ioane, Spencer Fano, or Jordyn Tyson.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ GM Eric DeCosta met with the media ahead of the NFL Draft