The NFL Combine shakes up draft boards every year, with early-March drafts sometimes serving as an overreaction
But in ESPN’s latest mock draft by Jordan Reid, the Ravens landed two players who barely participated in athletic testing. Instead, offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane and edge rusher Zion Young impressed with their physical measurements and on-field drills. Let’s break down both prospects!
No. 14 overall: Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Ioane will continue to be a popular pick for the Ravens
until and unless they adequately address the guard position in free agency. But given their budget constraints, landing a surefire starter on the open market seems unlikely, especially if they retain Tyler Linderbaum.
In that case, selecting Ioane, the consensus No. 1 pure guard prospect in the draft, might be the best approach. He can lock down one of the starting guard jobs, allowing 2025 third-rounder Emery Jones to compete with an inexpensive veteran for the other.
Here’s Reid’s justification for the pick
Right guard Daniel Faalele was the clear weak link of Baltimore’s offensive line and is scheduled to become a free agent. Replacing him with Ioane could be a significant upgrade. Ioane was a steady blocker inside for the Nittany Lions, allowing only two pressures and zero sacks last season. The Ravens’ line gave up 45 sacks in 2025 (12th most in the NFL) and would be boosted by Ioane, who is a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot with the feet, strength and base to improve quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s protection.
Ioane only participated in the broad and vertical jump portions of the Combine’s athletic testing and did not put up remarkable numbers in either. However, he excelled in his on-field drills and solidified his spot atop the interior line class.
No. 45 overall: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
If I had to guess, I would say that Young does not make it to the 45th overall pick in April. If he does, the Ravens should snap him up right away. The Ravens have talked about bringing the edge back to their defense under Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver, and Young would help them do just that. He has excellent size and power with a physical, attack-oriented play style and fiery personality to match.
Young could be an instant-impact run defender who will need to refine his pass rush repertoire in the pros. That is true of many non-first-round edge rushers, though, and the Missouri product already has the requisite physical traits to succeed. Minter and Weaver have a strong history of developing young pass rushers and should be able to get the most out of him.
Reid explained why he mocked Young to Baltimore:
The Ravens finished tied for 28th in the NFL in sacks last season (30) and need help on the edge. Young is a long-limbed, sudden pass rusher who can generate pressure as a standup outside linebacker or rush with his hand in the dirt.
Young did not test at all at the Combine, but his 260-pound frame and 33-inch arms check two important boxes for an edge rusher. Though he is not an elite athlete, he showed off his footwork and movement skills on the field, particularly in the wave drill. Not testing may not cause Young’s stock to rise as much as the edge rushers who medaled in the Underwear Olympics, which may keep him available into the second round.
