Baltimore Ravens Mock Draft Buzz: Jeremiyah Love, Stefon Diggs, and the Unit’s 2026 Strategy Under New Coaching Ledge

The Baltimore Ravens, fresh off a season of high expectations and a division title, are again poised to defy draft convention at No. 14 overall in 2026. In The Athletic’s latest beat writer mock draft, published in early April, Ravens beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec projects Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to land in Baltimore — a pick that would immediately address a glaring roster need. While most projections favored an offensive lineman, edge rusher, or wide receiver, Zrebiec’s selection underscores a bold strategy: taking the best player available, a tactic that paid off handsomely with safety Kyle Hamilton in 2022. For a team that has leaned on a balanced attack and a dominant defense, the addition of Love could signal a new era of offensive firepower behind Lamar Jackson, especially with Derrick Henry nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career.

Why Jeremiyah Love Could Be the Ravens’ Late-Round Home Run

The Ravens have long prioritized high-upside athletes who fit their system, and Jeremiyah Love fits that mold perfectly. A 5-foot-11, 215-pound dynamo from Notre Dame, Love rushed for 1,258 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025, while adding 309 receiving yards and a score. His elite burst, elusiveness in open space, and knack for breaking tackles have drawn comparisons to a young Maurice Jones-Drew. In a draft class where running backs are often undervalued, Love’s blend of power, speed, and receiving ability makes him a three-down threat.

Love’s Fit in Baltimore’s Offensive Identity

Baltimore’s offense under offensive coordinator Todd Monken has thrived on play-action, vertical passing, and a balanced ground game. However, the Ravens lack a dynamic inside runner capable of wearing down defenses late in games — a role Henry once filled. Love, who ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the combine, could become that threat. His ability to contribute on third downs and in two-minute drills would complement Gus Edwards and Justice Hill, giving Monken a more versatile weapon in the backfield.

Analysts point to Love’s production in high-leverage moments. In Notre Dame’s 2025 playoff run, he averaged 6.8 yards per carry in clutch situations and forced 18 missed tackles in 12 games. "He’s a game-changer," said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. in a March 2026 interview. "The Ravens need a spark plug, and Love provides that explosiveness the offense hasn’t had since Ray Rice’s prime."

• The Ravens are projected to draft Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 14 in The Athletic’s mock draft, prioritizing elite talent over positional need.
• Love’s three-down ability and elite burst make him a perfect complement to Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat offense.
• With Derrick Henry entering his age-33 season, Baltimore lacks a proven successor — Love could fill that void immediately.

Stefon Diggs: A Veteran WR Option to Elevate a Young Ravens Receiving Corps

Another potential target for the Ravens in 2026 is veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler who turns 32 in November. Diggs, a Maryland native and former standout at the University of Maryland, has been one of the NFL’s most consistent receivers over the past decade, posting seven 1,000-yard seasons in eight years (excluding an injury-shortened 496-yard campaign in 2024). His tenure with the New England Patriots culminated in a Super Bowl berth in 2025, where he led the AFC in receptions (85) and yards (1,013) while serving as the Patriots’ top target.

Can Diggs Revitalize Baltimore’s Passing Attack?

The Ravens’ receiving corps, anchored by second-year stars Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, has shown flashes but lacks a proven veteran presence. Diggs would provide Lamar Jackson with a reliable chain-mover, red-zone weapon, and locker-room leader. NFL.com’s Nick Shook called Baltimore the best possible destination for Diggs if he leaves New England. "He’s the kind of player who can elevate a young group," Shook wrote in a February 2026 column. "Not only does he bring Super Bowl experience, but his competitive fire and route-running precision would make him an ideal complement to Flowers and Bateman."

Diggs’ familiarity with the AFC East and his chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones in years past could ease his transition to a new offense. His ability to win contested catches and excel in the slot would also free up Flowers to operate outside the numbers, creating mismatches defenses would struggle to contain.

“He’ll bring the fresh experience of reaching the Super Bowl, a roaring competitive fire and the skills to become a dependable target for Jackson in a corps that could use him opposite Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.” — Nick Shook, NFL.com analyst, on Stefon Diggs

Offensive Line Development: Penn State’s Vega Ioane in Focus After Dwayne Ledford’s Arrival

With the Ravens prioritizing pass protection and run-blocking consistency, all eyes were on Penn State guard Vega Ioane during the Nittany Lions’ pro day in State College, Pennsylvania, in late March 2026. Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator Dwayne Ledford, hired in January to revitalize Baltimore’s trenches, took a hands-on role in Ioane’s drills, signaling the organization’s serious interest. Ioane, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound mauler with 35 career starts at Penn State, has been projected in multiple mock drafts as a Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, with the Ravens frequently mentioned as a fit.

Ledford’s Impact on Ioane’s Draft Stock

Ledford, a former NFL center who spent five years with the Atlanta Falcons, brings a wealth of experience in zone-blocking schemes — a system Baltimore has emphasized since drafting Ronnie Stanley in 2016. His presence has already reshaped the Ravens’ offensive line meetings, and his involvement in Ioane’s pro day drills suggests Baltimore views him as a potential Day 2 target. "Vega’s footwork and anchor are NFL-ready," said an anonymous scout in a March 2026 report. "If he lands in a zone scheme with Ledford calling the plays, he could start immediately."

Another Penn State Prospect on Baltimore’s Radar: Dani Dennis-Sutton

Pass rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton, a Baltimore native and former standout at the Gilman School, is another prospect drawing Ravens interest. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound edge defender recorded 44 tackles and 12 sacks in 2025 and has a scheduled official visit with the Ravens this spring. His local ties and disruptive pass-rush ability could make him a sentimental pick, especially with the Ravens seeking to bolster their defensive line depth after the departure of veteran Calais Campbell.

Special Teams Shakeup: Jamie Gillan’s ‘Scottish Hammer’ Returns to Baltimore?

Special teams could become a storyline for the Ravens in 2026 after Jordan Stout, their 2022 fourth-round pick, signed a lucrative three-year, $12.3 million deal with the New York Giants in late March. That move leaves Baltimore in search of a new punter, and according to multiple reports, veteran Jamie Gillan is a top target. Gillan, known as the ‘Scottish Hammer’ for his powerful leg and flowing red hair, spent the past four seasons with the Giants before being released in free agency. His 47.3-yard career average ranks among the best in NFL history, and his NFL debut in 2019 with the Browns remains one of the most improbable stories in modern football — an undrafted free agent from Arkansas-Pine Bluff who outkicked expectations and earned a roster spot as a rookie.

While Gillan’s average punt distance (46.1 yards in 2025) ranked 32nd in the league last season, his experience and punting precision could stabilize a unit that ranked 19th in net punting in 2025. The Ravens, who have historically valued punting depth, could bring Gillan in for a training camp battle, giving Stout’s replacement a veteran presence to mentor younger specialists.

Coaching Carousel Continues: Tee Martin Leaves Ravens for LSU

The Ravens’ coaching staff underwent a significant shift in mid-March when former quarterbacks coach Tee Martin departed for Louisiana State University. Martin, hired by John Harbaugh in 2021, spent five seasons developing Lamar Jackson into an MVP and guiding the Ravens to three playoff appearances. His exit marked the second major coaching loss of the offseason, following the hiring of pass game coordinator Drew Olson by the Atlanta Falcons. Martin’s departure to join Lane Kiffin’s staff at LSU reunites him with Kiffin, who originally hired Martin as an offensive analyst at USC in 2012. "I will always cherish my time in Baltimore," Martin said in a March 19, 2026, social media post. "These five years have been a blessing, and I’ve made memories here that will last a lifetime."

The Ravens have not yet named Martin’s replacement, but his departure underscores the volatility of NFL coaching cycles. With Jackson entering the prime of his career, the Ravens must ensure continuity in the quarterback room, especially as offensive coordinator Todd Monken continues to refine the passing attack.

2026 Ravens Draft Strategy: Balancing Need, Talent, and System Fit

The Ravens enter the draft with a clear hierarchy: prioritize elite talent regardless of position, address the offensive line and running back depth, and add a veteran presence to the receiving corps. Their mock draft selections — Love at 14, Ioane on Day 2, and Dennis-Sutton on Day 3 — reflect a commitment to building a roster that can complement Jackson’s mobility and Monken’s offensive creativity. The team’s front office, led by general manager Eric DeCosta, has historically favored players with high football IQ and versatility, traits that align with Love, Ioane, and Diggs.

While critics argue that the Ravens should target a pass rusher or offensive tackle earlier in the draft, the organization’s philosophy remains rooted in value-based drafting. The 2022 selection of Kyle Hamilton, now one of the NFL’s top safeties, validated that approach. "We’re not going to force a fit," DeCosta said in a March 2026 interview. "We’re going to take the best player available and trust that our system and culture will maximize their potential."

Ravens’ 2026 Offseason: What Comes Next?

As the Ravens prepare for the NFL Draft, their offseason priorities extend beyond personnel. Offensive line development under Ledford, quarterback development under a new QBs coach, and special teams consistency will determine whether Baltimore can take the next step toward a Super Bowl. The team’s ability to retain key free agents, such as long-snapper Morgan Cox and veteran safety Chuck Clark, will also shape their 2026 outlook. With a roster that already features elite defenders like Justin Madubuike and Marlon Humphrey, and a dynamic young core led by Flowers and Bateman, the Ravens are positioned to contend in the AFC.

• The Ravens are targeting Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 14 in The Athletic’s mock draft, aiming to replace Derrick Henry’s production.
• Veteran WR Stefon Diggs is a potential free-agent target to elevate a young receiving corps alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
• Penn State OL prospect Vega Ioane is drawing heavy interest from new OL coach Dwayne Ledford, who emphasizes zone-blocking schemes.
• The Ravens may pursue punter Jamie Gillan to replace Jordan Stout, bringing veteran leadership to a special teams unit in transition.

Key Takeaways: Ravens’ 2026 Draft and Free Agency Outlook

• The Ravens are projected to draft Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 14 in The Athletic’s mock draft, prioritizing talent over positional need.
• Stefon Diggs is a potential free-agent target to provide veteran leadership and red-zone production alongside Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
• Penn State guard Vega Ioane is a top offensive line target for new coach Dwayne Ledford, who is reshaping Baltimore’s trenches.
• Jamie Gillan could replace Jordan Stout as the Ravens’ punter, adding experience and punting precision to a unit in transition.
• The Ravens’ coaching changes, including Tee Martin’s departure to LSU, highlight the volatility of NFL staffing cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ravens’ 2026 Draft and Free Agency Plans