The Baltimore Ravens (7-8) are on the blink of playoff elimination following a Sunday Night football collapse against the New England Patriots (12-3).
In the 28-24 loss, the Ravens’ defense had no answer for second-year quarterback and NFL MVP candidate Drake Maye as he led the Patriots to two fourth quarter touchdowns to erase an 11-point deficit. It wasn’t the first time the Ravens let leads slip away in the fourth quarter this season which leads to a big need to address in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Whether the Ravens win out and slip into the playoffs or not, they will need to strengthen their defensive presence on the field. Along with an edge rusher, the Ravens must get younger along the defensive line. Both elements could’ve helped in the defensive performance on Sunday night.
Along with Lamar Jackson staying healthy, another area the Ravens could’ve used help is a secondary option at the wide receiver position. DeAndre Hopkins currently fills that roll, but with him getting up there in age, the Ravens could also look to add another big playmaker to the mix.
What will they do? A couple of NFL mock drafts explores either option for the Ravens.
CBS NFL Mock Draft: Ravens beef up D-line with powerful defensive tackle
In his latest NFL Mock Draft, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson has the Ravens adding a terrific middle of the line defensive stud in Oregon’s A’Mauri Washington. At 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, Washington is a disruptor who uses a combination of quickness, power and attitude to bulldoze offensive lineman.
He writes:
“Washington is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman who can collapse the pocket or blow up a run play when he fires off low and plays with leverage. He's at his best attacking gaps, where his burst, strength, and motor let him disrupt plays before they develop. When he's locked in, he looks like a true difference-maker who can overwhelm blockers with both quickness and power.”
Aside from an edge rusher, reinforcements along the defensive line are big needs for a Ravens’ defense that has improved throughout the season, but not the dominating defense they have been known to be. A strong run stopper like Washington would help them re-establish an impact up front while also getting younger. This would be a good pick for the Ravens unless a player like Clemson’s Peter Woods or a higher ranked edge rusher slides to Baltimore in the middle of the first round.
CBS Sports’ Christmas edition: Ravens get big, dynamic wide receiver
Sticking with CBS Sports, Josh Edwards has the Ravens getting Lamar Jackson another weapon on offense with the selection of Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. The big wide receiver would give the Ravens another target aside from Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews.
In the 6-foot-4, 209-pound Boston they will get a receiver not afraid to go up and get the ball and another option for Jackson to get the ball down the field to.
Edwards writes:
“Baltimore is in a similar spot to Buffalo. Wide receivers tend to produce when paired with elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, but the Ravens lack a true game-changing presence on the outside. Denzel Boston brings a bigger body who can win above the rim in this offense. He has 11 touchdowns on the season.”
Can’t be mad at this pick for the Ravens. But NFL Mocks went the route of Wilson in matching the Ravens up with a defensive lineman who can also get pressure on the quarterback.
What is NFL Mocks’ selection for the Baltimore Ravens?
With where the Ravens are projected to select in the draft, Washington or Boston will be there for the taking. However, a player that could slide a bit in the 2026 NFL Draft who would be a perfect fit for Baltimore is Clemson’s Peter Woods who was a projected top 10 pick prior to the season.
Powerful, versatile and athletic, Woods “will look outstanding in purple and black,” and is the type of player who could thrive in the middle of that Ravens’ defensive line. Again, can’t sneeze at the selection of Washington at all, but Woods has a higher ceiling and is a player who can produce Day 1.
So, defensive lineman or wide receiver with their top pick? NFL Mocks leans defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens.