Key Highlights
The Ravens’ Draft Strategy: A Mix of Trades, Free Agency, and Picks
It’s that time again when teams are shifting their focus towards both trades and free agency, with the Baltimore Ravens not left out in the cold. Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated has weighed in on the latest speculation involving Maxx Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler who could be on the move sooner than expected.
According to Breer, teams like Dallas, Chicago, Baltimore, Buffalo, New England, Philadelphia, and the Rams are all ‘keeping tabs’ on Crosby’s availability. This means that the Ravens, with their need for pass rushers, might find themselves in the mix of potential suitors for the edge defender.
But what would it take to acquire Crosby?
Breer suggests that a trade package would be necessary, though not as heavy as those seen in recent years. “Vegas, to be sure, isn’t going to give Crosby away,” Breer wrote. “I also believe, though, that it’d be difficult to find the haul that the Raiders got for Khalil Mack eight years ago, or what Dallas got for Micah Parsons last year, or what the Dolphins received for Laremy Tunsil in 2019.” All of those guys were traded for packages fronted by two first-round picks. Crosby’s age and injury history could impact this valuation.
Free Agency: The Mack Factor
The Ravens are also considering free agency, specifically targeting Khalil Mack from the Los Angeles Chargers. Mack has been linked to Baltimore due to his connection with Head Coach Jesse Minter, who was the Chargers’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. Mack, at 35 and coming off a strong season, is a priority for the Chargers but could be pursued by other teams if not re-signed.
Speculation about whether Mack will play in 2026 stems from his own intentions to explore all options before deciding on his future. “However, there will certainly be suitors hoping to lure Mack away from sunny L.A. should the Chargers not work out a deal with him ahead of free agency,” NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack wrote. “Given his pedigree, pass-rushing prowess and elevated knack for stopping the run at his position, Mack is a fit for nearly any defensive system.”
Another option is former Lions veteran offensive lineman Graham Glasgow, who could be an interesting target to replace Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum if he hits free agency. “If Baltimore loses three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency … Glasgow is a potential target to replace him,” wrote Sporting News’ Dharya Sharma.
First-Round Picks and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk
The Ravens hold the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, which means they’re likely to miss out on top edge prospects Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey. Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith highlighted Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk as a potential first-round pick for Baltimore due to his size (6-foot-6, 285 pounds), strength, and athleticism.
Faulk remains a work in progress rushing the passer with a 66.0 PFF pass-rush grade in 2025, but he has been an elite defender against the run with an 89.2 PFF run-defense grade over the last two years. “The Ravens have shown the ability to develop players better than most teams, and this is a pick that would be banking on upside and potential down the line,” Smith wrote.
With new Head Coach Jesse Minter’s defense best served when it can stop the run with light boxes, Faulk could fit into their strategy. “New Ravens coach Jesse Minter’s defense is best served when it can stop the run with light boxes; Faulk has the kind of makeup that makes that strategy possible,” Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer wrote.
Health and Performance: An Innovative Approach
The Ravens are also making a splash in health and performance by hiring Dr. Nic Gill, known for his work with world-renowned New Zealand All Blacks rugby team as head of health and performance. “An interesting hire,” Baltimore Positive’s Luke Jones wrote. “There’s no salary cap for trying to maximize performance and injury prevention, and the best organizations across sports should be looking for advantages in those areas wherever they can find it.”
Dr. Gill’s approach includes compound lifts, core work, bodyweight circuits, bear crawls, unilateral exercises, yoga, and spinning—though not a 1-to-1 transition in sports. “In all seriousness, this is an interesting hire,” Shaffer added.
