He didn’t add a replacement for All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum with any one of the Baltimore Ravens’ 11 picks in the 2026 NFL draft, but general manager Eric DeCosta moved fast to add a new pivot after every selection was made, by signing undrafted free agent Nick Dawkins.
A deal was confirmed by Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports late on Saturday, April 25. He reported Dawkins “Was a two-year starter for Penn State and a team captain last year. Was a Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year semifinalist.”
Was a two-year starter for Penn State and a team captain last year. Was a Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year semifinalist.
Dawkins becomes the second Nittany Lions offensive lineman to join the Ravens during this draft process. He reunites with former teammate Vega Ioane, the guard DeCosta took 14th overall in the first round, but only after passing on a “great” alternative.
It was Dawkins who was team captain ahead of Ioane, as a natural center with ample experience playing over the ball. His arrival can go some way to making up for DeCosta and the Ravens missing out on two centers they liked during the draft.
Eric DeCosta Admits Ravens Missed 2 Draft Centers
The Ravens entered this draft with a Linderbaum-shaped hole at the heart of their offensive line. His absence was created by DeCosta being unwilling to pay the 26-year-old what he wanted.
Linderbaum chose to cash in and sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. It left the Ravens without a three-time Pro Bowler who had established a rapport with franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Taking former Indianapolis Colts backup Danny Pinter off the veteran market hardly seemed like enough to adequately replace Linderbaum. Instead, this draft appeared to afford DeCosta the ideal opportunity to repeat 2022’s success with 25th pick Linderbaum.
Unfortunately, the GM revealed “there were a couple of centers that they really liked and both went in the second round (Logan Jones, Jake Slaughter). Said trading up would have cost them too many picks to get up that high,” per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
Jones was still on the board in Round 2 when DeCosta selected edge-rusher Zion Young moments after the Ravens received historic news. It took 11 picks before Jones went to the Chicago Bears, and five more selections before Slaughter became a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
DeCosta essentially chose a pass-rusher over a position of arguably greater need. A spot that still looks weak, even after Dawkins’ arrival.
Nick Dawkins Has Chance to Compete
Competition is thin at his position, so Dawkins should have the chance to at least compete to take a few snaps. He’s qualified as a 6-foot-4, 305-pounder who is credited as “a high-football-IQ field general and functional mover” by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
Brugler cited play strength as a problem for Dawkins. He’s not overpowering at the heart of the trenches, but smart hands usage, quick feet and a natural understanding of leverage can often compensate for a lack of physical dominance.
Perhaps the best chance for Dawkins to make a good impression in the pros will rest on his mental intangibles. Specifically, how he’s “the type of prospect the Penn State coaches love talking about, because of his presence in the program (alpha leader, vocal in meetings, checks all the intangible boxes),” according to Brugler.
The Ravens have traditionally won with brute force up front, but there could be a greater emphasis on finesse on the watch of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. If so, Dawkins’ core skills might defy his not being drafted.
Eric DeCosta Fixes Ravens Draft Mistake By Signing Team Captain