The Baltimore Ravens are projected to grab Penn State offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane with the 14th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Ioane, the six-foot-four, 330-pound interior lineman, played 2,304 snaps for the Nittany Lions. In addition, he earned All-Big Ten awards twice and one All-American nod in 2025. With right guard Daniel Faalele expected to enter free agency, Ioane could step into the starting role immediately.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ioane played 614 total snaps. Within those, he took 311 pass snaps, surrendering zero sacks, four pressures, and four hurries. The Athletic detailed its reasoning.
“A big, powerful athlete with quick hands and plenty of grit in the run game, Ioane played both guard spots, right tackle, and even a bit of center at Penn State. One of the few consistent bright spots for the Nittany Lions this season, Ioane just feels like a Raven.”
GettyPenn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane waits during a November 15, 2025 game against Michigan State.
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As mentioned, with Faalele possibly leaving, the team can use the pick to address a need. Ioane’s development has been gradual. He didn’t play football until his sophomore year in high school. With his size, Ioane brings the power game to bear, as film shows a player with strong hands and a solid punch that resets the defender, forcing them to alter their plans. He fits what Baltimore requires of their linemen: a stout run blocker with the ability to protect in the passing game.
Plus, Ioane appears ready to immediately play from the first day. Last year, general manager Eric DeCosta highlighted the need for “best player” In other words, an immediate starter that requires little to no development, as they can slide into the starting role.
New Offensive Coordinator Could Bring Ioane Into New Era of Ravens Football
When the team hired Declan Doyle to run the offense, they watched his work with the Chicago Bears, including praise from their head coach, Ben Johnson. The Bears ranked in the top ten in both rushing and passing. With Doyle on board, Baltimore’s management wants a similar balance.
GettyNew Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle during his last summer with the Chicago Bears.
For the entirety of Lamar Jackson’s career, everyone knew that the Ravens would run the ball, but they also wanted to establish an elite passing game as well. Ioane, for his run-blocking excellence, is a high-level pass blocker who finishes blocks and consistently attempts to keep the quarterback vertical.
GettyBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson absorbs a hit during a December 21, 2025 game agianst the New England Patriots.
Ravens’ Deep Draft Pool Could Produce Multiple Starters
With ten selections during this spring’s draft, Baltimore can not only begin the process of integrating new starters into the lineup. On top of that, the large pick pool gives the Ravens the ability to draft depth. With an injury that sits a play away from any athlete, the need to build a talent base becomes of the utmost importance.
Ioane’s Drafting May Arrive at Pivotal Time
With All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum entering as a highly regarded free agent, the Ravens not only hope to ensure line continuity but also to avoid the massive overhaul that losing a cornerstone player entails. If the Ravens can draft Ioane while keeping Linderbaum, how would that affect their long-term offensive plans?
GettyBaltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum during an August 27, 2025 game against the Washington Commanders
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