Few teams in the NFL stockpile compensatory draft picks as well as the Baltimore Ravens, and the franchise is preparing to work the system again by waiting until after the 2026 NFL draft to sign a 330-pounder who’s still available in free agency.
Nose tackle D.J. Reader has already met with the Ravens, and the former Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans run-stuffer even underwent a physical. That’s according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, who also reported Reader “is expected to sign with a team post-draft. Could be #Ravens, but other #NFL teams are in on Reader, too.”
Waiting on Reader represents a risk if, as Wilson stated, there are other suitors in the mix. The veteran interior D-lineman remains one of the formidable forces able to play over center in the league, but Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has good reason to bide his time.
Ravens Playing Long Game in Free Agency and the Draft
Playing the waiting game fits what the Ravens have traditionally done in order to gear up for the next draft. As Dan Duggan of The Athletic explained, “Ravens are huge on playing comp pick game. Post-draft signings don’t factor into the formula.”
Stockpiling comp picks has become a happy habit on DeCosta’s watch. The Ravens managed to snag a quartet of extra choices this year, “maintaining Baltimore’s NFL lead with 64 comp picks since 1994,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Keeping in stock with additional selections for the future fits DeCosta’s preference for building via the draft, rather than leaning into the veteran market. His strategies will be tested by the Ravens facing genuine problems after an exodus of talent during free agency.
DeCosta can plug the gaps by making smart use of his 11 picks this year, before selectively choosing from the capable veterans still looking for work after the draft.
Few of the latter fit the bill as well as Reader.
D.J. Reader Answers Obvious Need
The Ravens need Reader because he’s a throwback big body over the ball. A hulking presence able to play in a phone booth, hold double teams and clog running lanes.
Putting mass at the heart of their front seven has long been a signature method of building defenses for the Ravens. Their method is reflected by the presence of 6-foot-4, 341-pound Travis Jones in the starting lineup, but quality depth is missing.
Reader can offer experience and physicality as a disruptive rotational player. He’d take snaps as a traditional zero technique to afford Jones a rest, while putting Reader in the same alignment would allow the Ravens to move the younger lineman around.
Isolating Jones on the edge would disrupt offenses that like to run laterally. A necessary ploy in a modern game dominated by zone-based, stretch runs.
New head coach Jesse Minter and his chosen defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver need to be able to mix and match personnel up front. They won’t have the luxury of doing so without a credible and deep rotation.
Putting Reader into the mix with Jones and two-time Pro Bowler Nnamdi Madubuike, provided he returns at 100 percent, and any lineman DeCosta takes from this draft class, would turn a perceived weakness into a team strength.
Ravens ‘Expected to Sign’ 330-Pound Free Agent After Draft: Report