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When the Ravens make their selection Thursday with the 14th overall pick of the 2026 NFL draft, many are expecting the team to add a high-caliber lineman, most likely on the offensive side.

But what if the Ravens use their rare high pick to address a different roster need instead? What if they once again try their luck at drafting a wide receiver?

The Ravens have not had a lot of luck using first-round picks for receivers, despite trying four times in nine years.

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In 2015, they drafted Breshad Perriman, who never became an every-game starter and only played for the Ravens for two seasons. Four years later, they selected Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.

Unlike Perriman, Hollywood became a Week 1 starter as a rookie and even cracked 1,000 yards in his third season. But he was inconsistent and did not put up the numbers of a true game-changer. He requested a trade after three seasons and was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Ravens tried again two years later when they drafted Rashod Bateman in 2021. Bateman has since become the first wide receiver to sign a third contract with the franchise. But Bateman has not shown his full potential, and was held back by injuries for his first few seasons. He had a good season in 2024 but was mostly written out of the game plan in 2025.

Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ top pick in 2023, has been the team’s biggest success story at the position. He’s had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and is the team’s clear No. 1 receiver. However, he’s made mistakes in big moments.

With Flowers entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Ravens need to prepare for the future if they can’t extend him. They could also use immediate help in the room. The team lost Tylan Wallace in free agency, and they haven’t re-signed DeAndre Hopkins, either. Bateman, 2024 fourth-rounder Devontez Walker and 2025 sixth-rounder LaJohntay Wester present a level of uncertainty after a season where they weren’t heavily used.

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Using Pro Football Focus’ Mock Draft Simulator, here is what a Ravens’ draft could look like if they go with a receiver at 14.

Round 1, No. 14 overall: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson after a first-down reception against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Oct. 18, 2025.
Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson after a first-down reception against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2025. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

A taller, bigger target than what the Ravens already have, Tyson offers versatility. While his route tree needs polishing, he can win the contested catch, beat defenders downfield and create space in the short field. Tyson had 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games last season.

Tyson held his own workout, which helped his draft stock. However, there is buzz that the New York Giants are interested, and they just acquired the No. 10 pick after their trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. Tyson’s name has been linked to other teams as well, so competition will be fierce.

Round 2, No. 45 overall: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas sacks Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold for a safety with just over a minute left in the game on Sept. 20, 2025.
Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas sacks Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold for a safety with just over a minute left in the game last year. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

While undersized, Thomas is known for his impressive talent. His explosiveness helps him beat offensive linemen as he rushes the quarterback, and it also lends to chasing down running backs at the college level. While he can add more strength in an NFL program, Thomas will constantly have to work at his technique and explosiveness to make up for his lack of length (he’s just over 6-foot-2).

There seems to be debate about whether Thomas is more of a defensive end or a linebacker. This versatility could play well into a Jesse Minter defense — but Trenton Simpson came with a similar in-between style, and he hasn’t been able to maintain a starting role. He also comes with injury history. In the past two seasons, Thomas has had 49 tackles including 15.5 sacks. He’s also had four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Thomas is also a rare prospect who played all four years at one school.

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Round 3, No. 80 overall: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas State

Sam Hecht of the Kansas State Wildcats participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL combine on March 1.
Kansas State center Sam Hecht participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL scouting combine in March. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Like Thomas, Hecht doesn’t have ideal measurables, but he makes up for them with his fundamentals. By playing with such clean technique, Hecht is able to leverage his power despite his lack of mass and length. He’s also very athletic and can shine as a blocker in space, which is important for a Ravens offense with Lamar Jackson. Scouts also recognize Hecht for being able to diagnose what the defense is going to do, which was a huge contribution from Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. Hecht is one of PFF’s highest-ranked centers, and the Ravens will want to address Linderbaum’s absence before the end of Day 2.

Round 4, No. 115 overall: Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame

Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth looks on prior to the game against the Texas A&M Aggies on Sept. 13, 2025.
Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth ahead of a game against the Texas A&M Aggies last year. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Ravens addressed the interior offensive line in free agency by bringing back veteran guard John Simpson, but there’s still a lot of uncertainty at the position. Can Andrew Vorhees improve upon his shaky 2025? What does Emery Jones Jr. look like when healthy? The Ravens would do well to bring in more competition, and Schrauth is known to be a tough competitor. While he’s not particularly athletic, Schrauth has a strong anchor and can add pop to his first contact with opponents. He also has experience playing multiple positions on the line. He was used like a Patrick Mekari at times at Notre Dame.

Round 5, No. 154 overall: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Utah tight end Dallen Bentley runs in for a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 31, 2025.
Utah tight end Dallen Bentley runs in for a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl in December. (David Becker/Getty Images)

Bentley brings both size and athleticism to the tight end position. In his final year at Utah, he developed into a pass threat, which would help the Ravens adjust to Isaiah Likely’s absence. He needs to refine his route running and be more physical in contested catches, but when he wins the catch, he rarely drops it. One of Bentley’s biggest areas for improvement is as a blocker, but the Ravens have Durham Smythe to fill that role as Bentley adjusts to the next level. Bentley had 48 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns last season.

Round 5, No. 162 overall: Ephesians Prysock, CB, Washington

Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Colorado State on Aug. 30, 2025.
Washington cornerback Ephesians Prysock in the fourth quarter of a game against Colorado State last August. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Prysock is tall and has a long wingspan. He plays like it, too. That’s both a good thing and a bad thing. Evaluators find his high center of gravity can upset his balance and means he plays more upright. But his length also helps him crowd receivers. Prysock plays with good field awareness but could be more aggressive. He had 48 tackles and one interception for the Huskies last season.

The Ravens’ need at cornerback lessened when they re-signed Chidobe Awuzie, but Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins both struggled last season. Jesse Minter found success with big cornerbacks in Los Angeles and was able to play to their strengths.

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Round 5, No. 173 overall: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor

Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron reacts after catching a pass for a first down against the Utah on Nov. 15, 2025.
Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron reacts after catching a pass for a first down against Utah in November. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Cameron would bring something entirely new to the Ravens wide receiver group. His NFL.com evaluation describes him as being “built like a big running back.” All of the Ravens receivers are slender. Whereas they can beat you with speed, Cameron tends to win with his strength. Evaluators think Cameron could take time to adapt to the NFL, but he has the tools for success. He had a good showing at the Senior Bowl, where he competed against some of the best draft prospects. Cameron had 69 catches for 872 yards and nine touchdowns for Baylor in 2025.

Round 5, No. 174 overall: Trey Moore, LB, Texas

Texas linebacker Trey Moore sacks Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt during the second quarter of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025.
Texas linebacker Trey Moore sacks Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt during the second quarter of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in 2025. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The future of the linebacker room was looking bright with Teddye Buchanan’s strong rookie season. Then he ended it with a torn ACL, joining two other rookie linebackers who were injured, Jay Higgins IV and Chandler Martin. The Ravens need depth at this position, even if it’s just on special teams. Simpson stepped in for Buchanan and also plays an important role as a special teamer, but they need more beyond him and Roquan Smith, who doesn’t contribute on special teams as an every-down linebacker.

Moore is seen by some as an edge rusher and others as an off-ball linebacker. The Ravens would have some time to figure out where he fits. Minter could also make the most of his versatility. Moore had 35 tackles with five tackles for loss, including three sacks, last season.

Round 6, No. 211 overall: Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss

Ole Miss tight end Dae'quan Wright catches a touchdown defended by Miami's Jaboree Antoine in the fourth quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal on Jan. 8.
Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Ravens have never had problems with picking multiple tight ends in the same draft, and they have several holes to fill before the season. Wright adds something different than Bentley. He tends to threaten vertically with his speed. He’s good at finding opportunities in space, which should mesh well with Jackson. However, he does need to become a better blocker and refine his route-running. But DeCosta said that in the later rounds, they’re just looking for tight ends to do one thing really well.

Round 7, No. 250 overall: Rahsul Faison, RB, South Carolina

South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison participates in a drill on Feb. 28 during the 2026 NFL scouting combine.
South Carolina running back Rahsul Faison participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL scouting combine. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Faison is one of those older draft prospects. He will be 26 his rookie year and still has developing to do. He’s a patient and creative runner who can make do with imperfect blocking, but he needs to be faster at anticipating lanes. The Ravens need more depth after losing Keaton Mitchell. Faison will have at least two, maybe three, running backs in front of him to give him time to adjust.

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Round 7, No. 253 overall: Ryan Eckley, P, Michigan State

Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley is seen on the field before a game against the Penn State on Nov. 15, 2025.
Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley on the field before a game against Penn State in November. (Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

The Ravens used a fourth-round pick the last time they needed a punter. After an inconsistent start, Jordan Stout turned into an All-Pro in his fourth season. This year, they have a lot of other roster needs, so they may not want to use a higher pick, but they need a punter. Eckley is consistent in sending punts deep, but he needs better hang time. Luckily, the Ravens have a well-respected specialists coach who can help work on technique.