Top DL Prospects Who Could Land with Ravens in the 2026 NFL Draft

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Even in a season when the Baltimore Ravens return Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and C.J. Okoye along the interior, General Manager Eric DeCosta has never shied away from reinforcing the line of scrimmage early in the draft. With the 2026 class billed as one of the deepest defensive-line crops in recent memory, Baltimore is expected to monitor a handful of game-wreckers who could slide into the rotation—or eventually replace the still-unsigned Nnamdi Madubuike.

Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver’s scheme prizes versatility, but true edge rushers who rarely drop into coverage remain premium assets. Below are six names circulating inside the Ravens’ draft room as the college postseason all-star circuit approaches.

1. McClellan, Interior Disruptor A 6-foot-3, 315-pound athletic outlier, McClellan recorded six sacks and eight tackles for loss last season while holding firm against the run. Baltimore covets interior defenders who can penetrate and finish behind the line; McClellan’s first-step burst checks that box.

2. Hunter, Texas Tech Run Destroyer First-team All-American and All-Big 12, the 6-4, 330-pound senior finished 2025 with 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. His 168 career stops and 7.5 sacks illustrate a steady upward trajectory that appeals to a franchise that values senior production.

3. Tucker, MAC Edge Ace The Vern Smith Leadership Award winner as the MAC’s top player, the 6-3, 240-pound New Yorker logged 12 tackles for loss and a conference-best nine sacks in league play. Tucker also forced two fumbles and helped Western Michigan allow just 14.5 points per game.

4. Proctor, Southland Workhorse A four-year starter, Proctor appeared in 48 games and compiled 134 total tackles, 26 for loss, 16 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a recovery. Durability and consistent production make him a mid-round target who could develop behind Baltimore’s veteran group.

5. Harris, Rebels’ 6-8 Obstacle The 330-pounder started only three games in 2024 yet finished sixth nationally with 27 run stops, adding 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a blocked kick. His rare length and late-season surge have scouts projecting a leap similar to past Raven draft steals.

6. Gil-Howard, Injury-Shortened Technician After transferring to Texas Tech, the interior lineman started the first six games, posting 13 tackles, 2.5 for loss, six quarterback hurries, and a half-sack before injury struck. Pro Football Focus graded him 88.6 overall and 90.0 as a pass rusher—third among qualifiers with at least 150 snaps. The Ravens’ analytics department has taken notice.

Baltimore enters the offseason with only one looming free-agent decision on Madubuike, but history says the front office will not wait for a crisis to add another trench terror. With the 2026 draft stocked from the interior to the edge, the Ravens appear poised to strike again.