The Baltimore Ravens have selected guard Olaivavega Ioane out of Penn State with the 14th overall draft pick. Analysts widely view Ioane as the top interior offensive line prospect. The 22-year-old should fortify an offensive line that ranked among the worst in 2025.
Ioane measures at 6’4” and 320 lbs. Many scouts consider the Samoan to be very polished and NFL-ready. He played primarily left guard and allowed zero sacks in college for the Penn State Nittany Lions in 2025.
Dedicated Ravens fan Tyler Kowalczyk ‘28 loves the draft pick. He recognizes the offensive line has struggled for a few years and is happy to see new talent.
“Ioane will provide much-needed help to a positional group that has lacked stability since Kevin Zeitler left a few years ago,” Kowalczyk said.
Loyola rugby player John McKenna ‘28 is excited to see how Ioane can improve the offense. He points out that a good offensive line can protect and bring stability to the run game.
“I feel great about this pick. I think this gives a huge boost to the O-line. Ioane is a great run blocker, which will help Derrick Henry in the long run,” McKenna said.
Henry is entering his age-32 season. Although he has shown no signs of slowing down, McKenna feels that Ioane can ensure Henry’s health and performance. McKenna additionally emphasizes the impact the offensive line has on protecting two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.
“Protecting the quarterback is everything. The offensive line is everything … I’m glad the Ravens made it first priority,” McKenna said.
Jackson missed four games due to injury in 2025. Even when Jackson was playing, he was slowed down by injuries, and his performance suffered as a result. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta appears to be prioritizing the health of the star quarterback with this selection.
Although the offensive line has been revamped, many fans feel the Ravens’ front office has a lot of work left to do. Longtime Ravens fan Casey Scott ‘27 thinks Ioane was exactly what the team needed but has low expectations for the 2026 season.
“Of course, it may help us ‘get closer,’ but we’re still one million miles away. We ended last season without a postseason appearance, and very few favors have been done for us since,” Scott said.
The Ravens had an offseason that was marked by the key departures of All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum, tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, safety Ar’Darius Washington, and punter Jordan Stout. The Ravens responded by signing All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, guard John Simpson, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Ioane is the newest addition of talent to the roster.
The Ravens currently have ten more draft picks in the draft. Trades could change this number, but the team will regardless be bringing in more prospects. Kowalczyk wants the front office to continue to build the offensive and defensive line.
“For the rest of the draft, I’m just hoping we draft in the trenches more. I’m fine with targeting secondary, or maybe even a wideout in the second round, but beyond that, the Ravens need to establish depth in the interior of both the offensive and defensive line,” Kowalczyk said.
Kowalczyk believes the Ravens can have a dominant run game, led by Jackson and Henry, that will allow a successful air attack. Scott feels the wide receiver room needs some help and says he wants the front office to pay attention to drafting wide receivers early in the draft.
Find out what players the Ravens will take next over the next two days. Rounds two and three of the draft begin at 7:00 p.m. on April 24, and rounds four to seven begin at noon on April 25.