General Manager Eric DeCosta explained the team missed out after two targeted centers were selected in the second round, with Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter taken earlier than expected.
DeCosta said trading up was too costly, and remaining centers were not seen as immediate impact players. The Ravens instead drafted 11 rookies, including guard Vega Ioane, and will hold an open competition at center.
In-house candidates Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Corey Bullock will compete for the starting job, while further roster moves remain possible as free agency and veteran cuts continue through the offseason.
Why did the Ravens trade up for a tight end but refuse to make a similar move for a starting center?
Can the Ravens' famed ability to develop linemen overcome the massive hole left by All-Pro Tyler Linderbaum?
Is ignoring a top need for 'Best Player Available' a winning draft strategy or a dangerous gamble for a contender?
Did the Ravens misread the draft market, leaving their Super Bowl hopes vulnerable for the 2026 season?
Will an unproven center become the Achilles' heel for Lamar Jackson and Baltimore's entire offense this season?