Olaivavega Ioane, a former Penn State star, found his way to the NFL via a first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. This was a great decision by the Ravens, as they continue to show that they understand what's needed on both sides of the football to compete at a very high level.
After being one of the best players on Penn State's roster a season ago, though he might not be as appreciated as some of the other players on the team due to him not playing a skilled position, it was evident that Ioane was going to be the first selected Penn State player in this draft.
Analysts have also loved the pick, with one of the top analysts in the world suggesting that this was a great one and allows the Ravens to continue building around Lamar Jackson in areas that can always be improved.
“I love this pick. Ioane is a big 6-foot-4, 320-pound blocker with light feet and immense strength, and he refuses to give up sacks. He hasn't given up one since 2023.
"Baltimore wasn't able to keep center Tyler Linderbaum, and though it signed John Simpson to play one guard spot, it needed to upgrade the other one in a big way. Ioane is a safe, high-floor prospect who is going to boost this unit and open some rushing lanes for the Ravens' excellent run game,” Mel Kiper Jr. wrote.
Speaking to reporters after his decision, general manager Eric DeCosta had a lot to say about the former Penn State standout. He admitted that he is a tough player and a super athlete for his size, and that he's also looking for him to fit in with what this offense is attempting to do.
"Physical, tough, and very athletic for his size," DeCosta said after making the pick. "[He's] excellent in pass protection and a great fit for our offense and what we're trying to accomplish. And we're just very, very happy to have him here."
The Ravens will have a different look next season with a new head coach, but if things go well for Ioane, it's fair to think this could be one of the better draft picks of the year.