Ravens GM draws striking Haloti Ngata comparison for new offensive guard Vega Ioane, highlighting the former Penn State OL's immediate impact potential.
The Penn State Nittany Lions had one player taken in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Nittany Lions offensive guard Vega Ioane was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 14 pick.
Ioane is considered by many in the league to be the best offensive lineman in the draft. However, offensive tackles came off the board first because they're valued more highly than interior offensive linemen.
The Ravens had a clear need for interior help after losing star center Tyler Linerbaum to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
Ioane isn't expected to play center, but he will boost an offensive line that will be asked to have a robust running game while being able to protect quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta is pleased with the selection of Ioane. During his news conference on Thursday night, DeCosta compared the Penn State lineman to Ravens legend Haloti Ngata.
Baltimore took Ngata with the No. 12 pick in the 2006 draft. He earned five Pro Bowl selections, five All-Pro honors, and won Super Bowl XLVII.
"He reminds me a little bit of one of my favorite Ravens of all time: Haloti Ngata," DeCosta said of Ioane, via the Ravens.
"Just the way that he was with me in the office, and we were talking and laughing and his maturity; the way that he – even though he's a younger person – even the way that he carried himself with a quiet confidence stood out."
Ravens first-year head coach Jesse Minter thinks Ioane will be a boost in the trenches.
"The guy that we got, I think, as a first pick, is the epitome of what we want the team to be like: a line of scrimmage dominant team," Minter said.
"Really physical, really great player, really great person, and I really enjoyed getting to know him a little bit on the visit. He's everything that we want our guys to be."
Ioane should be a player that starts for the Ravens in Week 1. He could have an immediate and large impact for a team that should compete for the AFC in the upcoming season.