The Baltimore Ravens' wide receiver plans could change depending on how they handle the early part of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Baltimore Ravens are one of the teams to watch as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.
They have a ton of unanswered questions regarding the roster, and the team will draft young talent to answer some of those questions. The wide receiver position is one of the position groups that needs an upgrade in a big way, and there is a chance the team addresses that need with their 14th overall pick in the first round.
However, if the Ravens decide to go in a different direction, they may resort to signing a veteran in free agency. Ravens staff writer Clifton Brown noted Baltimore may go that direction depending on how they handle the early part of the draft.
"The Ravens may wait until after the draft before they consider targeting a veteran wideout," Brown wrote.
"If Baltimore doesn't take a wide receiver early in the draft, then the possibility of adding a veteran like [Stefon] Diggs or [Jauan]Jennings would increase if they're still available. I'm impressed that Jennings has posted 15 touchdown catches over the past two seasons, including a career-high nine touchdowns in 2025. Adding another reliable red zone target for Jackson could fit nicely in Declan Doyle's offense."
The Ravens will have plenty of free agent options to choose from if they decide to skip out on a wide receiver in the early rounds of the draft.
From Jennings, Diggs, and even Deebo Samuel, Baltimore could snag up any one of them.
From the bunch, the Ravens have been linked to Jennings. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic shared how Jennings could be a great fit in the Ravens' offense.
"Widely considered the top free-agent receiver available, Jennings is a big, physical target who makes contested catches and is a weapon in the red zone and on third downs. He had 15 touchdowns over the past two seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. He's also an extremely physical blocker on the perimeter, which is important to the Ravens. He still might be primed to make more money than Baltimore wants to pay, but if his market doesn't materialize, DeCosta should consider pouncing. He'd be a nice fit."
The Ravens desperately need a wide receiver to pair with Zay Flowers. Flowers has been the clear WR1, picking up 1,211 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. However, beyond him is a sizeable drop.
No other receiver on the offense secured over 500 yards. Tight end Mark Andrews was the next closest with 422 yards. Longtime veteran DeAndre Hopkins picked up 330 and two touchdowns.
Simply put, the Ravens need more help at the receiver position, and preferably a bigger body that can be used in downfield and contested ball situations. Jennings and Samuel fit that bill.
Baltimore could certainly use the draft to find a player who can contribute in 2026 and develop into a long-term piece. However, if they’re aiming for a more immediate impact, signing a proven veteran wide receiver would be the better route.