For decades, the Baltimore Ravens have built their identity on smart, disciplined drafting. It started with a bang back in 1996 when they landed two future Hall of Famers-Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis-in their inaugural draft. Since then, they've made a habit of turning draft picks into All-Pros and Pro Bowlers, and that success has helped define the franchise’s competitive DNA.
But after a disappointing 8-9 finish in 2025 and missing the playoffs, the Ravens are now entering unfamiliar territory. For the first time since 2008, they’ll be led by someone other than John Harbaugh on the sideline. The head coach may change, but under general manager Eric DeCosta, the team’s draft-first philosophy isn’t going anywhere.
Baltimore’s scouting department remains one of the sharpest in the league, and with the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Ravens’ top roster needs are clear: edge rusher, offensive guard, and wide receiver. At wideout in particular, the Ravens already have speed-what they’re missing is size, physicality, and a reliable contested-catch option. That’s where this year’s deep crop of Day 2 receivers could come into play.
Let’s take a closer look at three wide receiver prospects who fit what Baltimore needs and could bring immediate value to the offense.
Elijah Sarratt - Indiana
If you're looking for a receiver who can go up and win the ball in traffic, Elijah Sarratt checks all the boxes. At 6-foot-3, he's not going to blow the top off a defense with blazing speed, but he doesn’t have to. Sarratt wins with body control, strong hands, and a catch radius that makes life easier for any quarterback.
Over four seasons from 2022 to 2025, Sarratt racked up 3,650 receiving yards and 44 touchdowns-a testament to both his consistency and his nose for the end zone. After transferring with head coach Curt Cignetti from James Madison to Indiana, he didn't miss a beat, proving he can produce against Big Ten competition.
What stands out most is his ability to track the ball and come down with it in tight coverage. He’s the kind of receiver who plays even bigger than his frame suggests, and that’s exactly what Baltimore needs to complement its current group. He’s not flashy, but he’s dependable-and in the red zone, that’s gold.
Chris Brazzell II - Tennessee
If you watched Tennessee this past season, you saw Chris Brazzell II making big plays look routine. At 6-foot-5, Brazzell offers a rare blend of size and deep-threat ability. He posted 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, including a monster performance against Georgia where he torched one of the nation’s top defenses for 177 yards and three scores.
Brazzell’s stride length and acceleration make him a nightmare to cover downfield. He’s got the kind of vertical game that stretches a defense and demands safety help over the top. But what really pops on tape is his body control-he adjusts mid-route, tracks the ball with ease, and makes difficult catches look smooth.
He’s still developing his play strength, and he’ll need to bulk up to handle press coverage in the NFL. But the upside is undeniable. Lamar Jackson has never had a receiver with this kind of size-speed combo, and adding Brazzell to the mix could open up new layers in the Ravens’ passing attack.
Chris Bell - Louisville
Another big-bodied target, Chris Bell brings a different flavor to the position. At 6-foot-2 and built like a running back, Bell plays with a physical edge that jumps off the screen. He’s not just a receiver-he’s a weapon after the catch.
Bell’s game draws comparisons to Deebo Samuel for a reason. He uses a unique blend of toughness and burst to generate yards after contact, and he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and fight through defenders. His route running is still a work in progress, but the raw tools-strength, balance, and acceleration-make him a matchup problem.
There’s also an intriguing storyline if Bell ends up in Baltimore: a reunion with former Louisville teammate Lamar Jackson. That chemistry could pay dividends, especially in short-yardage and red zone situations where Bell’s physicality shines.
With Zay Flowers providing the shiftiness and Rashod Bateman offering a more traditional vertical threat, Bell could be the missing piece-a power slot or boundary bully who brings a different dimension to the offense.
The Bottom Line
The Ravens don’t need another burner-they’ve got speed. What they need is someone who can win 50-50 balls, move the chains on third down, and make contested catches in the red zone. Whether it’s the reliable hands of Elijah Sarratt, the vertical upside of Chris Brazzell II, or the bruising YAC ability of Chris Bell, Baltimore has options in this draft.
With a new head coach coming in and a franchise quarterback already in place, this offseason is about surrounding Lamar Jackson with the right weapons. If the Ravens stick to their draft-and-develop roots, don’t be surprised if one of these receivers ends up playing a big role in the next chapter of Baltimore football.