The Baltimore Ravens have their new head coach, and now the real work begins. After a two-week search, the team has tapped former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to take over the reins in Baltimore. With the hire made official, the Ravens can finally shift their focus to reshaping the roster-and there’s plenty of that to do on both sides of the ball.
Let’s start with the obvious: Minter’s defensive background is going to shape this team’s identity moving forward. The Ravens had their struggles on defense in 2025, and with Minter now calling the shots, expect a full-scale retooling on that side of the ball.
Don’t be surprised if some familiar faces from his Chargers days follow him east. Los Angeles has a deep free agent class, particularly on defense, and Minter knows exactly who fits his system.
But Baltimore’s issues aren’t limited to defense. Offensively, there’s some real work to be done-starting up front.
The right guard spot was a weak link last season, and while the team could address it in the draft, that’s a position where experience matters. A veteran presence might be the smarter play there, which could free the Ravens up to target a playmaker early in the draft.
Enter USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
In his first mock draft of the year, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Baltimore selecting Lemon with the 14th overall pick. And if that happens, Lamar Jackson might just be getting the kind of weapon that could take this offense to another level.
Kiper highlighted Lemon’s competitiveness and versatility, comparing his skill set to current Ravens wideout Zay Flowers. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Lemon isn’t going to wow anyone with his size, but his game speaks for itself. He posted 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this past season, and he did it with a style that screams NFL-ready.
What stands out about Lemon isn’t just the production-it’s how he gets it done. He’s a cerebral receiver, the kind of player who understands spacing, timing, and coverage nuances at a high level.
He finds the soft spots, separates cleanly, and has the hands to pluck the ball out of the air with confidence. Quarterbacks love guys like this-reliable, instinctive, and always in the right spot.
Now, there’s going to be some debate about fit. Baltimore could use a bigger-bodied receiver, someone who can win with physicality and consistently beat press coverage.
That’s not exactly Lemon’s game. But what he lacks in pure size, he makes up for with savvy route-running and a catch radius that plays bigger than his frame.
He’s not going to bully defenders, but he knows how to win.
And let’s be honest: the Ravens need more separation in this offense. Too often last year, Lamar Jackson was forced to make tight-window throws with little margin for error. Lemon gives him a target who can create space and make life easier in the passing game.
Yes, other needs exist-edge rusher and offensive guard among them-but those might be better addressed in free agency or with proven NFL talent. The 2026 draft class is loaded at wide receiver, and Baltimore has to take advantage of that depth. If Lemon’s on the board at 14, he’s going to be hard to pass up.
With Minter in place and the draft drawing closer, the Ravens are entering a pivotal offseason. They’ve got the quarterback.
They’ve got the culture. Now it’s about surrounding Jackson with the right pieces-on both sides of the ball.
And if Makai Lemon ends up in purple and black, don’t be surprised if this offense takes a serious step forward.