The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their 2026 rookie minicamp this past weekend, and as expected, the Under Armour Performance Center was buzzing with energy, hope, and the unmistakable sound of pads popping for the first time in a professional setting. For a franchise that prides itself on drafting and developing talent from the ground up, these early May sessions are more than just a formality--they are the first real glimpse into how the next wave of Ravens might fit into the scheme.
According to a report from the Baltimore Sun, several key observations emerged from the two-day camp, providing clarity on positional experiments, standout performers, and the early impressions of head coach Jesse Minter's coaching staff. While minicamp highlights should always be taken with a grain of salt--no one is winning a starting job in May--these nuggets offer legitimate insight into where the organization is placing its bets.
Here are five things we learned from Ravens rookie minicamp.
1. Vega Ioane Is Making the Switch to Right Guard
One of the most intriguing storylines coming out of the weekend centered on offensive lineman Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane. Originally projected as a versatile interior lineman coming out of college, Ioane spent the bulk of his rookie minicamp reps working exclusively at right guard--a notable shift from the left guard and center duties he handled during his collegiate career.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the coaching staff wanted to see how Ioane's skill set translated to the right side, where power and quickness off the snap are paramount in the Ravens' gap-scheme run game. The move makes sense on multiple levels. Baltimore's current interior line features Andrew Vorhees and John Simpson on the left side, with veteran depth from Jovaughn Gwyn and Evan Beerntsen. The right guard spot, however, remains more fluid, and Ioane's physical profile--think heavy hands, a low center of gravity, and surprising mobility for a player his size--aligns well with what offensive coordinator Declan Doyle wants to do in the run game.
The switch also speaks to the Ravens' long-term philosophical approach. They love offensive linemen who can play multiple spots, but they also prioritize finding a home for young players early. It's much easier to master one position than to float between three. Ioane, for his part, reportedly took the coaching well, showing improved pad level and hand placement as the camp progressed. If he can continue to develop that right guard feel, he could push for rotational snaps by training camp--and perhaps more if injuries strike.
2. Zion Young Is the Toughest Player to Block--Period
Here's a sentence that should get Ravens fans excited: According to the Baltimore Sun, undrafted rookie defensive end Zion Young was the toughest player to block during the entirety of minicamp.
That's not hyperbole from a beat reporter trying to manufacture a story. This was a recurring theme among offensive linemen and coaches alike. Young, who entered the league with a reputation as a high-motor, power-rushing defensive end, looked explosive off the edge, consistently winning with a combination of rip moves and a bull rush that left at least two rookie offensive tackles on their heels.
Young's performance is especially noteworthy given the Ravens' current depth along the defensive line. With veterans like Calais Campbell and John Jenkins anchoring the interior, and young pass rushers like Mike Green and Adisa Isaac on the edges, competition for roster spots is fierce. But Young brings a specific brand of relentless energy that the Ravens' coaching staff has historically coveted. The defensive line coach and outside linebackers coach were reportedly in frequent communication with Young, tweaking his pad level and hand placement during individual drills. By the end of camp, he was consistently winning one-on-one reps.
For an undrafted free agent, making that kind of impression is rare. It doesn't guarantee a roster spot, but it does guarantee a long, hard look during OTAs and training camp. If Young can replicate this performance against veterans, he could become a surprising contributor in rotational packages this fall.
3. The Secondary Looks Fast--Really Fast
While the offensive and defensive lines grabbed headlines, the Ravens' rookie defensive backs also turned heads. Cornerbacks like Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam showed the kind of twitch and recovery speed that defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver demands in his man-coverage schemes. Both players were sticky in coverage during team drills, breaking up multiple passes and forcing rookie quarterbacks to hold the ball longer than they wanted.
What stood out most, however, was the collective speed of the group. The Ravens have long prided themselves on having one of the fastest secondaries in the NFL, and this rookie class appears to be carrying that torch. Safety Keondre Jackson, in particular, showed impressive range from the deep middle, tracking passes from hash to hash and arriving with authority.
This is by design. General Manager Eric DeCosta has made it a priority to inject speed and athleticism into every layer of the defense. With Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks already locking down the safety spots, and Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins providing veteran cornerback stability, these rookies are competing for depth and special teams roles. But if minicamp is any indication, several of them have the tools to contribute sooner rather than later.
4. Quarterback Depth: A Work in Progress
The Ravens entered minicamp with a quarterback room headlined by Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, along with camp arms Joe Fagnano and Diego Pavia. According to the Baltimore Sun, the rookie quarterbacks--specifically the undrafted free agents--had a predictably bumpy weekend.
Timing with receivers was off. Reads took a beat too long. And the defensive backs, as mentioned, feasted on hesitation. None of this is surprising. Rookie quarterbacks in a brand-new system are always going to be behind the eight ball, especially when they're tasked with orchestrating an offense that is still being installed. The good news for the Ravens is that they don't need any of these passers to start. Jackson is the franchise. Huntley is a reliable backup. These rookies are developmental projects.
What the coaching staff will be looking for is progress. Can Fagnano or Pavia show better processing speed by OTAs? Can they improve their footwork and anticipation? Those are the questions that won't be answered in a single weekend. But for now, the takeaway is simple: the quarterback depth chart has a clear top two, and everyone else has a long climb ahead.
5. Special Teams Stockpiling Is Underway
It wouldn't be a Ravens rookie minicamp without a heavy emphasis on special teams. According to the Baltimore Sun, the coaching staff made a concerted effort to evaluate rookies in punt coverage, kick return, and field goal protection scenarios. Wide receivers Dayton Wade and Cortez Braham Jr. both got extended looks as returners, while linebackers like Teddye Buchanan and Jay Higgins IV were tested in coverage units.
The Ravens have historically been one of the NFL's best special teams units under the direction of special teams coordinator Anthony Levine Sr., and that trend shows no signs of stopping. With the kickoff rule changes in recent years creating more live-action returns, finding players who can contribute in the third phase has never been more important.
Buchanan, in particular, stood out. The rookie linebacker showed a nose for the football in punt coverage, beating blocks and making tackles in space. For undrafted or late-round picks, special teams is often the quickest path to a roster spot, and Buchanan appears to understand that. Higgins also flashed good awareness in zone drops on punt coverage.
It's too early to say who will make the final 53, but the Ravens are clearly stockpiling versatile athletes who can wear multiple hats. That philosophy has served them well for years.
Final Thoughts
Rookie minicamp is often dismissed as a glorified walkthrough, but for a franchise like the Ravens--one that builds its roster through the draft and undrafted free agency--these early evaluations matter. Vega Ioane's position switch to right guard could pay dividends if he continues to develop. Zion Young's dominance as a pass rusher makes him a name to watch in training camp. And the secondary's speed suggests the defensive backfield is in good hands for years to come.
As the Ravens transition into OTAs and mandatory minicamp later this spring, the competition will only intensify. But for now, the rookies have made their first impressions--and some of them were impossible to ignore.