BALTIMORE -- The Ravens have always prided themselves on family, and Monday they made that sentiment literal. Baltimore signed cornerback Lardarius Webb Jr. as an undrafted free agent, bringing the son of one of the most beloved defensive backs in franchise history into the fold. It's the kind of story that transcends the salary cap and the depth chart, a genuine human-interest moment that has the entire organization buzzing.
For anyone who watched the Ravens defense during its golden era, the name Lardarius Webb conjures memories of ball-hawking plays, punishing hits, and a relentless work ethic. The elder Webb spent his entire 10-year career in Baltimore, recording 15 interceptions, 95 passes defensed, and a Super Bowl XLVII ring. He was a third-round pick out of Nicholls State in 2009 who defied every expectation to become a Pro Bowl-caliber starter. Now, his son -- a cornerback out of Wake Forest -- is hoping to write a similar underdog story.
Keeping It in the Family
Lardarius Webb Jr. went unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, a three-day event that saw the Ravens add 11 new players via picks. But the silence on Day 3 didn't last long. Within hours of the draft's conclusion, Baltimore reached out, and the younger Webb quickly agreed to terms. For the Ravens, it was an easy call -- both from a football standpoint and an emotional one.
"This is a special moment for our organization," said general manager Eric DeCosta during Monday's post-draft press conference. "We know what Lardarius Webb meant to this team, to this city, to this building. And to see his son come in with that same last name, wearing that same jersey, it's pretty powerful. But make no mistake: this isn't a publicity stunt. Lardarius Jr. earned this opportunity. He's a talented player in his own right, and we're excited to see what he can do."
The elder Webb was a fixture in the Ravens' secondary for a decade, known for his ability to play both cornerback and safety. He was a technician in coverage, a willing tackler in run support, and a leader in the locker room. Now, his son will attempt to carve out his own niche.
Playing in His Father's Shadow
For Webb Jr., the path to the NFL has been a familiar one -- but no less difficult. He played collegiately at Wake Forest, a Power Five school but one not traditionally known as a football powerhouse. Scouts noted his fluid hips, solid instincts, and a knack for being around the ball, but questions about his size and top-end speed likely kept him off many draft boards.
Still, the Ravens saw enough on tape to bring him in. Baltimore's defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, also spoke during the press conference about what Webb Jr. brings to the table.
"He's got good ball skills. You can see the natural instincts," Minter said. "He tracks the ball well in the air, and he's not afraid to come up and support the run. We think he's a guy who can compete in camp and push for a spot. And honestly, having a family member of a Ravens legend in the building -- that adds a level of pride and accountability that you can't coach."
The Ravens have long had a policy of letting players wear the same number as their legendary predecessors -- within reason -- if they earn it. Webb Sr. wore No. 21 during his career. Whether his son will inherit that number or forge his own identity remains to be seen, but the emotional weight of the moment was not lost on anyone in the organization.
More Than a Feel-Good Story
While the narrative is undeniably heartwarming, the Ravens have real football reasons for adding Webb Jr. Baltimore's secondary is deep but not invulnerable. The team invested a mid-round pick in a cornerback during the draft, but undrafted free agents have a long history of making waves in Owings Mills. Think of players like Michael Pierce, who went undrafted and became a cornerstone of the defensive line, or Patrick Ricard, who transitioned from defensive lineman to Pro Bowl fullback.
Webb Jr. will slot into a cornerback room that features young talent and veteran leadership. The defensive backs coach, who works closely with Minter's defensive scheme, will have the task of developing Webb Jr. through OTAs, minicamp, and ultimately training camp. If he shows the same work ethic and football IQ that defined his father's career, he could very well find himself on the 53-man roster or at least the practice squad.
"I'm not going to put a ceiling on him," Minter added. "We just want to see him come in, learn the playbook, and compete. The rest will take care of itself."
Post-Draft Press Conference: DeCosta and Minter Address the Big Picture
Monday's press conference wasn't just about Webb Jr., of course. DeCosta and Minter took the podium to discuss the team's entire 11-pick draft class, the undrafted free agent haul, and expectations for the 2026 season.
DeCosta spoke with characteristic candor about the team's approach. "We felt really good about how the board fell to us," he said. "We targeted specific needs -- offensive line, pass rush, secondary -- and we think we addressed them. But the draft is just the beginning. Now the real work starts."
Minter, who is entering his second season as defensive coordinator, emphasized the importance of developing young players. "We have a lot of new faces, but the standard doesn't change. This is a defense that was top 10 in a lot of categories last year, and we expect to be even better. The young guys have to earn their reps, but we're confident in their ability."
When asked specifically about the undrafted free agent class, DeCosta noted that the Ravens have a proud tradition of finding contributors off the beaten path. "We signed 14 UDFAs this year," he said. "Some of them will be camp bodies. Some of them will be practice squad guys. And a couple of them -- if history is any guide -- will end up starting for us at some point. Lardarius [Webb Jr.] is one of those guys we think has a real shot."
What's Next for Webb Jr. and the Ravens
The immediate future for Webb Jr. is about learning. Rookie minicamp begins in early May, and that's where first impressions are made. He'll be competing against other undrafted free agents as well as late-round draft picks for a spot on the depth chart. The Ravens typically keep around 10 to 11 defensive backs on the active roster, so Webb Jr. will have to stand out on special teams -- the traditional path to a roster spot for undrafted rookies.
The elder Webb, now retired and living in the Baltimore area, is sure to be a frequent presence at the team facility -- though he'll likely keep his distance during actual football activities. His son will have to earn his keep the old-fashioned way.
For Ravens fans, the signing of Lardarius Webb Jr. is a feel-good moment that also carries real football weight. It's a story about legacy, about family, and about a franchise that values both. But it's also about a young man who has a chance to make his own name -- even if that name already carries so much weight in Baltimore.
As DeCosta put it: "We're thrilled to have Lardarius Jr. in the building. He's a Raven now. And I think his dad is probably the happiest guy in the world."
Final Word
The 2026 draft is in the books. The Ravens added 11 draft picks and a host of undrafted free agents, headlined by Webb Jr. Now the focus shifts to the grind of spring practices, summer workouts, and ultimately training camp. For Lardarius Webb Jr., the dream is alive -- and it's wearing purple and black.
Stay tuned to Russell Street Report for full coverage of Ravens rookie minicamp, OTAs, and all the roster battles ahead.