Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has revealed that he believes the talent pool in this year’s NFL draft begins to thin out around the midway point of the first round. Speaking ahead of the 2026 draft, where the Ravens hold the 14th overall pick, DeCosta said he sees a strong group of prospects early but a noticeable drop-off in quality thereafter.
“First round, there’s definitely a drop off probably midway through the round in terms of talent,” DeCosta said, adding that the overall depth of this year’s class is slightly weaker than last year’s. The Ravens currently have just under 200 players ranked as draftable, but with more than 250 picks in the draft, DeCosta acknowledged they may need to look beyond their board to complete their selections.
Despite this assessment, DeCosta pushed back against suggestions that his reported willingness to trade the 14th pick for Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby signals a lack of faith in this year’s prospects. “We’re excited to have the pick this year at 14,” he said. “We think we’re going to get a really good player.”
The Ravens’ position at 14 gives them an opportunity to land a high-impact player, even if the overall depth of the draft class is not as strong as in previous years. DeCosta’s comments suggest the team is weighing all options, including potential trades, as they prepare for draft night.
With the Ravens coming off a playoff appearance and looking to bolster their roster, the 14th pick could play a key role in shaping the team’s future. Whether they stay put or explore trade possibilities, Baltimore’s front office appears focused on maximizing value in what DeCosta describes as a draft with a clear division between its strongest and weaker prospects.
