Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a very disappointing season. They allowed their worst point differential in the last four years and mimicked their least amount of wins in the last five. Their defense has historically been their calling card, but they could not seem to replicate the success of the past. The Ravens prefer to run the ball, which is tough to do when you’re either playing from behind or trading scores with the opponent.
Offensively, their talent at the skill positions is strong. Lamar Jackson is a two-time league MVP. Often efficient and the orchestrator of countless highlight plays in the regular season, he still struggles to carry that success into the postseason when it matters most.
John Simpson was signed to help bolster the offensive line, and potentially aid in softening the blow of losing Tyler Linderbaum to free agency.
At running back, Derrick Henry still strikes fear into would be tacklers. Despite his age, he’s still an absolute unit and a difficult player to keep out of the end zone.
As for wide receiver and tight end, Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews remain as their top options. Flowers is a threat to score from anywhere and Andrews returns as a reliable target down the seams and in the red zone.
On the other side of the ball, safety Kyle Hamilton resembles a queen on the chessboard.He’s able to line up at deep, in the box, at corner/slot, linebacker and also on the line as a blitzer.
Nate Wiggins is ready to step into a larger role at corner. His thrree interceptions last season speak to his instincts, speed and ball skills when the pigskin is in flight.
Roquan Smith returns as a steady, veteran presence at linebacker. A sideline to sideline archetype, often nearing double digit tackles weekly.
On the defensive line, how Nnamdi Madubuike rebounds from a neck injury brings some uncertainty. He will be a key to their defense returning to form.
At edge, free agent signing Trey Hendrickson brings double-digit sacks with consistency, notching between 13.5 and 17.5 in 6 of the last 8 seasons. Quite the consolation price for missing out on Maxx Crosby.
The Ravens really need to hit on this pick to keep their window of contention alive. Jackson must get the playoff monkey off his back, Henry and Andrews aren’t getting any younger. Hamilton, Smith and Hendrickson are cornerstones that should get the defense back on track.
For the pick, at #14, the Baltimore Ravens select: offensive tackle Monroe Freeling from Georgia.
Standing 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds, with an 84.5 inch wingspan, Freeling appears to be built for the NFL. Possessing elite athleticism for a man of his stature, the Georgia product ran a 4.93 40-yard dash with a 1.71 10-yd split. He also had a max vert of 33.5 inches, along with a 9-foot-7-inch broad jump. The testing and measurables cemented him as one of the top 3 tackles available. He fits perfectly into their zone run scheme. As he adds weight and refines his technique, it’s expected that his pass blocking will improve as well. Durability isn’t much of a concern, with the only notable injury affecting his ankle. Showing toughness and dedication, he fought through it and maintained an adequate level of play.
Baltimore’s offensive line regressed significantly in pass protection, dropping to the 28th spot in PFF’s rankings. Lamar Jackson was sacked on 30% of dropbacks, 31st out of 32 teams, yikes! The run game saw a slight decline as well, going from 2.24 yards before contact two years ago, to 1.77 last season.
The philosophy of not drafting for need falls on deaf ears in this instance. There is a Mariana Trench-sized void in the Ravens’ OL. At this point in the draft, despite other holes in the roster and with several top lineman already off the board, this is simply too good of a prospect to pass up.
Freeling’s experience and versatility will allow him to step in immediately at right tackle and potentially move over to the left side when Ronnie Stanley or the Ravens front office decide it’s time to move on.
2026 BGN Mock Draft Order
1) Raiders (Mailata_in_a_Miata): Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2) Jets (Dr.MidnightGreen): Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State
3) Cardinals (grantspectations): Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4) Titans (DrBubbles): Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
5) Giants (ablesser88): Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
6) Browns (kjb304): Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
7) Commanders (Jerry Robinson 56): Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
8) Saints (VetStadiumSection358): David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
9) Chiefs (Hoosinole): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10) Bengals (chuckelberryfinn): Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
11) Dolphins (phillyfan): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
12) Cowboys (ejdubya): Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
13) Rams (All_Hail_Howie): Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
14) Ravens (215T1LL1D1e): Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15) Buccaneers (pascofljoe)
16) Jets (Euegene11)
17) Lions (BCHaas)
18) Vikings (The Player Formerly Known as Mousecop)
19) Panthers (LancGuy)
20) Cowboys (Cravin’ LeBlanc)
21) Steelers (iam4theBirdz)
22) Chargers (Aint1stULast)
23) Eagles (Philly21)
24) Browns (FierceDisc65)
25) Bears (jazztafari)
26) Bills (PhillyTexan)
27) 49ers (granthill7)
28) Texans (CrackTheEaglesNut)
29) Chiefs (z)
30) Dolphins (Booth12)
31) Patriots (Niels Rosenquist)
32) Seahawks (J. Wil)
Now it’s YOUR TURN to vote for who you think should be selected with this pick.
1) Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
2) Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
3) Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa
4) Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love
5) Giants: LB Sonny Styles
6) Browns: WR Carnell Tate
7) Commanders: EDGE David Bailey
8) Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
9) Chiefs: S Caleb Downs
10) Bengals: CB Mansoor Delane
11) Dolphins: WR Jordyn Tyson
12) Cowboys: CB Jermod McCoy
13) Rams: WR Makai Lemon
14) Ravens:
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