Ravens GM Eric DeCosta Reflects on Missing Out on Centers in 2024 NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens drafted two offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft but missed out on selecting a center to replace Tyler Linderbaum. First-round pick Vega Ioane and seventh-round selection Evan Beerntsen were both guards in college, leaving Corey Bullock, Jovaughn Gwyn, and Danny Pinter as the primary candidates to compete for the center position.

General Manager Eric DeCosta addressed the situation over the weekend, acknowledging that 'there were a couple centers that we really liked.' However, both prospects were selected after the Ravens took edge rusher Zion Jones in the second round. DeCosta expressed surprise that Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter were taken at that point, stating the cost of trading back up was prohibitive.

He also noted that the Ravens did not see later-round prospects who could 'be an impact player for us this year.'

Reflecting on the draft, DeCosta said,

'A lot of times when you find yourself in a position like that — and we've been in this many years — it's just the pick that you have, the number that you have and not just being to maneuver the right way or not having the ammunition or maybe the cost of doing so is probably prohibitive. So, [it's] unfortunate, but I'm ecstatic with the players that we were able to get. Honestly, like looking at this list of players, I probably wouldn't do anything differently.'

Despite the missed opportunity, DeCosta expressed confidence in the Ravens' offensive line options, stating,

'I have confidence in the options that the team has in place and that I think we'll have a great offensive line once all the pieces are in place this fall.'