The Baltimore Ravens could use a revamp on its interior offensive line — specifically on either side of 2-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum at the guard spots.
That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens go with a guard early in the 2026 NFL draft, which Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department predicts is a likely possibility.
Specifically, they think 6-foot-6, 335-pound University of Miami star Francis Mauigoa would be the perfect fit to help protect 2-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson for the next decade or so.
From Bleacher Report: “We’ve touched on the Baltimore Ravens’ long-term need at guard previously, but there has been a lot of change at the top of the position. What initially looked like a barren guard class has been boosted by a few risers during the college football season. Francis Mauigoa’s projection to move inside has helped. He’s a solid run-blocking tackle whose pass protection range might force a move inside.”
Mauigoa’s Quick Rise to NFL Prospect
There’s a big chance this is Mauigoa’s third and final season playing college football after earning Freshman All-American honors and All-ACC honors in 2023 then repeating as an All-ACC pick in 2024.
“Francis Mauigoa is a densely-built, stout presence with very good play strength and square power to anchor and create movement on day one in the NFL,” Bleacher Report’s Brandon Thorn wrote in October 2025. “His adequate range in pass protection signals a classic quality collegiate tackle-to-guard convert in the mold of recent draft picks Jonah Savaiinaea and Steve Avila.”
The IMG Academy product, who was born in American Samoa, left high school at 270 pounds. That means he’s put on over 60 pounds of muscle and mass since joining the Hurricanes and his versatility — playing offensive tackle now and projecting as a guard in the NFL — is invaluable as well.
Ravens Don’t Have Clear Plan on Offensive Line
The 2 starting guards for the Ravens right now don’t seem like players who are long term options there.
At left guard, 2023 seventh round pick Andrew Voorhees is under contract for one more year on his 4-year, $3.94 million rookie contract. Voorhees is a middle of the pack player in terms of talent, with a 59.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus through the first 8 games.
At right guard, 2022 fourth round pick Daniel Faalele is an unrestricted free agent after this season while playing the final season of his 4-year, $4.46 million rookie contract. He’s also enormous, at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds, and has flashed some elite ability in pass protection but has struggled with run blocking.
The biggest question mark for the Ravens is why they haven’t signed Linderbaum to a long term extension yet.
Baltimore turned down the $23.4 million fifth year option on his contract for 2026 in April and Linderbaum’s projected market value of a 4-year, $72.059 million contract extension would make him the highest paid center in the NFL.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti predicted Linderbaum could receive a “last minute” 4-year, $77 million contract extension before the season which would pay him approximately $19.25 million. That would top the 4-year, $72 million contract extension signed by Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey in August 2024.
That deal, for whatever reason, never materialized.
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