Ravens draft strategy revealed? GM hints at plan after losing star in free agency

Upgrading the safety position remains their most pressing need, but the loss of three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency means the Ravens now have a huge void to fill up front as well.

General manager Eric DeCosta addressed that reality, and more, in comments posted on the team’s website.

DeCosta content with efforts to keep Linderbaum

Baltimore fought hard to keep Linderbaum, recognising his value as one of the best centers in the league.

Ultimately, the Las Vegas Raiders swooped in, stealing the 25-year-old from under the nose of the Ravens by signing him to a three-year, $81 million contract.

DeCosta did not sound like someone who regretted not doing more to keep Linderbaum around. If anything, he sounded comfortable with the way he handled the situation.

Speaking this week, he said, "I was never going to get that house because the other people had more money to spend."

DeCosta's plan to replace Linderbaum

DeCosta discussed how Baltimore intends to bring in free agent centers in the coming weeks, but with Connor McGovern and Tyler Biadasz off the board, the cupboard is bare.

Instead, the Ravens may be better served looking to the draft for their next starter at the position - a scenario DeCosta seems perfectly comfortable with.

"I have a lot of confidence in Coach Ledford and our offensive staff to develop guys," DeCosta said.

"We've done it before. We have a pretty good history of drafting centers."

Which centers could the Ravens target in the draft?

Baltimore heads into the draft with 11 picks, giving the front office plenty of options to address the offensive line without forcing a move in free agency.

There are several centers who could develop into starters at the pro level, including Iowa's Logan Jones, Auburn's Connor Lew, and the incredibly athletic Jake Slaughter, a three-year starter at Florida.

While none of those players is expected to go in the first round, that gives DeCosta the freedom to address other needs - such as safety - before targeting Linderbaum’s replacement on Day 2.

If that proves to be the case, the answer to Baltimore's questions at center could already be waiting somewhere on DeCosta's draft board.