Overview
- Jason Licht said the Ravens backing out of a Maxx Crosby deal with the Raiders shifted the draft board in a way that helped Tampa Bay land edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at pick No. 15.
- The Raiders would have held No. 14 and likely needed an edge if Crosby had been dealt, but Baltimore kept the pick and no longer prioritized that position after adding Trey Hendrickson.
- With the Ravens focused on offensive line, they selected guard Vega Ioane at No. 14, which kept an elite pass rusher available one spot later for the Buccaneers.
- The ripple effects reached free agency as well, with the Raiders signing former Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, a move Licht suggested factored into Baltimore’s focus up front.
- Licht noted Tampa had some interest in Hendrickson before he chose Baltimore, while Crosby remained with Las Vegas and publicly advised No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza on earning respect through daily work.