The Baltimore Ravens will open the preseason against the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, giving Jesse Minter and his new coaching staff their first opportunity to evaluate the roster under game conditions.
With Lamar Jackson and several other established starters unlikely to play extended snaps, the opener should belong to Baltimore’s rookies, developmental prospects and players fighting for reserve roles. The Ravens selected 11 players in the 2026 NFL draft before adding a large class of undrafted rookie free agents, creating plenty of competition throughout the roster.
First-round pick Vega Ioane is expected to become an immediate starter, while Ja’Kobi Lane and Zion Young have generated attention throughout training camp. Other rookies will use the preseason to compete for roster spots and special-teams roles.
Here are 10 Ravens rookies to watch against Philadelphia.
Vega Ioane, offensive guard
Ioane will enter his preseason debut as one of Baltimore’s most important rookies. The first-round pick is expected to start at right guard alongside Roger Rosengarten, making every rep valuable as the Ravens rebuild chemistry across a reconfigured offensive line. Ioane has the size and movement skills to become an immediate asset in the running game, but the opener will test his communication, pass protection and ability to recognize NFL defensive fronts.
Zion Young, outside linebacker
Young has an opportunity to establish himself as part of Baltimore’s edge-rusher rotation immediately. The second-round pick possesses the size and power to set the edge against the run, but the Ravens will also want to see whether he can consistently pressure the quarterback. Philadelphia’s reserve tackles should provide a useful first test. Young’s discipline, rush plan and ability to finish plays will be as important as his final statistics.
Ja’Kobi Lane, wide receiver
Lane has been one of the most discussed rookies in training camp after producing a steady collection of highlight catches. At 6-foot-4, he offers the size, catch radius and contested-catch ability to become a valuable target behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The preseason opener will provide Lane with his first chance to prove that his practice-field production can carry over when the coverage becomes more physical and the results begin to matter.
Elijah Sarratt, wide receiver
Sarratt has been overshadowed at times by Lane’s highlight-reel plays, but the fourth-round pick remains firmly in the competition for a reserve receiver role. He offers a different style, using his strength and run-after-catch ability to produce in the intermediate areas of the field. Sarratt’s route precision, blocking and special-teams contributions will be worth monitoring as he attempts to separate himself in a crowded position group.
Adam Randall, running back
Randall is one of Baltimore’s most intriguing developmental projects after making the transition from wide receiver to running back. At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, the fifth-round pick gives the Ravens a powerful athlete who can create matchup problems as a receiver. Preseason action will test his patience, vision, ball security and ability to handle pass-protection assignments. Those details will determine how quickly Randall can earn a role behind Derrick Henry.
Chandler Rivers, cornerback
Rivers could receive an important opportunity with Nate Wiggins dealing with a leg injury. The fifth-round pick does not possess ideal height for an outside cornerback, but his quickness, instincts and competitive approach give him a chance to contribute in the slot and on special teams. Philadelphia’s deep wide receiver group should challenge Rivers’ coverage technique and tackling while giving the Ravens a better indication of where he fits in the secondary.
Ryan Eckley, punter
Eckley enters the preseason with a direct path to Baltimore’s punting job, but he still must demonstrate that his college production can translate to the NFL. The sixth-round pick averaged 48.5 yards per punt during his final season at Michigan State. Against Philadelphia, the focus will extend beyond distance. Hang time, directional placement, operation time and his performance as a holder will all factor into the Ravens’ evaluation.
Ethan Burke, outside linebacker
Burke’s size immediately makes him an undrafted rookie worth watching. At 6-foot-6 and 267 pounds, the former Texas defender has the physical frame Baltimore has traditionally valued on the edge. The preseason will reveal whether Burke can convert that length into pressure, hold his ground against the run and contribute on special teams. With several established veterans ahead of him, Burke needs productive game snaps to force his way into the roster conversation.
Nick Dawkins, center
Dawkins joined the Ravens as an undrafted free agent before Baltimore added veteran Ethan Pocic to a center competition that also includes Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn. That crowded depth chart increases the importance of every preseason snap. Dawkins must demonstrate reliable exchanges, sound protection calls and the strength to handle interior defenders. Versatility at guard and a dependable performance with Baltimore’s reserve quarterbacks could help his roster case.
Joe Fagnano, quarterback
Jackson’s expected absence should create additional opportunities for Baltimore’s reserve quarterbacks, although Fagnano must compete with Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson for playing time. The undrafted rookie from Connecticut needs to show command of Declan Doyle’s offense, make quick decisions and protect the football. Even if his snaps are limited, Fagnano can make an impression by managing the huddle and keeping the offense operating on schedule.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 10 Ravens rookies to watch during preseason opener vs. the Eagles