Ravens 2026 Depth Chart Breakdown: Guard Position
Ravens 2026 Depth Chart Breakdown: Guard Position
The Baltimore Ravens have undergone a major overhaul at guard heading into the 2026 season. After inconsistent play from the interior offensive line in 2025, General Manager Eric DeCosta attacked the position aggressively, using a first-round pick on a plug-and-play starter while adding veteran help and continuing the development of several young linemen. The result is one of the deepest guard rooms Baltimore has had in years.
Projected Depth Chart
| Position | Starter | Backup | Developmental Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG | Olaivavega Ioane | Andrew Vorhees | Jared Penning |
| RG | John Simpson | Emery Jones Jr. | Evan Beerntsen |
This is the depth chart most commonly projected by Ravens sources, ESPN, and post-draft roster analysis.
Starter: Olaivavega Ioane (Left Guard)
The Ravens spent a first-round pick on Olaivavega Ioane for one reason: start immediately.
Baltimore’s offensive line struggled with consistency inside last season. The front office clearly viewed Ioane as a player who could solidify the position for years. Most projections have him stepping directly into the starting lineup from Day 1. ESPN and Ravens.com both list him atop the depth chart.
Why He Wins the Job
- Elite power in the run game
- Strong anchor against bull rushes
- NFL-ready body and technique
- Fits perfectly in Baltimore’s downhill rushing attack
Mandatory minicamp reports have already indicated that Ioane looks ready to start immediately and has impressed coaches with his fundamentals.
2026 Outlook
If Ioane develops quickly, he could become one of the Ravens’ best interior linemen by midseason and help create even bigger rushing lanes for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.
Projected Grade: A-
Starter: John Simpson (Right Guard)
The biggest offseason addition on the veteran side was John Simpson.
After Daniel Faalele departed in free agency, Baltimore brought Simpson in to stabilize the right side of the line. Multiple depth-chart projections have Simpson penciled in as the starting right guard entering training camp.
Strengths
- Experienced starter
- Physical run blocker
- Good movement skills in space
- Reliable communicator
The Ravens clearly wanted a proven veteran next to young players such as Roger Rosengarten and Ioane.
Concerns
- Not an elite pass protector
- Has been somewhat inconsistent throughout his career
Still, Simpson is currently the safest option available and enters camp as the favorite to start.
Projected Grade: B+
Top Backup: Andrew Vorhees
Just one year ago, many expected Andrew Vorhees to become a long-term starter.
Now he finds himself fighting for a reserve role after the additions of Simpson and Ioane. Several depth-chart projections have Vorhees as the primary backup guard.
Why He Still Matters
Baltimore values versatility, and Vorhees has:
- Starting experience
- Familiarity with the system
- Strong football IQ
- Ability to play either guard spot
Injuries happen every season. Vorhees could easily find himself starting multiple games in 2026.
Training Camp Battle
The biggest question is whether Vorhees can hold off younger challengers such as Emery Jones Jr.
Projected Grade: B
Rising Player: Emery Jones Jr.
One of the most intriguing players on the roster is Emery Jones Jr..
Originally viewed as a tackle prospect, Baltimore began moving him inside to guard. Coaches have consistently praised his athleticism and upside. Ravens.com lists him as the top reserve behind Simpson.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
Jones possesses:
- Excellent athletic traits
- Tackle experience
- Position flexibility
- Long-term starter upside
Many around the organization believe he could eventually become a starting guard.
Could He Start in 2026?
Absolutely.
If Simpson struggles or suffers an injury, Jones could force his way into the lineup. Some analysts already considered him a candidate for the starting right guard job before Baltimore added Ioane and Simpson.
Projected Grade: B+
Developmental Prospect: Evan Beerntsen
Seventh-round pick Evan Beerntsen is a developmental player who may surprise people.
Scouting reports praise his pass protection and football intelligence. Beerntsen allowed zero sacks during his final college season and brings nearly 3,000 collegiate snaps of experience.
Strengths
- Excellent pass protection
- Smart player
- Versatile enough to potentially play center
- Strong awareness against stunts and blitzes
Weaknesses
- Average athletic traits
- Limited power
- Older rookie
Baltimore likely views him as a long-term depth piece who could develop into a reliable backup.
Projected Grade: C+
Biggest Loss: Daniel Faalele
The departure of Daniel Faalele created the opening for the entire makeover.
Faalele started 34 games over the past two seasons before leaving in free agency for the New York Giants. Baltimore clearly wanted an upgrade and responded by drafting Ioane and signing Simpson.
Overall Position Outlook
The Ravens entered the offseason needing answers at guard.
Now they have:
- A first-round rookie expected to start immediately
- A proven veteran starter
- Two experienced young backups
- A developmental rookie with upside
That is a significant improvement from where the group stood a year ago. The combination of Ioane, Simpson, Vorhees, and Jones gives Baltimore both immediate stability and long-term potential. If Ioane lives up to expectations and Simpson provides steady veteran play, the guard position could become a strength of the offense rather than a concern.
Final Depth Chart Grade: B+
The ceiling is high because of Ioane’s talent and Jones’ upside. The floor is solid because Simpson and Vorhees have starting experience. The Ravens may not have the best guard room in the NFL, but they have assembled a group capable of helping power another elite rushing attack in 2026.
