Ravens Draft Profile: Evan Beerntsen Fits Baltimore’s New Identity in the Trenches

The Baltimore Ravens continue to rebuild their identity under first-year head coach Jesse Minter, and seventh-round draft pick Evan Beerntsen fits the blueprint perfectly.

Baltimore selected the Northwestern guard with the No. 253 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after another offseason focused on toughness, versatility and offensive line depth. General manager Eric DeCosta attacked the trenches throughout the draft, and Beerntsen arrives with years of experience, championship pedigree and the type of mentality the Ravens want inside the locker room.

The Ravens entered 2026 following massive organizational changes. Jesse Minter replaced longtime head coach John Harbaugh after Baltimore missed the playoffs in 2025. Declan Doyle took over as offensive coordinator after Todd Monken departed to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Anthony Weaver now runs the defense, while Dwayne Ledford leads the offensive line room.

Beerntsen joins a roster that already features franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, star running back Derrick Henry, Pro Bowl receiver Zay Flowers and an offensive line currently fighting through transition and competition. Baltimore drafted Penn State guard Vega Ioane in the first round, but the Ravens still needed experienced depth along the interior offensive line. Beerntsen gives Baltimore another veteran blocker capable of competing immediately.

Maryland Sports Blog already profiled several members of Baltimore’s 2026 draft class, including Ja’Kobi Lane, Chandler Rivers, Adam Randall, Matthew Hibner, Josh Cuevas, Ryan Eckley and Rayshaun Benny. Beerntsen now enters training camp trying to become another late-round Ravens success story.

Wisconsin Roots Built an NFL Player

Beerntsen grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin and attended Appleton North High School. Recruiting services barely noticed him during the recruiting cycle. South Dakota State saw something different.

The future Ravens guard entered college as a zero-star recruit without a major Division I FBS offer. South Dakota State developed Beerntsen into one of the tougher interior linemen in the country over the next six years.

That journey shaped his football personality.

Beerntsen redshirted after suffering a shoulder injury early in his career before gradually earning a larger role inside the Jackrabbits program. South Dakota State built an FCS powerhouse during his time there, winning national championships in both 2022 and 2023 with Beerntsen starting along the offensive line.

The veteran blocker eventually earned First Team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors before transferring to Northwestern for his final college season. The move gave Beerntsen an opportunity to prove himself against Big Ten competition and elevate his NFL draft stock.

The gamble worked.

Beerntsen immediately became one of Northwestern’s most dependable offensive linemen. The veteran guard started all 13 games and reportedly allowed zero sacks and zero quarterback hits throughout the season. Northwestern coaches praised his consistency, intelligence and communication along the offensive front.

NFL scouts noticed the improvement quickly.

Why Baltimore Drafted Beerntsen

Baltimore rarely drafts players without a developmental vision.

Beerntsen fits several organizational priorities immediately.

Experience

The rookie played thousands of collegiate snaps across multiple offensive systems. Baltimore values mature offensive linemen capable of handling assignments quickly.

The Ravens need depth after major offseason changes along the offensive front. Tyler Linderbaum departed earlier in the offseason, while Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele continue fighting for larger roles entering camp.

Beerntsen gives the Ravens another experienced option capable of competing at guard or potentially center.

Toughness

South Dakota State built one of college football’s most physical programs during Beerntsen’s career. The guard played through injuries, handled years of trench battles and helped anchor championship teams.

That mentality fits Baltimore perfectly.

The Ravens continue to prioritize physical football under Jesse Minter. Baltimore spent the offseason rebuilding its identity around discipline, toughness and player development after disappointing results in 2025.

Beerntsen checks every box in that culture shift.

Athletic Fit in Declan Doyle’s Offense

Declan Doyle brings a more movement-based offensive system to Baltimore. The Ravens want interior linemen capable of pulling, climbing into the second level and protecting Lamar Jackson in space.

Beerntsen moves well laterally and consistently wins with leverage and positioning instead of raw power. Scouts praised his mobility and football IQ throughout the draft process.

Several evaluators also believe Beerntsen could eventually cross-train at center because of his communication skills and awareness.

Versatility matters inside Baltimore’s system.

Training Camp Battle Ahead

Beerntsen enters one of the more competitive position battles on the roster.

The Ravens currently feature multiple young interior offensive linemen fighting for depth-chart positioning behind projected starters. Beerntsen will compete against players like Andrew Vorhees, Emery Jones Jr. and several undrafted rookies for backup roles during camp.

Special teams work could determine whether Beerntsen survives final roster cuts.

Backup offensive linemen often earn early roster spots through field goal protection units and positional flexibility. Older rookies usually gain trust faster because of maturity and experience, and Beerntsen turns 26 during the season.

Baltimore also values players who avoid mental mistakes.

Beerntsen built a strong reputation in college football because of consistency and reliability. Coaches trusted him to identify protections, communicate assignments and stabilize the offensive front.

Those traits matter during preseason games when young offensive lines often collapse because of communication breakdowns.

Beerntsen Fits Baltimore Football

The Ravens did not draft Evan Beerntsen expecting immediate headlines.

Baltimore drafted him because the organization believes toughness still wins football games.

Beerntsen climbed from overlooked Wisconsin recruit to national champion, Big Ten starter and NFL draft pick through development, discipline and consistency. That path mirrors the type of player Baltimore traditionally develops well.

The Ravens continue reshaping the franchise under Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle. Baltimore wants a smarter, more physical and more disciplined football team entering 2026.

Beerntsen fits that vision perfectly.

Seventh-round picks always face long odds in the NFL, but Baltimore consistently turns late-round offensive linemen into contributors because the organization prioritizes development over hype.

Evan Beerntsen now gets his opportunity to become the next one.