The Baltimore Ravens are high on the fact that Nnamdi Madubuike can return from his neck injury. Hence, the team’s general manager Eric DeCosta says the plans ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft remain as planned.
DeCosta spoke to the press and he was clear on it. “I would say that Nnamdi’s status doesn’t really affect us that much in terms of like what we’re going to do in the draft at the defensive tackle position,” he said.
DeCosta recently said that there is a talent drop-off in the 2026 NFL Draft. Hence, the Ravens must be cautious in what they do. The Ravens have 11 picks in this year’s draft, but it’s not like they’re in love with the prospects coming up.
Madubuike back would be massive for Baltimore
Madubuike is an elite interior defensive lineman. He is a rare, interior-pass-rusher that wrecks gameplans. He can get double teams and still create problems. Also, by having him, teams focus on stopping him, leaving the edge rushers in great position to get one on one matchups.
As the old saying goes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. The Ravens getting Nnamdi Madubuike back would be nothing short of HUGE!
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) March 28, 2026
Beeks creates chaos, as this @SimplyAS10 highlight package shows. We really missed this last season, I can’t wait for him to get back! pic.twitter.com/7l0ZulabG5
It took some time for Madubuike to flourish, but once he did, he had two straight Pro Bowl selections. In 2023 and 2024, he combined for 19.5 sacks and 50 QB hits. That to join his run-stopping ability.
The Ravens defense is in a lot of pressure
While usually the team’s success is tied to quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson has plenty of leeway. It’s the defense the one with plenty of pressure. First, new head coach Jesse Minter is catalogued as a “defensive guru.” Then, they had the whole Maxx Crosby situation, only to back out from a trade and bring Trey Hendrickson instead.
So, if the defense doesn’t work out, the coach, the front office, and the players will be heavily criticized. Of course, that’s not the best of looks. Hence, Madubuike coming back is crucial to avoid all these bad possible narratives.
