OTL: Three Underrated Offseason Additions in Baltimore

Welcome back, Ravens flock. As the OTA’s role right along as we exit May and enter June, I thought it would be fun to look at some players who, to me, aren’t getting the respect they deserve right now on the Ravens roster. I am going to rank these three players from least important to most important – in my view – for the upcoming season.

Let’s get started with a player that no one is talking about:

And ICYMI new Ravens safety Jaylinn Hawkins is excited to be a part of Jesse Minter’s “creative, smart, ball-hawking, playmaking” defense and hopes his former Patriots teammate Stefon Diggs-who he says is a revered teammate-will join him in Baltimore…https://t.co/GDgvxzXZqU

— Glenn Clark (@GlennClarkRadio) May 28, 2026

I think Jaylinn Hawkins has become insanely underrated for a couple of reasons, the first of which is the role he plays, as the third safety in Jesse Minter’s defense. Number two, his signing flew under the radar, as it came while the fanbase was in the midst of the Crosby drama.

Hawkins has the potential to play a sizeable role this season, and I can see him being one of the unsung heroes of the Baltimore defense.

These next two players are much more recognizable names, but I see their potential impact being higher than what’s currently being appreciated.

Look at the way Vega Ioane’s upper and lower body work in concert. Good pop on contact and drives his legs through the play. pic.twitter.com/CeevTLE5GO

— Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) May 28, 2026

Vega is going to make a huge difference for this team every time he steps on the field. No Ravens fan needs reminding how bad the guard play was last year; a traffic cone would be a potential upgrade. However, the first-rounder turning into a solid-to-great guard immediately will elevate everyone around him.

Our final player on today’s list, is one everyone knows and who has high expectations in his first season with the team. However, I have even higher hopes than many seem to.

It’s only late May, but Trey Hendrickson has the Ravens excited about their veteran pass-rush addition.
That and more notes from Baltimore’s OTA session yesterday (FREE TO READ). https://t.co/5vALsCKH28 pic.twitter.com/dehLm8hEO8

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 28, 2026

The signing of Trey Hendrickson was of course much more directly related to the Crosby drama than Hawkins’ was, but the effect was similar to the one we discussed for the safety. The shine seemed less than if he’d just been their original target.

As with guard, the edge room was an embarrassment last year. Hendrickson is here to help fix that, and I certainly expect better scheming from Minter and Anthony Weaver than we got from Zach Orr. Maybe it’s just me, but the Flock doesn’t seem as excited for a true edge difference-maker as I’d expect, after how much we’ve missed having that presence for so long.

The post OTL: Three Underrated Offseason Additions in Baltimore appeared first on Russell Street Report.