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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is finally back, making Week 10's edition of Thursday Night Football watchable. A win against the Miami Dolphins would hand Baltimore a winning streak, breathing life into questionable playoff hopes. However, both the Ravens and Dolphins are on the outside looking in, staring down uncertainty and the possibility of a crash-and-burn ending to their 2025 campaigns.
Each can blame bad luck, injuries, and suboptimal scheduling. But these teams have real flaws -- with varying degrees of solvability -- and the chance to address them this offseason.
As Baltimore contemplates contention and Miami ponders a reset, where might they allocate capital in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Miami Dolphins
Round 1, Pick 5: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
I'm not quite sure whether Arvell Reese will be a linebacker, edge rusher, or hybrid at the next level. But I'm confident that wherever he lines up, he'll make an impact. His blend of instincts, athleticism, and preternatural power makes him a blue-chip prospect, and his versatility makes him enticing for whatever the Dolphins plan to do on defense.
This is a team that needs to get tougher, and after the defensive line collapsed in on itself in 2025, new blood is welcomed. Every edge rusher to see significant playing time has taken a step back. Good luck beating Josh Allen or Drake Maye without potency up front.
Round 2, Pick 36: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Tyreek Hill may have played his final snap in Miami, if not professional football. That leaves a gaping hole on the boundary. First-round receiver Jaylen Waddle can take the mantle as a primary target earner, but a complementary star is necessary.
Concepcion has posted 545 yards and seven scores through eight games. He's taken the next step at Texas A&M, thrusting himself into top-50 contention. With the athleticism to fit nicely in Mike McDaniel's supercharged offense and more nuance than his later-round counterparts, he'd be a Day 1 starter in South Beach.
Round 3, Pick 70: DJ McKinney, CB, Colorado
Miami's secondary has been riddled with injuries, exposing a lack of depth to a unit that entered the year as a weak spot on the roster. An injection of talent is necessary, and McKinney has pedigree, athleticism, and a track record of success.
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McKinney is playing well in his first season as Colorado's top corner. He's willing against the run, despite some inconsistencies as a tackler, and has three seasons of starting experience to boot. He profiles as a starting corner, something the Dolphins desperately need both now and for the long-term future of the unit.
Round 3, Pick 76: Emmanuel Pregnon, OG, Oregon
Emmanuel Pregnon has generated significant hype in recent weeks, potentially nullifying a third-round projection. For now, though, he's an attainable upgrade for an offense that continuously loses the battle against more physical teams.
The Dolphins need to run the ball better between the tackles. Jonah Savaiinaea has struggled at left guard and the 2026 starter at right guard might not be on the roster. Insulating the unit and adding mass to the offensive line is helpful, as this offense only threatens to hit its potential when its two-dimensional.
Baltimore Ravens
Round 1, Pick 7: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Jackson's return suggests that Baltimore won't be drafting this high in mock drafts for much longer. But for now, the Ravens are 2-5 and fighting for their playoff lives. If they do end up picking in the top 10, adding Faulk -- my preseason EDGE1 -- would add another blue-chip prospect to a talented defense.
This addition would render Mike Green a rotational asset and improve Baltimore's early-down run defense. Faulk is big enough to play the run, but its his blend of above-average athleticism and polished hands that makes him a top prospect. For all the stars on this team, the defensive line remains an area of concern.
Round 2, Pick 41: Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
Anecdotal, yes, but there is a positive correlation between Baltimore's broken offensive plays and an instant replay featuring Daniel Faalele. Moving inside hasn't fixed this offense's issues, and adding a guard will be a top priority on this side of the ball.
Ioane is one of the few Nittany Lions having a strong 2025 season. He's an exceptional pass protector who still offers above-average size and physicality. His experience at every offensive line position makes him even more attractive, and he's played well against the best teams on Penn State's schedule. Regardless of which guard spot he calls home next season, he'd be an upgrade for the Ravens.
Round 3, Pick 72: Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Baltimore is in the endless pursuit of a receiving corps worthy of its quarterback's talent. Zay Flowers is a budding star and Rashod Bateman has had his moments. DeAndre Hopkins has been encouraging in his cameo but offers little long-term assurances.
Elijah Sarratt comes in the Michael Pittman Jr. mold of consistent, under-the-radar boundary threat who does his best work in contested-catch situations. He's a red-zone threat with enough versatility to use as a big slot, and he plays well against press and above the rim. Sarratt would give the Ravens another option to stretch the field and ensure that the passing attack remains potent, regardless of where the ball is being thrown.
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