The Baltimore Ravens signed undrafted defensive back Lardarius Webb Jr., whose father played nine seasons for the team, on April 26, 2026.
Webb Jr. Brings a familiar name to Baltimore’s secondary after a college career that took him from a Nebraska commitment to junior college at Jones College, then Oklahoma State, South Alabama, and finally Wake Forest for his final season. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 168 pounds, he lacks prototypical NFL size but offers versatility at cornerback, safety, and special teams.
His signing comes amid broader roster moves following a turbulent offseason. The Ravens fired 18-year head coach John Harbaugh after missing the playoffs in 2025, the first such absence since 2021, and replaced him with Jesse Minter, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers under Jim Harbaugh.
Minter’s mandate centers on fixing a defense that struggled with pass rush consistency and improving protection for Lamar Jackson, whose health and development remain central to Baltimore’s Super Bowl aspirations. The team enters 2026 with the second-most draft picks, using them to address offensive line needs after losing Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum to free agency.
General Manager Eric DeCosta explained the Ravens did not draft a true center despite it being a top demand, selecting outside linebacker Zion Young at No. 45 instead. Two centers they “really liked” — Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter — were taken earlier than expected at picks 57 and 63 by the Bears and Chargers, respectively.
DeCosta cited a run on offensive linemen in the first and second rounds that “priced” Baltimore out, calling the outcome “unfortunate” but expressing confidence in internal solutions. The Ravens instead drafted guard Olaivavega Ioane at No. 14 to shore up the interior line, a pick praised for its physicality and versatility, including occasional tight end usage.
Other selections included edge rusher Zion Young, receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, power receiver Elijah Sarratt, and tight end Matthew Hibner, a sixth-year senior from SMU with pass-catching ability. The moves reflect a strategy to add youth and talent while addressing specific weaknesses exposed in 2025.
The Webb signing carries symbolic weight in a franchise that values legacy and continuity. His father, Lardarius Webb Sr., intercepted 22 passes and recorded 13 fumble recoveries over nine seasons in Baltimore, establishing himself as a fan favorite known for toughness and intelligence in the secondary.
For Webb Jr., the path to making the team will hinge on overcoming size concerns and proving his value on special teams — a traditional pathway for undrafted players seeking to stick in the NFL. His college journey, marked by multiple transfers and a final season at Wake Forest, demonstrates perseverance that could resonate with a coaching staff emphasizing culture and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defensive overhaul under Minter will be measured by whether the added pass rush talent translates to improved sack numbers and quarterback pressure, particularly in tight AFC North matchups. The offense, meanwhile, will rely on Ioane and others to create cleaner pockets for Jackson to operate.
What are Lardarius Webb Jr.’s chances of making the Ravens’ 53-man roster?
His chances depend on special teams performance and defensive versatility, as his size (5-foot-9, 168 pounds) makes him an undersized prospect for a starting role, but his ability to play multiple defensive back positions could help him carve out a niche.
Why didn’t the Ravens draft a center despite losing Tyler Linderbaum?
Two centers they highly rated — Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter — were selected earlier than expected in the second round, and a run on offensive linemen priced Baltimore out of the market, according to General Manager Eric DeCosta.
How does Jesse Minter’s background influence his approach to fixing the Ravens’ defense?
Minter spent two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers under Jim Harbaugh, giving him familiarity with the organization’s philosophy and a focus on improving pass rush and defensive coordination.
What role could Olaivavega Ioane play beyond guard for the Ravens’ offense?
Ioane occasionally lined up at tight end for Penn State and has the versatility to shift positions, offering the Ravens flexibility in blocking schemes and potential mismatch creation in short-yardage situations.
