The Baltimore Ravens are known for finding hidden gems in the wide pool of undrafted rookie free agents right after the NFL Draft.
For this huge of a class, they mostly targeted local players, along with productive small-school guys and bigger-name programs who should’ve been drafted but weren’t for whatever reason.
This year, the Ravens had numerous roster spots open post-draft after nine selections, so that led to the addition of 22 more rookies as undrafted free agents. Although most, if not all except one or two at best won’t make the 53-man roster, this is great to bring in talent for rookie mini-camps into summer training camps with little to no risk.
With the loss of a few starting caliber free agents, Baltimore is going for the youth movement for their roster turnover and will hope it pans out for them in 2024.
Baltimore Ravens: Draft Class has some Competition
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According to the Athletic’s Jeff Zreibeic, Baltimore has had at least one UDFA rookie make the 53-man roster 19 out of the past 20 years. Currently, the Ravens have 13 players on the roster who were undrafted rookie free agents.
Only one corner was brought in after they drafted Clemson’s Nate Wiggins in the first round and Iowa State’s T.J. Tampa in the fourth round. That player is the versatile defensive back who could also play safety from Oregon State, Bump Cooper Jr.
Baltimore also adds a productive edge rusher to go along with their third-rounder, Penn State’s Adisa Isaac. Joe Evans from Iowa had 9.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
With new starter Trenton Simpson opposite Roquan Smith, the Ravens need more depth at linebacker, as they signed UDFAs Deion Jennings from Rutgers and Yvandy Rigby from Temple.
They could push Chris Board and Ross as competition or have a role in special teams, as Rigby had 205 total tackles in four seasons. Jennings led Rutgers in tackles this past season with 95 and had 251 total tackles in five seasons.
Some of those positions needed depth and were not picked in the NFL Draft, as general manager Eric DeCosta decided to attack certain spots in this way like he’s done in the past.
Baltimore Ravens: Most Likely to Make the Roster
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Despite the Ravens drafting safety Kane Sanoussi out of Purdue in the 7th round of the NFL Draft, many thought safety Beau Brade should’ve been a day-three pick. So him staying local in Baltimore, Maryland is a bonus, and I would say the chances of him making the team are pretty high with just star Kyle Hamilton at strong safety.
Morgan State’s Jordan Toles is slated to battle for the backup free safety position with hybrid defensive back Washington behind Marcus Williams, but the UDFA rookie is most likely a special teamer if he makes it.
The skill positions are interesting, especially at running back with star free agent Derrick Henry but the Ravens did draft Rasheen Ali in the 5h round out of Marshall to fight for a backup spot with Justice Hill maybe as a special teamer.
Another explosive and productive back was added to the mix in Baltimore with UDFA small school prospect Chris Collier, as he had 1,631 all-purpose yards and 15 total touchdowns in 2023 for Lock Haven.
For wide receivers, 4th rounder from North Carolina Devontez Walker will have plenty of competition, as the Ravens added five UDFA rookies to their group.
Among the names include small school productive players like Limestone’s Jelani Baker and De’Angelo Hardy from North Central College. Baker had 1,681 yards and 19 touchdowns on 118 catches in two seasons, while Hardy had 1,353 yards on 75 catches and 20 touchdowns in 2023.
Other role players at bigger schools that make up the group include Isaiah Washington from Rutgers, Dayton Wade from Ole Miss, and Tayvion Robinson from Kentucky.
Baltimore Ravens: Finding a Diamond in the Rough
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From running back Keaton Mitchell last year to linebacker Josh Ross and Malik Hamm in 2022, to even defensive back Ar’Darius Washington in 2021. I could go back further in 2020 with quarterback Tyler Huntley and 2019 with offensive lineman Patrick Mekari; the list goes on.
2018 was the year the Ravens found running back Gus Edwards, and 2017 was wide receiver Tim Patrick, despite it not working out in Baltimore specifically.
Let’s not forget 2016, where they got defensive tackle Michael Pierce, center Matt Skura, kicker Will Lutz, and convert safety to linebacker Patrick “Peanut” Onwuasor. 2014 had offensive tackle James Hurst and current defensive coordinator for the Ravens, Zachary Orr, former undrafted rookie linebacker.
Not to mention legends like kicker Justin Tucker, linebacker Bart Scott, running back Priest Holmes, linebacker Jameel McClain, and “Project Pat” defensive tackle converted fullback Patrick Ricard.
With such a solid track record of finding at least one undrafted rookie free agent to make the team, the Baltimore Ravens, depth-wise at most positions, are set up for future success.
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