Ravens big board: 8 prospects who fit Baltimore's NFL draft philosophy
· Yahoo Sports
Baltimore has several needs (WR, OL, Edge, DL), but could feel comfortable with the "drafting the best player" approach that the organization has become synonymous with for years. The legendary Ozzie Newsome was always steadfast in his "BPA" approach, allowing Baltimore to annually stockpile a deep, talented roster of players with high ceilings who can blend in and offer versatility at key positions.
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Baltimore has the No. 14 overall pick in April's draft, and the Ravens have only picked higher than 14th once in the past 20 years. Back in 2022, Baltimore landed Kyle Hamilton after the now All-Pro safety and Notre Dame All-American slid out of the top 20.
With April fast approaching, we're looking at 8 prospects who fit Baltimore's drafting philosophy.
Carver Willis, OT/G, Washington
Willis offers impressive versatility, playing both tackle spots in college, while taking reps at both guard spots during the Senior Bowl.
Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State
Ioane plays with intense power and quickness, utilizing 330 pounds of elite force, as the offensive guard earned second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Ioane is the 158th Nittany Lion (192nd selection) to be named an All-American by an NCAA-recognized outlet (AFCA, Associated Press, FWAA, The Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation).
Ioane was selected to the All-Big Ten second team in 2024 and to the honorable mention team in 2023. He'll exit State College having played in 44 games and made 32 starts at Penn State. Accordin
Keldric Faulk, ED, Auburn
A dynamic and versatile pass rusher, Faulk ranked eighth in the SEC with 45 total pressures in 2024 according to Pro Football Focus. Overall, Faulk finishes his college career with 73 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.
Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
Slaughter is a 6'4", 303-pound center prospect who started 33 career games at center for the Gators, earning AP All-SEC First Team honors in 2024 and 2025. Slaughter turned 23 years old in December.
Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Last season, Raridon started all 12 games and totaled 32 catches for 482 yards. He finished third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards, averaging 15.1 yards per catch. Raridon recorded a career-high seven receptions and 109 yards in a game against NC State and led the team with 97 receiving yards in the season opener at Miami.
Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Baltimore has Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and C.J. Okoye all returning; the Ravens have uncertainty with Nnamdi Madubuike. What they really need is an interior defensive tackle who has the explosiveness to penetrate and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. McClellan is an athletic specimen at 6-foot-3, 315 pounds, and had six sacks and eight tackles for loss last year, while being stout against the run.
Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida
Sapp is more of a blue-collar run-stopping edge rusher than he is a pass rusher, but he did have seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2024, so he's not a stranger to making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Jalen Stroman, S/Nickel, Notre Dame
A versatile and hybrid defensive back in the mold of Ar'Darius Washington, Stroman offers versatility and special teams ability, which should give him a chance to contribute immediately. Stroman is a hybrid defender, and even more beneficial, the Ravens' new defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach, Mike Mickens, was with Stroman at Notre Dame last year.
Nadame Tucker, Edge Rusher, Western Michigan
The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher could be the next defensive standout from the Mid-American Conference. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher could be the next defensive standout from the Mid-American Conference. Tucker was tabbed the winner of the 44th Vern Smith Leadership Award as the top player in the MAC as well as the Defensive Player of the Year. In the eight MAC games, Tucker had 12.0 tackles for loss and a MAC-best nine sacks. The New York, N.Y., native also forced two fumbles and helped the Broncos' defense allow just 14.5 points per game
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens big board: 8 prospects who fit Baltimore's NFL draft philosophy