The 2024 Baltimore Ravens thread
- Thread starter STAN JONES
- Start date
STAN JONES
Fire John Harbaugh
Nino Soprano
Superstar
How’s Devontez Walker? Im not familiar
STAN JONES
Fire John Harbaugh
YoungSimpson
RIP Strika
Bateman 2.0
STAN JONES
Fire John Harbaugh
2 top 10 CBs!! Can't be mad at that!
STAN JONES
Fire John Harbaugh
Pick 130 - T.J. Tampa
TJ Tampa, emerging from Iowa State, has been a cornerstone of the Cyclones' defense, showcasing a blend of size, agility, and technical prowess that sets him apart as a top cornerback prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. Originating from St. Petersburg, FL, Tampa developed his skills at Lakewood HS, playing on both sides of the ball. His transition from a special teams contributor to a full-time starter was marked by significant growth, culminating in Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 and a robust performance in 2023.
In 2022 as a junior Tampa played in 12 games and contributed on 642 snaps. He chalked up 38 tackles, 10 assists, and added 14 stops. In the secondary Tampa forced 8 pass breakups, one interception, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 70.7.
In 2023 as a senior Tampa saw action in 12 games while playing 747 snaps. He logged 44 tackles, 5 assists, and made 14 stops. In coverage Tampa had 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and surrendered an outstanding QB rating when targetted of 54.8.
Tampa's aggressive play style and willingness to engage physically in both coverage and run support are double-edged swords. While they contribute to his impactful presence on the field, they also expose him to the risk of missed tackles and penalties, areas that NFL coaching will need to address. His inclination to take risks in coverage can lead to big plays but also big gains for the offense, necessitating a balance between aggression and discipline in his approach.
Ultimately, Tampa offers a compelling combination of attributes and potential that could see him contribute early in his NFL career. His play at the next level will hinge on his ability to adapt and refine his technique, particularly against the diverse and sophisticated route trees he will face. If he can address these coachable weaknesses, Tampa has the upside to develop into a key player within an NFL secondary, leveraging his height, weight, and speed matchup strengths in coverage to become a dominant player. Teams drafting him will do so with the expectation of investment in his development, aiming to maximize his outstanding physical tools. He has all the talent and athletic ability to be an excellent starting outside corner in the pro game.
TJ Tampa, emerging from Iowa State, has been a cornerstone of the Cyclones' defense, showcasing a blend of size, agility, and technical prowess that sets him apart as a top cornerback prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft. Originating from St. Petersburg, FL, Tampa developed his skills at Lakewood HS, playing on both sides of the ball. His transition from a special teams contributor to a full-time starter was marked by significant growth, culminating in Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 and a robust performance in 2023.
In 2022 as a junior Tampa played in 12 games and contributed on 642 snaps. He chalked up 38 tackles, 10 assists, and added 14 stops. In the secondary Tampa forced 8 pass breakups, one interception, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 70.7.
In 2023 as a senior Tampa saw action in 12 games while playing 747 snaps. He logged 44 tackles, 5 assists, and made 14 stops. In coverage Tampa had 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and surrendered an outstanding QB rating when targetted of 54.8.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Impressive size and length for the cornerback position, augmented by long arms and a strong frame, enabling effective press coverage and disruption of receivers.
- Exhibits fluid hip movement and quick acceleration, allowing for seamless transitions and the ability to close on the ball rapidly.
- Utilizes excellent positioning and hand usage throughout routes to maintain close coverage and demonstrates adept ball skills in playing the trajectory and timing interceptions well.
- Brings a physical presence to run defense, using his size and strength to impact beyond just pass coverage.
- Shows scheme versatility, effectively playing in both man and zone coverages, and possesses the burst and length needed for impactful playmaking.
- As a former two-way high school player, Tampa has developed a keen sense of the game, contributing to his high football IQ and on-field awareness.
- Noted for his ability to quickly diagnose plays and react, adding a dynamic layer to his defensive capabilities.
- Strong tackler in the open field, showcasing good fundamentals and physicality, though there's room for improvement in consistency.
SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES
- Sometimes displays inconsistency in pad level, affecting his quickness in directional changes.
- Although a willing and physical tackler, the technique can lapse, particularly in wrapping up to secure tackles.
- Aggressive play style can lead to overcommitment and unnecessary risks, potentially allowing opponents to capitalize on big plays.
- Transition fluidity and change of direction against quick, agile receivers can be areas of improvement.
- Needs to refine hand usage and maintain discipline in press coverage to maximize effectiveness without drawing penalties.
SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY
TJ Tampa's size and press coverage skills stand out, offering the physicality to jam receivers at the line and disrupt routes early. His success in both man and zone schemes at Iowa State, combined with his ball skills, make him an impressive candidate for teams looking to bolster their secondary. However, his technique, especially as a tackler and maintaining lower pad levels, will need refinement to ensure he can handle the step up to the next level.Tampa's aggressive play style and willingness to engage physically in both coverage and run support are double-edged swords. While they contribute to his impactful presence on the field, they also expose him to the risk of missed tackles and penalties, areas that NFL coaching will need to address. His inclination to take risks in coverage can lead to big plays but also big gains for the offense, necessitating a balance between aggression and discipline in his approach.
Ultimately, Tampa offers a compelling combination of attributes and potential that could see him contribute early in his NFL career. His play at the next level will hinge on his ability to adapt and refine his technique, particularly against the diverse and sophisticated route trees he will face. If he can address these coachable weaknesses, Tampa has the upside to develop into a key player within an NFL secondary, leveraging his height, weight, and speed matchup strengths in coverage to become a dominant player. Teams drafting him will do so with the expectation of investment in his development, aiming to maximize his outstanding physical tools. He has all the talent and athletic ability to be an excellent starting outside corner in the pro game.
Pick 113 - Devontez Walker
Devontez Walker from West Charlotte High School was rated a After high school, Walker opted to join Kent State.
As a sophomore in 2022 he played 12 games and had 58 catches for 921 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with 11 TDs, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 123.2.
His transfer to North Carolina marked another step up, he played 8 games and hauled in 41 catches for 699 yards for an average of 17.0 yards per catch, with 7 TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 114.4.
Walker’s physical attributes – a blend of size, length, speed, and explosiveness – are what make him stand out as a rare vertical weapon. His ability to stretch the field laterally, as seen in his effectiveness on crossers, posts, drags, and sweeps, hints at a potential to be a significant threat in Run After Catch (RAC) situations. Yet, concerns arise when considering the depth of his route-running skills. Walker’s current route tree is predominantly vertical, limiting his utility in complex offensive schemes. His proficiency in zone plays is evident, but a lack of nuanced route-running skills, such as throttle control and efficient footwork, raises questions about his adaptability to the diverse demands of the NFL. Additionally, his tendency to make body catches and his below-average blocking skills are areas that need work.
Despite these concerns, Walker's raw abilities in his specialized role shouldn't be overlooked. His excellent speed, ball-tracking skills, and the ability to create big plays make him an asset for any team looking for a field stretcher or zone attacker. Walker's potential as a complementary receiver in an offense that already possesses a primary wideout and another versatile receiver is significant. While his route-running may currently place him below some of his peers, Walker’s innate abilities as a deep threat are rare in the 2024 draft class. With the right coaching and development, Walker has the potential to transcend his current limitations and become a more well-rounded and dangerous weapon in the NFL.
Devontez Walker from West Charlotte High School was rated a After high school, Walker opted to join Kent State.
As a sophomore in 2022 he played 12 games and had 58 catches for 921 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with 11 TDs, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 123.2.
His transfer to North Carolina marked another step up, he played 8 games and hauled in 41 catches for 699 yards for an average of 17.0 yards per catch, with 7 TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 114.4.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Walker is a natural playmaker, at his best with the ball in his hands.
- He’s equally dangerous in catch-and-run situations as Walker is taking the top off a defense
- Walker tracks the ball well downfield and consistently runs under long throws.
- He’s a fluid athlete with excellent short-area quickness; he should be able to create separation, and he has the straight-line speed to threaten down the seam.
- Has a tall frame and long arms, plus strong hands, giving him a huge catch radius.
- Keen zone awareness and ability to exploit defensive gaps.
- Agile, with effective curvilinear acceleration.
- Efficient footwork on back-shoulder plays.
- When used downfield, he shows the ball-tracking skills and hand-eye coordination to make the adjustment on underthrown balls and back-shoulder throws.
SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES
- Shows hesitation in initial upfield burst, affecting ability to hide routes
- Lacks nuanced head and eye movements at the top of routes.
- Needs development in short-area quickness and agility.
- Inconsistent in selling the entirety of the route tree, notably on short-to-intermediate routes.
- Route tree limited primarily to vertical concepts; it will take time to develop a full NFL-level route tree.
SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY
Devontez Walker's emergence as a potent vertical threat in the 2023 college football season has clearly caught the attention of NFL scouts. His ability to scare DBs deep makes him an exciting prospect for teams in need of a dynamic deep-ball receiver. Walker's natural speed and effortless ability to gain separation downfield are attributes that can’t be taught, marking him as a home-run hitter in the making. However, his game is not without areas for improvement.Walker’s physical attributes – a blend of size, length, speed, and explosiveness – are what make him stand out as a rare vertical weapon. His ability to stretch the field laterally, as seen in his effectiveness on crossers, posts, drags, and sweeps, hints at a potential to be a significant threat in Run After Catch (RAC) situations. Yet, concerns arise when considering the depth of his route-running skills. Walker’s current route tree is predominantly vertical, limiting his utility in complex offensive schemes. His proficiency in zone plays is evident, but a lack of nuanced route-running skills, such as throttle control and efficient footwork, raises questions about his adaptability to the diverse demands of the NFL. Additionally, his tendency to make body catches and his below-average blocking skills are areas that need work.
Despite these concerns, Walker's raw abilities in his specialized role shouldn't be overlooked. His excellent speed, ball-tracking skills, and the ability to create big plays make him an asset for any team looking for a field stretcher or zone attacker. Walker's potential as a complementary receiver in an offense that already possesses a primary wideout and another versatile receiver is significant. While his route-running may currently place him below some of his peers, Walker’s innate abilities as a deep threat are rare in the 2024 draft class. With the right coaching and development, Walker has the potential to transcend his current limitations and become a more well-rounded and dangerous weapon in the NFL.
Pick 165 - Rasheen Ali
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Rasheen Ali, attended Shaker Heights High School, his journey included a brief hiatus from football to focus on boxing, a sport he started at age four. Returning to the gridiron for his senior year, he exploded for over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in just six games. At Marshall, he made an immediate impact, especially notable in his 2021 season where he posted 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors.
In 2020, he played a limited role, but by 2023 he had amassed 2,831 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns over 33 games. His ability to perform in clutch situations was evident in his 2021 performance that included leading the FBS in rushing touchdowns. Despite a history of injuries, including a serious leg injury in 2022 and a biceps tendon rupture in 2024, Ali's resilience and athletic performance earned him second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in his final collegiate season.
On the flip side, Ali's draft evaluation is tempered by concerns around his ball security and durability. His upright running style and inconsistent leg drive on contact could make him a liability in between-the-tackles running, where physicality is paramount. Teams will also scrutinize his ability to contribute in pass protection, where his anticipation and blocking technique need refinement.
Looking ahead, Ali's potential to contribute as a change-of-pace back and his special teams experience could make him a valuable mid-to-late round pick. Teams utilizing outside-zone run schemes will particularly value his skill set. If he can develop greater consistency in protecting the football and improve his blocking, Ali could outperform his draft position and become a reliable component of a pro backfield.
Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Rasheen Ali, attended Shaker Heights High School, his journey included a brief hiatus from football to focus on boxing, a sport he started at age four. Returning to the gridiron for his senior year, he exploded for over 1,300 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in just six games. At Marshall, he made an immediate impact, especially notable in his 2021 season where he posted 1,401 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Conference USA honors.
In 2020, he played a limited role, but by 2023 he had amassed 2,831 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns over 33 games. His ability to perform in clutch situations was evident in his 2021 performance that included leading the FBS in rushing touchdowns. Despite a history of injuries, including a serious leg injury in 2022 and a biceps tendon rupture in 2024, Ali's resilience and athletic performance earned him second-team All-Sun Belt recognition in his final collegiate season.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 'Freaks List' at number 96. He wrote: "The 6-0, 211-pounder from Ohio vertical-jumped 36 inches this offseason and has broad-jumped 10 feet. He also power-cleaned 335 and squatted 500 pounds."
- Strong one-cut runner, adept at navigating stretch plays and quickly finding holes.
- Effectively uses a blend of agility and quick feet to change direction, enhancing his ability to evade defenders.
- Comfortable adjusting speed and strategy in real-time, smoothly transitioning between patience and decisiveness.
- Impressive ability to elude initial tackles, often spinning out to extend plays.
- Versatile in play positioning, experienced in both traditional and slot receiver setups.
- Reliable in blitz pickup, showcasing his ability to anticipate and counter oncoming defenders.
- Quick burst off the line allows him to exploit gaps effectively, threatening deeper defensive layers.
- Performs well under pressure, maintaining flexibility and control even at high speeds.
SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES
- Prone to premature engagement with blockers, occasionally diminishing run potential.
- Lacks the top-end speed to consistently outrun defenders in the open field.
- Sometimes shows hesitation, particularly when routes require decisiveness in confined spaces.
- Not particularly dominant in physical confrontations, struggling to maintain momentum through contact.
- Ball security needs improvement, with a history of fumbles detracting from his overall effectiveness.
- Ali did not participate in any of the combine drills due to injury suffered in the Senior Bowl.
SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY
Rasheen Ali enters the NFL Draft as a potential utility back with notable upside in zone schemes where his one-cut ability can be maximized. His lateral agility and quick-twitch movements make him a threat on perimeter runs, offering teams a versatile weapon that can operate effectively in space. His experience lining up both in the backfield and as a slot receiver underscores his value in a pass-heavy league, making him a viable dual-threat option on third downs.On the flip side, Ali's draft evaluation is tempered by concerns around his ball security and durability. His upright running style and inconsistent leg drive on contact could make him a liability in between-the-tackles running, where physicality is paramount. Teams will also scrutinize his ability to contribute in pass protection, where his anticipation and blocking technique need refinement.
Looking ahead, Ali's potential to contribute as a change-of-pace back and his special teams experience could make him a valuable mid-to-late round pick. Teams utilizing outside-zone run schemes will particularly value his skill set. If he can develop greater consistency in protecting the football and improve his blocking, Ali could outperform his draft position and become a reliable component of a pro backfield.
From what I've seen from the guys left on offense, they really weren't depth guys. More projects. T.J. Tampa should've been a 2nd round pick. I'm not sure why he was available when the Ravens drafted him, but that's a pick that has to be made.
You think they will trade a CB for some oline help?
its2late2hate
Rookie
the roster is pretty much set. not too many holes to plug. after the 4th, rest of picks are fighting for ST roles and are all projects at best.