Using all 11 of their draft picks, Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens are banking on finding some late-round value. Getting as many bites at the apple has been a consistent philosophy for DeCosta's draft strategy. And he may have found a diamond in the rough with Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny.Â
Recently, Matt Miller of ESPN praised Baltimore's seventh-round pick, ranking Benny 91st on his list of top 100 draft picks, steals, and fits. Considering the Ravens drafted him with the 250th pick, this is tremendous value.Â
"Here's a value swing of almost 100 points. Benny was widely ranked as a fourth-round prospect, with many evaluators believing he would go off the board in the top 150. But his fall landed him in an ideal situation. With Nnamdi Madubuike's neck injury still a question mark, the Ravens found another fast, undersized penetrator at defensive tackle. It would be irresponsible to suggest a seventh-round pick could be Madubuike, but the player type is a perfect match," Miller wrote.Â
To Miller's point, Benny is an important pick for the Ravens when accounting for Nnamdi Madubuike's neck injury. While there's optimism for Madubuike to return, neck injuries are serious, and this isn't guaranteed.Â
As such, even if Madubuike plays this season, getting younger at the defensive tackle position makes sense. Given that he was projected to be a higher pick, there's reason to believe that Benny could be a high-impact player from the get-go.Â
Rayshaun Benny could play a real role as a rookie
Benny has impressive athleticism, known for his versatility and run defense. This skill set gives Benny a clear pathway to making a difference, for a Ravens' front-seven that could end up needing him to play a real role.Â
After Madubuike played in just two games last season, the Ravens' interior defensive line struggled. Sure, Travis Jones had a breakout level season, but most of the unit can't say the same.
As a unit, the Ravens ranked 23rd in opponent rushing yards per game and 30th in sacks.
In the unfortunate event that Madubuike's health problems persist, the Ravens can't be stuck in this spot again. The additions of Trey Hendrickson and Zion Young should help mightily. Hendrickson is an elite and established pass rusher, while Young can provide a nice blend of pass rushing and run-stopping.
Still, the Ravens should use some extra run-stopping and Benny projects to provide that despite being a seventh-round pick. It's also worth noting that Benny has a connection with head coach Jesse Minter and defensive line coach Lou Esposito due to his time at Michigan.
Overall, Benny could prove to be an excellent value pick, and at the very least, he provides some much-needed Madubuike insurance.Â
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