The Baltimore Ravens are entering the 2025 NFL regular season with one of the most well-rounded rosters. There is elite-level talent nearly everywhere you look, and their rookie class is stacked, as well.
Baltimore has 10 rookies on their 53-man roster this year. They had 11 selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, and seven of them will begin the year on the active roster. They also kept three undrafted rookies following roster cutdown day. With such a talented class, many future contributors can fly under the radar. Their fifth-round pick is one of those players.
Offensive tackle Carson Vinson was drafted as a developmental prospect out of Alabama A&M. He possesses elite size at 6-foot-7, and has good athleticism for a player of his stature. The Ravens are hoping he could be a key piece in the future, and the 23-year-old showcased intriguing traits across preseason action.
Carson Vinson is flying under the radar
Vinson’s overall performance in Baltimore’s three preseason matchups was not very strong. However, in terms of development, he was making encouraging adjustments with each passing game. He kicked his professional career off with an abysmal performance in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. But, he finished on a high note in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders, posting an 80.5 pass blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus.
The Ravens do not need Vinson to develop into a starting-caliber player anytime soon. They know it will take time before he reaches his full potential, as current blindside protector Ronnie Stanley is under contract through 2027. By then, Stanley will be entering his age-34 season, and Vinson looks to be the guy to take over once it gets to that point.
Vinson played all 178 of his offensive snaps this preseason at left tackle. There is still a long way to go, but Baltimore is certainly encouraged by what the young tackle is showing in the early going. Former offensive lineman and current NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger also came away impressed, highlighting the rookie’s progress against the Commanders in a recent breakdown.
.@Ravens @vinsoncarson played all 65 plays v @Commanders . He is really improving. Staying on his feet; staying connected to his blocks and very consistent in his sets @wyche89 #ravensflock #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/6WaHY3T8Fy
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 24, 2025
While it is way too early to tell, it is tough to look at what Vinson has done so far and not be encouraged about what his future could hold. The Ravens could have a future starter on their hands, and almost nobody except those in Baltimore knows about it. He could quickly become the team’s best-kept secret.