Getting selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft guarantees that prospect a shot at sticking on a 53-man roster—nothing more. They’re not necessarily coveted picks, but when a team hits on one of their fifth-round prospects, it instantly changes the perception of their entire draft class. Fifth-round hits turn good drafts into great ones. And fifth-round misses? They’re just expected.
The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2025 NFL Draft with more picks than anyone knew what to do with, walking away with 11 new players—including eight swings on Day 3 alone. That kind of draft capital gave Baltimore the freedom to lean into traits, upside, and conviction rather than waiting around for consensus to dictate their board.
That was clear when Eric DeCosta used pick No. 141 on Alabama A&M tackle Carson Vinson, a 6-foot-7, 321-pound mauler with elite length and athleticism. The selection turned some heads, but when you have that many Day 3 picks in your pocket, you don’t play it safe—you take the guy you believe in and let the rest sort itself out.
Carson Vinson's Senior Bowl tape should already haunt Bengals fans
The Senior Bowl, a showcase for top college talent facing off in front of NFL scouts, is often the ultimate equalizer for small-school prospects. It’s where traits meet real competition—and Vinson more than held his own.
Just watch the video below. Vinson essentially blocks Stewart into another universe. Stewart should probably be thankful there were other players on the field—otherwise, Vinson might’ve finished the job in the parking lot:
Alabama A&M’s Carson Vinson v Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M) to wrap up Day 1. pic.twitter.com/1iZ60htFXz
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) January 28, 2025
For a quick history lesson here, this is the guy Cincinnati drafted in the first round to replace back-to-back 17.5-sack Trey Hendrickson? The guy who was supposed to be uber-toolsy and too athletic to not draft? Bengals brass might want to have another look at the Senior Bowl film because this very well could be an annual matchup that the Ravens already have a clear leg up on.
There were pre-draft concerns regarding Stewart. Mainly his college production, or lack thereof. Over his three seasons at Texas A&M (37 games played) Stewart racked up a meager 4.5 sacks... that doesn't exactly scream "premier edge rusher." However, teams get blinded by tools all the time.
That didn’t stop the Bengals from making him their first-round pick. The upside was tempting, and the traits were undeniable—but the lack of real impact in college made it a risky swing for a team trying to keep pace in the AFC North.
And yet, there’s a hilarious extra layer of irony here too.
In the lead-up to the draft, Stewart did a live interview where he was asked which NFL quarterback he’d most love to sack. His answer was immediate: Lamar Jackson.
“Definitely Lamar or Patrick Mahomes,” Stewart said, laughing. Even Stewart himself admitted catching Jackson might not be realistic: “Oof, I know I’m fast, but I don’t think…” he trailed off.
It was a funny moment at the time. But now? Now it’s just brutal. Stewart’s wish came true—he’ll get to face Lamar Jackson twice a year now.
The only problem? If the Senior Bowl tape is any indication, he might never get close enough to lay a finger on him. Carson Vinson was busy putting Stewart through the turf in Mobile, and if that clip is a preview of what’s to come, Lamar’s jersey will stay spotless.