With the 2024 season in full swing, we turn our attention toward the 2025 NFL Draft for some fun, and a recent mock draft has the Baltimore Ravens addressing their defensive front with a big swing.
In his latest projection for CBS Sports, Mike Renner has Baltimore taking LT Overton, a formidable defensive lineman from Alabama who has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in this class.
Known for his unique combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, Overton is a high-ceiling player with some question marks, but the potential reward may be worth the risk.
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 280 pounds, Overton possesses the kind of physical tools NFL scouts drool over. He moves surprisingly well for his size, displaying the burst and lateral quickness to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front.
Initially playing at Texas A&M, Overton transferred to Alabama for the 2024 season, a move that mirrors the draft rise of Travon Walker, the Jacksonville Jaguars standout who soared up draft boards based on his athletic profile. If Overton puts together a solid 2024 season in the SEC, he could follow a similar trajectory and become a top-20 pick
Overton the perfect fit on an already talented Ravens defensive line
One of the biggest draws to Overton is his versatility. His size makes him an ideal fit in the Ravens' defensive scheme, which demands players who can shift inside and outside depending on down and distance. Whether lined up as a defensive tackle or a 5-technique end, Overton’s blend of power and agility could create matchup nightmares for offensive lines.
If the Ravens select Overton, he’ll join a defensive line brimming with talent. Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Michael Pierce have all performed exceptionally well this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones is currently the fifth-highest-graded defensive lineman in the NFL with an 81.6 grade, while Madubuike ranks 18th at 73.5. Pierce, though dealing with minor injuries, still holds a respectable 72.1 grade, placing him 22nd overall.
Overton would be a logical long-term replacement for Pierce, who has dealt with injury concerns and is entering the later stages of his career. By learning from veterans like Pierce and Madubuike, Overton would have the chance to develop without the immediate pressure of being the focal point of the defense.
LT Overton uprooting a blocker airborne, clogging the rushing lane for the ball carrier.
— NTB_43 (@NTB_43) October 12, 2024
Unreal display strength from the A&M transfer. pic.twitter.com/uY3ZMNvoxA
The ability to rotate through such a talented front would also allow the Ravens to keep everyone fresh and maintain relentless pressure on opposing offenses.
The potential future trio of Madubuike, Jones, and Overton could anchor Baltimore’s defensive line for years to come. With Madubuike’s interior dominance, Jones’ ability to disrupt plays from multiple positions, and Overton’s raw athleticism, the Ravens could form one of the most dangerous defensive fronts in the NFL.
While Overton’s development will require patience, his upside is undeniable. With Baltimore’s track record of developing defensive talent, the fit makes too much sense.
If the Ravens take a chance on him in 2025, they might just be adding the final piece to what could become the best defensive line in the league.