6 under-the-radar prospects Ravens must target at the NFL Combine
By Mike Luciano
One of the most important weeks of the year for the Baltimore Ravens is finally upon the fanbase, as the 2024 NFL Combine will give them an up-close look at some of the best players in the NFL Draft. Eric DeCosta will try to fill some of the roster's holes and give Lamar Jackson a team that could compete for a Super Bowl again.
While the Ravens have most of their original draft picks, including two selections in the top 75 that could draft impactful starters during their rookie seasons, DeCosta may take as great an interest in some of the late Day 2 and Early Day 3 players who could blossom into studs during their Baltimore tenures.
The Ravens could use multiple impact players on the offensive line to go along with some rotational pass rushers on the defensive line that would reinforce their status as one of the deepest on that side of the ball in the league. A playmaking wide receiver with speed and a standout defensive back wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
The Ravens might need to take an extra hard look at each of these six prospects once the Combine gets rolling. With this coaching staff on both sides of the ball, their impressive athletic profiles could help them translate their college success to the professional ranks.
6 under-the-radar 2024 NFL Draft prospects the Baltimore Ravens must target at NFL Combine
6. Malik Mustapha, SAF, Wake Forest
Day 3 is the perfect place to take a chance on players with solid tape, yet remarkable physical gifts. A tremendous open-field athlete, Mustapha brings to memory a lesser version of Bob Sanders, as he is a very short safety who defends run as if the fate of civilization depends upon it.
Even as a 5-10 safety, Mustapha running a 40 in the mid 4.3 range (which he has done before) at 210 pounds would make him a perfect backup defensive back. Imagine him in the Arthur Maulet role, using his speed to be a disruptive blitzer while also being an effective zone coverage back.
The Baltimore Ravens could draft Isaiah Adams on Day 3
5. Isaiah Adams, IOL/OT, Illinois
Adams played a lot of tackle in college for the Fighting Illini, but he could end up kicking inside to guard at the NFL level. Irrespective of his position, Adams has tremendous upper body power and light feet on an island, which an aging Ravens offensive line needs in the worst way possible.
Adams' aggressive mentality and solid run-blocking will make him a welcome addition to a Baltimore team that loves to run the ball. While not technically refined enough to start as a rookie, he could eventually become either a quality guard in Year 2 or Patrick Mekari-like backup switchblade.