The Baltimore Ravens managed to finally wrap up a very productive NFL Draft with two picks in the seventh round. The first was aimed at getting Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum a worthwhile backup who could learn behind him in a reserve role for emergencies.
The Ravens used the No. 228 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Michigan State center Nick Samac. This is the second offensive lineman the Ravens selected in this class, as their second-round pick at No. 62 overall was used to pick a right tackle for the future in Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten.
Welcome to Baltimore, @nickysamac ❗ pic.twitter.com/UYwGDX7ILJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2024
The Ravens also drafted a third defensive back, joining Clemson CB Nate Wiggins and Iowa State CB T.J. Tampa. Baltimore looked for a safety this time around after losing Geno Stone, and they filled that hole by selecting Purdue's Sanoussi Kane with the No. 250 pick.
Kane is a classic player who gets picked late in the seventh round, as he is an enticing collection of physical tools that could compete for a roster spot or become a practice squad stash. Overall, the Ravens should feel good about this class.
.@SanoussiKane1 is Charm City bound❗ pic.twitter.com/8XlUqqyPZj
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 27, 2024
Ravens NFL Draft Grades for Michigan State center Nick Samac: B-
Samac is an undersized center who needs to put on some muscle if he is going to stand up to NFL power as an interior pass protector. The Ravens are always looking at players with multiple years of starting experience on the offensive line, and Samac anchored the Spartans' offensive line for three seasons.
Samac is at his best as a run-blocker, using fairly solid movement skills and heavy hands for his size to create big holes in the running game. Samac's stock was hurt by an injury at the end of his final season, as he could have been picked earlier on Day 3 without it.
Ravens NFL Draft Grades for Purdue safety Sanoussi Kane: C+
Kane's tape at Purdue was all over the place, but he brings versatility (snaps at slot cornerback, box safety, and deep safety) to the table. A 4.52 40-yard dash athlete who hits hard and possesses solid mobility in the open field, Kane should be a special teams ace during his first season with Baltimore.
The consistency Baltimore will bring to Kane, who had 4 DCs in four years at Purdue, will be invaluable. Expect him to compete for a roster spot as the No. 4 safety behind Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, and Ar'Darius Washington.