Ravens signing two veteran DL is bad news for former Day 2 pick

The Baltimore Ravens have a worthwhile interior pass rush led by $98 million defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, but their depth in this area is a bit lacking after failing to make an addition here during the 2024 NFL Draft. Eric DeCosta waited until the final hours of the offseason to bring in some experienced competition.

The Ravens agreed to terms with two veteran defensive linemen, inking contracts with former Bengals space-eater Josh Tupou and Falcons third-round pick Deadrin Senat. Both of them will likely push for a roster spot that can take snaps away from 2022 third-round pick Travis Jones.

While Jones is a strong interior lineman who has made some plays when he's been on the field, he's still going to be a rotational backup as he enters his third season in the pros. Perhaps these two signings could light a fire under him or provide insurance if he doesn't take the leap they are hoping for.

Baltimore Ravens sign Josh Tupou, Deadrin Senat to compete with Travis Jones

The 340-pound Tupou was an undrafted free agent from Colorado who latched on with the Bengals in 2017. Over the next seven seasons, Tupou would put together 86 tackles and two sacks. Tupou is a lineman who makes his mark as someone who absorbs blockers and frees up the linebackers to make plays.

Tupou, who earned a 52.1 PFF grade, has played at least 34% of the Bengals' defensive snaps every year since 2018. Of the two players Baltimore signed, the veteran Tupou seems more likely to make an impact as a member of the 53-man roster.

Senat was picked in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, but never became a regular defensive fixture after four seasons and just 34 tackles. Senat spent the last two seasons as a seldom-used backup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Both Tupou and Senat are at their best stuffing the run, as neither of them has worthwhile pass upside that ranks anywhere close to what Jones at his best can provide. With just 2.5 sacks in his career following a dominant stint at UConn, the heat is on Jones to improve quickly

If Jones ends up breaking out, these three players combining to back up Madubuike and veteran Michael Pierce could make for one of the best run-stuffing interior lines in all of football. If Jones struggles again in Year 3, the Ravens have some alternatives to slide in.