Ravens Unearth Hidden Gem in Late-Round Draft Steal with Ball-Hawking Corner

Baltimore,We  – April 30, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens struck gold in the 2025 NFL Draft’s sixth round, snagging a Rutgers cornerback with their No. 212 pick to bolster their secondary. Hailed as a “play disruptor” by Field Yates of ESPN, this late-round steal brings elite ball skills to a defense desperate to climb from its 31st-ranked pass defense in 2024, sources say.

This 5’11”, 174-pound dynamo led the Big Ten with 12 pass breakups in 2024, after posting eight in 2023. His knack for disrupting catches, showcased at the East-West Shrine Bowl, earned raves from Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. “He’s got instincts you can’t teach,” Sikkema said, praising a play where he blanketed a nimble receiver on a whip route. Projected as a slot corner, his zone-coverage savvy fits Zach Orr’s scheme.

The Ravens, 12-5 last season, hemorrhaged nearly 300 passing yards per game early in 2024, a flaw exposed in their playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Eric DeCosta’s draft haul, including Malaki Starks in Round 1, targets that weakness. The rookie’s 4.4-second 40-yard dash and competitive fire could see him vie with T.J. Tampa, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and Bilhal Kone for snaps, especially on special teams.

“His ball skills are NFL-ready,” Yates told ESPN, noting that standout traits in late picks often spark breakthroughs. The corner’s Shrine Bowl performance, locking down top receivers, signals potential beyond his draft slot. Yet, challenges loom: his slight frame struggles against blockers, and inconsistent tackling needs work to avoid leaving gaps.

DeCosta’s knack for unearthing gems—evident in past steals like Kyle Hamilton—shines here. With Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, and Chidobe Awuzie anchoring the secondary, the rookie adds depth and flair. John Harbaugh sees special-teams value, per team sources, but his ceiling could reach rotational corner.

Fan buzz on X, tagged #RavensFlock, erupted over the pick, with many eyeing a Kansas City Chiefs matchup. Can this underdog become Baltimore’s next defensive star? Drop your take below!