Baltimore Ravens rookie defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny was named a draft steal based on his value and where he was selected.
The Baltimore Ravens brought in 11 players in the 2026 NFL Draft, and time will tell whether any of these rookies will be immediate impact players or take some time to integrate in the NFL.
There are some players who have been viewed as potential playmakers. Defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny has been labeled as a player with heavy value for where he was selected. Baltimore selected Benny with the No. 250 pick in the seventh round, but he was projected to be a fourth or fifth round selection, per The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner.
"Powerful, explosive and long, Benny (6-3, 298, with 33 3/8-inch arms) is a bit inconsistent. When things come together, though, he can be a dynamic interior pocket pusher. He’s an ascending talent who bloomed later in college and could truly find his groove in a familiar NFL system under Jesse Minter, his former defensive coordinator at Michigan," Baumgardner wrote.
Baumgardner pointed to Benny emerging as an "ascending talent" that can flourish in the NFL given his training. With a defensive-minded coach in Jesse Minter, that could be sooner rather than later.
Examining Rayshaun Benny's Potential
The first thing that pops out about the Benny pick has to do with the defensive line needing depth and playmakers. The Ravens did bring back longtime veteran Calais Campbell, but the jury is still out regarding whether or not Nnamdi Madubuike will return and when.
Travis Jones, John Jenkins, and Campbell lead the way, but beyond that is depth that includes Broderick Washington Jr. and David Olajiga. Granted, Benny will be battling it out with these players to land a coveted roster spot, but if he can continue his ascension at the pro level, he may work himself into a strong rotational spot to start.
Benny proved in 2025 with Michigan that he has some strong skills. Though he only had 415 defensive snaps, he turned that into two sacks, 17 total pressures, and two batted passes.
If Minter, Anthony Weaver, and the defensive staff work with Benny to be more consistent, he could be a surprise sleeper for the Ravens. He has the power and speed to get in and move the pile, while disrupting plays with his 33-inch arms.
Baltimore needs more on their defensive line, and Benny can also learn from the veterans, including Campbell, to fine-tune his skill set at the professional level. Though it is always far more difficult for seventh-round picks not to be seen as fringe roster players, that does not mean they cannot work their way into a roster spot and more.
Benny has the same shot that the rest of the rookies have to make his mark in training camp and preseason.