The NFL Scouting Combine ended Sunday with offensive linemen workouts, and several the Ravens could target enjoyed shining moments.
Grey Zabel of North Dakota State showed his athleticism with a 36 ½ inch vertical jump, the third highest by an offensive lineman since 2003.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah thinks Zabel could be on the Ravens' radar regardless of what happens with left tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is a pending free agent. Zabel has the versatility to play any position on the offensive line, like Patrick Mekari, a pending free agent who started at left guard in 2024.
"He's always under control," Jeremiah said on a conference call. "He's never on the ground. He's got strong hands. He's really aware in terms of seeing things and picking things up. He's just a guy who has played a lot of football who is polished and answered some of the smaller school questions at the Senior Bowl even though North Dakota State has been a school that's pumped out a lot of linemen. I'm a huge fan of his, and I think he's definitely in the mix to go in the first round."
Donovan Jackson of Ohio State is a potential plug-and-play prospect at guard the Ravens could take with the No 27. Jackson primarily played guard for the Buckeyes before moving to left tackle late in the 2024 season.
Jackson drew praise from NFL Network's Charles Davis for completing his workout when it appeared Jackson might be dealing with an injury.
"We saw a good workout from Donovan Jackson today," Davis said on NFL Network's broadcast. "Felt like he gritted through some stuff."
Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery exceled in every drill, ran 5.01 in the 40-yard dash, and strengthened his case to be a potential Day 2 pick. At 6-foot-6, 331 pounds, Ersery has NFL measurements and could compete at right tackle for the Ravens if Stanley departs and Roger Rosengarten moves to the left side.
Maryland Wide Receiver Tai Felton's Stock is Rising
University of Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton did a flip after his Saturday workout, and his excitement was understandable.
Felton placed second among wide receivers in the vertical leap (39.5 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, 10 inches) and third in the 40-yard dash (4.38).
When the workouts were over, Felton jogged to the end zone and punctuated the day by going head over heels.
Baltimore's depth chart at wide receiver is uncertain behind their top two targets, Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Nelson Agholor and Tylan Wallace both pending free agents and Devontez Walker coming off a rookie season in which he played sparingly. Felton is among a long list of receivers Baltimore could take on Day 2 or 3, and he would welcome joining the Ravens.
"They're local. They know a lot about me already," said Felton, who grew up in Ashburn, Va. "It was good to meet with them. I enjoyed that for sure.
"(Their offense), it's explosive. They've got guys all over the field – Lamar (Jackson), Derrick Henry. They've got the run game going. It was exciting watching them this season."
Potential Punt Returner Has Stellar Workout
It wasn't a surprise to see Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel crack 4.4 in the 40-yard dash (4.39). It was more of a boss move to see the 5-foot-10, 193-pound Noel top all wide receivers with 23 reps in the bench press.
Noel also finished first among wide receivers in the broad jump (11 feet, two inches) and tied for first in the vertical jump (41.5 inches) during his elite workout. Meanwhile, his on-field performance during drills was excellent.
Noel was a dangerous punt returner in college, which is a role the Ravens are looking to fill, and he was extremely productive in 2024 with 80 catches,1,194 yards, and eight touchdowns. He's someone to keep an eye on for Baltimore if he's still available Day 3.
