To provide depth behind Derrick Henry, the Ravens added a running back with a nose for the end zone. Pick No. 165 went to Rasheen Ali of Marshall in the fifth round by Baltimore.
Ali had the third-highest touchdown total among college running backs since 2021, with 39, during his tenure at Marshall. Throughout his career, Ali gained 2,831 yards at an average of 5.5 yards per carry. In the previous season, he gained 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In addition to adding 46 receptions for 342 yards and another touchdown, he ran for 1,401 yards and 23 touchdowns during his incredible rookie campaign.
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In order to address his “mental, physical, and emotional health,” Ali took a leave of absence prior to the following season. As a result, he missed the first 10 games due to an MCL knee injury. but He was back to his best last season.
Despite being unable to participate in drills at the Combine due to a torn biceps tendon sustained at the Senior Bowl, he was the first player from the Sun Belt Conference to be picked in this year’s class. It is anticipated that he will return fully this summer.
The 206-pound, 5-foot-11 back has good vision and makes effective use of blocks. He is a one-cut back. Throughout his career, he scored 11 touchdown runs and put up some of his best performances against the hardest opponents Marshall faced, including a career-high 174 yards against Virginia Tech. Ali ran for a total of 344 yards in three bowl games.
With 75 career catches, Ali was another dependable wide receiver out of the backfield. His skills as a pass catcher complement Todd Monken’s offensive scheme well since he can be a potent weapon on screens and swing passes.
Derrick Henry, a free agent signed by the Ravens, is their main back, with Justice Hill filling in. Keaton Mitchell is recovering from a knee injury. He was an undrafted rookie last year and had a great season. Ali will likely start the season as the third-string running back for the squad and work his way up.
Ali was a latecomer to football, having grown up as a boxer (emulating his father), which contributed to his low recruiting. After locating the football field, he emerged without delay. In the NFL, the Ravens hope for the same thing.
