Ravens News 4/3: Draft Watch

Derrick Henry on Ravens’ Super Bowl chances, being shunned by Cowboys

Todd Karpovich, BaltimoreSports.com

“When free agency started, [the Ravens] were No. 1 on my radar because they had been showing love since the trade deadline,” Henry said on The Pivot podcast hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder. “I knew that once free agency started, I wanted to work something out if we could — even though I’m living in Dallas and Dallas being a perfect situation as well because we lived there and wouldn’t have to move.

“At the same time, Ravens, the history of it, and then talking to Ray [Lewis] at the Pro Bowl, his passion about the organization, his impact there and how he talked about it, I was like,’ If I’m not in Tennessee or I don’t get to go to Dallas, I’d love to be a Raven.’ I’m glad it worked out.”

“I’m happy I’m going somewhere where they’re hungry for it and they’re right on the cusp,” Henry said. “They’re always in the conversation, and I know Lamar wants one really bad, so I ain’t going somewhere where the expectation is just, ‘we’re gonna see what’s going to happen, let’s make the playoffs and try and make some noise.’

2024 Ravens Draft Watch: Darius Robinson

Joe Serpico, PressBox

Darius Robinson

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 285 pounds

Strengths: Has a high motor that Ravens will covet; played defensive line early in career before switch to the edge his senior season; that flexibility will make him a chess piece along the line; moves decent for a man of his size; terrific in the run game, shedding blockers and running down ball carriers; his power will overwhelm some offensive linemen.

Weakness: He relies on his power too often, lacking any true pass-rush skills; lacks the elite first step off the line which allows linemen to get hands on him; change of direction is a concern.

NFL Player Comparison: Rashan Gary

Draft Projection: Late Day 1 — Day 2

Robinson would slide into the Ravens’ rotation along the defensive line to take the vacated roles of Clowney and Van Noy. He would be a great fit at defensive end alongside Justin Madubuike, giving Baltimore two standouts up front. He is strictly a down lineman, so he makes more sense at end than one of the outside linebacker positions. He is not a player you want to see dropping into coverage.

The Ravens need the cheap talent up front after signing Madubuike to a massive deal. They have to make a decision on Oweh’s fifth-year option, and it’s hard to imagine them exercising that at this stage. Michael Pierce and Brent Urban are getting up there in age, and they’ve gotten very little from Ojabo. Robinson fits the mold of a great run defender and a high-motor and high-upside prospect. It is possible Baltimore drops back a few spots and still lands Robinson, but regardless if the Ravens take him at No. 30 or in the second round, I love the fit between the two sides.