Ravens draft O-lineman who dominated combine on one leg
The Baltimore Ravens may have found a bargain on the final day of the NFL Draft, selecting former USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees in the seventh round.
The 6-foot-6, 325-pounder is the dictionary definition of a high-upside pick, who likely fell to the backend of the draft after suffering a torn ACL at the NFL Combine.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity following such a devastating blow, Vorhees returned to the combine 24 hours later to show off his freakish strength. Even with one bum leg, Vorhees completed 38 reps of 225-pound bench presses, more than any other prospect at the combine.
While the 2023 season will be a redshirt year for Vorhees in Baltimore, the Ravens are confident he can be a significant part of their offensive line in the very near future.
"We are getting a tough and physical competitor who is polished and experienced," Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said via a statement released by the team. "We have every expectation that he will be playing winning football for us in 2024, and this is a move that really solidified our line for the coming years."
A five-year starter with the Trojans, Vorhees was ranked the top-graded offensive lineman in the entire Pac-12 by Pro Football Focus over the 2021 and 2022 campaigns.
If Vorhees can return to form following his recovery from surgery, he could be a massive addition for the Ravens. After finally agreeing to a record-setting long-term extension with quarterback Lamar Jackson this week following a nasty contract squabble with the team, Baltimore is undoubtedly looking to protect their investment. Picking up a low-risk, high-reward player like Vorhees is a good start.
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