Since Lamar Jackson has been with the Baltimore Ravens, it has always seemed like they have had multiple backs each year to beat you with.
In 2024, they’ll likely have a two-headed monster at running back led by their big free-agent acquisition Derrick Henry. Henry will carry most of the workload and Keaton Mitchell will pop in with explosive plays.
Mitchell looks to be a diamond in the rough they found last year and it appears the Ravens could be on the brink of finding another one.
Baltimore is set to meet with Marshall RB Rasheen Ali. The smaller school running back will also meet with the Chiefs, Cowboys, Titans, and Falcons.
Ali is expected to be a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent. An injury at the Senior Bowl did not help his case at all but he remains a talented player that should make it in an NFL offense. Ali burst onto the scene at Marshall with 1,401 rushing yards as a sophomore. He played in just two games as a junior but bounced back with a nice senior season of 1,135 rushing yards and over 200 receiving yards.
Able to impact the game in multiple ways, Ali could be a good fit with the Ravens. The former Thundering Herd standout is quick in the open field and gets to his top speed quickly. When he gets into the open he has the breakaway speed that is needed.
At 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, Ali doesn’t have the size to absorb a ton of contact without being knocked off, but he is good at making guys miss. He’s quick on his feet and that’s how he wins.
With Gus Edwards already gone and J.K. Dobbins a free agent, containing to build the running back room beyond Henry should be a point of emphasis. Finding a guy like Ali late may be a match.
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