USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens draft O-lineman who dominated combine on one leg

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Apr 29, 2023 7:03 PM ET

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.

Even through adversity — @Andrew_Vorhees hit the most reps on bench out of all prospects at this years #NFLCombine! ✌️

@nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/PsolQr4DZm
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) March 6, 2023

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.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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