Ravens Draft Profile: Rayshaun Benny Brings Michigan Toughness to Baltimore’s Defensive Line

The Baltimore Ravens added another rugged defensive lineman to the organization when the franchise selected Rayshaun Benny in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Baltimore grabbed Benny with the No. 250 overall pick after a long, productive run at University of Michigan, where the veteran defensive tackle helped anchor one of college football’s toughest fronts.

Baltimore rarely drafts defensive linemen without a clear developmental vision. Benny fits the franchise identity perfectly. Strong hands, violent leverage, interior toughness and championship experience all jump off the scouting reports. The Ravens value trench players who embrace physical football, and Benny spent five years doing exactly that in the Big Ten.

For more Ravens draft coverage, check out previous profiles on www.marylandsportsblog.com including the breakdowns on Ja’Kobi Lane, Zion Young and Chandler Rivers.

Championship Experience Matters

Benny arrived at Michigan as a four-star recruit from Oak Park High School in Michigan. Recruiting services ranked him among the nation’s top defensive tackle prospects coming out of high school. Michigan coaches viewed Benny as a long-term interior disruptor with positional flexibility and strong upside.

Development took time. Benny redshirted during the 2021 season and worked his way into the rotation over the next several years. Michigan’s defensive line room featured NFL talent everywhere. Benny battled alongside future pros including Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. That depth forced Benny into a rotational role early in his career, but the experience sharpened his game.

Michigan captured a national championship during the 2023 season, and Benny played an important supporting role throughout that title run. Baltimore covets players who come from winning programs, especially programs built around defense and toughness. Michigan checked every one of those boxes.

By the 2025 season, Benny finally earned a larger role inside the Wolverines’ defense. Production climbed immediately. Benny recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks while flashing improved power and better lateral quickness.

Size and Physical Traits

Benny enters the NFL with prototypical size for an interior defensive lineman. Most scouting reports list him around 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds with over 33-inch arms.

That frame gives defensive coordinators options.

Baltimore can line Benny up as a traditional defensive tackle in even fronts or use him as a rotational five-technique in heavier packages. The Ravens love versatile defensive linemen who can occupy blockers and free linebackers. Benny already understands gap discipline from Michigan’s defensive system.

Scouts consistently praised Benny’s strength at the point of attack. Several reports highlighted his ability to hold ground against double teams and clog rushing lanes.

The Ravens needed more depth along the defensive front entering camp. Benny gives the coaching staff another physical body capable of competing immediately in run situations.

Where Benny Fits in Baltimore

Baltimore’s defensive line rotation remains crowded, but the organization never stops investing in trench depth.

The Ravens traditionally rotate defensive linemen heavily throughout games. Benny enters a room filled with veterans and young developmental pieces. Early expectations likely center around practice squad competition, rotational work during preseason action and special packages against run-heavy opponents.

Several analysts believe Benny’s best football still sits ahead of him. Scouts pointed to improved strength, better conditioning and more refined technique during the pre-draft process.

The Ravens thrive when they find late-round defensive line value. Baltimore built championship-caliber defenses for decades by identifying rugged, coachable linemen who fit the culture. Benny may not enter the NFL with superstar expectations, but seventh-round picks often carve out meaningful careers in Baltimore’s system.

Michigan’s coaching tree also creates a natural connection. Benny spent years around defensive minds connected to the Ravens organization, including former Michigan defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. That familiarity should help Benny transition into Baltimore’s scheme concepts more smoothly than many late-round rookies.

Strengths in Benny’s Game

Benny wins with effort and power.

The Michigan product consistently shows strong hand usage when attacking interior blockers. Offensive linemen struggle to move him cleanly once Benny establishes leverage. Several scouting reports also highlighted his quick first step and ability to shoot gaps against zone-running concepts.

Run defense projects as Benny’s biggest immediate strength.

Baltimore asks interior linemen to stay disciplined, maintain gap integrity and force runners sideways. Benny already excelled in those responsibilities at Michigan. That foundation could help him compete for snaps faster than many seventh-round rookies.

Effort also stands out on film. Benny plays through the whistle and chases plays outside the tackle box. Ravens coaches value relentless motor players, especially on defense.

Leadership and maturity represent another major positive.

Five years inside a championship-level college football program prepared Benny for professional expectations. Younger players often struggle with the physical and mental demands of NFL defensive line play. Benny already experienced high-pressure environments, playoff football and elite competition throughout the Big Ten.

Areas That Need Improvement

Pass rushing remains the biggest question mark.

Most evaluators project Benny primarily as an early-down run defender rather than an interior pocket collapsor. Scouts noted limited counter moves and inconsistent finishing ability as a pass rusher.

Baltimore already possesses interior pass-rushing talent, so Benny does not need to become a double-digit sack threat immediately. Still, developing a more refined pass-rush plan would dramatically improve his roster chances long term.

Pad level occasionally rises too high against technically polished blockers. When Benny loses leverage, stronger offensive linemen can neutralize his power. Coaches will likely emphasize consistency with hand placement and lower-body mechanics during training camp.

Athletic upside also sits slightly below elite NFL standards. Benny moves well for his size, but scouts generally viewed him as more solid than explosive.

That reality explains why Benny remained available late in the draft despite strong college production and championship pedigree.

Ravens Continue Their Defensive Identity

Baltimore’s 2026 draft class continued the organization’s long-standing commitment to physical football. The Ravens targeted toughness, versatility and football intelligence throughout the draft.

Benny fits that blueprint perfectly.

Late-round defensive linemen rarely receive massive headlines after draft weekend, but Baltimore historically develops contributors from these situations. The Ravens trust their coaching staff and defensive culture to maximize players with high motors and strong fundamentals.

Benny arrives with plenty to prove, but the opportunity could not fit better.

Michigan prepared him for physical football. Baltimore demands physical football. The transition makes sense on every level.

Training camp battles will determine Benny’s immediate future, but the rookie defensive tackle already brings valuable traits into the organization. Championship experience, run-stopping ability, positional toughness and developmental upside create a strong foundation for a seventh-round pick.

The Ravens never hand roster spots to anyone. Benny now gets the chance to earn one the Baltimore way.

External Links:

• NFL Draft profile: nfl.com
• Ravens rookie feature: baltimoreravens.com
• Michigan roster biography: mgoblue.com