Promising NFL draft prospects are drawn to the Ravens’ bold defensive strategy.

In Indianapolis, just a short drive away from M&T Bank Stadium, a young boy named Curtis Jacobs spent countless hours observing Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, and Ray Lewis as they etched their legacies into Baltimore football lore.

Curtis’ mother, Michelle, a devoted Ravens fan, imparted her admiration for the team’s defensive prowess onto her son, particularly the styles embodied by his childhood idols. As he matured, Curtis attended McDonogh High School, situated near the Ravens’ practice facility, and later played alongside Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh at Penn State.

Now, as he gears up for the 2024 NFL draft, Curtis hopes to connect with the emerging legends of the Ravens.

“Over time, I’ve been particularly drawn to linebackers like Roquan Smith and Fred Warner,” Curtis remarked during the NFL combine. “Their exceptional coverage skills and ability to cover ground from sideline to sideline are truly remarkable.”

Curtis expressed his admiration for their evident mastery of the game and expressed his eagerness to learn from their preparation methods. These players have significantly influenced the linebacker position, pioneering a path for smaller, more agile defenders.

The impact of the Ravens’ defensive prowess has reverberated throughout college football. Defensive end Chop Robinson, a teammate of Curtis at Penn State and a fellow Maryland native, emphasized the Ravens’ distinctive speed on the field. Despite being projected to be drafted ahead of the Ravens’ pick at No. 30, Robinson acknowledged the allure of playing close to home and alongside Oweh.

Similarly, Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson, often forecasted as the Ravens’ first pick in mock drafts, admires the Ravens’ aggressive playing style. “They’re all about speed and physicality, and that aligns perfectly with my mentality,” Robinson stated.