In mock drafts leading up to the actual 2026 NFL draft, Michigan defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny seemed like a lock to go in the 4th or 5th round. He eventually dropped to the Baltimore Ravens in the 7th round (No. 250 overall) and almost dropped entirely out of the draft.
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner thinks that spot creates an incredible value for the Ravens and tagged Benny, 6-foot-3 and 298 pounds, as the NFL’s “Biggest Sleeper” coming out of the draft.
“Powerful, explosive and long, Benny is a bit inconsistent,” Baumgardner wrote. “When things come together, though, he can be a dynamic interior pocket pusher. He’s an ascending talent who bloomed later in college and could truly find his groove in a familiar NFL system under Jesse Minter, his former defensive coordinator at Michigan.”
Benny’s size and athleticism show a player who was destined for the NFL — his consistency isn’t actually as bad as implied. Over the last 3 seasons, including a national championship following the 2023 season, Benny has 91 tackles, 12 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
If Benny can provide any sort of depth or production for the Ravens and a much-in-flux interior defensive line, the money is already right with a 4-year, $4.5 million contract.
Heartbreak Before National Championship Game
Benny, an Oak Park, Michigan, native, had his best college season in 2023, when the Wolverines went undefeated and won their 1st national championship since 1997.
Despite winning the title, the year ended in heartbreak for Benny after he fractured his ankle in the Rose Bowl and served as honorary team captain for a 34-13 blowout win over Washington in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Benny was able to show what a versatile talent he was in college, where he’s listed as a defensive end but should be able to play multiple positions on the interior.
“The Ravens listed him as a defensive end, but he could also be considered a defensive tackle,” Ravens’ editorial director Ryan Mink wrote. “Either way, he’ll likely have a versatile role on the Ravens’ defensive line. He has excellent quickness off the snap and the power and arm length (33 3/8 inches) to lock out offensive linemen. His strength is as a run defender.”
Rayshaun Benny made Big Impression at Senior Bowl
While Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was the big winner at the Senior Bowl and leapt into the 1st round to the Minnesota Vikings, many thought Benny was just as good.
“Benny was consistently impactful each day, showing both quickness and power to defeat blocks in different ways,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote. “More specifically, his ability to run through gaps and his long arms will help him make an impact right away in the NFL.”
Part of the problem for Benny at Michigan was he had to wait his turn behind a boatload of future NFL players at defensive tackle, including a pair of 1st round picks in Mason Graham (No. 5 overall to Cleveland Browns) and Kenneth Grant (No. 13 overall to Miami Dolphins) along with a 2nd round pick in Kris Jenkins (No. 49 overall to Cincinnati Bengals).
Ravens’ 6-foot-3, 298-Pound Rookie Called ‘Biggest Steal’ of NFL Draft