John Harbaugh shares insight on Ravens 2024 undrafted rookie class including next potential ‘Project Pat’

Among the large crop of first-year free agents is an intriguing possible two-way player, a local standout at a position of need and a former DII standout.

The Baltimore Ravens signed nearly two dozen first-year players as undrafted free agents following the 2024 NFL Draft. Nearly all of them hit the practice field for the first time as pros over the weekend for the team’s rookie minicamp alongside their draft class.

After Saturday’s on-field practice, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was asked about how he views some specific members of this year’s unheralded crop. He shared some interesting and encouraging insights on their 2024 prospects and what they can bring to the table at the next level.

The most intriguing comments he made were of outside linebacker Joe Evans. Despite putting up prolific production throughout his collegiate career with 28 sacks, Evans went undrafted out of Iowa. But Evans possesses impressive athleticism that makes up for his lack of length and makes him a candidate to contend for a roster spot as a two-way player who can contribute on offense as a fullback or tight end, too. Evans was impressive at the Hawkeye’s Pro Day running through pass rush drills, athletic testing and even catching passes out of the backfield and off the line of scrimmage.

“[It’s] probably all a work in progress, kind of figuring that out,” Harbaugh said of Evans. “He looked good. We were playing him at outside linebacker in this minicamp, and he looked good, quick, fast. I could see where he could be a move-tight end or more of a fullback-type of guy, also. The more he can do, obviously he’s going to be a special teams factor as well. So, he looked good out there. He’s also a guy that you think when the pads come on, you’re really going to see even more.”

Before developing into a four-time Pro Bowl fullback, Ravens seven-year veteran Patrick Ricard had a similar career arc to start his career being signed as an undrafted defensive lineman out of Maine in 2017. He proved himself on both defense and as a run blocker during the training camp and the preseason that year, earning the nickname ‘Project Pat’ and a roster spot in the process.

Ricard eventually became so valuable on offense that his days as one of the rare two-way players came to an end after his first Pro Bowl season in 2019. Evans could follow an identical pathway to get his career off the ground with the team as a rotational pass rusher, backup full back, fifth-string tight end and special teams contributor.

Harbaugh was also asked about and was impressed by what he saw on tape from former Lock Haven University running back Chris Collier, who transferred from Wagner in the FCS when and dominated at the NCAA Division II level by putting up prolific numbers. In 2023, he ran a career-high 1,393 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“Level of play is important. It probably helps you evaluate a little more apples-to-apples kind of a deal,” Harbaugh said. “But, great players come from every single level of college football, and it’s really how you transition to the NFL that counts. In Chris’s case, he was a dominant player at that level, and you expect him to be able to play in the NFL. He came out here and looked like he belonged. He’s quick and fast and strong and just looks the part, so he’s going to have a chance to make the team, just like everybody else. He looked really good.”

Harbaugh was also asked about Baltimore native Jordan Toles, who began his career in the SEC at LSU before coming back home to finish his collegiate career at Morgan State. In 2023, he recorded career highs with 66 total tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups.

“First of all, his tape is really good,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a very productive player. Then, we had him for the workout, and he looked really good moving around. He’s a big, strong guy, and he moves well. He’s a defensive back. He looked really good the last two days. I just think he’s an instinctive player who’s got a high level of ability. We like those guys, especially those guys from around here. There are five really good programs in this area that we have a lot of respect for.”

The Ravens have a glaring need for additional safety depth with good instincts and ball skills after losing 2023 AFC interceptions leader Geno Stone in free agency back. They signed a more highly-rated safety prospect as an undrafted free agent in Beau Brade, but he suffered a rolled ankle that had him in a walking boot on Saturday. Toles will need to seize every chance he can get to prove himself between training camp and the preseason.

In 19 of the past 20 years, the Ravens have had at least one undrafted rookie free agent make the initial 53-man roster. One of the three aforementioned first-year pros he was asked about could very well be the next, but they’ll have to continue to impress once the pads come on and in exhibition contests in August.