NFL draft: Baltimore picks Iowa’s T.J. Tampa (Ravens draft 2024)

Baltimore Ravens select cornerback T.J Tampa in Round 4 of the NFL draft

Selected Prospects for the Ravens NFL Draft

With a list of six or seven prospects in mind, Eric DeCosta went into Day 3 of the NFL Draft with the Ravens’ initial fourth-round selection (No. 113 overall). With Devontez Walker, a wide receiver, the Ravens got one. Then, in T.J. Tampa, they received an additional 17 selections. The value was simply too good for the Ravens to pass up at cornerback, and they selected Tampa out of Iowa State in the fourth round.

DeCosta stated that the Ravens, regardless of position, had a “open highway” to select the best players available on Day 3. He followed through on it, selecting a second cornerback after first-round selection Nate Wiggins, and got a great deal.

Draft experts predicted Tampa to be a first-round selection on Day 2. Entering the day, he was the highest-ranked player on ESPN. Tampa was regarded as the No. 55 overall prospect in the draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media ranked him 84th.

Tampa stated, “They always say the draft is unpredictable.” From now on, I will undoubtedly carry a grudge against all the teams that passed over me and all the corners that went before me. That’s going to be my daily fuel.” According to DeCosta, if the Ravens hadn’t already chosen Wiggins, they would have defeated Tampa considerably sooner in the second round.

T.J Tampa’s stats: (strengths, records, and physique)

“We see the length, we see the size, we see the leaping ability [and] his ability to play the football,” added DeCosta. “He’s a hard man. He tackles with skill. We’re happy.” At 194 pounds, Tampa is little over 6 feet tall. The Florida native, a product of dominant Lakewood High School, started all 82 games for the Cyclones in the previous two seasons and was selected to the first team of the Big 12 after finishing his senior year with 44 tackles, nine passes defensed, and two interceptions.

He probably fell short of the predictions made by commentators because, on Iowa State’s pro day, he ran the 40-yard sprint in 4.58 seconds. According to Tampa, his strongest suit is his physicality.

Origin of T.J Tampa’s Football Journey

Growing up, Tampa also played basketball and received an offer to play for James Madison University. However, Tampa concentrated on football and was first targeted for a wide receiver position. He had to work out with the defensive backs and switch positions because of a delayed flight. Kirby Smart, the head coach of Georgia, tried to sign Tampa after watching him play in a 7-on-7 tournament, but Tampa remained devoted to Iowa State.

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Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens are the Ravens’ expected starting cornerbacks, but they now have excellent young depth behind them. Wiggins will quickly establish himself as a starter, and Tampa has the potential to do the same in the future.

While sharing a room at the Combine, Tampa and Wiggins got to know one another. “The Ravens are excellent at developing their corners. Gaining as much knowledge as I can from Marlon Humphrey, a huge corner,” Tampa stated. “They take toughness very seriously. I think I’ll fit right in.”