The Ravens closed out its draft class by adding Chandler Rivers, a competitive, instinctive cornerback from Duke, and Rayshaun Benny, a powerful defensive tackle from Michigan: two picks that address depth, special‑teams value, and interior disruption for a defense that prizes versatility.
Chandler Rivers: Slot Instincts as a Nickel
Rivers came off the board in the fifth round (No. 162 overall), a selection that fills a clear need for younger, more physical depth in the secondary.
Listed at about 5‑10 and known for playing bigger than his size, Rivers earned All‑ACC recognition at Duke and finished his college career as a reliable playmaker with seven interceptions and a reputation for strong tackling and screen‑defense instincts.
Those traits make him a natural candidate for nickel work and early special‑teams snaps in Baltimore’s rotation.
Rivers’ quickness in short areas and his 39‑inch vertical give him the contested‑catch chops and recovery speed coaches covet in a slot defender.
The Ravens have repeatedly drafted corners to keep the room fresh; Rivers’ tape suggests he can mirror shifty slot receivers, jump routes, and make plays on the ball: all skills that translate quickly to special teams and sub‑package duty.
I haven’t taken [the Ravens hat] off… Baltimore is a known brand. I’m sitting here saying, ‘Damn. I’m a Baltimore Raven,” Rivers said after the call, a moment that captured both the personal significance and the expectation that he’ll earn his role.
Rayshaun Benny: Interior Force with Upside
Benny’s selection was one of the draft’s more talked‑about values; analysts flagged him as a steal relative to consensus boards, and Baltimore views him as a plug‑and‑play interior piece with upside.
A Michigan product, Benny offers size, power, and a history of playing in a pro‑style front. Scouts praised his ability to occupy blockers, collapse pockets, and make key plays against top competition: traits that fit a Ravens defensive line rotation built on depth and physicality.
Ravens head coach Jesse Minter, who coached at Michigan during Benny’s time there, spoke to Benny’s steady development and impact on tape, noting the player’s growth after injury and his readiness to contribute.
“He does a lot of things on tape that we like to see,” Minter said, underscoring the familiarity that likely accelerated Baltimore’s interest.
How both fit the Ravens roster now
Taken together, Rivers and Benny represent complementary additions: Rivers bolsters the secondary’s depth and special‑teams core, while Benny beefs up the interior rotation and provides a physical presence that can free up edge rushers and linebackers.
Both are realistic Day‑One contributors in rotational roles with clear paths to expanded responsibility as they acclimate to NFL speed and technique.
Expect Rivers to compete for nickel snaps and to be a core special‑teams performer early, a common route for rookie defensive backs to earn trust and playing time. Benny should factor into early‑down rotations and situational pass‑rush packages while he refines his consistency and pad level against NFL interior blockers.
If both players hit their developmental marks, Baltimore gains two cost‑controlled pieces who can matter in November and January.
