The Baltimore Ravens seem to have a soft spot for Penn State prospects, having drafted four Nittany Lions since 2019. This trend might just continue in 2026, as Baltimore's scouts have been frequent visitors to Penn State, tying with Oregon as their most-scouted program last season. Clearly, there's something in Happy Valley that catches the Ravens' eye.
I took a snowy drive up to State College to witness Penn State’s Pro Day for myself. It was an early start at Holuba Hall, where I was eager to see which prospects might be on the Ravens' radar for the upcoming draft.
As expected, some of the big names, like QB Drew Allar and EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton, opted out of athletic testing, likely satisfied with their Combine performances and keen to avoid injury risks. However, they did participate in positional drills, with Allar showcasing his arm during a throwing session.
One standout performer was safety Zakee Wheatley. The Maryland native improved his broad jump to 10’4”, surpassing his previous best from the Combine.
Wheatley, initially recruited as a cornerback, transitioned to safety, which he credits for enhancing his versatility. His sharpness in drills was evident, and despite just one college interception, his knack for being in the right place has made him a secondary disruptor.
For Ravens fans, interior O-lineman Olaivavega Ioane is a name to watch. Ranked No. 23 on Baltimore Beatdown’s Big Board, Ioane is a top guard prospect, catching the eyes of several teams.
His individual workouts were impressive, showcasing lateral movement and powerful blocking. Ioane even demonstrated his versatility by taking reps at center, a role he’s filled in due to past in-game injuries.
He attributes his physicality to the coaching he received at Penn State, which has refined his intensity on the field.
Baltimore’s new O-line coach, Dwayne Ledford, was on hand, putting Ioane through his paces. While Ledford kept his cards close to the chest regarding the team's interest, he acknowledged the value of Pro Days in evaluating players up close.
Another potential target for Baltimore could be Dani Dennis-Sutton, ranked No. 31 on the Big Board. Despite adding veteran Trey Hendrickson, the Ravens might still bolster their pass rush.
Dennis-Sutton’s athleticism and consistency, with 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks in consecutive seasons, make him a tantalizing prospect. A McDonogh High alum, he’s no stranger to the area and could be a familiar face returning to Maryland.
Defensive tackle Zane Durant also caught my attention. Known for his quickness, Durant emphasized the importance of speed in his game. He posted the fastest 40 time among defensive tackles at the Combine, and his explosive get-off could pose challenges for NFL offenses.
While I hoped to chat with QB Drew Allar, his media scrum was a bit of a madhouse. Nevertheless, Allar impressed with his downfield accuracy and arm strength, bouncing back well from a broken ankle last November.
Penn State’s Pro Day offered a glimpse into potential future Ravens, with several prospects making strong cases for themselves. As the draft approaches, Baltimore's connection to Happy Valley remains as intriguing as ever.