In a surprising move during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens opted to bolster their cornerback roster by selecting T.J. Tampa from Iowa State in the fourth round, clinching pick No. 130 overall.
Eric DeCosta, the team’s General Manager, emphasized the Ravens’ commitment to securing top talent regardless of positional boundaries on Day 3. This strategy paid off handsomely with the addition of Tampa, who joins first-round pick Nate Wiggins in fortifying the cornerback corps.
Despite being initially projected as an early Day 2 selection, Tampa’s availability in the fourth round raised eyebrows across the league. ESPN had ranked him as their top prospect entering the day, while Dane Brugler of The Athletic and Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media also held him in high regard, further highlighting the perceived value of the pick.
Reacting to his selection, Tampa expressed determination fueled by the teams that passed him over and the cornerbacks drafted ahead of him. Standing just over 6 feet tall and weighing 194 pounds, the Florida native brings a formidable physical presence to the field. His tenure at Iowa State, including consecutive seasons as a starter and a senior campaign that earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors, underscores his prowess in the defensive backfield.
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Despite concerns about his speed, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds at Iowa State’s pro day, Tampa is confident in his strengths, particularly his physicality. He prides himself on his ability to excel in various facets of the game, from engaging in physical battles at the line of scrimmage to disrupting routes and delivering impactful tackles.
With Tampa’s arrival, the Ravens aim to further solidify their defensive unit, banking on his tenacity and skill set to make significant contributions in the upcoming season.
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