The 2025 NFL Draft saw an inspiring story unfold as Carson Vinson, a towering offensive tackle from Alabama A&M, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round. Vinson’s journey from a lightly recruited high school player to a major NFL prospect demonstrates resilience, skill, and a passion for football.

Carson Vinson: From HBCU Standout to NFL Opportunity

Carson Vinson’s selection in the 2025 NFL Draft marks a major milestone, not just for him, but for Alabama A&M and the HBCU football community. Standing at 6-foot-7 and 321 pounds, Vinson brings the ideal size for an NFL tackle, along with a reputation for athleticism and intensity on the field. After five years as a starter at left tackle, his development caught the eyes of scouts and coaches across the league.

Vinson is Alabama A&M’s first draft pick since 2011, and its first offensive player selected in more than 30 years. His commitment to the Bulldogs program, even after bigger schools showed belated interest, speaks volumes about his character and loyalty. "I wanted to go to [North] Carolina... but I wasn’t going to go because they didn’t want me out of high school," Vinson shared in an exclusive interview after the draft.

A Surging Reputation at the Senior Bowl

Vinson wasn’t just a steady starter in college—he embraced every opportunity to prove himself. Notably, he was the only HBCU player invited to the Senior Bowl, where he measured up well against top competition. This exposure helped assure NFL teams that he could handle the step up in class. As Vinson put it, the Senior Bowl “was able to put me on a stage where I could really prove myself against the best-of-the-best athletes, especially coming from a smaller school.”

Read more in NFL.com’s detailed recap of Vinson's draft, including his statistics and career milestones. He allowed just two sacks in his senior season despite 447 pass block snaps, earning All-Southwestern Athletic Conference first-team honors and AP FCS All-American honorable mention.

How Vinson Fits in Baltimore’s Plans

The Ravens have a tradition of building their offensive line with physically imposing, versatile players. Head coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Line Coach George Warhop see Vinson as a developmental prospect with a high ceiling. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah remarked, “He’s massive. Baltimore loves to collect these big offensive tackles.”

For Ravens fans tracking the team’s Day 3 draft strategy, Vinson was part of a broader push to get younger and deepen the offensive tackle pipeline. Earlier rounds brought in LSU’s Emery Jones Jr., and the faith in Vinson’s upside was apparent when Baltimore used the pick acquired from the Tennessee Titans to secure him. The Baltimore Sun’s draft tracker covers the team’s moves in depth.

A Motivated New Raven

Carson Vinson arrives in Baltimore with a strong sense of purpose. "I bring tenacity and I'm an athlete. Those are two things I really hang my hat on," Vinson said. While he acknowledges the need for technical refinement, he’s eager to work under Coach Warhop. "A lot of things the Ravens organization can help me with and things I need to work on are my technique. Coach Warhop is a great coach."

Vinson’s path is an example to aspiring players from mid-major and HBCU programs that dreams of NFL stardom are achievable. Baltimore fans have every reason to be excited about the strength, athleticism, and drive he brings to the team.

Conclusion

Carson Vinson’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and talent. As he begins his journey with the Baltimore Ravens, expect to see a player intent on making an impact both on and off the field. Follow his progress this season and watch for the difference his presence will make in Baltimore’s already formidable offensive line.