Baltimore Ravens draft pick Carson Vinson: I want to give HBCU players like me hope

A phone call from Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta was the first step of a months-long grind for Carson Vinson.

The Ravens selected the Alabama A&M offensive lineman in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft (141st overall), making Vinson the only player from a historically Black college or university drafted this year. Now in training camp, Vinson is deep in the grind of learning from veteran players, embracing every rep and fighting to earn a spot on the Ravens’ 53-man roster.

Throughout the draft process, Vinson was known as a prospect with much potential. Scouts raved about his raw athleticism and versatility to play different positions on the offensive line. Vinson’s main goal during training camp is to show the Ravens’ coaching staff his growth.

“One thing I’ve seen a lot is I’m a guy with a lot of potential, but potential is just something that can be, so I have to put the actual work in so I will be that [guy],” Vinson told Andscape. “So it’s just the preparation on the field, the preparation off the field, taking care of my body, studying the game, understanding the game. It’s the whole encompass of it all.”

Since the Ravens’ organized team activities in June, Vinson has worked closely with Ravens offensive line coach George Warhop. Vinson describes himself as a note-taker and a visual learner, often studying game film to break down plays, draw up formations and compare his understanding to what actually happened on the field.

In addition to working with Warhop, veteran players such as offensive tackles Roger Rosengarten, Ronnie Staley and Corey Bullock have helped Vinson with the transition to professional football, giving him advice to elevate his pass protection to NFL standards.

“The NFL is about little things. It’s about small things and little things in college. A lot of times, you can get away with stuff like that, but in the NFL those things can get exposed,” Vinson said. “So I love Coach Hop because he’s really harping on the little things with me and all the minute details that come with the game.”

Warhop describes Vinson as an authentic personality who stays true to who he is, shows up prepared to practice and continues to earn his teammates’ respect.

“I think he has a high ceiling,” Warhop said. “From that standpoint, I think he’s gonna have a chance to play in the NFL for a long time. In what capacity? That’s all dependent on the team and on him. Do I think he’s worthy enough to be on the 53 and be a part of some team’s nine offensive linemen? One hundred percent, yes.”

Ahead of his first NFL training camp, Vinson spoke to Andscape about being the lone HBCU player drafted, transitioning to the NFL and working to earn a spot on the Ravens’ final active roster.