Baltimore Ravens Draft Prospects: Iowa State Cornerback T.J. Tampa

Should the Ravens be interested in drafting Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa?

One of the Baltimore Ravens’ most significant needs as the offseason continues to advance toward the NFL Draft is some more depth at cornerback.

A potential draft target for the Ravens in this year’s draft is TJ Tampa out of Iowa State.

Clemson wide receiver Beaux Collins (80) has a pass broken up by Iowa State defensive back TJ Tampa (25) during the first quarter of the 2021 Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Ncaa Football Cheez It Bowl Iowa State Vs Clemson / © Ken Ruinard / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tampa was named as a member of the All-Big 12 second team after a strong senior season. The Cyclone stuffed the stat sheet in his fourth season on the team, finishing with 
44 tackles, three for loss, seven pass deflections. and two interceptions.

It was the second straight year that the defensive back produced impressively. As a junior, he had 40 total tackles, five for loss, one interception, and nine pass deflections. This shows that he was a consistent performer at the collegiate level. 

Baltimore could use a player like Tampa, and adding him to the roster will likely only cost a second-round pick. This allows the team to still target an offensive lineman in the first round, as many have predicted the Ravens will do, to help out reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and newly signed Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry in the trenches.

Part of what makes Tampa such an appealing prospect is his physical profile. At 6-1 and 189 pounds, Tampa has the size to match up against larger receivers. Although not the fastest defender in a zone-heavy scheme, he could thrive thanks to his long wingspan, which allowed him to break up so many passes over the past two seasons at Iowa State.

The lanky cornerback prospect warrants attention as someone who could potentially see the field for Baltimore as a rookie if needed.