How safety Sanoussi Kane could be the Raven’s most impactful rookie in 2024
The Ravens landed a talented crop in their 2024 NFL Draft class, starting with their “steal” in Round 1 with cornerback Nate Wiggins followed by their right tackle of the future in Roger Rosengarten. But on a roster filled with incumbents, could the Ravens’ biggest impact rookie be the one they selected with the No. 250 pick, safety Sanoussi Kane?
While it’s improbable, there’s a way for Kane to become an impact player on special teams. With the newly implemented kickoff, the Ravens will need players to step up and make plays in containment and getting to the returner. Players who are a bit bigger but still have speed. Kane doesn’t necessarily have the biggest stats in either regard, being 6-foot tall and running a 4.54 40-yard time in his Pro Day, but that may be the equal blend of what’s needed in the new play. Neither lightning quick and small nor too big and slow. A combination of both could be the answer.
Along with Kane expected to be a special teams player, there remains an open roster competition fir the No. 3 safety role, something critical in the Ravens’ recent formula. No player has taken a commanding lead, be it Ar’Darius Washington or other undrafted rookie options. And though Kane differs in potential skillset, Head Coach John Harbaugh sees Kane as a player similar to former Ravens No. 3 safety Geno Stone.
“In some ways, he’s kind of similar to that guy from Iowa whose name will not be mentioned because he’s playing in the division here,” Harbaugh joked. “But, we appreciate Geno [Stone] and all he did for us. But, [it’s] kind of a similar kind of pick – a really heady player, a really productive player. He’s going to have every opportunity there.”
The path to a potential impact role for Kane is arguably the second-most open on the roster, behind only Rosengarten. But entrusting the rookie offensive lineman to open lanes for running back Derrick Henry and protecting Lamar Jackson is a serious operation. If the Ravens find it more suitable to keep Daniel Faalele at right tackle, there’s a tough path for each rookie to see the field in their first year. And if that’s the case, Kane, a non-combine player, could find himself from the final pick to the top of the list on rookie performers for the Ravens