Ravens RB coach Willie Taggart describes what he's seen from rookie Rasheen Ali
Nov 27, 2021; Huntington, West Virginia, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Rasheen Ali (22) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens selected running back Rasheen Ali in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. The former Marshall star will likely have some level of a role with the team before fellow rusher Keaton Mitchell returns to the fold, allowing him to shine.
Ali wants to make an early impact and hopes to make the most of his NFL opportunity. Baltimore running backs coach Willie Taggart was asked about Ali and said that the rookie is getting more comfortable during early workouts with the team.
"Rasheen [Ali] ... Actually, I had a chance to coach against him in [college], so I knew what we were getting when we drafted him. And to have him around ... Again, he's a young man that really, really wants to be really good and wants to know everything. He's another one that's calling and texting and wanting to know what he's supposed to do. He wants to know way in advance. He'll call ... I'll get a call or text tonight, and [he'll] ask about the script tomorrow and what to do. But watching him out here, each practice, he's getting better and better. You can tell that he's getting comfortable, and from a talent standpoint, he's very talented. I'm excited to see him in training camp – when we get in pads – to see him play, and [I'm] excited to see how he does in [the] preseason. But I think he's going to be a really good back for us. I really like what he's doing."
Taggart also raved about Ali from a talent standpoint, mentioning that he coached against him when he was coaching in the college ranks. While Ali might not have the biggest role in 2024, he should be able to find snaps somewhere, especially until Mitchell retakes the field.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens RB coach Willie Taggart describes what he's seen from rookie Rasheen Ali