Ravens fans aren't talking about Eric DeCosta's fourth-round steal enough

The NFL Draft is called an 'inexact science', and, in some ways, it is. Certain aspects of it make sense, though. When the Baltimore Ravens take guys in Round 1 and Round 2, those prospects are often expected to contribute immediately.

Those late-round draftees, guys taken in Round 6 and Round 7. Those guys can sometimes be the equivalent of a crap shoot. They're the guys organizations typically gamble on. If they work out, think of it like the franchise hit the lottery. It's the same case for undrafted rookies.

Mid-rounders are where the meat of the roster is found. General managers must choose wisely, but if they're right, they can really find some hidden gems.

One such gem is a 2024 First-team All-ACC nod. Eric DeCosta and his staff found him in one of the most unlikely places.

The Ravens' flock isn't discussing rookie Teddye Buchanan as often as they should be

Typically, when the college football season begins and we build and rebuild our draft boards, the UC Davis Aggies aren't who we're looking for to find elite talent. We often find better players at California doing work for the Golden Bears. Still, it's less usual that we see them there than it would be if we raided Georgia or Alabama.

Now and then, you find a diamond in the rough, however. Teddye Buchanan is precisely that. He stands at six feet two. He tips the scales at 233 pounds. He's athletic and provides some upside. Part of the reason for that is his ability to cover and add early value on special teams.

Buchanan is making a name for himself at OTAs. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr likes him. Baltimore's defensive coordinator spoke with the media recently. He's been complimentary about his rookie. Time may be running out for Trenton Simpson. If he doesn't shine, Buchanan could sneak in and land a bigger role on Orr's defense.

“Teddye plays like a Raven... He flies around, he seeks contact, he can play in space, and he’s a smart player…I’m excited about Teddye.” Stay tuned. This is someone whose name you should circle now. Keep an eye on him at minicamp, training camp, and during Baltimore's three preseason games.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Teddye Buchanan may be the sneaky steal of the Ravens offseason