Carson Vinson of Alabama A&M was chosen by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2025 NFL Draft.

When Carson Vinson’s name was announced during the 2025 NFL Draft, it marked more than a personal milestone—it was a resounding statement about opportunity, grit, and the growing respect for players hailing from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Selected by the Baltimore Ravens, Vinson’s journey from Alabama A&M to the National Football League stands as a testament to perseverance, elite talent, and the changing landscape of football scouting.

In the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens made a bold but calculated move by selecting defensive lineman Carson Vinson. While some casual fans may have scrambled to look up his name, NFL insiders and HBCU football followers knew exactly who he was—a relentless pass rusher with a motor that never quits, a student of the game, and a leader on and off the field.

Vinson becomes the first player from Alabama A&M drafted since 2021, and only the third since the turn of the millennium. For the Bulldogs program, his selection sends a signal to recruits and rivals alike: talent in the SWAC is not only real, it’s ready.

At 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds, Vinson built a reputation as the most disruptive defensive player in the Southwestern Athletic Conference over the past two seasons. In 2024, he racked up 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles, anchoring an Alabama A&M defense that often relied on him to make game-changing plays.

Scouts took notice not only of his production, but of how it came. Vinson consistently won with both power and finesse. His bull rush often drove opposing tackles into the quarterback’s lap, while his speed off the edge allowed him to chase down mobile passers. His film showed an elite first step, strong hands, and a hunger for the ball—a combination that proved irresistible to Baltimore’s scouting department.

“He’s got that twitch you look for,” said Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. “But beyond that, he plays with a chip on his shoulder. Every snap looks personal.”

Vinson’s path to the NFL was anything but traditional. Coming out of high school in Georgia, he had the physical tools to play in the SEC, but inconsistent academic records and a late growth spurt limited his recruitment. Alabama A&M took a chance on him, and he repaid them with commitment, transformation, and dominance.

Vinson redshirted his freshman year, spending his time reshaping his body, refining his technique, and immersing himself in film. Coaches say he was often the first one in the weight room and the last one off the practice field. By the time he became a starter, he had already taken on a leadership role within the locker room.

“Carson changed the culture here,” said Alabama A&M head coach Connell Maynor. “He raised the bar in the film room, the weight room, and on Saturdays. He wanted more than just stats—he wanted to win, to elevate this program, and to prove that HBCU athletes deserve a seat at the table.”

Despite his production, Vinson knew that draft buzz doesn’t come easy for small-school players. That changed after his invite to the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he dominated practice reps and turned heads against offensive linemen from Power Five schools.

Analysts at the event highlighted Vinson’s explosiveness and football IQ. In one-on-one drills, he consistently beat blockers with a variety of pass rush moves, including a spin technique that left one Big Ten lineman flat-footed. By the end of the week, he was on nearly every scout’s radar.

“That Shrine Bowl week made me money,” Vinson admitted with a laugh. “But I went in knowing I had to prove myself every snap. That’s been my mindset my whole career.”

In Baltimore, Vinson joins a defense that has long prided itself on toughness, speed, and versatility. The Ravens are known for developing under-the-radar talent, especially in the front seven. Players like Matthew Judon and Za’Darius Smith blossomed into stars after being picked in later rounds. Vinson will have every opportunity to follow in their footsteps.

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr sees Vinson as a rotational edge player early on, with the potential to carve out a starting role if he continues developing. His ability to slide inside on passing downs only adds to his value in Baltimore’s multiple-look scheme.

“Ravens fans are going to love this kid,” Orr said. “He’s humble, he’s hungry, and he doesn’t take plays off. He fits our identity perfectly.”

Vinson’s selection carries added weight given the NFL’s uneven history with HBCU players. While legends like Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, and Shannon Sharpe came from HBCUs, recent years have seen fewer prospects drafted from these institutions. The NFL has acknowledged this disparity and taken steps to improve scouting exposure, including HBCU combines and increased all-star game invites.

For Vinson, the draft moment wasn’t just about personal glory—it was about opening doors.

“I know I’m representing Alabama A&M, but it’s bigger than that,” Vinson said. “This is for every HBCU player who feels overlooked. We can play this game at the highest level. You just need a chance.”

His alma mater celebrated accordingly. On draft day, Alabama A&M hosted a watch party in the gymnasium, filled with students, professors, and staff. When the Ravens called Vinson’s name, the building erupted with cheers, tears, and pride.

“It’s the kind of moment that changes a program,” said A&M athletic director Jason Horn. “You can’t overstate what Carson means to this university.”

While the draft selection is a dream come true, Vinson knows the real work lies ahead. He enters a competitive NFL locker room where nothing is guaranteed. He’ll be expected to earn his spot on special teams, learn a complex defensive playbook, and take his development to another level.

But few doubt his ability to do just that.

“He’s not satisfied,” Coach Maynor said. “Carson’s not the type to say, ‘I made it.’ He’s going to outwork everyone until he’s one of the best in the league.”

Vinson has already begun building relationships with Ravens veterans, including edge rusher Odafe Oweh and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike. He credits their early advice with helping him mentally prepare for the transition.

“They told me to stay grounded, be coachable, and keep my head down,” Vinson said. “That’s how I got here in the first place.”

Beyond football, Vinson has expressed interest in using his platform to advocate for student-athletes at HBCUs. He’s already in talks with alumni to create a mentorship program for current Alabama A&M players navigating life, academics, and professional dreams.

“I want to give back. I know how tough it can be when you don’t have the resources or spotlight,” Vinson said. “If my story can help the next kid keep going, then I’m doing something right.”

In an era when college athletes are increasingly empowered to shape their narratives, Carson Vinson is quickly becoming a symbol of both perseverance and possibility.

In the grand tapestry of the NFL Draft, the biggest headlines often go to top-10 picks from powerhouse schools. But every year, there are stories like Carson Vinson’s—players who defy odds, carry the hopes of their communities, and step onto the sport’s biggest stage with something to prove.

The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just draft a pass rusher; they drafted a culture-changer, a leader, and a symbol of what can happen when talent meets opportunity.

And as Vinson begins his journey in the NFL, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning.