The Baltimore Ravens need to upgrade the linebacker position since their depth weakened after losing Malik Harrison to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chris Board to the New York Giants. John Harbaugh confirmed during the NFL League Meetings that Trenton Simpson will start on early downs. However, since Simpson is a liability in coverage, the Ravens could add a linebacker in the upcoming draft who excels in coverage and plays on obvious passing downs.
Baltimore Ravens hosting underrated 2nd-team All-SEC linebacker
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, the Ravens are hosting former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. for a Top-30 visit. Mondon is an underrated prospect who can rush the passer, defend against the run, and cover. Some scouts have him projected as a late Day 2 to early Day 3 selection.
The Baltimore Ravens will host Georgia LB Smael Mondon Jr for a 30 visit, per source.
Four-year contributor inside the Georgia defense started 34 games in his career as a former five-star recruit.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 2, 2025
He had a solid career with Georgia
Smael Mondon Jr. committed to the Georgia Bulldogs as a five-star recruit for the 2021 season. Mondon had a solid career with Georgia, recording 212 tackles, 18 TFLs, eight sacks, one interception, and five pass deflections in 51 games. His accolades include a Second-Team All-SEC selection in 2023.
Mondon missed earlier in his junior season with a foot injury, and upon returning, had a solid finish to the year. He recorded 57 tackles, four TFLs, three sacks, and three pass deflections in ten games. He also posted 15 pressures, 23 stops, three missed tackles, and allowed 74 passing yards (h/t) PFF.
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on Smael Mondon Jr.
“Mondon is physical and can run. He’s quick to flow downhill and challenge blocks with good pop. He’s inconsistent to diagnose and flow accurately to his fits, but he has good pursuit speed to range and tackle to the sidelines.
“He pursues the action with focus and leverage. Mondon becomes tackle-ready quickly in space. He’s effective on passing downs with good coverage and blitz talent.
“The run game instincts could slow him early in his career, but he’s a battle-tested, three-down option with special teams value and starting potential.”
Zierlein predicts that Mondon will eventually become a plus starter.
