After a successful minicamp invite, the Baltimore Ravens announced they’ve signed Samford Bulldogs wide receiver Qadir Ismail to the 90-man roster.
Ismail was not apart of the Ravens’ announced 31-player rookie class, which included nine draft picks and 22 undrafted free agents. As he joined on a minicamp tryout, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound wide receiver must have impressed the team to earn the signing announced on Monday.
Ismail offers something no other receiver on the roster can manufacture: size. The closest in height to Ismail on the roster — and has started a game for the Ravens — is Rashod Bateman at 6-foot-1. General Manager Eric DeCosta noted the team was interested in adding a bigger receiver in the draft, ergo the selection of Devontez Walker, and likely the interest in seeing what Ismail offer after participating in organized team activities, mandatory minicamp and training camp.
Ismail’s stats as a wide receiver leave much to be desired due to the fact he originally started as a quarterback at Villanova. In his first year at Villanova, he caught 11 passes for 182 yards. Afterward, he transferred to Samford and played two seasons, finishing with 16 receptions for 156 yards.
Ismail is the son of former Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail, who helped the team win Super Bowl XXXV in 2000.