The Baltimore Ravens may have gotten a steal when they selected Rasheen Ali in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL draft. Especially if the running back lives up to comparisons with Raheem Mostert, who led the league in touchdowns for the Miami Dolphins last season.

Similarities between Mostert and Ali were pointed out by “Football Gameplan” owner Emory Hunt during an appearance on the “Ross Tucker Football Podcast.” Hunt explained how Ali has “A+ Explosion, reminds me so much of Raheem Mostert and how if the lane is there and he hits it, it’s a wrap, he’s gone.”

Ali’s skills also suit the Ravens’ evolving offense, per Hunt: “It fits what they want in the backfield, coming off that zone-read action or play-action where, or that run action, where you have to worry about the backside door with Lamar Jackson, and Ali is going to see advantageous boxes and he has the explosiveness to really hit it.”

Explosion, reminds me so much of Raheem Mostert”

Hunt’s comprehensive description defines Ali as a speed back in the mold of last seasons’s breakout undrafted playmaker on the ground, Keaton Mitchell. The latter is recovering from a torn ACL, inadvertently giving Ali the opportunity to vie for extended playing time during his debut season.

Even when Mitchell returns, Ali can have a role in a backfield made over this offseason after the arrival of Derrick Henry in free agency

Rasheen Ali Merits Raheem Mostert Comparison

Ali’s potential to be the steal of his draft class stems from the 23-year-old’s big-play threat. He showcased a knack for breakaway runs by averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry at Marshall, per Sports Reference.

Further evidence of Ali’s knack for stretching the field came from his leading the FBS “with 7 plays of 50+ yards” last season, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun.