OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens added depth to their offensive line in the fifth-round with the selection of Wisconsin guard Ricky Wagner.
Taking with the 168th overall pick, Wagner played left tackle with the Badgers last season but is expected to work as an interior lineman at the next level. The 6-foot-6, 308-pound lineman was a first-team all-Big Ten selection last season.
“I waited a little longer than I thought [to be picked], but good things come when you wait,” Wagner said in a conference call. “I can’t think of a better organization than the Ravens.”
Wagner is considered a stronger run blocker than pass protector, which explains why he projects to be more of an inside player at the next level. Some teams viewed Wagner as a candidate to play right tackle, but the Ravens specified him as a guard when he was selected with their fifth-round compensatory pick.
After earning Division I scholarship offers for basketball, Wagner elected to walk on for the Badgers and became a three-year starter at a program known for producing NFL offensive linemen. He played his final two years at left tackle after starting at right tackle
He became the second consecutive offensive player selected by the Ravens after they drafted fullback Kyle Juszczyk with the second fourth-round pick
