The Massive Sleeper: 5 Shocking Facts About Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan’s Undrafted Path To The Baltimore Ravens
The 2025 NFL Draft cycle saw its usual share of surprises, but few stories are as compelling as that of Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan, the hulking offensive tackle out of Oregon State. Despite being listed as one of the biggest and longest tackle prospects in the class, the man nicknamed 'Tank' ultimately went undrafted. However, his journey didn't end there; his aggressive pursuit of an NFL roster spot immediately paid off, securing a coveted contract with the Baltimore Ravens in the immediate aftermath of the draft.
As of late December 2025, Christian-Lichtenhan has transitioned from a college standout to a developing pro, now holding a spot on the Ravens' practice squad. His unique blend of massive size, impressive arm length, and a high-upside college career makes him one of the most intriguing undrafted free agents (UDFA) in the league, offering Baltimore a potential long-term anchor for their offensive line.
Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan: Complete Player Biography and Profile
Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan’s path to the NFL was a winding one, beginning in California and featuring a crucial transfer that solidified his draft stock. His physical measurements alone—a rare combination of height and length—made him a standout prospect, even before his technical development caught up.
- Full Name: Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan
- Born: December 3, 2001
- Age: 24 (as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Birthplace: Fremont, CA / Davis, CA
- High School: Davis High School (Davis, CA)
- Parents: Tabitha Lichtenhan and Teri Christian
- Height: 6’8” (Some sources list 6’9”)
- Weight: 330 lbs
- Position: Offensive Tackle (OT)
- College Career: Colorado Buffaloes (2020–2022), Oregon State Beavers (2023–2024)
- 2025 NFL Draft Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA)
- Current NFL Team: Baltimore Ravens (Practice Squad)
The Physical Marvel: Scouting Report and Draft Projections
Christian-Lichtenhan was universally noted for his size, earning him the nickname ‘Tank’ among analysts and teammates. His scouting profile centered on his elite length and massive frame, traits that NFL teams covet in a starting left tackle.
Elite Length and Raw Power
The most eye-popping measurable for Christian-Lichtenhan was his arm length, reported to be around 36 inches. This exceptional reach is a major advantage in pass protection, allowing him to engage defensive ends early and keep them at bay, neutralizing speed rushes around the edge. His size and raw power were a perfect fit for Oregon State’s balanced, zone-based scheme, which often utilized quick-hitting RPO (Run-Pass Option) and play-action concepts.
High-Upside College Performance
After transferring from the Colorado Buffaloes, Christian-Lichtenhan had a breakout season as a Redshirt Senior at Oregon State. In 2024, he started all 12 games, earning recognition as the Top Performer on the offensive line by Pac-12 media. His performance was quantified by high-level analytics, including an impressive 83.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Crucially, he finished the season on an absolute tear, garnering a remarkable 90.0 PFF pass-blocking grade over the final five weeks of the 2024 season, indicating a late surge in technical refinement and dominance.
Why He Went Undrafted Despite Elite Traits
Despite the massive frame, elite length, and strong PFF grades, Christian-Lichtenhan slipped through all seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. This is often attributed to a few factors common with massive prospects: concerns over his lateral agility, consistency in run blocking, and overall technique against faster, more complex NFL defensive fronts. His lack of an NFL Combine invitation also likely hurt his visibility among the top-tier draft analysts.
The Pro Day That Wowed Scouts
While he didn't attend the Combine, Christian-Lichtenhan made the most of his Pro Day, posting solid numbers for a man his size. These results were critical in affirming his athletic profile to NFL scouts who were on the fence about his speed and explosion.
- Bench Press (225 lbs): 19 Reps
- Vertical Jump: 28.0 inches
- Broad Jump: 9’1”
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.87 seconds
His 9-foot, 1-inch broad jump, in particular, demonstrated a surprising level of lower-body explosion for an offensive tackle weighing over 330 pounds, signaling that his athletic ceiling remains high.
The Baltimore Ravens’ Strategic UDFA Signing
The Baltimore Ravens, known for their ability to find and develop talent in the later rounds and the undrafted free agent market, moved quickly to secure Christian-Lichtenhan. His signing was a strategic move, adding a developmental tackle with rare physical tools to their roster depth.
A Lucrative Contract for an Undrafted Rookie
Christian-Lichtenhan’s UDFA contract was not a standard minimum deal; it was a strong indicator of the Ravens’ belief in his potential. He signed a 3-year contract valued at nearly $3 million. More importantly, the deal included a significant $30,000 signing bonus and $55,000 in total guaranteed money. This level of guaranteed money is substantial for an undrafted rookie and signals that the team was willing to outbid other interested clubs, such as the Indianapolis Colts, who had also shown interest.
Future Outlook: From Practice Squad to Starter?
Currently, Christian-Lichtenhan is developing on the Ravens' practice squad, focusing on refining his pass-blocking technique and improving his consistency in the run game. His massive size and 36-inch arms give him an undeniable advantage over most prospects. If he can translate his late-season PFF dominance into consistent NFL-level technique, he has the potential to become a valuable swing tackle or even a future starter for the Baltimore Ravens. His journey from an underrated Oregon State OT to a highly-valued UDFA is a testament to the importance of physical traits and late-career college development in the modern NFL landscape. The Ravens are betting on 'Tank' to be their next great developmental success story.
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