The Baltimore Ravens may miss out on a rising cornerback prospect, potentially impacting their future defensive plans.
The Baltimore Ravens, known for their strong defensive identity and historical success, are facing one of the most critical offseasons in recent memory. While the team has consistently been competitive and remains a fixture in playoff contention, they have fallen short of championship glory in recent years. With the AFC North becoming more competitive and their defense continuing to evolve, the Ravens must focus on addressing key areas, especially in the secondary. This offseason, the Ravens’ pursuit of young cornerback talent could significantly impact their future defensive plans.
One of the most pressing concerns for the Ravens’ defense in the 2025 season is the cornerback position. Over the past few seasons, the Ravens have seen mixed results in their defensive backfield. While veterans like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters have performed at a high level, the team is in dire need of young, dynamic talent to complement the veterans and secure long-term stability at the cornerback position. The 2025 NFL Draft presents the perfect opportunity to address this need, and there is a rising cornerback prospect that many teams, including the Ravens, have been closely monitoring. However, the Ravens could miss out on this rising star, potentially altering their defensive trajectory for the next several years.
The Cornerback Position: A Long-Standing Strength with Growing Concerns
For years, the Ravens’ defense has been the backbone of the team, and their secondary has been no exception. The Ravens have historically prided themselves on having one of the most feared defensive backfields in the league. From Ed Reed to Chris McAlister, the franchise has produced elite-level talent in the secondary. However, the current group of cornerbacks, led by Marlon Humphrey, is getting older, and their peak years are behind them. Humphrey remains one of the most elite cornerbacks in the NFL, but Marcus Peters has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in recent seasons. While the Ravens have young players like Jalyn Armour-Davis and Brandon Stephens in the mix, it is clear that the team needs to replenish the talent pool to maintain its competitive edge in the pass-heavy NFL.
The Rising Cornerback Prospect: A Game-Changer for the Ravens
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one cornerback prospect, in particular, has been turning heads—KJ Murphy, a highly-rated cornerback out of the University of Alabama. Murphy has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in this year’s draft, showcasing a unique blend of size, speed, and ball skills that makes him a potential game-changer at the NFL level. Standing at 6-foot-1 and boasting a 4.38 40-yard dash time, Murphy has the physical attributes that NFL scouts covet. But what sets him apart is his ability to read the game, his closing speed, and his exceptional playmaking ability.
Murphy is an elite cover corner who excels in both man-to-man and zone schemes. He has an uncanny ability to stay glued to his man, disrupt passing lanes, and create turnovers. His combination of athleticism, football IQ, and physicality makes him a perfect fit for the Ravens’ defense, which prides itself on aggressive, hard-nosed football. His talent has drawn comparisons to some of the top cornerbacks in the league, and many scouts believe that Murphy is the best cornerback prospect in this year’s draft class.
For the Ravens, securing a player like Murphy could solidify their secondary for years to come. While Marlon Humphrey still has a few good years left in him, adding a young, dynamic cornerback like Murphy could take Baltimore’s defense to another level. Murphy’s versatility would allow defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to mix and match coverages and schemes, adding flexibility to an already solid unit.
The Ravens’ Draft Position: Could They Miss Out?
Despite their glaring need at cornerback, the Ravens’ current draft position may work against them. While they are coming off a successful season, they do not have a top-five pick, which means that securing a player like KJ Murphy could be out of reach. Teams at the top of the draft are already eyeing cornerback prospects, and there’s a very real possibility that Murphy could be selected before the Ravens are on the clock.
With the top cornerbacks in the class—like KJ Murphy and Jaxson Trent, another highly-rated cornerback from Ohio State—projected to go early, the Ravens may find themselves scrambling to find other options if they miss out on Murphy. Given the rising demand for elite cornerbacks, the Ravens will have to be strategic and possibly look for trade-up opportunities if they want to secure their top target.
If they miss out on Murphy, the Ravens will need to pivot to their next option. While there are several talented cornerbacks available in the draft, few possess the same combination of skills that Murphy brings to the table. Players like Jaxson Trent and Theo Williams from Georgia are still on the radar, but they may not be able to step in immediately and make the kind of immediate impact that Murphy could. The Ravens would then have to explore free agency or look for trade options to bolster their secondary.
Free Agency: An Alternative to the Draft
If the Ravens miss out on Murphy and other top cornerback prospects in the draft, they may have to consider adding a veteran cornerback in free agency. While free-agent options at cornerback tend to be limited, there are some potential names that could make sense for Baltimore.
- Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams)
Jalen Ramsey is arguably the top cornerback in the NFL, and while his age and contract situation may be factors to consider, the Ravens could explore a trade to bring him in. Ramsey would immediately upgrade the secondary and provide a strong veteran presence alongside Marlon Humphrey. However, acquiring Ramsey would likely require significant draft capital, and the Ravens would have to make sure they are in a position to absorb his contract. - James Bradberry (Philadelphia Eagles)
James Bradberry has been a standout performer in recent years, and his skill set aligns well with the Ravens’ defensive philosophy. Bradberry’s ability to play physical and lock down top receivers makes him an appealing option for the Ravens if they miss out on Murphy in the draft. However, Bradberry will likely command a high price on the open market, and the Ravens would have to clear cap space to make such a move. - Shaquill Griffin (Seattle Seahawks)
Shaquill Griffin is a slightly younger option who has been effective as a cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. While not in the same tier as Ramsey or Bradberry, Griffin is a solid contributor who could be a reliable option for the Ravens’ secondary. His experience and ability to cover a variety of receivers make him a good fallback option if the Ravens miss on younger, high-end talent in the draft. - Byron Jones (Miami Dolphins)
After missing the 2024 season due to injury, Byron Jones could be available in free agency, and if healthy, he could still provide valuable depth to a defense like Baltimore’s. While Jones may not be the star that he once was, his ability to cover and play physically could make him a useful addition to the Ravens’ defense at the right price.
Trade Possibilities: Aggressive Moves to Improve the Secondary
If the Ravens miss out on both Murphy and other top cornerbacks in the draft and free agency, they could look to make a trade. Baltimore has a history of making bold moves, and they could explore potential trades for a starting cornerback. Teams that are in rebuilding phases may be willing to part with talented cornerbacks, and the Ravens could leverage their existing roster and future draft picks to acquire one of these players.
- Trevon Diggs (Dallas Cowboys)
Trevon Diggs is one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL and a potential trade target for the Ravens. While Diggs is a ball hawk with a tendency to take risks, his ability to create turnovers and shut down top receivers would add a unique dynamic to the Ravens’ defense. The Cowboys might be looking to move Diggs for the right price, and the Ravens could be one of the teams in the mix for his services. - Denzel Ward (Cleveland Browns)
Denzel Ward has been one of the more consistent cornerbacks in the league, and with the Cleveland Browns potentially needing to make moves to reshape their roster, Ward could be available. A trade for Ward would provide the Ravens with a cornerback who has shown the ability to be a shutdown defender against elite competition. The Ravens could target him if they miss out on the draft’s top cornerbacks. - Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans Saints)
Marshon Lattimore has long been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, but the Saints may be in a position where they need to rebuild, and Lattimore could be available. The Ravens might explore trading for Lattimore if they want an established cornerback who can make an immediate impact. His physical style of play and ability to lock down top receivers would make him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s defense.
