The Baltimore Ravens need a reliable partner for Marlon Humphrey in the secondary to strengthen their defense and improve coverage.

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their stout and aggressive defense, often considered one of the league’s toughest units. Head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald have built a system around speed, physicality, and versatility. Over the years, the Ravens have prided themselves on being able to shut down offenses with their hard-hitting linebackers, fierce pass rush, and a secondary that can lock down even the best wide receivers. But despite their history of defensive dominance, one key area that has been lacking in recent years is the complementary cornerback position opposite Marlon Humphrey.

Humphrey has been the cornerstone of the Ravens’ secondary for several seasons, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. However, while Humphrey’s individual prowess has been evident, the Ravens have struggled to find a consistent and reliable partner to line up alongside him in the secondary. In this analysis, we’ll examine why the Ravens desperately need a partner for Humphrey, what this lack of a second elite cornerback has meant for their defense, and how they can address this issue to bolster their coverage and return to being one of the league’s top defenses.

Marlon Humphrey: The Foundation of the Ravens’ Secondary

To understand why the Baltimore Ravens need a reliable partner for Marlon Humphrey, it’s essential to first appreciate what Humphrey brings to the table. Since being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Humphrey has become the cornerstone of their secondary. Known for his physicality, speed, and aggressive style of play, he has earned recognition as one of the league’s top cornerbacks. His ability to play both man-to-man and zone coverage has made him a versatile asset, allowing the Ravens to deploy him in various defensive schemes.

Humphrey has consistently been tasked with shadowing the opposing team’s best wide receiver, and he has done so with remarkable success. He is an excellent tackler, rarely allowing yards after catch, and his ball skills have helped him become a force in forcing turnovers. His tenacity and ability to shut down elite receivers have made him one of the most reliable players on the Ravens’ defense.

However, despite his elite status, one cornerback cannot handle every receiving threat on the field. Even the best cornerbacks can struggle against opposing offenses with multiple strong wide receivers, and the Ravens have been forced to adapt by relying heavily on their safeties and pass rush to cover up any gaps in their secondary. In short, Humphrey is a superstar in his own right, but even a superstar needs help, and that’s where the Ravens’ need for a partner comes in.

The Struggles of the Ravens’ Secondary

While Marlon Humphrey has been a consistent presence in the Ravens’ secondary, the lack of a reliable partner has left a noticeable void. Over the past few seasons, the Ravens have experimented with several cornerbacks alongside Humphrey, but none have been able to consistently fill the void. The revolving door of cornerbacks has led to some instability in the secondary, particularly in crucial situations where having a second reliable cornerback could make all the difference.

The Ravens have tried various players at the opposite cornerback spot, but injuries and inconsistent performances have hindered the development of a true, reliable partner for Humphrey. Players like Jimmy Smith, Tavon Young, and even Marcus Peters have had flashes of success, but they have all struggled with injuries or consistency issues. The inability to secure a reliable second cornerback has led to some troubling moments in coverage, particularly when facing top-tier receiving corps in the league.

A prime example of this was during the 2021 season when the Ravens’ secondary was plagued by injuries. Marlon Humphrey was sidelined for the final portion of the season, and the Ravens were forced to rely on backup cornerbacks like Anthony Averett and Kevon Seymour. Without Humphrey’s presence, the Ravens’ defense faltered, and opposing quarterbacks were able to exploit the weaknesses in the secondary. Even with a strong pass rush, the lack of a true No. 2 cornerback made it difficult to sustain defensive success.

In today’s NFL, where passing attacks are more potent than ever, having two solid cornerbacks is essential. Teams face high-flying offenses with multiple weapons, and relying solely on one cornerback to cover all of the receiving threats is a recipe for failure. For the Ravens, a second top-tier cornerback would allow Humphrey to focus on his strengths while providing a balanced and dynamic secondary that could contain the opposition’s best receivers.

Why a Second Cornerback Is Vital to the Ravens’ Defense

A reliable cornerback partner for Marlon Humphrey would immediately elevate the Ravens’ defense in several key areas. Here’s a breakdown of why the addition of a top cornerback is so crucial:

1. Better Coverage Against Elite Receivers: In today’s NFL, most offenses feature multiple capable wide receivers. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers boast potent receiving corps that can stretch the field. Without a reliable second cornerback, the Ravens are vulnerable to these types of offenses. A partner for Humphrey would allow the Ravens to match up more effectively against multiple receivers, shutting down passing lanes and forcing opposing quarterbacks into tough decisions.
2. Improved Pass Rush Opportunities: A top cornerback opposite Humphrey would provide more opportunities for the Ravens’ pass rush to be effective. With two capable cornerbacks, the Ravens can afford to be more aggressive with their pass rush, knowing that their secondary can hold up in coverage. This creates more pressure on quarterbacks, leading to potential sacks, interceptions, and disrupted plays. In contrast, without a reliable second cornerback, the Ravens may be forced to play more conservative coverage schemes, limiting the impact of their pass rush.
3. More Flexibility for Defensive Schemes: The Ravens are known for their multiple defensive schemes, including blitz packages, zone coverage, and man-to-man assignments. With a reliable second cornerback, the Ravens can have more flexibility to mix up their schemes and keep opposing offenses guessing. A second cornerback who can play both man-to-man and zone coverage gives defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald more options to deploy various coverages, ultimately creating more challenges for the opposing offense.
4. Defensive Depth and Stability: Injuries are inevitable in the NFL, and having a reliable second cornerback provides the Ravens with crucial depth. If Marlon Humphrey were to miss time due to injury, a capable partner would allow the defense to maintain its level of performance without skipping a beat. Additionally, having two top cornerbacks ensures that one player doesn’t have to carry the entire load, leading to fewer fatigue-related breakdowns over the course of a season.

How the Ravens Can Address the Need

The question now becomes: how can the Ravens address this pressing need for a reliable second cornerback? While the team has several internal options, such as Averett and other younger players, the ideal solution may come from either free agency or the NFL Draft.

1. Free Agency: One of the quickest ways the Ravens could improve their secondary is by signing a veteran cornerback in free agency. There are always high-caliber players available each offseason, and the Ravens could look to add a proven cornerback who can step in immediately and partner with Humphrey. Players like James Bradberry, J.C. Jackson, or even a trade for a player like Byron Jones could provide the Ravens with the experience and reliability they need. However, free-agent signings can be costly, and the Ravens would have to weigh the potential impact against the financial commitment.
2. NFL Draft: The NFL Draft provides an opportunity for the Ravens to add a young, high-upside cornerback to pair with Humphrey. The 2023 draft class offers several talented cornerbacks who could step in and contribute right away. Players like Joey Porter Jr. or Kelee Ringo have the physical attributes and skill sets to develop into top-tier cornerbacks in the NFL. The Ravens could look to draft one of these players in the first or second round to give them a reliable partner for Humphrey and secure the future of their secondary.
3. Internal Development: The Ravens also have some young cornerbacks already on the roster who could step up into a starting role. If the team believes in their development, they could focus on developing these players into a reliable No. 2 cornerback. While this route may take time, it could also offer long-term value by grooming a young player who can grow alongside Humphrey and fit into the Ravens’ defensive system.