PFF ranks Marlon Humphrey No. 7 CB for 2025 after elite bounce-back season, leading a dominant Ravens secondary resurgence.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense looks poised for dominance — and one major reason is the re-emergence of All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey. After an injury-riddled 2023 campaign, Humphrey bounced back with authority in 2024, regaining his place among the league’s best defensive backs. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recognized his stellar season, ranking him No. 7 among all cornerbacks in the NFL.
Humphrey’s resurgence helped stabilize and elevate a Ravens secondary that had struggled with injuries and inconsistencies in prior years. With a fully healthy and motivated leader in the defensive backfield, Baltimore’s defense looks ready to make a championship push.
This article explores Humphrey’s bounce-back year, the numbers that validate his elite status, what PFF’s ranking signifies, and how his play impacts the Ravens as they chase another deep playoff run.
A Return to Form After a Challenging 2023
Marlon Humphrey entered the 2023 season with high expectations. A two-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro selection, he was viewed as a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense. But the season quickly turned into a frustrating struggle.
Battling Injuries
Hampered by nagging injuries throughout the year — most notably a foot injury that lingered from preseason into the regular season — Humphrey appeared in just 10 games in 2023 and was clearly not at full strength. His coverage metrics dipped, and the Ravens often had to rotate defensive backs to compensate.
Baltimore’s secondary lost its identity without a healthy Humphrey anchoring the outside. The Ravens still made a playoff run, but the defense lacked the edge and cohesion that defined their previous success.
Motivation to Reclaim His Spot
The down year fueled Humphrey’s offseason. Known for his work ethic and football IQ, he attacked his rehab process and entered 2024 with renewed energy and focus. The results were undeniable.
The Numbers Behind the Bounce-Back
Marlon Humphrey’s 2024 season was one of the most impressive comebacks by any defender in recent memory. He not only returned to full health but also delivered some of the best football of his career.
PFF Coverage Grade: 81.0
Humphrey’s 81.0 PFF coverage grade in 2024 was the second-best mark of his career and ranked him in the top tier among all NFL cornerbacks. The metric factors in how often a corner allows completions, the quality of competition, and overall performance in man and zone coverage.
In simple terms, Humphrey was a lockdown presence again — disrupting routes, blanketing top receivers, and forcing quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
Advanced Coverage Grade: 4th in the NFL
PFF’s advanced coverage metrics, which dig deeper into data like expected separation, receiver matchups, and target difficulty, placed Humphrey 4th among all corners in the league. This marked a dramatic jump from his injury-affected 2023 stats and signaled that he wasn’t just back — he was elite again.
Interceptions-Per-Target: 6.4% (Career High)
Humphrey also posted a career-high 6.4% interceptions-per-target rate, illustrating a significant leap in ball production. This stat reflects how dangerous he was when the ball came his way — nearly one in every 15 passes thrown in his direction ended in a pick.
That’s an elite number for a cornerback who often shadows the opponent’s top receiver.
What PFF’s Ranking Means
Being named the 7th-best cornerback in the NFL by PFF heading into 2025 is no small feat — especially considering the depth of talent at the position in today’s game. It’s also a sign of how respected Humphrey remains among evaluators.
The Top 10 Club
The PFF Top 10 for cornerbacks includes names like Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, Jaire Alexander, and Darius Slay. For Humphrey to be included in that elite company — after what he endured in 2023 — speaks volumes about his resilience and skill.
The ranking not only recognizes past performance but also projects future impact. PFF analysts noted that Humphrey’s 2024 tape showed “a veteran with renewed explosiveness, positional awareness, and a ballhawk’s instincts.” He’s expected to play a critical role in the Ravens’ defensive plans in 2025.
Impact on the Ravens Defense
Humphrey’s return to elite form has had a ripple effect throughout Baltimore’s defense. With him fully healthy and locking down one side of the field, defensive coordinator Zach Orr — promoted in 2024 — has been able to open up the playbook.
More Aggressive Scheming
A healthy Humphrey gives the Ravens the flexibility to dial up more man coverage and blitz packages. His ability to play both outside and in the slot allows for creative matchup strategies. With confidence in Humphrey’s coverage, Baltimore can take calculated risks elsewhere on the field.
Leadership in the Secondary
Humphrey’s leadership also cannot be overstated. He’s one of the vocal leaders in the locker room and sets the tone with his physical style of play and attention to detail.
Young corners like Jalyn Armour-Davis and Kyu Blu Kelly have benefited from having a seasoned veteran guide them. Humphrey has taken pride in mentoring younger players, ensuring the Ravens’ secondary has continuity and depth.
Complementing the Front Seven
With the Ravens boasting a fierce front seven, including Roquan Smith, Justin Madubuike, and David Ojabo, the secondary’s ability to hold coverage gives the pass rushers more time to disrupt plays. It’s a complete defensive ecosystem — and Humphrey is the glue that holds the back end together.
Ravens’ Super Bowl Window: Open and Urgent
The Ravens made the AFC Championship in 2024 but fell short of reaching the Super Bowl. With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level, the front office retooling the roster with precision, and the defense regaining elite form, Baltimore’s window is wide open.
Marlon Humphrey’s resurgence is critical to keeping that window open. In a conference loaded with offensive talent — from Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen to Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud — having a corner who can neutralize a No. 1 receiver is a must.
Humphrey gives the Ravens that capability.
What to Expect in 2025
Looking ahead, expectations for Marlon Humphrey and the Ravens’ secondary are sky-high. Here are a few projections and storylines to watch:
Humphrey as a Defensive Player of the Year Dark Horse
If he continues at his 2024 level — and adds a few more splash plays — Humphrey could enter the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. He’s got the résumé, the numbers, and now the narrative arc of a comeback.
Secondary Synergy
With Marcus Williams returning at safety and the possible emergence of another young corner alongside Humphrey, Baltimore could have one of the most complete secondaries in the NFL.
Revenge Tour Mentality
Humphrey has never shied away from big moments. He plays with intensity and a chip on his shoulder. After missing time in 2023 and falling in the playoffs last season, don’t be surprised if he plays 2025 like a man on a mission.
Marlon Humphrey’s return to form is not just a feel-good story — it’s a testament to perseverance, talent, and professionalism. Ranked No. 7 among all NFL cornerbacks by PFF entering 2025, he’s reasserted himself as a true elite defender.
For the Ravens, he’s more than just a player — he’s a cornerstone of their defensive identity and a leader who helps elevate everyone around him. If Baltimore is to reach its Super Bowl aspirations, it will be with No. 44 patrolling the secondary, making plays, and setting the tone.
As the 2025 season kicks off, all eyes will be on the Ravens’ defense — and it’s Marlon Humphrey leading the charge.
