What a difference a year makes. The increase in talent since last year’s overview at this position doesn’t match the investment made – it far exceeds it. Due to a few breakouts, the ceiling of this position has raised significantly. The big IF is health, there are a few players attempting to return from serious injuries. IF these players can return to form, this is a group that could ascend into the top tier of CB groups in the NFL.
Let’s take a look at the roster as it currently stands.
Under contract
Jackson Bennett
Exclusive Rights Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents
Needs – Health
Humphrey was a much-maligned pick for a fanbase that has been starved for exciting offensive talent. He shut up a lot of people with a brilliant rookie season. By year’s end he looked like one of the better corners in all of football.
Jimmy Smith was playing at a stand out level before a torn ACL ended his season December. The late-season injury will almost certainly put his early season 2018 availability into jeopardy. He’s been tremendous when on the field over the past few seasons but his injuries continue to rear their head. His status on the team will be interesting to watch over the next year. The team could save $9.5 million in space by releasing Smith next offseason per our Brian McFarland. Should Humphrey continue to ascend and Smith’s play levels off post injury we could see that move.
Carr started last season strong but by mid-season he seemed to always be a step slow. It led many to speculate about his future in Baltimore. As tempting as it was I’m sure, it ultimately would have been irresponsible to part ways with Carr with the injury questions this group faces. If Carr is nothing else he’s durable.
Canady’s year didn’t start off as breakout likely. He suffered a knee injury that cost him the entire first half of the season. His 2nd half however was outstanding, playing mostly sticky coverage from the outside and surprisingly from the slot. His progression will likely factor into Carr’s 2018 playing time and status on the team afterwards.
Tavon Young is returning from injury after a great rookie season. His skills are paramount in today’s NFL defending the slot and while others played well there last season, Young has standout ability. Hopefully his athleticism returns to the level that allows him to raise the level of play in the slot.
The Ravens hit again on an undrafted free agent with Jaylen Hill. Hill parlayed a great preseason into a spot on the 53-man roster and showed well in his opportunities. He’s probably pretty high up on the list for pure backup slot corners around the NFL.
Free Agent Options
Marcus Sherels – This was a good free agency class for cornerbacks but with the level of talent the team has and the lack of cap space it never made sense to get involved on the high end. Sherels’ primary role would be as a punt returner and to play on special teams.
Draft Options
Josh Jackson, CB Iowa – Jackson has excellent anticipation and ball skills, and has the length the Ravens typically covet at the position as well as the experience playing inside and out. This team has a lot of defensive talent but not a lot of sure fire playmakers. Jackson projects as that.
Projection: 1st to 2nd round
Isaiah Oliver, CB Iowa – A long athletic corner that can turn and run with deep threats, Oliver will excel on the sideline. His ridiculous 33.5″ arm length shows up on tape, and he plays with the type of edge that would fit in Baltimore. Oliver could stand to clean up some things technically but if the Ravens planned on moving from Jimmy Smith in 2019 and wanted to pair Humphrey with a high-level talent, he would be an option.
Projection: 1st or 2nd round
Isaac Yiadom, CB Boston College – Another long boundary corner with toughness, he has all the prerequisite athleticism and movement skills to be a snap worthy player in the future. He’ll need development in order to be a starting corner but in the meantime he’s a pretty accomplished special teamer.
Projection-4th round
