Marlon Humphrey is a rising star in the NFL.
Both Brandon Carr and Jimmy Smith are proven veterans who opened training camp atop the depth chart.
However, there will be a fierce, albeit friendly, battle to grab one of the starting positions for the regular-season opener against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 9.
“I just kind of do what I can,” Humphrey said. “Like I said earlier this year, however many reps I get – whether it’s full game, half a game, a few reps – I think you can make an impact, whether it’s one rep or 10. So, however many reps come my way, I’ll be happy – glad to take whatever.
“I think everybody wants to start, but I do know there’s a time for everything. Jimmy and Brandon Carr have done this for a long time, so I’m just trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can from them.”
Smith, who turns 30 on July 26, has been able to return to practice after suffering a torn Achilles in December against the Detroit Lions. Smith, however, has struggled with injuries over his career. He has played all 16 games of a regular season just twice being being drafted in 2001. Smith was also suspended four games by the NFL last December for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been encouraged by Smith’s progress over the offseason into training camp. Smith finished with three interceptions and nine pass breakups over 12 games last year.
“Jimmy is coming off an Achilles during the season, a tough injury, and did a great job rehabbing it,” Harbaugh said. “He looks pretty darn good out there. We’re still going to take our time, but boy, it’s very good to see – positive development.”
Despite his experience, Carr could find himself behind Humphrey and Smith by the end of camp. Carr has started 160 consecutive games and is a durable player. He finished last season with four interceptions and defended 12 passes.
The Ravens could move Carr to the slot and have Smith and Humphrey on the outside, However, Tavon Young is better suited for that slot role. Furthermore, Carr would provide valuable depth rotating with Smith and Humphrey on the outside.
The Ravens secondary led the NFL with 22 interceptions last season, With the depth this year, that unit could be even more dominant. The Ravens have a pair of draft picks — cornerback Anthony Averett and safety DeShon Elliott — that could make an impact this season.
“I definitely think we’ve got a really [solid] depth,” Humphrey said. “I know as it gets closer to that time it’ll be a tough decision to make to see who makes the team and who doesn’t. Adding Anthony, and some of the other undrafted guys, DeShon, definitely got a lot of guys competing. It’s going to be definitely fun. The more you can do, the better you can do.”
