Ravens News 7/10: Regression Candidates

Training Camp Competition: Cornerback

Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com

Projected Starters

Stephens was the Ravens’ most consistent cornerback last season and enters his fourth year looking to show he can be one of the best in the league and earn a contract extension in Baltimore. Opposite him, Humphrey is looking to rebound after missing eight games, including one in the playoffs. Foot surgery in training camp meant a delayed start to the season, then a lingering calf injury hampered him down the stretch. A three-time Pro Bowler, Humphrey aims to stay healthy and re-establish himself as a premier cornerback who can affect the game in multiple ways.

The question is if, or when, first-round pick Wiggins will emerge as a starter. While it’s a tough assignment for any cornerback to step in as a starter immediately, the speedy rookie has all the tools to take over at some point. But for whom? At the start, Wiggins will probably work into the rotation and perhaps sometimes bump Humphrey inside to nickel.

Best Battle

The competition for snaps at nickel cornerback is going to be interesting. The Ravens re-signed the scrappy Maulet after he had a strong debut in Baltimore last season. But Baltimore also wants to continue to deploy safety Kyle Hamilton in a versatile role after he played 465 snaps at slot corner last season, per Pro Football Focus. That’s more snaps than he logged at free safety (301) or strong safety (236). Williams is also a feisty slot corner and Humphrey could see time there if Wiggins is deployed outside. It’s a crowded spot full of good players.

One move every AFC team should make before training camp

Thomas Valentine, PFF

BALTIMORE RAVENS: EXTEND BRANDON STEPHENS

A third-round pick in 2021, Brandon Stephens has transitioned from safety to cornerback in his three years in the NFL, starting 16 games as an outside cornerback for the Ravens in 2023. His 68.0 PFF coverage grade last year was the second-highest mark among Ravens cornerbacks, and with Ronald Darby moving on and Marlon Humphrey potentially transitioning to the slot, re-signing Stephens in the final year of his deal is a must.

Stephens is still just 26 years old and heading into the prime of his career. The Ravens can re-sign him and pair him with Nate Wiggins, their 2024 first-round pick, and reap the benefits of having one of the NFL’s better secondaries.

Which NFL Players Will Take a Step Back This Season? 1 Regression Candidate on All 32 Teams

Anthony DiBona, Pro Football Network

Baltimore Ravens: Justin Madubuike, DT

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike bursts onto the scene as an elite pass rusher last season. In his first three NFL seasons, Madubuike totaled just 8.5 sacks. But in 2023 — which was notably a contract year — he recorded 13. It’s fair to wonder if he’ll take a step back after earning a massive payday from the Ravens.

Execs, coaches, scouts rank the NFL’s top 10 DTs for 2024

Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

5. Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens

Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 7

Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked

After three years as a complementary player, Madubuike took his star turn in 2023.

The Ravens DE had more pass-rush opportunities with Calais Campbell gone and Tyus Bowser hurt, and he delivered with 13 sacks, leading all players on this list. Madubuike also ranked second among defensive tackles in quarterback pressures with 33.

“Disruptive in both phases, but power was his most improved tool [in 2023],” an AFC executive said. “Playing with a ton of confidence right now.”

The Ravens rewarded Madubuike with a four-year, $98 million deal this offseason.

Added an AFC coordinator: “Mindset and opportunity — the kid put in the work with his body and overall football information. Was locked in all year.”

NFL All-Breakout Team: Players on their rookie contract that could take the next step in 2024

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

Edge rushers: Odafe Oweh, Ravens; Travon Walker, Jaguars

It is not an ideal time to buy stock in Oweh considering all of the defections from Baltimore’s defensive coaching staff. However, he profiles as an impact player at this level. His sack per pressure rate (9.8%) was relatively low compared to his pressure rate (17.2%), so he will have to do a better job finishing plays in 2024. Unfortunately, that was part of the concern coming out of Penn State. The Ravens have earned a reputation of pulling the most out of that group over the years with the likes of Pernell McPhee, Za’Darius Smith and more.