The Baltimore Ravens have a very important season ahead of them. After a 2021 season in which the team missed postseason play, Baltimore had a fairly disappointing 2022 as well. Last season, the Ravens lost in a wild-card matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, a step up from 2021, but a step under current expectations. In 2023, Baltimore must regain the momentum that saw them as potential Super Bowl favorites in years prior. Lamar Jackson will be expected to perform at unseen levels since coming off a fresh contract and receiving new weapons all around, Offensively, Baltimore has very few noticeable holes. On the other hand, the defense is a little less assuring. Defensive production will be paramount for establishing dominance in the AFC North, and these three players can propel the Baltimore Ravens defense.
3 Players on the Ravens Defense That Need to Step Up
Patrick Queen
The Baltimore Ravens selected linebacker Patrick Queen with the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Attending LSU for three years, Queen displayed consistent tackling ability and good coverage skills. In Queen’s Junior year with the program, the Tigers ultimately made it to the most important bowl game, the National Championship. Following the game, Queen earned Defensive MVP honors for his impressive work.
As a rookie in 2020, Queen showed flashes of All-Pro capabilities. 66 tackles, three sacks, and an interception to be exact. At the end of the season, Queen came third in defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Jeremy Chinn and Chase Young. Queen’s second season was consistent with his rookie year, posting 68 tackles and 2 sacks, but zero interceptions. Showing an ability to stay healthy, Queen completed all 16 games in 2020 and all 17 games in 2021.
In 2022, Queen took a step forward with 79 tackles, 5 sacks, and two interceptions. Again playing in all 17 games, Queen is becoming one of the more reliable players on the Raven’s defense. Unfortunately, the Ravens chose not to pick up Queen’s fifth-year option, making him a free agent at the end of the season. If Queen can raise his production another notch in 2023, Baltimore will surely change course. The Ravens are looking to make a huge splash this year, and if they are going to compete defensively, Queen will need to be at his best.
Marlon Humphrey
Marlon Humphrey is easily one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL today. Evidence is Humphrey’s third consecutive NFL Top 100 appearance, ranking at number 92 this year, 38 last year, and 86 the year prior. Humphrey was taken with the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Alabama. At Alabama from 2015-2016, Humphrey finished top 10 in the SEC in interceptions, interception return touchdowns, and forced fumbles.
As a Baltimore Raven, Humphrey has been dependable, and a staple of the defense. In six seasons, Humphrey has been an All-Pro one time, and a Pro Bowler three times. Known as one of the biggest hitters in the league, Humphrey has an intimidating presence that can change the flow of games. In 2020, Humphrey led the entire NFL with eight forced fumbles, a result of laying lumber. One year prior in 2019, Humphrey returned two fumbles for touchdowns, leading the league.
In 2023, Humphrey will be expected to do more of the same. The loss of running mate Marcus Peters is sure to make things more challenging in the secondary this season. If Humphrey can take his game to an even higher level this year, the Ravens will stay afloat defensively.
“We have a really strong core.” @marlon_humphrey: pic.twitter.com/G3iECUUHCx
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 15, 2023
Rock Ya-Sin
On May 3, 2023, The Baltimore Ravens signed cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year deal. Ya-sin is a solid tackler with great pass break-up skills, making him a great fit in Baltimore. Playing one year at Temple University after transferring from Presbyterian, Ya-Sin stood out immediately. In 2018 while playing at Temple, Ya-sin finished number four in passes defended. That season was good enough to land him a trip to the 2019 Senior Bowl. Ya-sin was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. In 2019, Ya-Sin posted 62 tackles, 5 passes defended, and one interception. Statistically, Ya-Sin’s best season was his rookie year.
Unfortunately, Ya-Sin has never played a full season. The most games Ya-Sin has played has been 15, and that was his rookie season. Since then, Ya-Sin has never played more than 13 games. In 2020 and 2021, Ya-Sin saw a significant drop off in production. After registering 45 tackles in 2020, he was only able to make 31 tackles in 2021; Ya-Sin only played 13 games in both seasons. Staying consistent as a cover man, Ya-Sin was able to post 7 passes defended in 2020 and 8 in 2021. On March 16, 2022, Ya-Sin was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Only playing in 11 games, Ya-Sin posted 45 tackles, 7 passes defended, and zero interceptions.
After entering free agency, Ya-Sin chose to sign with the Ravens. Both parties hope to do well for each other, as they need one another equally. The Ravens will need Ya-Sin to stay on the field in 2023. Ya-Sin has not been a consistent starter since entering the league, but that could change in Baltimore. If Ya-Sin can stay healthy and produce at the level he did in 2019, the Raven’s secondary can be better than expected.
Main Photo: Brent Skeen – USA Today Sports
