The Baltimore Ravens should be excited about the future. The Ravens have a lot of young talent on their roster. Particularly, on the defensive side of the ball. Once their veteran players retire or move-on, Baltimore will have the pieces in place to replace them.
In the last three years, the Ravens have drafted great foundational players on defense. These players will be building blocks so that Baltimore maintains its long-standing tradition of dominant defenses. These young guns have the opportunity to be great but they must continue to improve and develop.
Listed down below are three players that will become mainstays in Baltimore. I specifically chose a third-year player, a second-year player and a rookie.
Three Rising Stars on the Baltimore Ravens Defense
Matthew Judon, Outside Linebacker – Third Season
Matt Judon had a breakout season for the Ravens last season. In 12 starts, Judon compiled 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defended and 50 total tackles. Judon’s sack total doubled and his total tackles quadrupled from his rookie season. The former fifth-round selection out of Grand Valley State in the 2016 draft will have an even better year this upcoming season.
Judon is currently penciled in as the starting outside linebacker opposite 16-year veteran Terrell Suggs. Suggs is coming off a Pro-Bowl year. He ended the 2017 season with 11.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and 37 total tackles. Suggs dominance at age 35 bodes well for Judon because he’s still the pass rusher opposing teams worry about first. Judon will flourish if teams choose not to make him a focus as well.
At 6’3″, Judon has incredibly long arms to help keep tackles at bay while he rushes. He also has a very quick first step to get around the edge. Coming from a small school, many scouts were concerned that Judon would struggle against better competition in the pros. So far, this has not been the case. Judon has consistently found himself in the backfield causing havoc as a Raven. I expect Judon to finish this season with double-digit sacks for the first time in his career.
Marlon Humphrey, Cornerback – Second Season
Marlon Humphrey will have a big year in 2018. Humphrey will prove that the Ravens were smart to invest a first-round pick in him last year. Jimmy Smith, Baltimore’s top cornerback, was suspended the first four games of the season because of a domestic violation. This suspension works in Humphrey’s favor. With more opportunities, Humphrey will affirm that he’s a dependable starting corner for now and years to come.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Ravens allowed the second lowest passer rating in the league on throws targeting their cornerbacks in 2017. Humphrey played in all 16 games last year but only started five of them. Humphrey still finished the season with two interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 30 total tackles.
Humphrey played college ball at Alabama so he’s been coached really well. His greatest strength is that he fights all the way through the catch. The receiver will have both hands on the ball but Humphrey will battle to knock it out and force an incompletion. His aggressiveness in the run game is also a big plus. Corners are usually not physical at the point of attack but he’s willing to tackle. With more playing time, Humphrey will play at an elite level this season.
Kenny Young, Linebacker – Rookie
Kenny Young is a tackling machine. The Ravens drafted him in the fourth round out of UCLA in this year’s draft. Young has been competing with Patrick Onwuasor for the starting WILL linebacker job next to C.J. Mosley. During the preseason, he made an excellent case for why he deserves this spot eventually.
Young finished the preseason with 21 total tackles and one sack. In terms of tackles, Young was tied for 10th in the entire NFL and second on the Ravens. Fellow linebacker Chris Board, who had 26 total tackles, was the only other Raven with more tackles during the preseason.
Baltimore selected Young in this year’s draft because he has incredible range. The Ravens coveted Young’s coverage skills as a linebacker because they struggled in this area last year. Young’s 4.6 40-yard dash speed allows him to play sideline to sideline and beat slow-footed lineman. This season, Young will be tasked with covering backs out of the backfield and dropping back to shade passing lanes. His strength in these areas is why he’ll be starting at WILL Linebacker for the Ravens before the year ends.
