Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey Predicts ‘Scary' Championship Season
While the terms “explosive,” “potent,” and “productive” have been used to describe the Baltimore Ravens potential in 2023, one prominent member of their defensive backfield believes that this incarnation of Ravens has the chance to be … “scary.”
Humphrey, who entered the NFL as Baltimore’s selection at No. 16 overall in 2017 NFL Draft, has been a part of some impressive rosters during his time in Charm City. However, the six-year veteran corner believes that this 2023 Ravens club may be the best looking “on paper” he has seen.
“I think the product we put out, that’s really all that really matters, but on paper, man, we look very scary,” he told Ravens.com earlier this month.
In addition to re-signing franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens also secured the services of two-time second team All Pro Odell Beckham, Jr. — who joins fellow wideouts Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Nelson Agholor, James Proche in a crowded, yet talented depth chart at receiver. Baltimore further bolstered its offense by drafting Boston College standout Zay Flowers at No. 22 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In Humphrey’s estimation, the moves made by Ravens brass are indicative of a willingness to invest in championship contention this season.
“They [GM Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh] felt, more than ever, we’ve put a roster together that should be able to compete for a Super Bowl,” he said. “You paid the best quarterback [Jackson] in the league, you get Odell, you put all these pieces together. The talent is there; it’s just putting it all together. So, I’ve been very pleased with the front office – what they’ve done this offseason. So, that’s the biggest thing.”
The Ravens are also expected to field a more-than-capable defense, headlined by defenders Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen and Justin Madubuike headlining their front seven. In the defenisve backfield, Humphrey is once again expected to be their alpha cornerback. Having yet to re-sign fellow stalwart Marcus Peters, Baltimore may pair Humphrey with veteran Rock Ya-Sin, who signed a one-year deal worth $6 million this offseason.
Despite the abundance of talented players on their roster, Humphrey has accumulated enough veteran savvy throughout his NFL tenure to realize that the team’s offseason goodwill will soon be forgotten … if the Ravens fail to put in the necessary work during training camp and the preseason to start 2023 on the right footing. In short, it means every player on Baltimore’s roster must come in prepared, in-shape and ready to work.
“I think, if we can all echo that, be on the same one accord, I think special things can happen with this team,” Humphrey said.
The Ravens will begin training camp with their first open team practice on July 26 at the Under Armour Performance Center — with Humphrey and his Baltimore teammates ready to start what Ravens Flock hopes to be a “scary,” yet exciting journey in the upcoming season.
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