Three Reasons Why Ravens Could Draft a Defensive Back in Third Straight NFL Draft

The Baltimore Ravens front office could draft a defensive back for the fourth time in five rookie NFL Drafts.

Nov 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) celebrates after forcing a fumble during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens have finished 29th in pass defense in two consecutive seasons. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta has signed off on drafting a defensive back in the first round for the past two seasons.

DeCosta also drafted two-time all-pro first team safety Kyle Hamilton in 2022. However, the team still fails to perform as an elite pass defense like the Ravens of old. Some of that has to do with the Ravens pass rush being ineffective and giving the opposing quarterback much more time to throw, but some of it also has to do with the performance of the defensive back units themselves.

The Ravens can hope the new regime behind Jesse Minter can transform the defensive backs on the roster at the moment, but they can also continue to bring in more help in the form of a rookie or two. Drafting an offensive linemen or a pass rusher would make a lot of sense as well, but the Ravens front office might be very tired of seeing opposing quarterbacks throw circles around their defenses.

Nov 29, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Louisiana State Tigers linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (7) and Louisiana State Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) defend a pass intended for Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Deion Burks (4) during the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Ravens save a lot of money by releasing Humphrey

The Ravens drafted safety Malaki Starks last NFL Draft. Starks ended up having a standout rookie season alongside Kyle Hamilton. DeCosta drafted corner Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 draft. He drafted receiver Zay Flowers the previous year and then drafted Hamilton in 2022.

If the Ravens want to save about $19 million in cap space, they'll wait until after June 1 to cut two-time all-pro first team selection Marlon Humphrey. The 2017 first round draft selection has led the Ravens in interceptions for two consecutive seasons. Humphrey is set to hold a $26 million cap hit this season if he stays with Baltimore for the remainder of his contract.

Humphrey's contract with the Ravens is set to expire after this upcoming season. The Ravens might feel inclined to do what many other NFL teams have done to some of their expensive veterans: moving on from them and drafting their replacement.

The talent available at No. 14

The blessing in disguise for a team who underwhelmed as Super Bowl betting favorites is NFL Draft position. A highly touted rookie can end up on a roster that might still have same hype and promise as the previous offseason.

Top edge rushers like David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., Arvell Reese, and Akheem Mesidor might be off the board by the time Baltimore's No. 14 pick in the first round rolls around. ESPN's latest mock draft has Baltimore selecting Tennessee Volunteers corner Jermod McCoy. Drafting another defensive back with a higher ceiling at that position might be the way to maximize the selection without shooting too high on a prospect they don't fully believe in.

"Marlon Humphrey is on the decline, and Nate Wiggins is still a little unproven. McCoy, meanwhile, would have been CB1 in this class had he not lost a season to a torn ACL."

ESPN's Matt Miller

McCoy racked up 44 combined tackles, four interceptions, and nine passes defensed in his most recent college football season. He last played 13 games for the Volunteers during the 2024 season and played 12 games for Oregon State in his freshman season.

Receivers like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, and Carnell Tate could very well be off the board by No. 14 as well. Drafting a defensive back who has proven to be elite on the college level from a young age could be the safest pick.

The Ravens pass defense as been underwhelming

The Ravens pass defense has allowed an average of 246 passing yards per game over the past two seasons. Tua Tagovailoa in his worst NFL season threw for 261 yards against the Ravens pass defensive backs. J.J. McCarthy threw for 248 yards in a close loss against Baltimore. Malik Willis had fun in defeat against Baltimore after throwing for 288 yards on 18 completions out of 21 passes.

The madness does have to end eventually. Allowing these kinds of offensive barrages against an organization that historically has always prided itself on being tough, relentless, and disciplined on all defensive units. Minter hopes to fix some of those issues and it could start with getting his front office to go with a defensive back this April in the 2026 rookie NFL Draft.