Oct 18, 2014; Eugene, OR, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Marcus Peters (21) warming up before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
It’s nice to think that NFL teams can simply sign or draft the best, most talented players available via free agency or the draft. But it isn’t always that simple. While some players are so good they warrant a coordinator who can shape their scheme to fit their talents, oftentimes teams look instead for players who fit their within their scheme.
But what exactly constitutes a “perfect” fit between player and team? ESPN’s Mel Kiper thinks he knows, and he came up with eleven “perfect” combinations of 2015 draft eligible players and the teams they would mesh the best with. For the Baltimore Ravens, that perfect match is Washington cornerback Marcus Peters, a guy we have become quite familiar with over the last couple of months.
Much like Jimmy Smith a few years back, Peters has supreme talent that is muddied by character question marks. The likelihood that Peters will fall to the late first round combined with the Ravens’ desperate need for cornerback depth alone make this a marriage made in heaven. And despite the question marks that surround Peters, his best chance at success is with a team that has a strong leadership system in place.
It worked with Steve Smith last year, and it could very well work with Peters as well. Plus, this is a guy with the talent to come in and immediately push Lardarius Webb for snaps. Even if he is slower to develop than expected, he still represents a massive talent upgrade on Asa Jackson and company and could be a great fit in a rotational role.
It’s hard to argue with Kiper here (which is unusual in my past experiences). Marcus Peters would literally be a perfect match of player and team if he falls to number 26 in the draft. It’s still reasonable to think that he won’t, as cornerback is such a premium position in today’s NFL. But perhaps a renewed focus on player conduct will have more of an impact going forward.
Next: Is Matt Schaub an Upgrade on Keith Wenning?
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?