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Baltimore Ravens: 5 Post NFL Draft Position Battles

By Jake McDonnell

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) runs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) runs over Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Cornerback

When the Ravens used their first-round pick on Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the cornerback position was immediately impacted. First round draft picks always get chances to play right away, and that will most likely be the case for Humphrey. That does not mean, however, that he will start right away, as the Ravens have cornerbacks on the roster that Humphrey will have to beat out in order to be in the starting 22 come week 1.

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Jimmy Smith, a former first-round pick, has one of the starting spots locked in. Barring any injuries in training camp, Smith will start for the Ravens when they travel to Cincinnati on Sept. 10.

Additions Make For Competition

After Smith, the picture is a little unclear. Before the Ravens drafted Humphrey, they signed veteran Brandon Carr. Carr is a longtime starter and has been durable throughout his 10-year career, but he is 31-years-old. Cornerback is a physical position, and there are questions surrounding Carr’s durability and effectiveness as he ages.

After Carr sits Tavon Young, who had a solid rookie season for the Ravens, particularly as a slot cornerback. Maurice Canady, who barely got any playing time in his rookie season, is still a sixth-round draft pick who the Ravens would like to get a look at as he enters his second season.

The secondary has plagued the Ravens in recent seasons, and Baltimore’s front office made a solid effort this offseason to prevent future problems. Their free agency approach and their first-round selection of Humphrey will spark multiple position battles in camp.

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