Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens: 3 players poised for big sophomore seasons

By Joe Schiller

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Wide Receiver A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass while defended by defensive back Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 31: Wide Receiver A.J. Green #18 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a pass while defended by defensive back Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens after a catch during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: Michael Crabtree #15 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens after a catch during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Marlon Humphrey

Few expected the Ravens to target a cornerback with their first pick in the draft last season but that’s exactly the direction Ozzie Newsome went. Looking back, it was an extremely wise decision and in a small sample size, Marlon Humphrey has shown the traits to be a No. 1 corner.

Jimmy Smith and Brandon Carr were the primary starters at the beginning of the season but Humphrey quickly worked himself into an important role. In small spurts, he showed flashes and potential, matching up with the top receivers from opposing teams. More confidence warranted more playing time and it proved to be vital. When Jimmy Smith suffered a torn Achilles in Week 13, Humphrey was called upon.

Humphrey thoroughly outplayed Carr down the final stretch of the season despite customary rookie growing pains. Pro Football Focus ranked him as one of the top rookie cornerbacks and he allowed the fifth-lowest catch percentage among the position.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: Za’Darius Smith is primed for a breakout season

As Smith continues to recover, the Ravens were smart to exercise Carr’s 2018 team option. But going forward, the confidence in Humphrey will continue to grow and he’ll be expected to act as one of the team’s top secondary players. If last season was any glimpse at what’s to come, Humphrey will be the Ravens’ No. 1 this season.

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