Ebony Bird
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3 Baltimore Ravens who will become superstars in 2018

By Chris Schisler

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers tries to stop Hayden Hurst #81 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Kendall Joseph #34 of the Clemson Tigers tries to stop Hayden Hurst #81 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 19: Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens runs for yards after intercepting a pass during the second half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – NOVEMBER 19: Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens runs for yards after intercepting a pass during the second half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 19, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. Marlon Humphrey

It wouldn’t surprise me if the Ravens think Marlon Humphrey is the best cornerback in football by the season’s end. It may seem like that would be a huge leap for Humphrey, but he has the talent. The Alabama product has already proven that he can go toe to toe with the best wide receivers in the National Football League. If the Ravens had kept Humphrey on Antonio Brown in their late season scuffle with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they may have won the game.

Must Read: Predicting what rookies will play in 2018

Humphrey being asked to be the number one cornerback at least at times is almost a given. The idea of Jimmy Smith playing a full 16 game slate is fairly unlikely just based on his history. Asking Smith to make it for every single game almost feels like asking a snowman to last until May. Humphrey is going to be a key piece in the Ravens success on defense with or without Smith on the field. When Smith is healthy, he’s also a top-tier cornerback. Humphrey’s ball skills could lead to some impressive interceptions as defenses will pick a second year player as their poison.

Humphrey is still young and he’s still learning, but he has the goods. He had two interceptions in his rookie season. While he had a few slip ups, there isn’t a cornerback in football that doesn’t get beat time to time. Humphrey is going to be a dependable cornerback for years to come. With a physical and aggressive style of play that doesn’t lead to a lot of pass interference calls, he’s going to shut a lot of receivers down.

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