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Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 defensive backs in franchise history

By Chris Schisler

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Marcus Peters #24 and teammate Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens react after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Marcus Peters #24 and teammate Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens react after breaking up a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Duane Starks (R) of the Baltimore Ravens runs after intercepting a pass before Amani Toomer (L) of the New York Giants during second half action in Super Bowl XXXV 28 January 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens are playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the NFL championship. AFP PHOTO/Rhona WISE (Photo by RHONA WISE / AFP) (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
Duane Starks (R) of the Baltimore Ravens runs after intercepting a pass before Amani Toomer (L) of the New York Giants during second half action in Super Bowl XXXV 28 January 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens are playing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy and the NFL championship. AFP PHOTO/Rhona WISE (Photo by RHONA WISE / AFP) (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. Duane Starks:

If you needed an interception, the best cornerback in Ravens history for it was Duane Starks. He was the best cornerback the Ravens ever had when it came to taking the football away. He had at least four interceptions in each of his four seasons in Baltimore. He had 20 regular season interceptions and four postseason interceptions wearing the purple and black. Starks was the master of jumping routes and he is the perfect example of why ball skills will always be an important trait at the cornerback position. Starks was Marcus Peters before Marcus Peters.

Starks had the best year of his career in the 2000-2001 season, the year the Ravens won the Super Bowl. He had six interceptions and two fumble recoveries that year and that was just in the regular season. The 2000 defense was known for being opportunistic and forcing a ridiculous number of turnovers. Starks was a huge part of that.

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3. Marlon Humphrey

Marlon Humphrey may end up being the best cornerback the Ravens ever have. He’s incredibly good. Like Smith, he’s a shutdown cornerback whose reputation isn’t built on interceptions. He simply locks receivers on an island and takes them away from the game. From a technique standpoint, Humphrey is probably the best cornerback the team has ever had. This past season saw Humphrey named as a first team All-Pro player and he was voted to the Pro Bowl. It was one of the best seasons a cornerback has ever had in Baltimore.

While Humphrey isn’t a crazy stat producer, he did make some big moves in the turnover department last season. He scored two defensive touchdowns on fumble recoveries. He had three interceptions, forced two fumbles and recovered three. Humphrey is the most important player on the current Ravens defense. He’s an elite defensive back who has a chance to become the second best defensive back in franchise history.

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