4 potential replacements for Ravens safety DeShon Elliott this offseason
By Justin Fried
2. The Ravens could have Brandon Stephens replace DeShon Elliott
What if the Ravens already have DeShon Elliott’s replacement on their roster? It’s certainly very possible that the Ravens saw enough from Brandon Stephens in his rookie year to give him the starting job in 2022.
A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Stephens wasn’t expected to play a huge role in his rookie season. A former college running back, Stephens converted to cornerback halfway through his collegiate career and then was asked to switch positions again in the NFL.
The athletically-gifted defensive back has had to learn on the fly, and while he had his fair share of ups and downs as a rookie, it’s safe to say he held his own given the circumstances.
Stephens would go on to start 11 games finishing with 78 tackles, one tackle for loss, one QB hit, and four pass deflections. His 53.1 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 85th out of 94 qualified safeties so, again, it wasn’t all perfect.
But the Ravens drafted Stephens knowing that he’d be a project. The plan was never to have him start as a rookie, but Elliott’s injury forced the team’s hand.
If they believe enough in his potential, the Ravens could absolutely let Elliott walk and opt against making any major additions at the position in the offseason.
Don’t rule out the internal option being the top option for Baltimore.