The NFL Draft is always the pinnacle of the offseason. College stars finally capture their dreams of becoming NFL players as teams replenish their roster with young talent who can change their future. Unfortunately, not every pick pans out, and there are plenty of selections who will be considered busts when it is all said and done.
Eric DeCosta and the Baltimore Ravens are one of the best drafting teams in the league, but they are not immune to the occasional bad selection. One player who is on that trajectory is 2022 fourth-round pick Jalyn Armour-Davis.
The former Alabama cornerback has had trouble staying healthy throughout his three-year career; however, even when he has taken the field, his play has been lackluster. His lack of success has opened the door for young players to take his spot. Baltimore drafted two corners in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft–Bihlal Kone and Robert Longerbeam. While neither has made a name for themselves yet, it is clear Armour-Davis is running out of time.
Through mandatory minicamp, it sounds like Armour-Davis has captured the coaching staff’s attention. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr called him one of the smartest defensive backs on the team. They have also been giving him reps at safety, which is a crucial need after Ar’Darius Washington tore his Achilles in May. Undrafted free agent Reuben Lowery III could give Armour-Davis a run for his money if he continues to shine heading into training camp, though.
Could Lowery push Armour-Davis out the door?
Lowery has a long way to go to claim a roster spot. At 22 years old, he is an older rookie out of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, an FCS school. He is also undersized at 5 feet 9 inches and will likely have a short leash, but he has stood out thus far.
The undrafted free agent has been a turnover machine in offseason activities. While we have not seen him in real action, the turnover potential is an aspect that Baltimore needs from their defensive backs in 2025. They were missing that last year, as the unit only forced 17 turnovers, ranking 21st in the NFL. All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey forced over a third of those turnovers, so it is clear Baltimore needs another playmaker on defense. If Lowery beats out Armour-Davis, he could be just that.
Armour-Davis and Lowery will go head-to-head in camp. Just as Armour-Davis is showcasing versatility between corner and safety, Lowery is expected to do the same. At Chattanooga, Lowery played anywhere the defensive coordinator needed him. He can play corner, nickel, or safety, making him the perfect Washington replacement, who plays a similar role when healthy. However, Armour-Davis has the chance of a lifetime to get his Ravens career on track by transitioning to safety.
Armour-Davis has not given the team or fans much reason to believe he can be a suitable replacement for Washington with his play on the field. This is the best chance he will get. It is being served to him on a silver platter, but Lowery is gunning for the job, and by the sound of it, the rookie could quickly snatch it away.