Ravens mock draft roundup: Marlon Humphrey uncertainty makes CB popular pick

The Baltimore Ravens need to face the possibility of parting with Marlon Humphrey this offseason. While still unlikely due to his skill and Baltimore's desire to contend, his salary could cause some problems for a Ravens team that already lacks cap space.

The Ravens have a somewhat rich history of moving off veterans as they replace them with younger draft picks. Humphrey leaving would be a huge mistake, but many seem to believe Baltimore would replace him immediately by using their top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on a cornerback.

Field Yates of ESPN has the Ravens going back to the SEC to select Georgia corner Kamari Lassiter at No. 30 overall. Using the same logic, Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team predicted Baltimore would opt for a bigger, physical cornerback in Missouri's Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Josh Edwards of CBS Sports thinks a highly-raked defensive back will fall into the Ravens' lap, as his mock draft has Baltimore selecting Clemson's Nate Wiggins. With Humphrey's salary making him a very real cap casualty possibility, Baltimore may need to get aggressive to find a replacement.

Baltimore Ravens mock draft: CB popular amid Marlon Humphrey cap casualty buzz

Lassiter will make it in the pros on the back of versatility and aggressiveness. A hard-hitter and sure tackler who has the athleticism to stick with the best SEC receivers in man coverage, Lassiter seems like the next great Georgia defensive back that Kirby Smart will send to the pros.

Rakestraw's change of direction skills and tremendous length makes him a candidate to be an immediate starter at outside cornerback wherever he ends up. He could become a first-round lock if he is fully recovered from the injury that sidelined him when the Senior Bowl was in full swing.

Wiggins appears to be a first-round player, and one that very rarely lasts to pick No. 30 in mock drafts. While he is a bit skinny at just 185 pounds for his 6-2 frame, getting someone with his length, coverage skills, and instincts when the ball is in the air that late in the first round would be an absolute steal.

While adding defensive backs early in the draft could be a wise strategy regardless of what happens with Humphrey, letting him go to save money would make corner a titanic need if the Ravens want to keep the same level of defensive excellence they had under Mike Macdonald.