OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ secondary has been rocked by injuries in recent years.
General manager Eric DeCosta knows it’s imperative to have depth at the position.
He’ll get an opportunity to add a cornerback in this year’s draft because it’s a deep class for that position.
“I think it’s a solid class. Certainly probably not at the level of the receiver and offensive line – very cyclical,” DeCosta said. “But definitely, [there are] some players who can come in right away and probably compete to start for us. We would love to add a talented corner at some point in the draft whether that’s first round or second round or third round, whatever that might be – a talented player who can help us. That’s a position, as you all know, that, typically, you never have enough due to injuries and different things – guys will break down through the course of the season.”
The Ravens have two starting cornerbacks in the lineup next season — Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Stephens — and the team re-signed nickel Arthur Maulet.
However, Humphrey was limited to 1o regular-season games because of various injuries. Ronald Darby played effectively in place of Humphrey, but he signed a free-agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason. Stephens missed the regular-season finale with an ankle injury.
Several young players, including Jalyn Armour-Davis, Ka’dar Hollman, Trayvon Mullen and Damarion Williams, are also on the roster but they have yet to show they can push for starting jobs because of injuries and lack of experience.
As a result, the Ravens could be tempted to use the 30th overall selection on a cornerback.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicts the Ravens will select Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in the first round.
Several draft boards have the team selecting a cornerback with the 30th overall pick and players to watch include: Mike Sainristil (Michigan), Cooper DeJean (Iowa),, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (Missouri), and Nate Wiggins (Clemson).
The Ravens will need that depth.
In 2021, all five of the Ravens’ cornerbacks on the 53-man roster missed at least one practice heading into the AFC North showdown with the Steelers. DeCosta does not want to relive that experience.
“Our depth has always been tested in the secondary,” DeCosta said. “This year was no exception, and we were blessed to have some guys, like for instance Ronald Darby, to come in and really help us. So, yes, if we have a chance to draft a corner this year, you can count on us doing that.”
