Adding two cornerbacks and a safety in this year’s NFL draft has elevated the Ravens’ secondary.
Heading into offseason workouts and training camp, the Ravens have the third most-improved secondary behind the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, according to Pro Football Focus.
“The Ravens’ coverage unit looked great last season based on grades (93.0), ranking second in the NFL,” Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema wrote. “But when narrowing that focus to just cornerbacks, they fell to 13th (71.4). Their only consistent cornerback starter who graded above 70.0 in coverage was Ronald Darby, who is now on the Jaguars.”
The Ravens selected Nate Wiggins with the 30th overall pick and then T.J. Tampa in the fourth round. They are both physical players expected to make an impact in their first year.
The addition of Wiggins and Tampa should help compensate for the loss of Darby, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal with Jacksonville this offseason. Baltimore did re-sign cornerback Arthur Maulet to a two-year contract. Maulet finished with 37 tackles, two sacks, an interception and five passes defensed last season.
The Ravens also added Purdue safety Sanoussi Kane in the seventh round. Kane is expected to battle fourth-year player Ar’Darius Washington for the No, 3 role behind All-Pro Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams.
The Ravens lost safety Geno Stone, who who finished second in the NFL with seven interceptions, to division rival Cincinnati via free agency.
Nonetheless, the Ravens should have enough talent and depth to account for the losses.
“Safe to say, the team needed to upgrade in that area,” Sikkema wrote. “Baltimore acquired one of the most talented coverage players in the class in Wiggins and then got a steal (relative to the PFF big board) in Tampa in Round 4. Wiggins could start right away for the team, while Tampa could be an ideal reserve in his rookie season and a potential long-term starter.”
