Another First-Round CB is anticipated to join the Baltimore Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens, known for their tough, physical brand of football, have long been a team built on defense. As the NFL continues to evolve, so too does the Ravens’ strategy, particularly in the secondary. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, many analysts predict the team will select a cornerback (CB) in the first round once again, adding to a growing list of elite players at the position. This move would not only continue their defensive prowess but would help bolster a secondary that is among the most important units in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
In this article, we will explore why the Ravens are likely to select another first-round cornerback, what that would mean for the team, and how this move aligns with their long-term goals. We’ll examine the team’s history, their current roster, and the state of cornerback play in the NFL to understand why this pick makes sense. Let’s dive in.
The Ravens’ Defensive Legacy
To understand why a first-round cornerback fits into the Ravens’ strategy, we first need to take a look at the team’s defensive identity. Since their inception in 1996, the Ravens have established themselves as one of the NFL’s premier defensive franchises. Their hallmark has always been a defense that dominates the line of scrimmage, shuts down the run, and disrupts the pass.
This defense has been home to some of the most iconic players in NFL history. From Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs to more recent stars like Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens have consistently found success with strong defensive playmakers. While the team has had its fair share of ups and downs, the Ravens’ defense remains a cornerstone of their identity.
In the modern NFL, the game has shifted more toward the passing game, and the Ravens have had to adapt. Historically known for their linebackers and dominant defensive lines, they’ve shifted their focus toward the secondary as the league has evolved into a pass-first, spread-heavy environment. Cornerbacks, in particular, are now crucial to a team’s defensive success.
The Importance of Cornerback Play in Today’s NFL
The NFL is no longer the run-heavy league it once was. With quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen at the helm, offenses are more reliant on passing, and wide receivers are more dangerous than ever. This has led to a dramatic shift in how defensive teams must build their rosters. The ability to disrupt passing games has become paramount, and that responsibility often falls on the shoulders of the cornerbacks.
The cornerback position is arguably one of the most challenging in the NFL. A cornerback must be able to track wide receivers across the field, cover deep routes, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and respond quickly to a quarterback’s throws. The rise of high-powered offenses has made cornerbacks one of the most important players on the field, and teams are no longer able to rely solely on a strong pass rush or linebackers to stop the aerial attack.
As a result, having multiple high-level cornerbacks is becoming a key to success. Teams with elite secondaries—like the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs—are often among the top contenders in the league. The Ravens, historically known for their defensive brilliance, recognize the importance of investing in their secondary.
Marlon Humphrey: The Foundation of the Ravens’ Secondary
Marlon Humphrey, drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, is one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. Since entering the league, Humphrey has been a lockdown defender for Baltimore, excelling both in man and zone coverage. His ability to mirror receivers, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and create turnovers has made him a cornerstone of the Ravens’ defense.
However, while Humphrey is undoubtedly the team’s top cornerback, the Ravens have struggled with depth in the secondary in recent years. The departure of key players like Jimmy Smith and the inconsistency of younger players has left a void opposite Humphrey. While the team has made various moves to address the issue—such as drafting players like Brandon Stephens and drafting an incoming prospect—it’s clear that adding another first-round caliber cornerback would solidify their defensive backfield and provide the team with much-needed depth.
By adding a talented first-round cornerback, the Ravens could pair them with Humphrey to form a dynamic duo on the outside, allowing them to compete against the growing number of elite wide receivers in the AFC. With the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, and others in the conference, it’s clear that having multiple strong cornerbacks is essential to success.
The Current State of the Ravens’ Roster
As of 2025, the Ravens’ defense still maintains a strong presence in the league, but there are some areas that need strengthening. In particular, the secondary is an area of focus. While the defensive line and linebackers continue to be solid, the cornerback position is one that could use additional reinforcement.
Marlon Humphrey remains the team’s top corner, but the Ravens have struggled to find consistent play opposite him. Players like Brandon Stephens, who has shown flashes of potential, and veteran players like Ronald Darby have been serviceable but haven’t proven to be long-term solutions. The absence of a true No. 2 cornerback has left the team vulnerable to top-tier passing offenses.
In 2024, the Ravens ranked 10th in total defense, but their pass defense was ranked 17th in the league. This disparity reflects the fact that, while the defense can still shut down the run and create pressure, their ability to lock down receivers has been inconsistent. With the rise of high-powered offenses, it is essential for the Ravens to bolster their secondary.
The Ravens’ Recent Draft Trends
When it comes to the draft, the Ravens have shown a clear emphasis on drafting defensive players early. In recent years, they’ve invested in their defense with several high picks, including their first-round selections. The Ravens are one of the most successful franchises in terms of drafting and developing defensive talent, and this is especially true in the secondary.
For example, in 2017, the Ravens selected Marlon Humphrey in the first round, a pick that has paid off handsomely. Since then, they’ve continued to prioritize the defense in the draft, selecting cornerbacks, safeties, and linebackers to shore up the secondary. The team has been known for its ability to identify talent, and their scouting department has proven time and again that they are adept at finding defensive gems.
As the 2025 draft approaches, the Ravens are expected to continue this trend by selecting another cornerback in the first round. The talent pool is deep, with multiple top-tier prospects at the position, making this an ideal opportunity for the Ravens to add a future star to their defense.
Potential Cornerback Options for the Ravens in the 2025 Draft
As of now, several first-round-caliber cornerbacks are expected to be available in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ravens could have their pick of top prospects, depending on how the draft unfolds. Some of the names that have been mentioned as potential first-round selections for the Ravens include:
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama): McKinstry is one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class. His ability to lock down top receivers, combined with his excellent ball skills and physicality, make him a perfect fit for the Ravens. His experience in the SEC and his high-level play would help him transition to the NFL with relative ease.
- Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State): Another cornerback with impressive ball skills and an ability to track and read quarterbacks, Forbes has proven to be a game-changer for Mississippi State. His ability to create turnovers would fit well into the Ravens’ aggressive defensive philosophy.
- Jalon Kimber (Georgia): Kimber is known for his coverage skills and ability to make plays in both man and zone schemes. His combination of speed, agility, and physicality makes him a top prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
Each of these cornerbacks brings something unique to the table, but all of them would provide the Ravens with the immediate impact and depth they need to compete at the highest level.
Why the Ravens Need Another First-Round CB
The NFL is increasingly becoming a pass-first league, and the need for elite cornerbacks has never been greater. With the rise of top-tier quarterbacks and wide receivers in the AFC, having a shutdown secondary is essential. While the Ravens already have one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Marlon Humphrey, adding a first-round cornerback would provide the team with the kind of depth necessary to shut down high-powered passing attacks.
Furthermore, with the Ravens’ championship aspirations in mind, strengthening the secondary could be the difference between competing for a Super Bowl and falling short. Adding another first-round cornerback would not only improve the defense but also allow the Ravens to match up with the best teams in the league.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear that the Baltimore Ravens are in need of a cornerback to complement their defense. The team has a rich history of selecting elite defensive talent, and adding another first-round cornerback would continue that tradition. With the NFL’s passing game evolving and the need for lockdown cornerbacks becoming more important than ever, the Ravens are primed to invest in their secondary and continue their defensive dominance. With a new cornerback alongside Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens would be well-positioned to compete for championships in the years to come.