To say Baltimore struggled against the pass in 2021 is a massive understatement. Whether they deployed starters or reserves, the Ravens were woeful in pass defense last year, finishing dead last in yards allowed (4,742). In 2020, they finished 7th in the same category.
Even if DeShon Elliott wasn’t a free agent, which he is, Baltimore would still need to consider drafting multiple defensive back reinforcements. The question, in my opinion, isn’t if, but when (and how many) DBs do the Ravens take in this year’s draft?
We know re-vamping the offensive line is a priority for the organization, so it’s safe to say one of the first two picks could be spent on that position. Fortunately for the Ravens, there are a few players who would be great fits for the team that should be available when the Ravens are on the clock in the 2nd and 3rd rounds.
Assuming Marlon Humphrey returns to full strength and Elliott returns, the Ravens will still need an extra outside cornerback as well as a do-it-all safety to, at the very least, help fill the special teams void left by the retirement of Anthony Levine.
Here are two players I believe could be instant contributors to Baltimore’s defense in 2022.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Kyler Gordon, Cornerback, Washington
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 200 pounds
2021 stats: 46 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 2.0 tfl, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Key traits: 1st Team All-Conference in 2021. All-State selection as a defensive back and as an all-around offensive player in high school. Excellent instincts. Fierce competitor. Quick reaction time. Frequently in the right position to defend the pass as the receiver is coming out of his break. Not a robust tackler, but a substantial tackler. Plays with balance and composure. Read plays and concepts well. Hustles to the football. If he gets out of position, he knows how to contest the catch point. Makes quarterbacks earn their completions.
Ideal position: Outside corner in zone or off-man schemes
Potential draft spot: Round 2, Pick 45
Why he’d be a good fit: As we saw all too often last year, the Ravens need defensive backs that are able to make an impact in a moment’s notice. With all their returning players at that position, competition to just make the team will be stiff, but the team still needs to bring in a couple of players to ensure last year never happens again.
Gordon shows plenty of ability and possesses prototypical size for an AFC North cornerback. He reads plays so well that whether he’s tasked with playing off-man or in zone, he’ll be able to make the play. To be a starting defensive back at Washington, perhaps the best school for that position over the last decade, you must be a special player.
Cool side note: Gordon was a 2-time team special teams MVP at Washington.
Bottom line: Gordon may not be a player you’ve heard a lot about, but he’s a player you’ll be glad the Ravens pick if they end up doing so.
NFL Draft Player Profile: Jalen Pitre, Safety, Baylor
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 197 pounds
2021 stats: 75 tackles, 7 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, 3.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries
Key traits: No nonsense, whatsoever. Excelled in every aspect under an elite coach in Dave Aranda at Baylor. Smooth. Technically advanced. Very sound tackler. Dynamic and measured. Looks comfortable around the line of scrimmage, whether blitzing or supporting against the run. First player in Baylor history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same season.
Ideal position: Any safety
Potential draft spot: Round 2, Pick 45 or Round 3, Pick 76
Why he’d be a good fit: Pitre showed a lot of promise during his career at Baylor. He did very well against a lot of high-powered offenses and showed impressive versatility as he played all over the field. If the Ravens drafted him, he’d be able to contribute regardless of them re-signing DeShon Elliott or not. He has good range and converts his reads to action quickly. His blitzing prowess isn’t so much in speed or power, but in timing and savvy.
Cool side note: Pitre graduated early and began working towards his master’s degree in educational psychology.
Bottom line: Coach Mike MacDonald can use him in multiple roles and help an already good player potentially become great.
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.