Ravens News 4/6: Elite set of corners and more

NFL’s top 5 CB duos; Titans must play it safe with Derrick Henry - Bucky Brooks

1) Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens’ decision to trade for Peters in October helped the defense emerge as one of the NFL’s top units in the second half of the season and gave coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale the league’s best cornerback tandem. Peters lived up to his reputation as a dynamic playmaker with three picks in 10 games with the Ravens, including a pair of pick-sixes. He played with better discipline in coverage after coming over from the Rams, and his improved attention to detail resulted in more consistent performance. Humphrey has quietly emerged as one of the best cover corners in the game, particularly as a bump-and-run technician on the perimeter. He aggressively challenges receivers at the line and does a great job of maintaining hip-pocket positioning down the field. With Humphrey playing at a high level in coverage and Peters providing timely playmaking on the island, the Ravens have an elite set of corners.

Derek Wolfe raves about Ravens’ bolstered defensive line: ‘We can break records’ - Jamison Hensley

“When it comes to our offense getting us up by 10, 20 points a game, it’s going to get ugly for these quarterbacks,” Wolfe said.

“I was like, ‘Yes,’” Wolfe said. “I don’t care about the money at this point. I just want to get on that team. I feel like I can come in there, prove myself, and they’ll extend me and I’ll be part of the organization for more than one year. That was my goal.”

Ravens: 5 of the best free agent signings in franchise history - Joseph Cervantes

3. Michael McCrary, DE

2. Derrick Mason, WR

1. Rod Woodson, DB

Even though he played 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Stealers, the fans still welcomed him to Flock Nation. Little did anyone know that Woodson would go down as of the best free-agent signings in franchise history.

Woodson was the main leader in the Ravens’ dominant 2000 defense. During his four-year tenure, Woodson recorded a whopping 20 interceptions and also earned three Pro Bowl nods. Nevertheless, Woodson will always be thought of as one of the greatest defenders in NFL history.

WIDE RECEIVER DEPTH IN 2020 CREATES CONFLICT WITHIN FIRST-ROUND - Kyle Crabbs

If I were a general manager, I wouldn’t draft a wide receiver in the first round of the draft not named CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.

Why? I’ve given out a total of five first-round grades to 2020 receivers:

CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (5th overall)

Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (6th overall)

Henry Ruggs III, Alabama (10th overall)

Justin Jefferson, LSU (17th overall)

Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado (20th overall)

In a vacuum, each of these players is one I would deem worthy of a first-round pick. And if certain teams (such as the Philadelphia Eagles) drafted Jefferson, Shenault or any of the other receivers not among the top three, I would understand why that pick was made.

But when you consider the depth of this year’s receiver class and comparing the skills of those who are on the fringe of being a top prospect, you’ll often find comparable valuable.