Sophomore predictions: Iman Marshall

In this series, I will be analyzing each of the Ravens 2019 draft picks and predicting what fans should reasonably expect from each player during their second season.

With the final of their three picks in the fourth round, Baltimore selected CB Iman Marshall out of USC with pick No. 127. Marshall was only the second defensive player selected by the Ravens with their first six picks, the first being outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson in the third round.

Marshall essentially sat out his rookie season, playing in just three games and only making one tackle. Behind fellow corners Marlon Humphrey, Jimmy Smith, Brandon Carr, and the later acquired Marcus Peters, it’s not surprising that Marshall couldn’t find the field. Unfortunately for Marshall, his chances of playing time haven’t gotten any better with the return of Tavon Young to the group this year. Marshall will have to make his mark on special teams in order to secure a roster spot in his second season.

Marshall’s main source of competition for a roster spot is most likely Anthony Averett, who is entering his third season. With a plethora of safeties likely to make the final roster, Baltimore could opt to carry fewer corners. Averett has flashed at times but has overall been a disappointment when called upon, most notably early last season when Jimmy Smith was absent due to injury and before the Peters acquisition.

Luckily for Marshall, the Ravens did not draft any corners this year to compete with him. I predict that Marshall will make the final roster, beating out Averett for the final spot, and will be a solid contributor to special teams in 2020 with occasional snaps on defense.