Baltimore Ravens Season Preview: Defensive Breakdown

Secondary: Lardarius Webb, Jimmy Smith, Matt Elam, Darian Stewart, Asa Jackson, Chykie Brown, Derek Cox, Jeromy Miles, Anthony Levine, Brynden Trawick, Terrence Brooks, Will Hill (Reserved-Suspended)

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Matt Elam (26) looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Cornerback is strong at the top for the Ravens, where Jimmy Smith turned his career around a season ago. Smith’s resurgence means the Ravens have two very good cornerbacks, as Lardarius Webb is an excellent corner when healthy.

Behind that are some question marks. Asa Jackson is the presumptive nickel back, but he has never played a defensive rep in the regular season. He has natural cover skills and seems to be an ideal slot defender if his preseason play translates to the regular season.

Chykie Brown has struggled for most of his career, but is an excellent athlete and special teams player. If he ever develops ball skills, he could be pretty solid. That’s a big if, though.

Fortunately, the Ravens have two safeties who can play some corner, which makes the Ravens lack of depth less concerning. Terrence Brooks, a rookie, and Anthony Levine both played corner in the preseason with some success, though they likely won’t play over Derek Cox.

The starting safeties, Matt Elam and Darian Stewart, are a question mark. Elam has been just average to this point in his career, but should be able to play more aggressively in his second year. Stewart is a relative unknown, but he rarely gives up big pass plays in deep coverage. His tackling could use work, though.

Will Hill, who will be suspended for the first six games of the year, is probably the best safety on the roster if last season is any indication. But he didn’t impress in preseason action.

Brynden Trawick and Jeromy Miles are purely special teamers. Trawick flashed upside in the preseason, though, with a highlight reel interception against the Dallas Cowboys.