Baltimore Ravens: Midseason Grades for Every Player
Safeties
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (11) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens strong safety Matt Elam (26) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Darian Stewart – B
Darian Stewart has played the most reps among the Ravens’ safeties, usually avoiding mistakes. He is a steady player who can defend the run pretty well and doesn’t give up many big plays deep. Stewart lacks range, though, making him somewhat of a liability in pass defense. His role should decrease as Will Hill gets his legs under him.
Matt Elam – D
Matt Elam has a built-in excuse for his struggles this season: He was playing out of position as a free safety. Unfortunately, what Elam doesn’t have an excuse for is the fact that he hasn’t done anything particularly well this season. Elam has a reputation as a thumper in run support, but his 12 missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus blow holes in that reputation.
The Ravens still need to get Elam reps, as he still has some upside as a utility defender. Hopes of Elam becoming an above-average every down defender, though, seem misplaced.
Terrence Brooks – B
A poor performance against Cincinnati aside, Terrence Brooks has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Ravens. He has generally avoided mistakes (again, Cincinnati performance aside), and has shown range and instincts. His ball skills are not great (a recurring theme in the Ravens’ secondary), nor is his tackling. Yet, the Ravens have to be excited about what Brooks has shown thus far, which is the potential to be a starting safety.
Will Hill – Incomplete
Two games into his Ravens’ career, Will Hill has flashed without necessarily impressing. He looks fast and instinctive on the field, just as he did with the Giants, yet Hill has just 36 reps to his credit this year. Talent-wise, Hill is the best player in this secondary. Time to see what he can do.
Jeromy Miles – B-
Jeromy Miles can’t handle a big role, so his brief cameos on defense have been great. He’s a better special teamer than defender, yet he has managed to be a real contributor on defense. Though not a playmaker in any way, Miles is a steady player who hasn’t made many mistakes this year.