Key Takeaways:
– Marlon Humphrey, a renowned cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, has been named the “most overrated player” at his position by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay.
– Humphrey’s performance over the past few seasons, as well as the fact that he is the second-highest paid Ravens player, have fueled this perception.
– Despite amassing crucial stats in his career, injuries have impacted Humphrey’s reliability on the field.
– The Ravens have ostensibly prepared for Humphrey’s potential replacement, picking cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Marlon Humphrey, the cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, renowned for his performances, has found himself scrutinized by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay. Kay has dubbed him the “most overrated player” in his position, while assessing potential performances in the 2024 NFL season.
Humphrey’s Performance Debate
Humphrey, a one-time All-Pro and thrice picked for the Pro Bowl, has displayed a decline in his output over the past few years, according to Kay. Despite being only one year since his last Pro Bowl appearance, Kay believes Humphrey is no longer citing the premier cornerback status.
Being the second-highest paid player on the Ravens roster with a nearly $23 million cap hit, Humphrey carries a significant responsibility. However, recent trends show consistency and health issues plaguing him. Kay observes, “Marlon Humphrey has been getting beat in coverage more frequently, prompting concerns about his capability in the upcoming season.”
Subsequently earning a whopping $98 million contract for his Pro Bowl form in the past, the Ravens will decidedly rely on Humphrey to regain his form for their Super Bowl aspirations.
Humphrey’s Acknowledged Achievements
Despite the criticism, Humphrey’s capabilities are noteworthy. The cornerback, now into his eighth season with the Ravens, has been an immovable feature in the secondary since his rookie year. Boasting an impressive career tally that includes 13 interceptions, 76 pass defenses, and 303 combined tackles, Humphrey holds gravitas on the field.
The recent NFL season saw Humphrey allowing a completion rate below 53.6 percent for the first time since 2018, marking an improvement. However, injuries limited his playing time, which arguably impacts his overall performance.
Problems and Prospects: The Future of the Ravens Secondary
The Ravens have appeared to address this potential issue, drafting cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 draft. Paired with cornerback Brandon Stephens and possibly Humphrey, Wiggins could make an influential addition to their defensive lineup.
The recent departure of Ronald Darby to the Jacksonville Jaguars has the Ravens banking on Stephens to extend his 2023 form and Humphrey to re-attain his Pro Bowl stature. However, if these expectations fall short, Wiggins stands primed as a specialist replacement for a Super Bowl-ready defense.
Despite any criticism, Marlon Humphrey has managed to weather the storm with humor, responding to Kay’s article on Twitter saying, “Hey hey hey be nice bleacher report.”
Coining a player as “overrated” is subjective, considering various factors such as form, injury, and salary. Humphrey’s track record and the prospect of bouncing back to top form in the 2024 season might prove otherwise in this narrative.