Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey is one of the NFL’s great young players. After two seasons in the league, Humphrey is expected to be one of Baltimore’s premier defensive starters. But he’s not happy with just starting on what was the NFL’s top defense in 2018. No, Humphrey wants a bowl.
Following Day 3 of OTAs, Humphrey told reporters his 2019 goals include anything that ends in “bowl.” Pro Bowl. Super Bowl.
Humphrey — now wearing No. 44 following the signing of safety Earl Thomas — would be in rare company if he were to earn a Pro Bowl nod. Chris McAlister is the only Ravens cornerback to make it to a Pro Bowl, which he did three times (2003, 2004 and 2006).
Of the nine Pro Bowl cornerbacks last season, all but one had at least two interceptions. Two of the nine had seven interceptions. All nine started every game they were active for, something Humphrey has yet to do.
The Ravens will be looking to Humphrey as a leader of their new defense. With veterans C.J. Mosley, Za’Darius Smith, Terrell Suggs and Eric Weddle having left, Baltimore’s defense is significantly younger than it was just last year. Naturally, that means young talented players like Humphrey will be leaned on to step into a leadership role.
Humphrey has set his goals high, but he’s one of the Ravens players expected to break out in 2019. If that happens, he should hit at least one of his goals this season.
