Downing: When it involves Clowney’s potential return, I’ll level you to final week’s Mailbag, the place we dove into that query in additional element. With cornerback, the Ravens have addressed that place this week by agreeing to a new two-year cope with veteran slot cornerback Arthur Maulet. He was a high quality participant for the protection final yr and bringing him again provides the Ravens a confirmed reply at slot, in addition to general depth on the place. However, I do not assume the Ravens are finished including to the cornerback spot. They did lose veteran Ronald Darby in free company, and cornerback is a place the place the Ravens do not need to go into a season gentle on depth.
The high three cornerback spots at in place with Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens and now Maulet. The Ravens additionally need to see what they’ve in younger cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis and Damarion “Pepe” Williams, who’ve each proven promise of their first two seasons however have been unable to remain on the sphere due to accidents. The Ravens may use offseason practices to take inventory of what they’ve in these younger gamers, and probably add to the place in the event that they really feel like they want extra of a confirmed veteran within the combine.
The draft may also be a spot the place the Ravens deal with the place. Cornerback is not the largest want on the roster, but when the perfect participant on the board at No. 30 is a cornerback, do not be stunned to see Eric DeCosta go in that path. Daniel Jeremiah mocked Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean to Baltimore (extra on that under in Final Drive). My prediction is that the Raves will draft a cornerback, and perhaps two. They will then see what they’ve with these rookies and younger gamers already on the roster. If an harm happens, or if the Ravens simply really feel like they want extra depth after they get to coaching camp, then they’re going to have a look at the free-agent market like they did final yr with Darby and Maulet.
