Marlon Humphrey Explains Why He Missed Some of Minicamp, Responds to 'Overrated' Criticism, and Talks Rookies
Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey was in and out of Organized Team Activities and minicamp this offseason for reasons unknown. That is until he recently shared on his "Punch Line Podcast" why.
"I did Day 1 [of minicamp] and then I took two vet rest days," Humphrey said. "I'm kind of on the NBA routine sometimes. Took two rest days but man, I'm excited."
It would make sense to rest Humphrey, as he's coming off an injury-riddled 2023 season, missing seven regular season games and the Divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Head Coach John Harbaugh said Humphrey is dealing with some "nagging things," but he should be good by training camp.
Humphrey will need to get healthy if he wants to beat the "overrated" allegations from Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, which Humphrey responded to.
"I did see that from one of those people that posted it. As I sat there, I was like, I was hurt last year. So, I didn't really lock up anybody last year," Humphrey said. "So just get daggum healthy and lock some people up. But that list ain't bad. But why you cooking me? … Bleacher Report, I got to get it back in blood, it is what it is."
Humphrey also gave insight into first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins and how the secondary looks.
"Speed. Speedy guy. I was a speed guy, now he has taken that throne, for sure," Humphrey said. "Depending on how we use Kyle [Hamilton] this year, obviously he'll play all over the place – I think we got some crazy pieces this year just to make it do whatever. Just make it whatever way in the secondary. Whether I play some inside, let [Nate] get out there, whatever way we do it, that dude has got some burners."
It's not just Wiggins that Humphrey has been impressed by. The entire rookie class has been a model of rookies keeping their heads down and getting to work.
"This rookie class, they were much more mature than what I would have thought true [Name, Image, and Likeness] babies would be," Humphrey said. "They basically just came in, been kind of quiet, just went to work. So, it's looking like good signs of things to come. Usually, there's way more – not necessarily not focused just, they're young. You can only expect rookies to act a certain way, but I've been impressed. I've been very impressed by how they came in and just worked."
Derrick Henry Named 'Player to Root For' From Ravens in 2024
As the seasons go on in a player's career, the hope of seeing them lift an elusive Lombardi Trophy grows. Not only for the players, but for NFL fans — sometimes enough to relinquish fan's allegiance. For NFL.com’s Tom Blair, that Raven to root for in 2024 is running back Derrick Henry.
"For too much of his time with the Titans, Henry was on teams that struggled to compete in a meaningful way," Blair wrote. "This year, though, he gets to show what he can do for a true Super Bowl contender as part of an offense that presents the exact right conditions for him to thrive within.
"Often, when an accomplished veteran heads to a new team to chase a ring after turning 30, the expiration date on his career is obviously looming. But with the 30-year-old Henry, who just led the NFL in carries (280) while rumbling for 1,167 rushing yards and 12 rushing TDs in a fitfully productive Titans offense, I don't have to try to talk myself into thinking he's still got it. It's nice when things just make sense, and watching Henry work with Lamar Jackson should be a joy."
Henry's been nothing but a hardworking, respected pro since being drafted in 2016. And after more than 2,000 carries at the NFL level, a ring could put a cap on Henry's incredible career.
Pundit Writes Ravens Need to Add a Right Tackle and Trade for Former Edge Rusher Matt Judon
While OTAs and minicamp are complete, there's still work to be done before the Ravens’ training camp kicks off on July 21. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder gave a to-do list for the Ravens, which includes adding a right tackle and trading for former edge rusher Matt Judon.
"Roger Rosengarten was viewed as more of a swing tackle in Year 1 by the B/R Scouting Department, but he is expected to start at right tackle for the Ravens this season," Holder wrote. "Behind him on the depth chart is Daniel Faalele, who hasn't panned out so far during his short career. So, it would be a smart investment for the front office to look into bringing in another right tackle who can compete for the starting job and at least provide some insurance if the rookie struggles to begin the year."
There are a few tackles floating around on the market if the Ravens are interested in adding another, but all signs have pointed to confidence in Rosengarten and Faalele in handling the job.
Trading for Judon has been a hot topic this offseason, with pundits expecting the Patriots to move on from Judon to free up salary cap space while Judon gets a chance to contend for a championship.
"Granted, this depends on the Patriots' willingness to trade Judon, but the Ravens could use a third-down rusher with a stronger track record than David Ojabo or rookie Adisa Isaac to help give their defense another pass-rusher and make a Super Bowl run," Holder wrote. "Judon spent the first five seasons of his NFL career in Baltimore where he racked up 34.5 sacks, so it'd be interesting to see his career come full circle, and the team's defense could use his services."
Ravens Offense a 'Potential Juggernaut' Once Keaton Mitchell is Added to the Rotation
The Ravens' offense has the makings of something difficult to defend. Adding Henry to a run-first offense has received well deserved praise, along with the expected trajectory of the offense building off second year Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken's system. But Russell Street Report’s Darin McCann writes the return of running back Keaton Mitchell, who is coming off a late season knee injury, will make them a juggernaut down the stretch.
"Another item that could work in the Ravens' favor this upcoming season in regard to the Ravens' run game is the timing," McCann wrote. "Henry will be able to start the season with fresh legs — barring a training camp disaster — and they can ride the big man early.
"At some point, Keaton Mitchell is expected to return this season, and the hope is his fresh legs can take a big load towards the end of the regular season, allowing Henry to heal and recover a bit before the playoffs. At that point, assuming an offensive attack that remembers to include the run game, the Ravens could have a potential juggernaut of a running back rotation in January."
Mitchell was well on his way to a special rookie season as he rushed for 396 yards and two touchdowns on 47 attempts, good for 8.4 yards per attempt. If he can return to similar form, defenses will be in for nothing but tough matchups from the Ravens' backfield.
