Ravens defense taking calculated risk on overlooked corner

The Baltimore Ravens have an immensely talented defensive back unit. They have two All-Pros in Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey, and young future stars Nate Wiggins and Malaki Starks should take the league by storm. 

After an underwhelming 2024 campaign, the defense should be miles better in 2025. However, the team has already been rocked by a major injury in the secondary. Safety Ar’Darius Washington broke out last year but tore his Achilles earlier this offseason. While it was a clean tear, Baltimore hopes to see him back late in the season. For now, they’ll be looking for his replacement. That replacement could be in-house. 

Defensive coordinator Zach Orr revealed on Thursday that cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is taking snaps at safety to be Washington’s replacement for the upcoming season. It’s been a career loaded with trials and tribulations, and this position change could be Armour-Davis’ last chance in Baltimore.

Jalyn Armour-Davis has golden opportunity to turn career around in 2025.

It felt like Washington did everything right in his 2024 showing. Whether playing deep safety alongside Hamilton or coming up and making tackles against the run, he was the team’s most underrated star. Baltimore needs to find his replacement soon, and it’s looking like Armour-Davis will be the name called upon. 

At OTAs, Orr raved about Armour-Davis, highlighting his intelligence as a key reason the coaching staff wants him on the field.

“You want to get your best 11 guys on the field,” Orr said. “Jalyn might be the smartest DB in the room because he knows all the positions and can play all the positions.”

Armour-Davis is going into his fourth season with the Ravens, so it’s safe to say he’s got a grasp of the system and has extraordinary chemistry with the playmakers around him. While he’s struggled to carve out a role and has dealt with numerous injuries over the years, his strong rapport with his coaches and teammates should make him a favorite to earn critical reps at safety. 

The Former Alabama standout might also be the best-fit corner to transition to safety. He offers some versatility, and coaches are already noticing the potential. He’s a quality athlete with the speed to match receivers in stride and a force at the line of scrimmage. He’s shown the ability to play down against the run since college, and if these qualities can translate at the safety spot, then the Ravens should have no worries putting Armour-Davis back there. 

Of course, knowing the Ravens, Eric DeCosta and company will do their due diligence scouting available free agents at safety. If Armour-Davis can’t continue to impress throughout camp, his time in Baltimore could soon be up. His contract ends following the 2025 season, so it’s make-or-break time for Armour-Davis.