Jeff Zrebiec Says Returning Players Are Key to Defensive Turnaround
The Ravens' inability to generate consistent pressure last season wasn't the only issue on a defense that was No. 30 against the pass and No. 24 in total yards allowed.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec said that, while the additions of Hendrickson, Campbell, Young, and safety Jaylinn Hawkins are cited as the main reasons for the expectation of a defensive turnaround, "it's going to largely be on the backs of returning players."
"In some cases, like with middle linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, that means rebounding from a 2025 season that fell below their high standards and fueled talk that they are on the downside of their careers," Zrebiec wrote. "In other cases, as with Green, 2025 first-round safety Malaki Starks and 2024 first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins, it means taking a major step forward after a rookie season that featured really nice moments, but enough inconsistencies to expect more impact out of them this year."
While Smith, a three-time first-team All-Pro, didn't make as many impact plays last season as he typically does, he made the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive year. Humphrey, a four-time Pro Bowler, was a first-team All-Pro in 2024.
New Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver is confident Smith and Humphrey will play at a high level this season.
"[Roquan Smith] communicates, he captains our defense, gets guys aligned and is playing at an elite level [and] speed," Weaver said Tuesday at OTAs. "There's some guys, when they operate, it almost looks like the game is in slow motion. When he's out there right now, I feel that way. So, I look forward to him shutting up some doubters."
Regarding Humphrey, who hasn't attended voluntary OTAs, Weaver wasn't concerned.
"Even though he's not here, I have no doubt that he's doing the things required to make that jump from his play a year ago," Weaver said. "Admittedly, I know there's been some disappointment there with how he played for himself, but I know we can help him reach whatever standard he wants to hold for himself."