Keyon Martin
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An undrafted surprise can start at a niche position for the Baltimore Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens made good use of their pool of undrafted free agents when they added three to the final roster, including an undersized surprise who has the talent to start at a niche position.
It’s rookie cornerback Keyon Martin, according to Doug Farrar of Athlon Sports. Farrar knows “Martin’s size will limit him to a slot role, but that can mean a lot of different things in today’s NFL, and the Ravens seem to know what they have here.”
Martin showed how well he could fit a multi-faceted position by making plays at every level during preseason. Yet, the former Louisiana standout still faces an uphill battle to get onto the field.
It’s a battle Martin could win if the Ravens experience injuries at cornerback, particularly outside the numbers. Farrar explained why that could happen, pointing out how newcomer Jaire Alexander’s “played one full season in the last four, and he’s dealing with knee issues now. 2024 rookie Nate Wiggins looks like a quality outside cornerback, but he started six games last year, and he had his own maladies to deal with.”
If in the worst-case scenario, the Ravens have to move All-Pro Marlon Humphrey away from the slot to cover injuries, Farrar believes “that could be Keyon Martin’s music.”
Keyon Martin Can Outplay Undrafted Status
Being a playmaker comes naturally to Martin. He stockpiled stats at Louisiana, and Martin continued the happy habit one he got into pads for the Ravens.
The 24-year-old started right when he decked Joe Milton III for a safety against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 of the preseason.
This blitz and sack showed Martin’s potential value to the increasingly complex pressure schemes called by Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr. A lot of those blitz designs will feature pressure from the slot and involve sending extra defensive backs, so Martin’s timing and ability to get downhill in a hurry give him a good chance to be in the mix.
Getting to the quarterback is only one way to impact a passing game, so it’s fortunate Martin has also made plays in coverage. His best was this pick-six against the Washington Commanders in Week 3.
Being able to impact games from close to the line of scrimmage makes Martin a natural for the slot, and the Ravens won’t care about his lack of size. He’s only 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, but Martin can follow the template of another undrafted player who became a breakout player, versatile defensive back Ar’Darius Washington.
Losing 5-foot-8 Washington to a torn Achilles is just one of the injury concerns facing the Ravens about their secondary.
Ravens Can’t Ignore Risks in Secondary
If the Ravens needed proof they can’t ignore the fragility of their defensive backfield, they got it from Alexander trending in the wrong direction. It’s a reminder for Orr and his staff they will likely need to rely on unproven fringe players like Martin at some point this season.
That doesn’t need to be a risk based on the extent of the Ravens’ faith in Martin and fellow undrafted corner Reuben Lowery III. General manager Eric DeCosta underscored this faith by making an agonizing decision about another versatile DB who didn’t make the cut.
Good depth is vital for the multiple schemes the Ravens run defensively, but Martin and Lowery represent hidden value. They can become further proof of the astute scouting that’s helped the Ravens unearth overlooked talent for years.