The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of talent in their secondary. Whether talking about Marlon Humphrey, Anthony Averett, Chuck Clark or others, Baltimore always comes into any given season with plenty of depth at the position. However, the problem for the team has been injuries to their secondary, which hasn’t changed in 2021.
The Ravens lost Marcus Peters for the year before the season began and DeShon Elliott just a few weeks ago. The secondary has also been banged up on a weekly basis, with multiple players missing weeks or even months with ailments. That has caused young players to have to step up, including rookie defensive back Brandon Stephens. Clark was asked about Stephens, and the veteran said that the former SMU star has been “doing good”.
“He’s doing good. [He’s] learning. [He’s] learning by the day. With every game, he’s getting more experience and more reps and getting more comfortable. I think that’s what comes with it, having time and getting that experience that settles him in.”
Stephens is Baltimore’s fifth-leading tackler through 11 weeks in 2021, totaling 40 tackles while playing in a few different positions on the field. He’s spent a lot of time at safety, but he’s still learning the position after being a cornerback for his final two years of college, and before being a running back.
Not many projected Stephens to get as many snaps as he’s gotten so far during his rookie season, but with injuries hitting hard, inexperienced players have been thrust into big roles. All things considered, Stephens has done a pretty good job. However, as Clark mentions he is still learning and gaining more experience, something that’s important for a young and developing player.