Ravens Rookie: Draft ‘Surprise’ at CB?

With the start of the 2023 training camp fast approaching, a handful of Baltimore Ravens rookies will soon be entrenched in positional battles in hopes of securing a spot on the team’s roster. 

Though most of Ravens Flock will be focused on the receivers group, there is an interesting competition brewing in the defensive backfield, specifically surrounding Baltimore rookie cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly. 

Kelly was drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round, 157th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. The son of former 11-year NFL-veteran cornerback Brian Kelly, the Stanford product is expected to add another element to the Ravens' defensive backfield in 2023. In fact, RavensCountry.com predicted that Baltimore might be wise to consider adding him to their stable of defensive backs prior to the Draft. 

As a former track star, he possesses both the speed and athleticism to remain in step with receivers in coverage. While most proficient in man coverage, Kelly has the ability to play in some Cover 3, as well. 

He is aggressive at the catch point but could use some improvement in his engagement when playing off-coverage. As such, he has the chance to provide the Ravens with another potentially-explosive playmaker within their secondary.

In the defensive backfield, former first-team All-Pro Marlon Humphrey is once again expected to be the Ravens’ alpha cornerback. On the left side of the perimeter, Baltimore is expected to pair Humphrey with veteran Rock Ya-Sin, who signed a one-year deal worth $6 million this offseason.

Though Kelly is unlikely to challenge either of the projected starting corners, he should be a notable depth option, capable of competing with reserves Damarion Williams, Trayvon Mullen, Daryl Worley, Kevon Seymour and Jayln Armour-Davis. 

The Ravens will begin training camp with their first open team practice on July 26 at the Under Armour Performance Center — with Humphrey and his Baltimore teammates ready to start what the fan base hopes to be an exciting season in 2023. 

Though Kelly faces somewhat of an uphill battle in securing a roster spot, he will undoubtedly get his chance to prove his case in the coming weeks. 

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