NFL Mock Draft: Ravens Draft Potential Marlon Humphrey Replacement?

With the Baltimore Ravens' cap situation and Marlon Humphrey struggling to stay on the field, could they look to draft his successor in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?

The last time the Baltimore Ravens drafted a cornerback in the first round, they took Marlon Humphrey with the No. 16 overall pick in 2017. 

Could they dip into that well again to land his replacement seven years later? CBS Sports had the Ravens going that round in its mock draft, as it had them taking Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins with the No. 30 overall pick. 

Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium / Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports

"Marlon Humphrey has battled injuries in recent years, missing 11 games over the past three seasons," CBS Sports writes. "Players stepped up in the secondary when called into action, but the Ravens sink some draft capital into the position."

Wiggins is ranked as CBS Sports' 21st prospect and third at cornerback. The 6-foot-2 junior cornerback set career-highs with two interceptions, including one he ran back for a touchdown and had two forced fumbles, plus six passes defended. Wiggins was solid in 2022 as well, with an interception, 13 passes defended and a career-best 25 tackles, including two for a loss.

Wiggins was a first-team All-ACC selection by the conference. He also made the ACC first-team for the AP, USA Today and Pro Football Focus.  

After a stellar 2022 season where he matched a career-high three interceptions and had a career-best three sacks in 17 games, Humphrey struggled to stay on the field in 2023, as he missed eight games, including one in the playoffs due to multiple lower-body injuries. He also missed the final five games of the 2021 season due to a torn pectoral muscle. 

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Injuries have become a concern of late for Humphrey, and with the Ravens only having just over $5.1 million in cap space, they may have a decision to make with the four-time Pro-Bowler and one-time All-Pro. If Baltimore wants to keep key free agents on defense this offseason, it will likely have to restructure Humphrey's contract. 

Even if Humphrey agrees to have his contract restructured, if he has another year with injury troubles, it could signal his time in Baltimore could be nearing its end. While Humphrey has proven to be a No. 1 cornerback when healthy, if the Ravens draft a player like Wiggins, another injury-riddled season in 2024 could spell the end for the former first-round pick.