Baltimore Ravens
Projected Starters: Nate Wiggins (LCB), Kyle Hamilton (SS), Malaki Starks (FS; rookie), Jaire Alexander (RCB; free agent acquisition), Marlon Humphrey (NB)
This Ravens secondary got a lot scarier this offseason with the additions of rookie Malaki Starks and veteran Jaire Alexander. There’s talent all over the field, and frankly, I don’t see many flaws at any position. While there will certainly be a learning curve for Starks, playing alongside an elite talent like Kyle Hamilton should make his transition to the NFL relatively smooth. This group has the potential to be the best secondary in the league—and it certainly shouldn’t be the reason this team fails to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC.
Stats from 2024
- Completion percentage allowed: 63.4% (8th lowest in the NFL)
- Yards allowed per reception: 11.3 yards (10th most in the NFL)
- Receiving touchdowns allowed: 27 (tied 10th most in the NFL)
- Receiving first down percentage allowed: 55% (6th highest in the NFL)
- Interceptions:12 (tied 12th least in the NFL)
Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Starters: DJ Turner II (LCB), Jordan Battle (SS), Geno Stone (FS), Cam Taylor-Britt (RCB) Dax Hill (NB)
The Bengals hired new defensive coordinator Al Gorden in hopes of sparking improvement not just in the secondary, but in the defense as a whole. Surprisingly, after another step back from the secondary last season, Cincinnati’s front office didn’t pursue any offseason acquisitions to strengthen the group. While maintaining continuity may help build better chemistry, if this unit performs the way it did last year, the team could be headed for another disappointing season.
Stats from 2024
- Completion percentage allowed: 64.9% (tied 12th lowest in the NFL)
- Yards allowed per reception: 10.8 yards (tied 13th least in the NFL)
- Receiving touchdowns allowed: 30 (4th most in the NFL)
- Receiving first down percentage allowed: 51.6% (tied 11th least in the NFL)
- Interceptions: 15 (tied 8th most in the NFL)
Cleveland Browns
Projected Starters: Denzel Ward (LCB), Grant Delpit (SS), Ronnie Hickman (FS), Martin Emerson Jr. (RCB), Greg Newsome II (NB)
Cleveland’s defense as a whole was solid last year, with the exception of the secondary. The secondary wasn’t terrible by any means, but there appeared to be a noticeable imbalance. On one hand, you have one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Denzel Ward; on the other, Martin Emerson Jr., who struggled mightily last season. Cleveland as a team has a lot to work through, so it’s unfair to pin all their issues on one group. That said, with minimal expectations for the team as a whole this season, the secondary should be able to play more freely.
Stats from 2024
- Completion percentage allowed: 61.8% (3rd lowest in the NFL)
- Yards allowed per reception: 12.3 yards (most in the NFL)
- Receiving touchdowns allowed: 26 (tied 15th most in the NFL)
- Receiving first down percentage allowed: 55.7% (5th highest in the NFL)
- Interceptions: 4 (fewest in the NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Projected Starters: Darius Slay (LCB; free agent acquisition), Deshon Elliot (SS), Juan Thornhill (FS; free agent acquisition), Joey Porter Jr. (RCB), Jalen Ramsey (NB; acquired via trade)
This defensive backs room has been completely gutted and rebuilt through free agency and a trade that brought star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the roster. In that trade, the Steelers sent safety Minkah Fitzpatrick—who somewhat regressed last season, suggesting it may have been time for a change at free safety. It’s certainly a risk they’re willing to take, and with an aging core, this secondary reflects an all-or-nothing approach to the season in Pittsburgh.
Stats from 2024
- Completion percentage allowed: 65.6% (14th highest in the NFL)
- Yards allowed per reception:10.9 yards (15th most in the NFL)
- Receiving touchdowns allowed: 23 (tied 9th least in the NFL)
- Receiving first down percentage allowed: 50.5% (tied 6th lowest in the NFL)
- Interceptions: 17 (tied 3rd most in the NFL)
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