Baltimore Ravens expected to poach defensive staple from Detroit Lions

The Baltimore Ravens are getting hot again at the right time. 

While they still are fighting for the AFC North crown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens knocked off their division foe with ease on Saturday and are gaining momentum heading into the playoffs. 

No matter if they get in the postseason as an AFC wildcard or division winner, the Ravens are a tam nobody will want to face in January. 

So far, Baltimore’s No. 1 offense has been the staple of the team in 2024, which is a vast change from past seasons. Lamar Jackson is playing at a level that has him in the conversation for a second-straight MVP, while the addition of Derrick Henry has created nightmares for opposing defensive coordinators. 

Add on the dynamic tight end duo and the emergence of Zay Flowers as a true No. 1 WR, and the Ravens have had the top offense in the NFL for most of the season. 

In past years, the Baltimore Ravens have relied on stiff defense, elite special teams and running the ball on offense to get them to the playoffs. 

While running the ball is still a priority on offense, OC Todd Monken has opened things up with Jackson as a passer. The biggest difference in 2024? The Ravens defense hasn’t been the dominating force it has in past years. 

With two games left in the regular season, the Ravens have the No. 17 overall defense in the league. But even more disturbing, they rank No. 31 against the pass, allowing 258.9 yards per game through the air. 

If the Ravens want to make the Super Bowl this season, they will have to find an answer in the secondary. 

But regardless of how the 2024 campaign ends, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has the Ravens adding an elite shutdown cornerback from the NFC this offseason. 

Ballentine believes Baltimore will find a way to sign Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis: 

The cornerback position has been a headache throughout the season for the Ravens. Adding Tre'Davious White in the middle of the campaign didn't help, and Brandon Stephens has been a liability all year. They have a good long-term answer in Nate Wiggins, but he's still a rookie who has dealt with some injuries.

The solution might lie in making a real investment in a veteran on a short-term contract. Carlton Davis has helped the Lions stabilize their secondary and could show up to do the same thing in Baltimore. Starting Davis and Wiggins on the outside while letting Marlon Humphrey man the slot could give the Ravens their ideal secondary.