Should Ravens Reconsider Saftey Rotation Ahead Of Bengals Matchup

According to Pro Football Focus, Hawkins has an overall grade of 54.1, which puts him 70th out of 98 players at the position. He has also been far less effective in coverage this year than last. Per NFL Pro, Hawkins has already allowed 10 receptions, one touchdown, and a 126.8 passer rating when targeted, a dramatic increase from the 56.9 rating he allowed during his previous campaign with the Patriots.

This is an issue considering that Hawkins plays a majority of Baltimore’s defensive snaps, often being utilized as a third safety alongside Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. Hamilton tends to move around the defense, while Starks frequently plays in more traditional coverage roles.

The Ravens have a few options: continue to use Hawkins and hope he returns to the form he displayed in New England, replace him with K’Von Wallace or Keondre Jackson, or reduce their reliance on three-safety formations.

Replacing him with Wallace or Jackson comes with the risk of both players being a bit rusty due to a lack of playing time this season. The two have combined for three snaps this season, putting them in against one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos in the league could lead to worse results than simply sticking it out with Hawkins.

There is also the option of replacing Hawkins with another cornerback to play a more traditional dime setup, featuring four cornerbacks and two safeties instead of their usual three-and-three alignment. This would still allow Baltimore to utilize six defensive backs, something Jesse Minter has frequently done this season. According to Next Gen Stats, the Ravens use dime personnel at the second-highest rate in the league (32.4%).

Chandler Rivers has seen time as the team’s nickelback this season, although his performances have been a bit inconsistent. Keyon Martin played well against the Browns last week and could be worth another look as a dimeback. A lineup featuring Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, Rivers, and Martin at cornerback, with Hamilton and Starks at safety, could be worth trying out. There is no guarantee that replacing Hawkins would solve Baltimore’s issues in coverage; however, with Burrow, Chase, and Higgins coming to town, it may be worth experimenting instead of continuing to rely on the struggling Hawkins.