Following an undefeated preseason, the Ravens have good problems with some tough decisions ahead of roster cuts. One of the most daunting calls will be whether cornerback Keyon Martin makes the 53-man squad.
The undrafted rookie has been impressive throughout the preseason, and in the Ravens' final matchup against the Washington Commanders, Martin recorded a pick-six early in the game en route to a 30-3 victory.
"He keeps making big plays, and that's something that is accounted for, for sure," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "I think he played sound as well; he did things the right way. He's played just like that [throughout] the whole camp."
Martin had three interceptions in college at Louisiana-Lafayette, but Saturday's was his first career pick-six.
"It was a special moment," Martin said. "Celebrating with the team, that just made it even better. I can't be more happy."
Martin was a longshot when camp started considering he was signed following a tryout at their rookie minicamp in May. But Martin has shown his playmaking ability, while still being disciplined to be in the right spots at the right time.
He had a safety in the Ravens' second preseason game in Dallas. He also shot past a block Saturday against the Commanders to make a tackle for loss.
Martin is the son of Manny Martin, who played five seasons between the Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills as a 5-foot-11 defensive back. Standing at 5-foot-9, Keyon said he talks to his father before every game and emphasized his desire to prove himself.
"I always talk to my dad, he always says visualize [yourself] making plays. And I visualized [the pick-six] last night," Martin said. "I've been the same player since high school, since college. Just my savviness, my competitive edge, [the] chip on my shoulder. Now it's just starting to be seen in a bigger light."
If Martin is going to make the 53-man roster, he likely needs to beat out fellow undrafted rookie linebacker Jay Higgins IV or safety Beau Brade, who made the team as an undrafted rookie last season.
"Wherever the ball falls, that's where it's going to fall," Martin said. "I just focus on me. I know if I do what I got to do, things are going to play out in my favor."
The Florida-native also benefits Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers in his corner, urging him to continue grinding.
"They love the Florida boys here. Back at home, they say the Broward County Ravens. They got Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers. So they brought me in, and they've been treating me like family ever since. I've been enjoying it," Martin said.
