The Competition 2018: Safety

Returning Players Eric Weddle (12th season) Anthony Levine Sr. (seventh season) Tony Jefferson (sixth season) Chuck Clark (second season) Free-Agent Signings Kai Nacua (second season) Rookies DeShon Elliott (sixth round) Projected Starters Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson will be the Ravens’ starting duo for a second straight year. Weddle is fresh off his fifth Pro Bowl appearance after he finished tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions last season. Jefferson had some tough moments at the start of last year as he assimilated into the Ravens defense, but finished the year strong. Key Role Players While Weddle and Jefferson hardly come off the field, the Ravens like to use some of their other safeties in reserve packages. Chuck Clark got some time on defense late last season and handled it well. Veteran Anthony Levine has been a valuable Swiss Armyknife that can step in at safety, cornerback or even linebacker in passing situations. He’s also been a key special teams player. However, he’s been sidelined so far this offseason as he recovers from foot surgery. Most Anticipated Battle The Ravens have six talented safeties and can’t keep them all. Often, special teams plays a big role in determining who makes the team at this position because safeties are well-suited for use on multiple special teams groups. Clark did well on special teams and is a rising young talent that coaches are excited about. Elliott has to show he can excel on special teams after a strong track record of being a defensive playmaker at Texas. Nacua was a ball-hawking safety in college at Brigham Young University, and the Ravens scooped up the 2017 undrafted free agent off waivers after he was released by the Cleveland Browns in May.