The Baltimore Ravens have gotten many positive contributions from their rookies over the course of the 2021 season. One of those is rookie third-round defensive back Brandon Stephens, who has shown up in a big way playing a new position.
When asked about what Stephens brings to the table and how he’s performed in 2021, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh had a lot of praise for the rookie and also described some of what he’s had to learn at safety over the course of the year.
“Right, he’s been a starting safety most of the year, so, yes, you’re right, he’s played a lot. And he’s grown – as you said – throughout the course of the season. He’s really improved. There’s no teacher like experience, especially in football and especially in the defensive secondary. So, there’s a lot to that position; there’s a lot of communication; there’s a lot to see, a lot to anticipate. I promise you, just getting lined up and having an idea where the next motion is coming from is a big challenge. And then you equate that to the defense called. There [are] some coverage adjustments that have to be made in there. And then once the route unfolds, getting yourself in the right landmark and leverage relationship based on the routes, those are challenging things. Oh, they might be running the ball, too, so I’ve got to come downhill and make a tackle, make a play on the ball – whatever it might be. And this is not a player that played safety before. Brandon [Stephens] was a running back in college, and then he was a corner, and then we brought him in here, now he’s playing safety for us. So, I think it’s pretty remarkable – what he’s done, what he’s accomplished, how far he’s come. He’s playing very solid football back there, and I think his upside is ahead of him. He’s only going to get better from here. But there’s a lot to be said for how he’s played this year – in a really positive way.”
With the season-ending injury to safety DeShon Elliott, Stephens was thrust into a role that he was somewhat unfamiliar with. However, he’s learned throughout the year and has shown growth on the field, something which Harbaugh has clearly noticed. As the rookie continues to progress, he should continue to improve and provide the team with even more solid play at a position that he’s very new to.